Every day on Route 22, Bus Operator Anthony Moore drives a couple hundred students in Minneapolis to and from school. There’s only one student, however, who continually shares his passion for transit with him.
“It started with just a fist bump as he was leaving,” Moore said. “Next time he was onboard, he wanted to talk about transit. I was impressed with how much he knew already.”
John L., a sophomore at Minneapolis Public Schools, can easily distinguish models of buses and discuss their differences. He’s also not shy to tell you about his favorite brand of bus. And, unlike many customers, he can name all five Metro Transit bus garages. His mother said that his interest started at a very young age when he grew up around Nicollet Garage and has continued to grow ever since.
“I want to be a driver someday,” John L. said. “I hope to drive Gilligs. I love Gilligs.”
After weeks of talking with Moore, John decided to give his favorite operator a gift – illustrations of buses he drew. The gift’s timing also revealed more of John’s transit knowledge; he gave it about two weeks before the quarterly service changes. This is a time that operators can choose to change routes.
“It meant a lot that he thought enough of me to give me these,” Moore said. “He considered me as someone he cares for.”
Moore wanted to give John a gift as well, so he invited the student for a tour of the brand new and state-of-the-art North Loop Garage. Talking with staff, the student continued to display knowledge that surprised operators and mechanics alike. John was, however, surprised at the number of clocks inside the garage.
“They aren’t kidding about being on time,” John said.
And until the time comes when John hopefully begins a career at Metro Transit, Moore will keep a careful eye on the clock to make sure he’s there for John’s school commute.