From Brian Funk, Interim Chief Operating Officer
By now, all of us had hoped the pandemic would be less of a concern than it is today. Unfortunately, that’s not where we’re at.
Almost 90 COVID-19 cases were reported among staff in November, the second-highest monthly total since tracking began in March 2020. For weeks, Minnesota has had some of the highest new case counts and positive test rates in the nation. And unknowns about a new variant mean we all must be more careful.
These are difficult realities, and I want to acknowledge the fatigue I know we’re all feeling as this pandemic drags on. Thank you for continuing to show up so we can help our customers and our region get through this safely.
I especially want to thank our frontline staff who are facing many pandemic-related challenges, including a worker shortage, the recently extended mask requirement, and a weary and frustrated public.
Our ability to keep moving forward in less-than-ideal circumstances is a testament to the teamwork, ingenuity and resolve that can be found across our organization. To cite just a few examples:
- Staff recently came together to package more than 90,000 masks that are being used to fill new mask holders installed in all our buses.
- In response to the Council’s new COVID-19 vaccination and testing policy, managers provided countless hours of support so staff could get their information uploaded on time.
- Facilities staff have adapted workspaces for a wider return to office that started earlier this year.
- Our fleet of vaccination buses has traveled to every corner of the state to expand access, earning acclaim from state and public health partners.
Ongoing efforts to meet testing requirements, conduct contact tracing, reinforce safety protocols like mask mandates, and to sanitize our facilities and vehicles are also happening every day.
Most impressively, this work is occurring as departments face staffing challenges and as we continue to adapt and improve our service. Just last week, we successfully opened our newest Bus Rapid Transit line, the METRO Orange Line, a feat that would be impressive under the best of conditions.
So, this message is first and foremost a thank you. But it is also a reminder that we cannot afford to let our guard down.
All of us must continue to do our part by considering vaccinations and boosters, monitoring our health, getting tested when needed and wearing masks as required.
Like winter clothing, these layers will combine to give us the protection we need to see our way through this pandemic.
And, like winter, this pandemic will eventually give way to a new and more hopeful season. Thank you for helping us get through this one so we can continue looking forward to all that lies ahead.
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Customers began taking their first rides on the METRO Orange Line on Saturday, Dec. 4, a milestone celebrated by Gov. Tim Walz and several local officials during an event at the new I-35W & Lake Street Station.
"The Orange Line is more than transportation infrastructure,” Metropolitan Council Chair Charlie Zelle said. “It builds on years of hard work to improve bus service and equity in the corridor where many struggle for day-to-day transportation. Most of all, it’s a great example of what can happen when people come together to create things that support families, businesses, and the entire state."
Up next: METRO D Line
The next-to-open Bus Rapid Transit line, the METRO D Line, is on track to open in late 2022. Construction along the 18-mile corridor is on hold for the winter, but is ahead of schedule and expected to resume in late March or April next year.
Major construction has been completed at 25 of 30 new stations and more visible aspects of the stations will be installed beginning next spring. Where space allows, temporary bus shelters will be set near D Line stations to help protect customers from inclement weather. When open, the D Line will substantially replace Route 5.
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Ensure everyone’s contributions are seen and valued
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Improve development opportunities for all staff
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Help managers become more effective leaders
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Build pride in our work
What you need to know about the survey:
- The survey can be completed in 5-10 minutes
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All responses are anonymous
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Survey results will be shared with staff early next year
- If you work in Bus Transportation, but are not an operator, please choose "Bus Administration" when completing the survey
Results from this survey and future focus groups will also inform the Great Workplace Project, a larger effort to identify action steps we’ll take to improve work culture.
Employees with limited access to work-based email accounts will have the option of accessing the survey using a QR code or completing a paper survey. To receive additional paper surveys, please email Paula Crane. Please do not make copies.
Rail Maintenance Supervisor Jack Shaw, one of the first 12 technicians who transferred to light rail, retired in November after 36 years of service.
Shaw was an experienced Army mechanic when he began his career as a vault puller. He worked at several garages before joining light rail, where he enjoyed the variety and chance to learn new skills. “There were so few of us at rail that we were doing it all – changing tires on the trucks, electrical, hydraulics," Shaw recalled. "The variety was really nice.”
After gaining experience, Shaw served as a foreman and supervisor. As body shop supervisor, he said one of his proudest accomplishments was reducing the time it took to restore heavily rusted light rail vehicles from more than 2,000 hours down to about 800 hours. During his tenure, body shop technicians also installed plastic seats across the fleet and replaced dozens of broken windows. Shaw was quick to share credit for that and other work. “I told the team, ‘I’m a tool. What do you need me to do to get your job done?’” he said.
During his time at Metro Transit, Shaw was deployed several times as a member of the National Guard, including to Iraq after 9/11. In retirement, Shaw plans to buy a motorhome and travel, staying at military bases down south.
Congratulations to these employees who retired in November
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Paul Poppie, Facilities Technician, 37 years
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Craig Lund, Operator-East Metro, 20 years
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Jon Christopherson, Commuter Rail Mechanic, 12 years
Great People
As a reminder, employees who retire with more than 30 years of service are eligible to participate in the Great People program. The program provides retirees with a plaque in the Wall of Fame, a plaque on a bus or train and a bio Metro Transit's website. If you know someone who will soon retire with more than 30 years of service, please contact Drew Kerr.
