Recognizing Metro’s Operators of the Month (May-June 2026)
They cook and love motorcycles. They travel and enjoy bodybuilding. They sing, cook and enjoy doing things that “spike their adrenaline.” Their riders say they are: “A rock star,” “Careful, thoughtful, considerate, patient and really efficient,” and “Represents what every driver should be!”
They’re operators with close to two and a half centuries of combined transit driving experience who enjoy meeting with their riders and giving back to their communities.
Meet your Operators of the Month for May and June 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 | May 2026: Ronald S. Nixon
Ron started with Metro in 1992.
Ron became a transit operator because he wanted a rewarding career and the opportunity to connect with the public. Ron has spent most of his adult life in the Puget Sound region.
He is married and enjoys traveling, reading history books and playing guitar.
Ron’s advice to other operators: “Stay calm and professional.”
Passenger praise: “My driver was talking to another passenger about how much he loves driving for Metro. I love Metro and all of its bus drivers, and it’s so great to hear that they love Metro too! He was extremely friendly and he is a rock star!””
Atlantic Base | June 2026: Patricia J. Wright
“Trixi” has been with Metro since 2021 with years of safe driving.
Trixi, whose partner is also an operator, became a transit operator because she likes to drive, help people and tour her city.
Trixi has worked in the hospitality industry and has been a professional bodybuilder for close to four decades. A mom to two grown children and two cats, Trixi enjoys gardening, DIY projects, motorcycling trips and travel.
Trixi’s advice to other operators: “Smile and wave!”
Passenger praise: “The driver made my morning! She pointed out the beautiful mountain views and wished everyone the best day. It was such a lovely way to start the day. Thank you!”
Bellevue Base | May 2026: Sukhvinder Singh
Sukhvinder joined Metro in 2021. He has several years of safe driving and multiple commendations.
Sukhvinder became a transit operator to serve the public and pursue career growth. Before moving to Seattle in 2014, he spent nine years driving semi-trucks.
Sukhvinder enjoys driving, traveling and singing religious music.
Sukhvinder’s advice to other operators: “Stay positive, humble, [and in] selfless service.”
Passenger praise: “This driver is excellent! Careful, thoughtful, considerate, patient and really efficient. A group of kids going up Education Hill were running to the bus and he waited for them to board.”
Bellevue Base |June 2026: Sushma Paudel Katuwal
Sushma joined Metro in 2019. She has several years of safe driving.
Since childhood, Sushma dreamed of driving a large vehicle. At Metro, she found the perfect fit: a career with a flexible schedule, supportive coworkers and great benefits.
In her free time, Sushma enjoys traveling, trying new foods, watching movies and gardening.
Sushma’s advice to other operators: “Learn to let things go. Don’t take anything personally. Your safety and that of your passengers are your top priority.”
Passenger praise: “You saved my commute! Thank you for stopping after my desperate yell and sprinting!!”
Central Base | May 2026: Greg Pruitt
Greg started with Metro in 2006. He has numerous years of safe driving and many commendations.
Greg transitioned from a career as a regional director in air cargo logistics. He became a transit operator to combine his love for driving with the stability and independence of the role.
A married father of two, Greg enjoys playing music, fishing, reading and camping.
Greg’s advice to other operators: “Be patient with people. You never know what someone is going through when they board your coach.”
Passenger praise: “My driver is always kind, responds to less than kind riders with grace, patience and humor, and provides an exceptional experience for all of us every time.”
Central Base | June 2026: Elynne C. Hamburg
Elynne has been driving for Metro since 2004, earning numerous years of safe driving. She is a third-generation Metro operator and was named North Base Operator of the Month in October 2011.
Elynne became a transit operator because she needed a job with benefits that would allow her to attend school.
Elynne and her husband, a fellow Metro operator, have one child.
Elynne’s advice to other operators: “Keep your eyes moving. Put in the effort to establish and maintain good habits. Take a deep breath and let it out slowly before responding.”
Passenger praise: “The most friendly and considerate driver I’ve ever had. Always greets and thanks customers.”
East Base | May 2026: Sanithia T. Parker
Sanithia joined Metro in 2012 and has several years of safe driving and multiple commendations.
Sanithia balances driving with running a non-profit dedicated to eliminating health disparities. Bringing a holistic medicine background to her work, she is completing her Nursing Science PhD. She joined Metro to supplement her income while continuing her healthcare career.
Besides being a mother of three, Sanithia’s also a grandmother.
Sanithia enjoys designing wellness programs, practicing yoga, strength training, golfing and hiking.
Sanithia’s advice to other operators: “You get what you give. Love is the greatest gift!”
Passenger praise: “I depend on Metro. Thank you for all you do! I ride with this operator regularly. She’s very courteous and respectful. She does her best to help people out who may not be familiar with Metro. Thank you so much for hiring her on your team!”
