As an immigrant from Bangladesh, Mohammed “M.D.” Zahidul Dewan came to Minnesota for school. But it was his daily commute that inspired him to switch tracks and become a Metro Transit train operator.
“I used to ride the Blue Line every day to school,” M.D. said. “I’d sit in the back of the train and wonder how the whole system operated.”
At the time, becoming a train operator felt out of reach. “They used to only hire operators from within,” he said. “You had to be a bus driver first, and that didn’t appeal to me.”
When the rules changed, M.D. didn’t hesitate. “I was excited and curious,” he said. “I wanted to see how it all worked.”
His first few days on the job were understandably intimidating. “You’re driving a huge vehicle, and it’s a big responsibility,” he said. “But the training was solid, and the support was always there.”
One part of the job reminded him of a childhood dream. “You’re in constant contact with the control center,” he said. “It’s very structured and technical, like aviation, which I was always interested in growing up.”
M.D. said one of the biggest differences from his past jobs is the emphasis on doing things the right way. “There’s real teamwork here,” he said. “If you need help, someone is always there, even during night shifts.”
He also values the compensation and support that come with the role. “The pay is good, the union is strong, and the night shift differential helps,” he said.
Now over six months on the job, M.D. said he’s just getting started. “I’m still learning the ropes,” he said. “But I’m happy with where I am.”
For anyone considering a career as a train operator, M.D. offers simple advice: “Go for it,” he said. “You don’t need to have it all figured out; you just have to be willing to learn.”