Recognizing Metro’s Operators of the Month (July-August 2026)
They garden and transcribe braille. They DJ, dance and visit museums. They enjoy being outdoors and running their own businesses. Their riders say they are “very helpful and courteous,” “Deliver high levels of customer service,” and “Deserves an reward for being so FABULOUS!”
They’re operators with more than two 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 July and August 2026
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(Information provided by the operators)
Atlantic Base | July 2026: Michael M. Bekele
“Micky” started with Metro in 2016 and has been recognized for several years of safe driving.
After being self-employed, Micky became an operator because he loves driving and working with people. For him, helping passengers—especially those with disabilities—is the most rewarding part of his job.
Micky and his wife have a daughter and a son. His hobbies include gardening, traveling, and watching football.
Micky’s advice to other operators: “One moment of patience may prevent years of regret!”
Passenger praise: “I’ve taken this route nearly everyday all year and am vaguely familiar with the drivers. Tonight this one did a bang-up job of delivering high levels of customer service.”
Atlantic Base | August 2026: Joel Fowler
Joel started with Metro in 2018. He has several years of safe driving.
Joel became an operator because he loves driving, serving the community and moving around the city.
Joel worked as a real estate project manager before moving to Seattle in 2018. His background also includes training to become a construction superintendent and certification in braille transcribing from the National Library Service.
Joel has a son, three grandchildren, and a great-grandson.
Joel’s advice to other operators: “Keep safety first and always remember patience and professionalism is the key to a good day.”
Passenger praise: “He went above and beyond while helping a wheelchair user deboard…seeing the driver’s kindness meant a lot to her.”
Bellevue Base | July 2026: Danyiel Bell
Danyiel joined Metro as a part-time operator in 2008 and went full-time in 2015. He has multiple years of safe driving.
After 16 years of self-employment, Danyiel sought a change and turned to Metro.
Danyiel is a Gulf War Veteran who spent six years in the U.S. Navy on the USS Nimitz.
Danyiel and his wife have three children. His hobbies include DJing and “Chicago Steppin’” dancing.
Danyiel’s advice to other operators: “Never get tired of doing the right thing whether personal or professional.”
Passenger praise: “Danyiel is our driver…and has been very helpful and courteous in finding us the best way to get to work on time. We appreciate him very much.”
Bellevue Base | August 2026: Carlos Ford
Carlos joined Metro in 2019 and has several years of safe driving.
Carlos became an operator to learn a new skill and help support his city. He brings a deep dedication to public service and a love for learning new things to his role every day.
He is the proud father of three children – two boys and one girl – and has three grandchildren.
Outside of work, Carlos is an avid motorcycle enthusiast. His favorite hobbies include taking road trips on his motorcycle on his days off and he loves to learn new things.
Carlos’ advice to other operators: “Always ask for help if you don’t know something. The answers are with your team at Metro.”
Passenger praise: “He did an excellent job managing a dangerous situation on the route. [I recognize] how challenging the job must be…thank you for keeping [us] safe.”
Central Base | July 2026: Clifford D. Johnson
Clifford started with Metro in 2015 and has been recognized for several years of safe driving.
Clifford became an operator because of the flexible hours and he finds interacting with the entire spectrum of the public in this role to be fascinating.
Clifford enjoys fly fishing, golf, skiing and reading.
Clifford’s advice to other operators: “Treat everyone with respect.”
Passenger praise: “This driver has always been kind, friendly, helpful, and professional the many times I have seen him.”
Central Base |August 2026: Ermias D. Mulugeta
“Jeremiah” has been driving for Metro since 2010, earning multiple years of safe driving.
Jeremiah became an operator out of a commitment to service, perseverance, and community. He views every day as a chance to learn and safely connect people.
Outside of work, Jeremiah enjoys DIY projects and outdoor activities, reflecting his hands-on curiosity, independence, and appreciation for the world around him.
Jeremiah’s advice to other operators: “A society that fears diversity fears its own potential. Our differences are not the problem; they are our strength. When we respect one another, embrace our differences, and learn from each other, we don’t simply build a stronger workplace, we build a stronger community and a better future.”
Passenger praise: “Driver today was very friendly, welcoming, and helpful, which made the bus experience much more pleasant than usual. I would like to compliment them on their demeanor since it did make a difference today.”
East Base | July 2026: Matthew Dodson-Dance
Matthew joined Metro in 2021 and has a number of years of safe driving.
Matthew became a transit operator to provide a steady income and support his family.
Matthew has two children. Outside of work, his favorite hobbies include basketball, music, and art. He also enjoys going to any type of museum.
Matthew’s advice to other operators: “When life throws you lemons, move!”
Passenger praise: “He was super nice and patient, and the ride was really smooth. It made my morning commute a lot more pleasant…I hope he’s my morning driver!”
East Base | August 2026: Godofredo Plantilla
“Ed” has been part of Metro since 1995, with numerous years of safe driving. This is the third time that Ed has been recognized by his peers as Operator of the Month!
Ed became a transit operator after working on crab boats in Alaska, seeking a stable career. One day, while riding on a bus, an operator encouraged him to apply.
Ed loves spending time with his family. His hobbies include hiking, biking, baseball and camping at Fort Flagler State Park where he enjoys crabbing and fishing.
Ed’s advice to other operators: “Be nice to your fellow drivers they might be your next boss.”
