Recognizing Metro’s Operators of the Month (September-October 2025)
They enjoy taking photos, playing soccer and practicing peaceful martial arts. They travel and garden. There are ukulele, piano and guitar players and happy grandparents. 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 175 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 September and October 2025
We love to hear from our riders about their operators! Please share your comments about our drivers. Interested in becoming a transit operator? Visit “Start your Metro career” to explore well-paying positions with full benefits and a pension in transit operations, trades, rail operations, customer information and countless other fields.
(Information provided by the operators)
Atlantic Base | September 2025: Leonard Luna, Jr.
Leonard joined Metro in 2017 and went full-time a year later. He has several years of safe driving and 19 commendations.
Leonard became a transit operator to provide for his family and to help those in need. Being part of the community brings him fulfillment, and he treats his customers with compassion.
Leonard and his wife have one son. Leonard enjoys playing basketball, running, camping, attending live shows, photography and spending time with his family.
Leonard’s advice to other operators: “Your energy is contagious. Trying to keep a positive attitude will improve your environment.”
Passenger praise: “I ride this route every day and this driver is so kind!”
Atlantic Base | October 2025: Holland McGraw
Holland joined Metro in 2015 and went full-time in 2016. He has several years of safe driving and 12 commendations.
Holland was born in La Jolla, Calif. He has a bachelor’s degree in History and a master’s in Library Science. His wife’s uncle worked at Metro and encouraged Holland to apply.
Holland and his wife have a son. During his free time, he enjoys a variety of creative pursuits, including playing the ukulele and guitar, songwriting, photography, bookmaking and creating art.
Holland’s advice to other operators: “Try to stay off the cell phone on your breaks. Try to be creative during this time. I bring a ukulele to work and play on my breaks; it helps me decompress and reset for the next run.”
Passenger praise: “He is ALWAYS very personable and courteous towards passengers.”
Bellevue Base | September 2025: Balaramdas Stern
Balaramdas joined Metro in 2018 and went full-time in 2022.
Balaramdas has dedicated his career to helping others. Before coming to Metro, he served as a paramedic lieutenant with the Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and has over 25 years of caregiving, hospice and conflict resolution experience.
When not working, Balaramdas loves spending time with his family, practicing peaceful martial arts and doing hot yoga.
Balaramdas’ advice to other operators: “Drive safe, respect everyone and take your guaranteed breaks.”
Passenger praise: “The driver is amazing. He is polite to everyone. He listens to everyone and answers their questions when he can. He is respectful to everyone, no matter who they are.”
Bellevue Base | October 2025: Nuj Ly
Nuj joined Metro in 2009 and has been a full-time operator since 2012. He has numerous years of safe driving and eight commendations.
Nuj‘s experience as a truck driver taught him the importance of teamwork, safety and treating others with respect. Nuj applies these values as a transit operator where every day is an opportunity to make a difference – whether it’s offering a smile, assisting a passenger, or simply providing reliable service.
Nuj enjoys spending time with his family and friends, traveling and being outdoors. He also likes volunteering and playing soccer.
Nuj’s advice to other operators: “Great service comes from genuine care shown through humility, consistency, kindness and respect.”
Passenger praise: “He treats all passengers with respect and patience.”
Central Base |September 2025: Kimberly Carmichael
Kimberly joined Metro in 2010. She has multiple years of safe driving and 19 commendations.
Kimberly’s uncle, who was an operator for many years, suggested she apply to Metro because it would suit her lifestyle.
Kimberly is happily married to a Bellevue Base operator. They have two children. When not driving, she enjoys traveling and working in her garden.
Kimberly’s advice to other operators: “Treat everyone with kindness.”
Passenger praise: “The driver operates with kindness and skill. Her smile and attitude starts my day off right! Excellent job!!”
Central Base | October 2025: Hitender Mohan
Hitender joined Metro in 2016 and went full-time a year later. He has several years of safe driving and two commendations.
Hitender was born in India where he studied physics, chemistry and math. He has a master’s degree in Computer Science, but working in a lab proved to be a lonely existence. Becoming a transit operator allowed him to realize a childhood dream while brightening riders’ days with kind words and a warm smile.
Hitender and his wife have two young children. His hobbies include playing the piano, troubleshooting household problems and a strong interest in technology developments.
Hitender’s advice to other operators: “Treat your passengers the way you would want your own family to be treated. Every person onboard is someone’s family member. A small amount of kindness – a smile, a calm response – can truly make their day better.”
Passenger praise: “Thank you to the operator who was so helpful and polite and gave me good guidance on the bus that I should take to get to my destination faster.”
East Base | September 2025: Shalendra Naidu
Shalendra joined Metro in 2016 and went full-time in 2017. He has several years of safe driving and 40 commendations.
Shalendra was born in Nadion, Fiji’s main island. He lived in New Zealand for five years before moving to Seattle in 2013. His jobs throughout his life have been in transportation. A friend and employee at Metro recommended he apply to be an operator.
