Rider's Almanac Blog

“It means everything”: Operator celebrates 45 years of service

Posted by Drew Kerr | Oct. 12, 2021

When Operator Melanie Benson pulled up to the bus stop on Lagoon Avenue Monday morning, as she’s done hundreds of times over the years, a few familiar faces were there to greet her. There was also a plaque to be presented, commemorating Benson’s [...]

Know Your Operator

Know your Operator: Komi Afoutou, South Garage

| Oct. 11, 2021

Years of service: 8 Lives: Richfield Garage: South Family: Wife and three kids While working as a high school principal in Togo, Komi Afoutou won the Visa lottery. So, the recently married 32-year-old and his wife packed their bags. [...]

On Off The Clock

On the Clock/Off the Clock: Ray Ziesmer, Foreperson-Commuter Rail

Posted by Drew Kerr | Oct. 6, 2021

Lives: Lindstrom Years of service: 7 years How did you come to work at Metro Transit and what do you do? Since I was little kid, I have liked tearing things apart and finding out how they work and what I can do to improve or repair [...]

'Stoic' train operator recognized as Minnesota's operator of the year

Posted by Drew Kerr | Oct. 5, 2021

Harry Mandik is the epitome of a public servant – and he’s a pretty good operator, too. For 35 years, Mandik has carried people to their destinations throughout the Twin Cities and served as an informal leader for bus and train operators [...]

Career Tracks

Career Tracks: Al Sesler, Assistant Transportation Manager