Posted by John Komarek |
May 28, 2026
Before Metro Transit, Aaron Jahnke ran his own marketing consulting company. But then, the pandemic hit.
“Things really went south,” Aaron said. “I wasn’t sure if the business was going to come back, so I started looking for something that would give me stability.”
After earning his commercial driver’s license, what began as a temporary job as a bus operator became a long-term career. “Between the people and the benefits, it just makes sense to stay,” he said.
The role also fits his personality. A self-described people person, Aaron enjoys connecting with riders. That approach shows: he is one of Metro Transit’s most commended operators of 2026.
“The way you greet someone can determine how the whole ride goes,” Aaron said. “You can make someone’s day, or you can break it.”
Those small interactions matter because many riders are dealing with challenges others may not see. “We don’t know what people have been through,” he said. “Sometimes just acknowledging someone and treating them with dignity can mean the world.”
That awareness also means paying attention to the people and situations around him. “As a driver, you develop a sixth sense,” Aaron said. “My goal is to make sure everyone gets where they’re going safely.”
Aaron also credits his family for helping him adjust to the early mornings and changing schedules that come with the job. “My wife has been incredibly supportive,” he said. “When I have a 4 a.m. shift, she’s up helping me get ready, so I have what I need for the day.”
For Aaron, the job ultimately comes down to the people who ride every day. “In my mind, they’re VIPs," Aaron said.