Recognizing Metro’s Operators of the Month (July-August 2025)
They enjoy watching the Seattle Sounders and Manchester United. One is a “Proud Country Girl” who enjoys being outdoors. They fish, hunt and travel and play softball and volleyball. Those who ride with them say one went the extra mile to return a lost phone: “I can’t tell you how happy I am to have it back, knowing it was safely with him the entire time.” Another rider talked about their ability to help a distraught passenger: “I was so impressed with her ability, in the midst of snow and ice and a schedule that was being delayed by a distraught person, to remain calm, and be very kind to someone in obvious distress.”
These operators—with over 150 years of transit driving experience—are as unique as you. They also enjoy meeting with their riders and giving back to their communities.
Meet your Operators of the Month for July and August 2025
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(Information provided by the operators)
Atlantic Base | July 2025: Richard Karanja
Richard has been a full-time operator with Metro since 2019. He has several years of safe driving and six commendations.
Born in Kenya, Richard holds an economics degree from the University of Kenya. After living in Germany, Richard moved to Seattle in 2002 in search of better opportunities for his four children.
Guided by his passion for community service, before joining Metro, Richard worked in marketing, law enforcement, medical assistance and as a Pierce Transit driver.
Married for 20 years, Richard enjoys watching soccer—especially the Seattle Sounders and Manchester United.
Richard’s advice to other operators: “Always treat the passenger as you would like to be treated, or you would like your family members treated. Always be kind and nice.”
Passenger praise: “Your drivers are my heroes! I dropped my phone and Richard took extraordinary effort to check his bus. I can’t tell you how happy I am to have it back, knowing it was safely with him the entire time.”
Atlantic Base | August 2025: George Waithira
“Alex” joined Metro in 2018 and went full-time in 2019. He has several years of safe driving and five commendations.
Alex was born in Nairobi, Kenya, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. He became a transit operator to serve the community and because he enjoys driving.
When Alex is not driving, he enjoys traveling and both watching and playing soccer.
Alex’s advice to other operators: “It costs nothing to be kind. Always be respectful to each other, ask for help when you need it, and help when you can. Teamwork makes the dream work.”
Passenger praise: “This driver is doing a wonderful job! They are very respectful and drive with courtesy and care, making me feel safe the entire trip.”
Bellevue Base | July 2025:
Operator who was selected in July chose not to accept the recognition.
Bellevue Base | August 2025: Patricia Henry
“Mrs. P.” joined Metro in 2018 and went full-time in 2019. She has several years of safe driving and 27 commendations.
Before joining Metro, Mrs. P. drove for Seattle Public Schools for over three years and had also worked for a medical supply company.
She became a transit operator to serve her community and she loves what she does. Several of her family members also work at Metro.
Born in Louisiana, she’s a proud country girl who loves the outdoors. Married for 29 years with a beloved son, she enjoys hiking, gardening, softball, the San Francisco 49ers, church, and family time.
Mrs. P.’s advice to other operators: “Just remember to say a prayer. Every day is a blessed day—even a bad day! We’re still among the land of the living. Just keep thanking God for every day and your family.”
Passenger praise: “Great, courteous, kind, and attentive driver. Lucky to have her!”
Central Base |July 2025: JoAnn Gries
JoAnn joined Metro in 2000 and went full-time in 2018. She has numerous years of safe driving and seven commendations.
JoAnn was born in the Philippines and moved to Seattle when she was 12 years old. She attended Garfield High School and later earned a volleyball and tennis scholarship to Shoreline Community College. While looking for a part-time job, she discovered an opportunity with Metro—one that became a fulfilling, long-term career she truly loves.
JoAnn enjoys playing and coaching pickleball and plans to continue doing both well into retirement. She enjoys spending time with her mother, brother, half-brother, and friends. She also loves traveling and playing sports.
JoAnn’s advice to other operators: “Always stay open to learning. No matter how experienced we are, there’s always something new to learn —whether it’s a skill, a better way to communicate or how to handle tough situations.”
Passenger praise: “The driver was respectful, helpful, and very clear in a difficult situation with a customer. I was so impressed with her ability, in the midst of snow and ice and a schedule that was being delayed by a distraught person, to remain calm, and be very kind to someone in obvious distress. She was great at her job and is an excellent example for those of us who work with the public.”
Central Base | August 2025: David Soun
David has been a full-time operator for Metro since 2019. He has years of safe driving and four commendations.
David grew up in Tukwila with his Cambodian parents and five siblings. He joined Metro because he had heard great things about the agency. He stays because of the people he works with and the customers he meets.
Married to his high school sweetheart, she and David have two children. David enjoys watching the Seahawks and the Mariners. He also loves watching movies, spending time with his family, and exploring Washington state.
David’s advice to other operators: “Stay positive, work hard, make it happen!”
Passenger praise: “The driver went above and beyond to help a man in a power wheelchair board the bus, trying everything before calling his supervisor to arrange special transport. I’ve never seen such dedication.”
East Base | July 2025: Scott Morton
Scott joined Metro in 2016 and went full-time after just 10 months. He has several years of safe driving.
Scott was born in Tacoma and raised in Puyallup, where he graduated from Cascade Christian High School. He attended Pierce College and Clover Park Technical College before spending 10 years living in eastern Washington.