East Base | June 2026: Kelvin B. Kirkpatrick
“Kirk” has been part of Metro since 1995, with numerous years of safe driving.
Kirk became a transit operator to help pay for college while doing meaningful work. For him, it is more than driving a route: it is helping people get to work, school, medical appointments, and life’s important moments.
Kirk values hard work, responsibility and service to others.
Married with two children, Kirk enjoys photography and travel.
Kirk’s advice to other operators: “Take it one day and one route at a time. Stay focused on safety, be patient with yourself and others, and remember that the way we treat people can make a big difference in someone’s day.”
Passenger praise: “This driver is upbeat, friendly, helpful and considerate. He is patient, looks out for customers and bicyclists, and represents what every driver should be!”
North Base | May 2026: Daniel C. Visser
Daniel joined Metro in 2016. He has several years of safe driving and 18 commendations.
Daniel became a transit operator because his work at the time was “giving him nightmares.” Daniel earned his emergency medical technician certification at Bellingham Technical College.
A married father of four, Daniel enjoys any activity that spikes his adrenaline.
Daniel’s advice to other operators: “Be sure to always have better seniority than your dad.”
Passenger praise: “Thank you for providing helpful information about my route! You were very kind and I very much appreciate your patience.”
North Base | June 2026: Michelle E. Lovely
Michelle has been with Metro since 2018 and has several years of safe driving.
Michelle joined Metro because of her love for driving and helping customers.
Growing up, she was inspired by her mother’s work at a group home for young adults with disabilities. She later volunteered, taking residents to concerts, museums, the circus and shopping. Michelle enjoys spending time with her cats.
Michelle’s advice to other operators: “Greet every customer and treat all customers equally and respectfully.”
Passenger praise: “The driver made sure I and other passengers were seated before moving the bus. She is sweet and cares about her customers.”
Ryerson Base | May 2026: Paulette Daniels
Paulette joined Metro in 1996. She has numerous years of safe driving and many commendations.
Paulette became a transit operator because she wanted to serve the King County community, meet new people every day, and provide safe, reliable transportation.
Paulette is married and has fostered more than 87 youth.
Paulette enjoys trivia games, sports, old-school music, and, most of all, giving back to her community.
Paulette’s advice to other operators: “Always put safety first. Treat every passenger with respect and take pride in your work.”
Passenger praise: “So thankful for my driver’s thoughtful service and cheerful attitude. She made my day! Thank you for making Seattle a great city!”
Ryerson Base | June 2026: Cassandra Phillips
Cassandra has been with Metro since 2019, earning several years of safe driving.
Cassandra became a transit operator in search of a better-paying job with excellent benefits. Her father, a retired Metro mechanic, and her neighbor, a retired Metro operator, encouraged her to apply. You can catch her on her favorite 62 and 124 routes.
Cassandra has one son. She enjoys travelling, especially to tropical destinations, reading romance novels, fishing with her dad and sweets.
Cassandra’s advice to other operators: “Be patient. Be kind to others. Slow and easy. Make sure to make it home to your loved ones.”
Passenger praise: “Driver went above and beyond, spotting me across the street, and waiting for me to board. Exceptional service!”
South Base | May 2026: Joseph W. Stroud
“Jojo” started with Metro in 2018. He has several years of safe driving and nine commendations.
Born and raised in Seattle, Jojo proudly says that King County runs in his family. He enjoys driving, providing great customer service and spending time in nature.
A former basketball player, Jojo also enjoys attending church, listening to music, and watching movies.
Jojo’s advice to other operators: “Treat everyone with respect and the dignity they deserve, and you will enjoy your work.”
Passenger praise: “While out doing chores, I met an operator whose kindness and positive energy made my day.”
South Base | June 2026: Troy S. Edwards
Troy joined Metro in 1995. He has numerous years of safe driving.
Troy, raised in “the Valley” near Madison Park, decided he would stay in Seattle if he found a city, county or state job. Metro provided the stable career he wanted.
Troy is married with four children and seven grandchildren. He enjoys fishing, shooting, and sports.
Troy’s advice to other operators: “Be patient, stay calm, so you can think. Be true to yourself. Be aware of your surroundings.”
Passenger praise: “The driver restored their confidence in Metro after a negative experience, providing excellent customer service.”
Tukwila Base | June 2026: Dennis J. Roberson
Dennis has been with Metro since 2018. He has multiple years of safe driving.
Dennis applied to Metro after his best friend introduced him to the opportunity. He saw it as a chance to help others.
Before joining Metro, he worked as an operations manager.
Dennis is married and has four sons. He enjoys family time, working on cars and home projects.
Dennis’ advice to other operators: “Surrounded by different personalities, but perfect imperfections, don’t judge a book by its cover, and remind yourself that you are a professional. Smile!”
Passenger praise: “This driver is amazing. He’s what I call a professional driver. He’s friendly and he takes his job seriously. I feel safe riding with him.”
Every month, operators from King County Metro’s eight 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!