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Posts in Category: 2025

2025

John Cook 

Posted by John Komarek | Thursday, January 30, 2025 12:04:00 PM

John Cook is proof that switching careers after 40 is not only possible but can lead to a rewarding new journey.

“After styling hair for 25 years, I retired. But then I got bored,” John said. “I thought driving for Metro Transit would be a good transition until I figured out what I really wanted to do.”

What began as a temporary role quickly became a lifelong career.

After five years as a bus operator, he became the co-chair of the Driver Safety and Security Committee. There, he helped introduce bus cameras, shields, and part-time officers. His efforts resulted in a $5 million investment to improve safety for both operators and passengers.

From there, he moved into the Transit Control Center, where he helped establish emergency response for transit. These drills would become important, including responding to the confusion on the street during 9/11.

“It was a lot of work, but we earned a lot of praise,” John recalled. “But what I truly cared about was helping people.”

This drive led him to his new role as an Assistant Transportation Manager, specifically overseeing disability management for operators. For over 20 years, he worked closely with employees facing health challenges, ensuring they received the support they needed.

“I just enjoy helping people, especially during hard times,” he said. “I always told people, ‘If you're upset, come in, shut the door, and just talk to me.’”

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he found more ways to help others. Like making sure operators had the necessary protective equipment and moral support to weather the pandemic and keep transit operational to provide essential rides.

“It was intense,” he said. “We were working ten- to twelve-hour days, every day.”

Now preparing for retirement, he’s looking forward to spending more time with his grandchildren and taking life at his own pace. However, he remains committed to helping others.

“The biggest takeaway from my career is the importance of kindness and helping others,” he reflected. “I’ll always be here to help when needed.”

2025

David Dehmer 

Posted by John Komarek | Thursday, January 30, 2025 12:01:00 PM

David Dehmer always knew he wanted a career behind the wheel.

“After high school, I tried a few different things, like being an auto body mechanic,” David said. “But driving just felt right.”

Initially, David wanted to be an over-the-road driver, but he found his way onto school buses. However, a chance encounter with a Metro Transit bus driver sparked his interest in a career here. “I remember standing by the driver. He was so friendly and drove so smoothly. That stuck with me,” he said.

David’s journey wasn’t without its bumps. He didn’t pass his driving test on the first try, surprising even his instructor. “He was shocked when I didn’t pass. But I didn’t give up and I passed,” David said.

David started his 41-year career at Old Snelling Garage before moving to the new East Metro Garage, where he spent the rest of his career. He followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, who had worked at the Metropolitan Transit Commission (MTC). Over the years, David drove many routes, with routes 61, 65, 68, and 71 among his favorites.

What kept David coming back each day was the connection he made with regular passengers and the responsibility of safely transporting people. “I learned that if you’re nice to people, they’re nice to you,” he said. “I’ve earned 39 years of no accidents. That’s something I’m really proud of.”

The benefits of working at Metro Transit were another reason David stayed behind the wheel. “I’ve been able to be home for all the big moments, like births and other milestones. That’s something I’m grateful for,” he said.

As David enters retirement, his son hopes to follow his example and become a Metro Transit operator. David’s advice to him is the same he gives to all operators: “Keep up the good work and stay safe. It’s not an easy job, but someone has to do it—and you’re making a difference.”

In retirement, David plans to spend more time with his three children, three grandchildren, and the family dog. Once his wife retires, they look forward to traveling together.

2025

Peter Moore  

Operator
Posted by Drew Kerr | Tuesday, January 7, 2025 9:53:00 AM

When Peter Moore started out as a bus operator, he knew any kind of accident meant he’d likely be looking for a new line of work. So, starting out, he figured he’d just do his best to make the job last as long as he could.  

“I always looked at it as a day-to-day job,” Moore recalled. “It just so happened to work out to 40 years. I kind of surprised myself.” 

One reason for his longevity: An impeccable record that allowed him to retire as one of just two Metro Transit operators to achieve 40 consecutive years of safe driving. Moore retired with that unique distinction in January 2025.  

That stellar record, he said, came in part from years of working quiet overnight roads. But whether it was day or night, he always put safety first and schedule second, “taking whatever the traffic gave me,” as he said.  

“I also had a really unique trainer who impressed a few important things on me early on, including to hog the road and always stay under the speed limit,” Moore said. “That was an early lesson in this job you’re here to pick people up, not just drive down the road.” 

Before coming to what was then known as the Metropolitan Transit Commission, Moore spent several years as a school bus driver. In that role, he met people working part-time driving city buses and saw a chance to improve his lot in life, an important thing for a new father.  

After “bullying” his way in, Moore spent time at the Heywood and Shingle Creek garages before landing in 1995 at Nicollet, where he’d remain for the rest of his career. He liked the garage primarily because of the diverse people he got to work with and learn from. “We have people here from all over the world, and it’s always been interesting and fun to hear their stories and get to know about all these different cultures,” Moore said.  

In retirement, Moore planned to retire to Little Falls, Minn., and spend more time with his children, grandchildren, and wife. As for those following in his footsteps here?  “If you have the right mental attitude and are a good map reader it can be a pretty easy and steady job,” he said.