At Metro Transit, Ronald Williams not only found a good stable career he loved, but also the love of his life.

“I met my wife Alfreida on the bus, then showed up at her church as a guest preacher and I took her out for dinner,” Ron said. “The rest is history.”

Ron began his career with Metro Transit in 1992, encouraged by his father to become a bus operator. Starting at Heywood Garage, he soon transferred to Nicollet Garage, where he would spend the rest of his 33 years.

Like many new drivers, the transition wasn’t easy. But it didn't take long to learn the ropes and earn a 25-year safe driver award. 

“At first, I was scared of driving the bus. It seemed like I was driving a big room,” Ron admits. “But it doesn’t take long for it to become second nature.”

In the early years, Ron supplemented his income by driving a cab and shining shoes. But by 1996, he went full-time with Metro Transit, leaving behind those side jobs for a solid career with great benefits. His success even inspired two of his sisters, Roxanne and Cynthia, to follow in his footsteps as Metro Transit operators.

“At one point, we were all working together at Nicollet,” he said.

What kept Ron at Metro Transit for over three decades was the mission of the organization and his love for people.

“I knew my job wasn’t just about driving,” Ron said. “I was a pastor, a bartender, a shelter provider, and a PCA shuttle service all at once. The job is about service to people, and I always loved that.”

For those considering a career at Metro Transit, Ron highly recommends it.

“Working with Metro Transit is a million-dollar opportunity!” he said.

As he enters retirement, Ron plans to focus more on his faith, publish Christian songs, travel with his wife Alfreida, and spend quality time with family and friends. He also looks forward to pursuing artistic projects, including drawing a portrait of Alfreida, creating 3D artwork, and writing books.