Metro Transit

Metro Transit will host an annual stakeholder update on the Zero Emission Bus Transition Plan. The virtual summit will provide an update on the transition to zero-emission technology including successes and lessons learned in the last year of battery-electric bus operations. Attend the virtual summit at noon on July 31. Details and registration on our website: https://lnkd.in/g-a_u_PM

I love to go camping, yet I have no car. You may think I must have to rent a car to go camping, but that is not the case. I went to the sand dunes state forest recently to go camping and it was a blast. I took the North Star train to big lake then rode my bike another 5 miles. I hadn’t seen so much sand before in my life. It was beautiful and awesome and didn’t require a single car. Try life without a car. It’s easier than you expect, especially in Minneapolis

Working in manufacturing and thinking about his next career move, Rodney Smith looked to the Route 6 operator he rode with every day and considered a “father figure.” The operator’s advice: Take my seat. More than 45 years later, Rodney is retiring this week after a brief run as Metro Transit’s most senior operator. “This job has been great,” Rodney reflected. “But it’s time – I’m old enough.” On the road, Rodney enjoyed operating the METRO Orange Line and Route 515. He focused heavily on safety, which earned him a 44-year safe driving award. But it was his co-workers at South Garage who kept him coming back all these years. As peers turned into friends, they bonded over sports and fishing trips. Still, the path wasn’t always easy. At the start of Rodney’s career, buses lacked modern amenities like air conditioning, heating, and power steering. The old Northside Garage where he began had dirt floors and air thick with exhaust. “New operators don’t know how good they’ve got it,” Rodney said. “It’s 100% better than it was.” In retirement, Rodney plans to spend more time with his wife, kids, and grandkids, and to continue going on camping and fishing trips alongside the friends he made through work. Ready to start making your way up the seniority list? We’re accepting operator applications on an ongoing basis. Learn more and apply! https://lnkd.in/d5ZkFMHf

When a worsening foot infection led doctors to tell Richard Graff they’d have to stop the spread by amputating, the train operator agreed to the surgery and took the time he needed to recover. Then he got back to work, becoming the first person at Metro Transit to operate light rail trains with a prosthetic leg. Train operators accelerate and brake using hand controls. But to get back in the operator cab, Graff needed to re-earn his Commercial Drivers License by completing a driving test in a bus. He passed on the first try. Graff recently retired after 12 years of service. Looking back, he said he was thankful Metro Transit stuck with him through his life-changing ordeal, allowing him to close out his career in a job he always found “challenging and exciting.” “Metro Transit was incredibly supportive,” he said. Want to work somewhere that sticks with you through life’s challenges? We’re hiring operators, maintenance staff, and more. Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/gQSUVTb5

Several people leading the Transit Rider Investment Program (TRIP) were recently recognized by the Metropolitan Council’s Transportation Committee. TRIP Manager Leah Palmer was recognized for her efforts to stand up the program after it was authorized through state legislation in 2023. This included securing equipment, developing policies, procedures and training, bringing on TRIP Agents through a contract with Allied Universal, providing field support and supervision, and working with union leadership to establish a represented TRIP Agent position. Shift supervisors, Alec, Ali, and Delante were celebrated for their work leading TRIP Agent teams. TRIP Agents began working on light rail in February 2024, educating light rail riders about the Code of Conduct, offering directions, ensuring all riders have valid fares, and providing other assistance. To date, TRIP Agents have had more than 104,000 rider contacts. Another 22 TRIP Agents, the first to be directly hired by Metro Transit, are expected to begin early this fall. Around 800 applications were received when those positions were recently posted.

Just two weeks after high school, Bill Beck started his career in transit sweeping buses. “My father worked here and suggested I apply,” Bill said. “He told me there would always be transit, and that it’s a steady, secure job.” As Beck retires as Overhaul Base Manager 44 years later, he can see just how right his father was. In the first few weeks at the old Nicollet Garage, however, he wasn’t so sure. “I remember a moment thinking, ‘What am I doing here?’” he said. “But I found out this is a great place to work, and you’re given all the tools you need to succeed.”  Bill was the first mechanic to complete a Metro Transit leadership development program, which helped him rise into management. He retires as the manager of our Overhaul Base, where buses go for midlife maintenance. Reflecting on his career, Bill said: “I’ve always loved my job, no matter what. I just hope I leave this place better than I found it.”  Inspired to build your career in transit? We’re filling a variety of maintenance positions. Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/gQXtA8Gq

Growing up in Guyana, Nar Timaul operated and fixed tractors on his family’s rice farm. He is ending his career in a much different place: Metro Transit, where he carries the distinction as the first Guyanese mechanic. “I’m extremely proud to be the first,” Nar said. The path to Metro Transit began in 1989, when the recent high school graduate left the South American country of Guyana to pursue a career as a mechanic in New York. After earning top scores in his class, Nar started a family and began looking for a place where they could all have a better life. A relative steered him to Minnesota, where he started at a hydraulic company. A TV commercial inspired him to apply for a job at Metro Transit, where he thought he could put his skills to better use. Over the years, he continued to master his craft, which helped him earn two appearances at the International Mechanic Roadeo. His dedication to improvement also ensured he never missed a day of work in 24 years, even during the pandemic. As Nar nears retirement, he invites more new mechanics to take up the trade. “This is a good job with steady work and good benefits,” he said. Ready to join the team that keeps the metro moving? We’re filling a variety of maintenance positions. Lean more and apply: https://lnkd.in/gQXtA8Gq

Be kind. Be safe. Be on time. Those were the parting words of wisdom shared this week with a group of bus operators who were celebrated for successfully completing their initial training. The graduation was one of the largest in recent memory, recognizing more than 50 operators who will now begin carrying customers to their destinations while being mentored and working toward a journeyworker certificate. It was also a family affair, with several operators being joined by their partners and children (you love to see it). Please join us in wishing all of these new operators well in their next chapter. And if you’re ready to join the team that keeps the metro moving, we’re hiring. Bus operator applications are being accepted on a continuous basis. Paid training is available to those who need to earn a Commercial Drivers License, and all new hires are eligible for bonuses, competitive benefits, and guidance from mentors, trainers and other support staff. Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/d5ZkFMHf

This year, we're proud to raise the Pride flag outside of three of our flagship facilities for this last week of June. We're committed to ensuring that everyone in our organization and within our region is welcome and have the support they need to thrive.

Former Metro Transit Mechanic Michael McGinley shows off his award-winning street rod, “Mr. Tune-Up Special.” Last year, he was awarded the Minnesota Street Rod Association’s 2023 Street Rod of the Year. Mike’s car, a 1932 Ford Model B520B/Deluxe 3 Window Coupe, is the result of lots of ideas and elbow grease. If you'd like to see his award-winning street rod in person and say hello, he’ll be at Back to the 50s Weekend, June 21-23 at the State Fair Grounds. Are you a gear head like Michael? Metro Transit needs you! We're hiring vehicle technicians who works on buses, light rail, or commuter rail vehicles, and maintenance of way technician for our tracks and railway systems. Starting pay ranges from $37.80/hr. to $49.48/hr. depending on position with benefits and a $4,000 hiring bonus for all positions. Mechanics are full-time, receive premium pay for overnight shifts, along with a uniform and tool allowance. Apply today! https://lnkd.in/gQXtA8Gq