He returned to the Seattle area, seeking a career change after 15 years in the service industry. Encouraged by his uncle to consider Metro’s excellent benefits, he applied and found it to be a perfect fit.
Scott has been married for many years and has three children. He enjoys family time, sports, boating, fishing, and hunting.
Scott’s advice to other operators: “Always greet everyone with a genuine smile and thank them when departing the bus. This small act of kindness goes a long way to create a positive atmosphere for everyone.”
Passenger praise: “Kudos and thanks to this amazing driver—friendly, compassionate, and mindful of speed—for helping grandma and greeting every passenger! I wish all drivers were like him.”
East Base |August 2025: Andriy Chepykov
“Andy” joined Metro in 2017 and went full-time a year later. He has several years of safe driving and three commendations.
After getting married and starting a family, Andy and his wife decided to leave Ukraine and move to the United States, hoping to provide their two children with a better life. Andy became a transit operator to serve the community that welcomed his family and him as refugees in a new country and to be a point of service for the diverse people of King County.
Andy enjoys fishing, camping, cooking, traveling, and aquarium keeping.
Andy’s advice to other operators: “Be tolerant and inclusive of our customers. We may never know why someone is the way they are or what someone may be going through in their life.”
Passenger praise: “This driver is helpful and friendly.”
North Base | July 2025: Toby Gorsline
Toby came to Metro in 2007 and has been a full-time operator since 2011. Toby has multiple years of safe driving and nine commendations.
He recently coordinated medical assistance for a passenger who was having a seizure.
Passenger praise: “Shout out to the driver! He helped me with my bike and has been so kind to riders.”
North Base | August 2025: Samuel Gebremedhin
Samuel has been a full-time operator since 2017. He has multiple years of safe driving and 12 commendations.
Samuel grew up in West Seattle. He attended Roosevelt High School and DeVry University. Metro is a perfect fit for Samuel because he loves driving and helping people.
Samuel and his wife have one son. When not driving, he enjoys cycling, working out, and playing basketball.
Samuel’s advice to other operators: “Be kind, patient, and respectful. Be part of the solution, not the problem.”
Passenger praise: “He’s a really wonderful operator and takes care of his passengers. If I could choose him to be my driver everyday I’d love to have him.”
Ryerson Base | July 2025: Hans Welz
Hans joined Metro in 2000 and became a full-time operator in 2002. He has numerous years of safe driving and has earned 100 commendations! His fellow operators recognized him as an Operator of the Month in 2009. Together with his partner, a Metro Streetcar employee, they share over 45 years of service with King County.
Born in Germany, Hans trained as a journeyman mechanic at Wilhelm Maybach School and later earned a Business Administration degree from the University of Washington. He worked as an engineer in Mexico City in the 1980s before settling in the Pacific Northwest. His love for people ultimately inspired him to become a transit operator.
Hans enjoys cars, motorcycles, boats, anthropology, history, and travel.
Hans’ advice to other operators: “Love your riders.”
Passenger praise: “This driver is great. He caters to everyone, helps everyone out and is always so polite. Everyone that gets on the bus loves him!”
Ryerson Base | August 2025: Adaviette Hayes
Adaviette joined Metro in 2016 and has been a full-time operator since 2018. She has several years of safe driving and has received 10 commendations.
Adaviette’s advice to other operators: “Be kind, have empathy and enjoy the journey!”
Passenger praise: “My driver is exceptionally kind. This driver treats each person with diginity and respect. I’m so grateful there are bus drivers like her taking care of the community. Thank you Metro!”
South Base | July 2025: Steven Banham
Steven joined Metro in 2008 and went full-time in 2012. Steven won the Metrodeo in both 2022 and 2025. He has multiple years of safe driving and 10 commendations.
Steven was born in San Jose, Calif., into a family of truck drivers. He decided to take a different route, one he considers the best career move he’s ever made.
Steven has a wife, two daughters, and a stepson. He enjoys family time and playing Xbox on his days off.
Steven’s advice to other operators: “Always practice safety, provide excellent service, manage stress, and take good care of yourself. Rest is super important. Never let the bad passengers define the rest.”
Passenger praise: “He’s polite, attentive, and always lowers the bus so I can load my bike, something I really appreciate. Calm and reliable, he deserves recognition.”
South Base | August 2025: Paul Gumapac
Paul joined Metro as a part-time driver in 1997 and went full-time in 1998. He has numerous years of safe driving and eight commendations.
Paul was born in Honolulu and came to Metro with a CDL and experience driving for a tour company in Hawaii. He became an operator to serve others and provide for his family.
Paul and his wife of 40 years have two sons. He enjoys playing music with the Hula school, ping-pong, and playing chess.
Paul’s advice to other operators: “Be happy! Show up – Do the job. Relax! It’s a long-distance race, pace yourself.”
Passenger praise: “This driver often shows kindness to riders. Even though I was far from the stop and didn’t signal, he noticed me walking and stopped to let me on, a wonderful gesture that made my week.”
Every month, operators from King County Metro’s seven transit bases select an Operator of the Month. Each operator recognized demonstrates safe driving skills, is courteous and helpful and pays conscientious attention to attendance, appearance and discipline.
Please join us in congratulating them. Our Operators of the Month later vote on who among them will be chosen as Metro’s Operator of the Year!