Recognizing Metro’s Operators of the Month (January-February 2026)

They play the sax and swim. Collect coins and travel. Garden and produce music. For the people who ride with them they are: “professional and respectful to all the passengers,” treated a passenger who collapsed on the bus with “with so much kindness and dignity” and after helping a rider recover their wallet, had the rider say: “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate his help!”

They’re operators with nearly two centuries of transit driving experience who enjoy meeting with their riders and giving back to their communities.

Meet your Operators of the Month for January and February 2026

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 | January 2026: Gregory Craven
Greg started at Metro as a part-time operator in 2000 and went full-time a year later. He has numerous  years of safe driving and 45 commendations.
Greg has studied music education and fire administration. He became a transit operator because he wanted a career that provided stability.

In his time way from work, Greg enjoys playing his saxophone, listening to smooth jazz, and spending time with family.

Greg’s advice to other operators:  “You gotta learn to just let things go. Be patient, show some kindness to all people.”

Passenger praise: “Our bus driver acted quickly to avoid a collision with two cars that sped through a red light.”

Atlantic Base | February 2026: Abdinasir Mohamed
Abdinasir joined Metro in 2016 and went full-time in 2017. He has several years of safe driving and 11 commendations.
Abdinasir, who has lived in Seattle for 20 years, became a transit operator because of his desire to make a positive impact and takes pride in providing safe, reliable service.
In his free time Abdinasir enjoys playing soccer, swimming, and spending time with family.

Abdinasir’s advice to other operators: “Be patient with elderly and disabled passengers. Waiting an extra second to make sure they are safely seated can prevent injuries and make their journey more comfortable.”

Passenger praise: “Passenger collapsed on the bus. The driver was very sweet and helped the gentleman back into a seat and called the paramedics for help. While we waited, he spoke very gently and kindly to the injured man. It was nice to see someone treat a stranger with so much kindness and dignity.”

Bellevue Base | January 2026: Kahsain Hidaru
Kahsain joined Metro in 2017 as a part-time operator and went full-time in 2018. He has several commendations and multiple years of safe driving.
Kahsain, who has lived in Seattle since 1990, became a transit operator because of his belief that serving the public is a true reward and honor.
In his time away from work Kahsain enjoys reading, taking walks, and riding his bike. He also loves to spend time with family.

Kahsain’s advice to other operators: “In any challenging situation, before you react or respond; first pause and take a deep breath to stay calm.”

Passenger praise: “I really appreciate the speed you were driving through my neighborhood.”

 

Bellevue Base | February 2026: David Thayer
David started with Metro in 2010 as a part-time operator and went full-time in 2012. He has several commendations and multiple years of safe driving.
David became a transit operator because he likes to drive and it fulfills his desire to serve the public.
In his time away from work, David enjoys admiring his coin collection and is a self-proclaimed history buff. He is married to his high school sweetheart and is a father of two adult sons, one of whom proudly serves the country as a United States Marine.

David’s advice to other operators: “Read the book, follow the book, and be nice to people.”

Passenger praise: “Our driver was well skilled at operating the bus safely, and was very welcoming to the riders.”

Central Base | January 2026: Janet Webster
Janet joined Metro in 2006 as a part-time operator and went full time in 2008. She has numerous years of safe driving and nine commendations.
Janet became a transit operator at the advice of a good friend. Janet admits she was afraid to leave her job at Safeway, now wishes she would have started her career with Metro earlier.
In her time away from work, Janet enjoys traveling and spending time with family.

Janet’s advice to other operators: “Don’t take it personal. Pick your battles.”

Passenger praise: “Driver is outstanding! She did an excellent job securing a wheelchair and is a very safe, confident driver.”

 

Central Base | February 2026: Freda Everett
Freda joined Metro in 2012. She has several years of safe driving and six commendations.
Freda attended college on a full-ride track scholarship and earned a master’s degree in applied psychology systems.
Freda became a transit operator because she loves to provide service and connect with the community.
In her free time, Freda enjoys traveling, gardening, volunteering, dancing and doing word searches.

Freda’s advice to other operators: “Prioritize safety over schedule, mirrors are your best friend, a simple greeting or a thank you can go a long way and de-escalate whenever possible.”

Passenger praise: “Driver is very professional and respectful to all the passengers. One of the best drivers I’ve ridden with. Our bus broke down yesterday and she handled it with professionalism and empathy for the riders.”

