Shawn Nevins has only one regret about becoming a bus operator at Metro Transit: “I wish I had done it sooner.”
After nearly two decades working in property management, rehabbing historic brownstones in Minneapolis, Shawn was ready for something new.
“I loved that work, but after 18 years, I’d taken it as far as I could,” Shawn said.
He was no stranger to transit, taking the bus to work when his car was in the shop, or after it was stolen. That’s when friendly operators told him he should give transit a shot. He did, and five years later, he hasn’t looked back.
Today he primarily operates the METRO C and D lines. Shawn thrives in the fast-paced, community-centered environment of bus rapid transit. “I like being out on the street with people,” he said. “I’m a people person. This job fits me.”
That energy doesn’t go unnoticed. On a snowy night in early March, one grateful rider took the time to send kudos: “Even with the heavy snow, Shawn was an excellent driver and incredibly kind. I wasn’t sure buses would even be running, but he went above and beyond. There’s no shortage of great drivers, but Shawn really stood out.”
For Shawn, that recognition meant a lot. “It’s encouraging,” he said. “When someone takes the time to send a message like that, it feels good.”
Beyond the positive feedback from riders, Shawn speaks highly of the support he’s found at Heywood Garage.
“The culture is professional and positive. We’re all pulling in the same direction,” Shawn said. “When a close friend passed away and I needed time off, my manager didn’t hesitate to give me a day off. That meant a lot.”
And that culture goes beyond the garage and onboard buses. “You see people help each other on board every day,” he said. “Giving up seats, helping with directions, being kind. There’s a lot of good energy out there.”
That positive energy is exactly what Shawn brings to every shift, and why riders remember him.
“I just try to put something good into the community every day I’m out there,” Shawn said. “So far, it’s working.”
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