Shalendra is married to another operator. Both are SLC (Speak, Listen, Communicate) Base Representatives. They have two children and enjoy spending time together. Shalendra loves to play soccer and volleyball and enjoys watching the Seahawks and the Sounders.
Shalendra’s advice to other operators: “Always treat people the way you want to be treated.”
Passenger praise: “The driver was very safe while pulling into traffic and my trip to work was smooth and pleasant.”
East Base |October 2025: Ali Hassan
Ali joined Metro in 2007 and went full-time in 2010. He has multiple years of safe driving.
Ali was born in Mogadishu in Somalia and came to the United States in 1997. He lived in Atlanta before moving to Seattle. Ali became a transit operator because he has always enjoyed helping people and he loves driving.
Ali is married and has four daughters and two sons. When he’s not driving, Ali enjoys watching all sports, especially soccer, with friends and his kids.
Ali’s advice to other operators: “Always be patient and be respectful to everyone.”
North Base | September 2025: Jacob Fryar
Jake joined Metro in 2001 and went full-time in 2005. He has numerous years of safe driving and eight commendations.
Jake was born in Big Spring, Texas, where he grew up farming but passed that off to his brother when he went to college. Jake studied psychology at North Texas State University and the University of Texas. He moved to Seattle and brought his tractor driving skills from the farm to Metro. He likes being around people. Being an operator provides stable employment and the opportunity to help people get to where they need to go.
When not driving, Jake enjoys riding his motorcycle, reading books, watching old movies with his wife, and entertaining his new grandson.
Jake’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: “The driver was respectful and patient. I appreciated his professional attitude.”
North Base | October 2025: Shankar Upreti
Shankar joined Metro in 2016 and went full-time the same year. He has several years of safe driving and 10 commendations.
Shankar was born in a remote village in Nepal where he helped his parents on their farm before and after school and did his homework at night. He earned a bachelor’s degree at Tribhuvan University. Shankar loves driving and interacting with new people every day at work.
Shankar and his wife have one son, one daughter and one granddaughter. When not working, he likes to play soccer, volleyball and ping pong.
Shankar’s advice to other operators: “Keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the steering wheel, and your mind on the driving.”
Passenger praise: “The driver is very courteous. He waits for me to take my seat before moving the bus.”
Ryerson Base | September 2025: Mary Buada
Mary joined Metro in 2007 and went full-time in 2008. She has multiple years of safe driving and nine commendations.
Mary and her family immigrated to the United States from the Philippines in 1996. She has always enjoyed driving and providing an essential service to her community by helping those who rely on public transportation.
Mary and her partner have two kids. When not driving, she likes to cook and work in her garden.
Mary’s advice to other operators: “Prioritize defensive driving and stay focused by avoiding distractions. Having a positive attitude makes the job easier and more rewarding. Also, make sure to take care of yourself.”
Passenger praise: “Very kind driver, thinking of passengers and making sure they are safe and cared for.”
Ryerson Base | October 2025: Thomas Reilly
Thomas joined Metro in 2006 and went full-time in 2016. He has numerous years of safe driving and four commendations.
Born and raised in Seattle, Thomas has been riding Metro buses since he was a child. A former Base Chief at Ryerson Base was doing a recruitment on TV and was so convincing that Thomas applied.
Thomas and his wife have one son. He enjoys spending his time off playing bass guitar and weightlifting.
Thomas’ advice to other operators: “Patience and safety first. Don’t be concerned with the schedule. Rushing to get to your break is how you get into accidents. Your guaranteed breaks are ‘guaranteed,’ so no need to rush.”
Passenger praise: “My driver was very kind to all passengers, and a very skilled driver. He made me feel safe all while providing excellent service. Please send my gratitude to this exceptional driver!”
South Base | September 2025: Shurunda Wade
Shurunda began driving for Metro in 2018 and went full-time in 2019. She has several years of safe driving and eight commendations.
Prior to Metro, Shurunda worked for Amazon. Her daughter, who is also a driver, encouraged her to apply to Metro.
Shurunda loves spending time with her family, especially when they are enjoying good food together. She also enjoys playing with her daughter’s two dogs.
Shurunda’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: “Being greeted with a smile makes the day brighter. Thank you for having a great smile!!!”
South Base | October 2025: Ibrahim Besirevic
Ibrahim began driving for Metro in 2016 and went full-time in 2017. He has several years of safe driving and eight commendations.
Ibrahim was born in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Driving has always been something he enjoys and being a transit operator allows him to combine that with meeting new people.
Married with two children, when he’s not driving, Ibrahim enjoys fishing.
Ibrahim’s advice to other operators: “Treat others how you want to be treated.”
Passenger praise: “The driver was wonderful and accommodated me even though I was just shy of the stop. This small act of kindness made my day.”
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!