East Base | January 2026: Joffe Wosenachew
Joffe started at Metro as a part-time operator in 2016 and went full-time a year later. He has several years of safe driving and multiple commendations.
Joffe became a transit operator because of his passion for driving and love for customer service.
In his time away from work Joffe enjoys biking, swimming and gardening. He also enjoys spending time with his family.

Joffe’s advice to other operators: “Keep up the excellence in serving Metro and our communities.”

Passenger praise: “The driver saw me running to catch the bus on a terrible traffic day and waited for me to get across the crosswalk!”

 East Base | February 2026: Emilios Xenos
Emilios joined Metro in 1997 and went full-time a year later. He has numerous years of safe driving and five commendations.
Emilios credits his uncle, who drove for over 20 years, as the inspiration for becoming a transit operator. He is an East Base Mentor and member of the Safety Committee.
In his time away from work, Emilios enjoys producing music in his at-home recording studio using instruments like the piano and synthesizers. He also creates and edits personal audio/video content.

Emilios’ advice to other operators: “Keep a positive attitude and your wits about yourself. Provide the best service possible. Attain and practice patience and you will go far in your career.”

Passenger praise: “Our driver greets and thanks all those who ride the bus, he navigates the area and gives directions well. Excellent driving, smooth, efficient, and attentive.”

North Base | January 2026: Reshon Watson
Reshon joined Metro as a part-time operator in 2018 and went full-time in 2019. He has earned 16 commendations and has several years of safe driving.
Reshon became a transit operator because he was looking for a job with great benefits, plus a flexible schedule that would accommodate his growing career in real estate.
In his time away from work, Reshon takes pride in helping people achieve their home ownership goals. He is an accomplished licensed real estate broker and enjoys spending time with family.

Reshon’s advice to other operators: “The energy that you put out is the same energy you receive, most of the time.”

Passenger praise: “Our driver is very conscious about letting riders who may have difficulty walking on the moving bus find a seat before taking off.”

North Base | February 2026:
The operator has chosen to remain anonymous

Ryerson Base | January 2026: Teshim Awalom
Teshim joined Metro as a part-time operator in 2017 and went full-time in 2018. He has multiple years of safe driving and 9 commendations.
Teshim became a transit operator to make a difference in the community. Teshim was recognized by Metro in 2022 when he received the George Turner Award for assisting a disabled citizen in an emergency situation.
In his time away from work, Teshim is an entrepreneur who manages multiple businesses. He also enjoys traveling and spending time with family.

Teshim’s advice to other operators: “Treat everyone the same way you wish to be treated.”

Passenger praise: “Operator was very pleasant to a pair of senior citizens who needed assistance getting onto the bus.”

Ryerson Base | February 2026: Lenard Mwaba
Lenard joined Metro as a part-time operator in 2017 and went full-time in 2018. He has multiple years of safe driving and nine commendations.
Lenard became a transit operator because of his passion to provide service and his desire to work on a team.
In his time away from work, Lenard enjoys playing soccer, and spending time with family.

Lenard’s advice to other operators: “Don’t take it personal, just do the work the way you were trained and everything will be OK.”

Passenger praise: “Very conscientious driver; makes complete stops, does not speed, always lowers bus for elderly and is very pleasant.”

 

South Base | January 2026: Damon D Calhoun
Damon joined Metro as a part-time operator in 2010 and went full-time in 2012. He has numerous years of safe driving and 15 commendations. Damon was recognized by his peers as an Operator of the Month in 2014.
Damon joined Metro because he takes pride in performing acts of service.
In his time away from work, Damon enjoys setting up fish tanks, playing softball, bowling and spending time with family.

Damon’s advice to other operators: “Take your job seriously, be kind to your passengers, and always be safe. Try your best to keep good attendance.”

Passenger praise: “Our driver was very helpful and respectful and had a pleasing personality.”

South Base | February 2026: Kelaly Abraha
Kelaly joined Metro as a part-time operator in 2016 and went full-time in 2017. He has several years of safe driving and 13 commendations.
Kelaly became a transit operator after riding the bus and witnessing many positive interactions with customers.
In his time away from work, Kelaly enjoys playing soccer and watching professional matches. He also enjoys reading. Kelaly is deeply religious and prioritizes strengthening his faith and spending time with family.

Kelaly’s advice to other operators: “Respect your passengers. They are our loyal clients and most important customers.”

Passenger praise: “In a hurry to catch the bus, I didn’t realize that my wallet fell out of my coat pocket while I was in the crosswalk. The driver let me know I had dropped it, then waited for me at the corner while I caught up to the bus for my return to West Seattle. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate his help tonight!”

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!