In 1980, Kelly Mckee was a 23-year-old Iowan who moved to Minnesota seeking opportunity. “I didn’t know anyone up here but knew there’d be more work here than a small farm town,” Mckee said.

For a few years, he worked at a big box store and picked up part-time work as a school bus driver to earn more money. It wasn’t long after that he discovered Metro Transit. “They offered better pay and benefits, so I applied,” he said. In 1988, Mckee made two big life decisions: he accepted a job at Metro Transit and got married. “With the pay and benefits, I felt more financially secure to get married and start a family,” Mckee said.  

He began his career as a part-time operator at Shingle Creek. When he was eligible, he went full-time.Through the decades, he’s worked at every garage, except South. In January 2022, he finished his career at East Metro with one last ride on Route 61. After retirement, he planned to take a road trip across the United States with his wife.