Passenger praise: “Such a great bus driver. Nice and smooth ride!!”
North Base | July 2026: Sandeep S. Sandhu
Sandeep joined Metro in 2018. He has several years of safe driving.
Sandeep became a Metro transit operator following a lifelong love of driving large vehicles, a desire to serve the community and a career pivot toward stable public service.
Before joining Metro, Sandeep spent around 20 years working in farming, which included driving a farming tractor-trailer.
He lives with his family, including his parents, wife, daughter and son. In his free time, Sandeep enjoys playing sports and spending quality time with family.
Sandeep’s advice to other operators: “Focus on patience with passengers, stay calm during heavy traffic, prioritize safety over schedule, and take care of your physical health on long shifts.”
Passenger praise: “This driver is always kind, safe, and on time. Thank you so much for your consistency!”
North Base | August 2026: Donna L. Newton
Donna began with Metro in 2000 and has been a full-time operator since 2002. She has multiple years of safe driving and 27 commendations. This is the second time that Donna has been recognized by her peers as Operator of the Month!
Donna truly enjoys driving and brings a shining, positive attitude to the job every single day.
Donna’s advice to other operators: “A smile goes a long way.”
Passenger praise: “She deserves an reward for being so FABULOUS and … great customer service! I was walking toward my bus stop and she stopped … I was so grateful. I had a very long day at work and needed to get home as soon as possible to rest and recover. She made my day!”
Ryerson Base | July 2026: Anthony A. Edwards
Anthony has been with Metro since 2018. He has several years of safe driving.
Anthony became an operator for the joy of communicating and interacting with a wide range of unique personalities, viewing every day as a fresh start.
He is a loving father with amazing daughters and a son. Anthony’s favorite hobbies include traveling to different countries and learning new languages.
Anthony’s advice to other operators: “Look ahead, look around, leave room, listen, stay alert, follow all traffic laws, handle emergency situations calmly. And never be in a rush to cause an accident.”
Passenger praise: “Great driver who was kind, managed traffic safely, and treated patrons and their animals with patience and grace.”
Ryerson Base | August 2026: Kenneth T. Bryant Sr.
“Special K” joined Metro in 2010 and has earned several years of safe driving.
Kenneth has wanted to be a driver since childhood, inspired by operators who waved at him. This honor is special because his father encouraged him to join Metro.
A history enthusiast who enjoys cooking and comedy shows, Kenneth proudly shares his life with his mother and his two sons.
Kenneth’s advice to other operators: “Enjoy the job, be a positive and welcoming face to the customers. Having a positive attitude will get you through the day.”
Passenger praise: “So kind and wonderful!!! I ran and wasn’t going to make it but he saw me and waited an extra second which was all I needed!!! THANK YOU SO SO MUCH!!! I have no words for how much you helped me.”
South Base | July 2026: Arthur B. Panlilio
Art started with Metro in 2000. He has numerous years of safe driving.
Before joining Metro, Art’s jobs included civil work and social services. He became an operator because the job requires the highest level of responsibility, far beyond just steering a massive vehicle. His love of driving offers a perfect balance of community service and commitment to his passengers.
Art and his wife have three children. His hobbies include hiking, scuba diving and fishing.
Art’s advice to other operators: “Take it a day at a time, treat passengers with respect, and be open to changes.”
Passenger praise: “Arthur is a kind and caring individual; greeting his customers on the bus with a smile and positive words to help brighten their day.”
South Base | August 2026: Victoria S. Hunter
“Vic” joined Metro in 2009 and has multiple years of safe driving.
Victoria was inspired to join Metro by her stepfather, a 1980s operator.
She balances transit with entrepreneurship as a small business owner.
A proud mother of six, including triplets, Victoria loves reading a good book next to the ocean in her free time and loves animals.
Vic’s advice to other operators: “Be kind to everyone…don’t take [anything] personal, and always remember a smile goes a long way.”
Passenger praise: “Five stars, great, very professional, awesome. Thank you, driver.”
Tukwila Base | July 2026: Peter K. Irungu
Peter has been with Metro since 2015. He has multiple years of safe driving.
Peter became an operator because he enjoys driving and helping others reach their destinations safely. Peter is committed to safety, professionalism, and customer service. He enjoys working with people from all different backgrounds and believes in treating everyone with respect and courtesy.
Peter is married with children and his hobbies include road trips and traveling.
Peter’s advice to other operators: “Safety first, be courteous and respectful to passengers, other road users, and your workmates. Focus on the road ahead and around you. Manage your finances for a better future.”
Passenger praise: “Driver was very friendly and kind, checking on passengers and taking his time to explain the routes. He also waved at the little girl at the stop.”
Tukwila Base | August 2026: Joseph Edwin Bungay
Edwin has been an operator since 2017 and has earned several years of safe driving.
Edwin became an operator because he genuinely enjoys driving and loves having a “corner office with a view.”
Edwin is skilled at cooking and working on cars, for which he thanks YouTube. He and his wife have two sons, a daughter and a granddaughter. His favorite hobbies include working out, shooting hoops, and hanging out with his extended family.
Edwin’s advice to other operators: “Just a reminder to not take things personal and to try to be kind because you never know what people are going through.”
Passenger praise: “Thank you to the driver for [arriving] on time which helps everyone!”
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!