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As a pilot project, crews recently installed decorative aluminum panels at the Franklin Avenue Station.
The same panels are used on new METRO Orange Line stations and are being tested at this station, where glass replacement is an ongoing concern. If the aluminum panels hold up and are well received by staff and customers, they could be used at other locations in future.
Additional measures to improve conditions at the Franklin Avenue Station are planned, including a secure entrance to the parking lot at the Hiawatha Operations & Maintenance Facility, improved lighting, and the removal of some nearby trees and shrubs to improve visibility.
The Transit Control Center has welcomed several new supervisors. They are (from left to right, above):
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Camille Mitchell, who previously served as a relief dispatcher and operator at the Heywood Garage. Mitchell graduated from the Leadership Academy in 2020.
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Adrian Cabassa, who previously served as a relief dispatcher and operator at East Metro. Adrian graduated from the Leadership Academy in 2020.
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John Fleming, who previously served as an operator at the Heywood Garage, and as a front desk supervisor at a downtown Minneapolis hotel.
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Luis Lopez, who previously worked at the Utah Transit Authority, in Salt Lake City, as a bus and train operator and operations supervisor.
In addition, Kati Copeland (far right, above), began as a TCC Communications Specialist. Copeland most recently worked as a customer correspondence specialist at Huntington Bank.
Apply to become an Assistant Transportation Manager
Applications for assistant transportation manager are being accepted through Monday, Dec. 27. To learn more about the position, review the job posting. Online information sessions will be scheduled soon.
Many people who work at Metro Transit take on new responsibilities and roles throughout their careers. Career Tracks highlights the paths employees have taken to their latest assignment and where they see themselves going next. To learn more about career opportunities at Metro Transit and the Metropolitan Council, visit metrocouncil.org/employment.
How did you begin your career at Metro Transit?
In 2013, I started my career at Metro Transit as a Shift Supervisor in Bus Maintenance. As the years passed, I moved into different positions within the department including Assistant Manager of Overhaul Base, Manager of Warranty Contracts & Analysis, and Assistant Director.
Today, I’m the Assistant Director Technical Support at Overhaul Base. Every day, I provide oversight to fleet support through new technology development, integration and analysis, bus failure analysis, and quality assurance.
What were your career goals and what steps did you take to achieve them?
When I came to Metro Transit, I was looking for a place to use my education in management and automotive technology and my experience in the private sector fleet maintenance.
I discovered that Metro Transit has plenty of job opportunities and opportunities for growth, especially for those willing to apply themselves. Whenever there were internal classes that could improve my skills, I made sure to attend them. If there was a committee I could serve on, I joined it. And while on-the-job, I learned from the talented people around me with years of experience.
I apply myself to opportunities that present themselves that utilize my skill set or help grow my skills.
What advice do you have for others who want to take on more or different responsibilities?
Take inventory of your skills. If you find gaps between where you are, and the skills required for the job, work to close the gap. Then you’ll be able to find the right training opportunities. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. Metro Transit staff are happy to help point you in the right direction, including the Learning Center or Human Resources. Or, by asking you may find yourself a mentor to help guide you and be a resource when you have questions.
Put yourself out there as much as possible. Just remember, you are not alone. In the last 8 years, I was told that other people were more qualified for the job I was applying for, so I chose to stay knowing that another opportunity will be available soon. Don’t give up and make sure you advocate for yourself.
This is a great place to work. But remember that the skills you acquire are yours and are transferable to other departments or agencies.
Several recent leadership changes have occurred in Bus Maintenance. The new managers are:
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John Demorret, assistant director-operations
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Bill Beck, manager, Overhaul Base
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Tim Fruhwith, maintenance manager, Heywood Garage
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Steve Kaari, maintenance manager, Ruter Garage
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Jeremiah Riter, fleet service and QA manager
 Employees in Bus Maintenance, including those at Nicollet Garage, above right, and Heywood Garage, above left, were celebrated at recognition events held this week. Maintenance staff have continued to go above-and-beyond this year, responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and setting new performance records. Systemwide, buses traveled an average of 8,879 miles between maintenance road calls in October, a new monthly record. East Metro and South each topped 10,000 miles between maintenance road calls in October, monthly records for those locations.
To encourage responsible celebrations, fares will not be collected on any route beginning at 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, Friday, Dec. 31. Fareboxes will be covered and no passes will be needed during the promotion. Fare collection will resume at 3 a.m. on New Year’s Day.
The last light rail trips depart at approximately 11:30 p.m. Nearly two dozen bus routes, including routes 3, 5 and the A Line and C Line, have trips that operate past midnight.
The New Year’s Eve promotion is a continuation of the decade-long program sponsored and paid for by Miller Lite. The partnership is supported by local law enforcement agencies.
Ridership has remained at or near average levels on past New Year’s Eves and is down this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A new approach to fare promotions
Metro Transit has not actively sought opportunities to encourage ridership through free ride passes since the start of the pandemic. Community partners who are interested in partnering with Metro Transit to offer free ride passes can submit requests online, however. Requestors are asked to demonstrate how they will engage underserved audiences. For more information, contact Maria Cone.
Transportation has always been a part of Wayne Wilson’s life.
Growing up in Hopkins, he took the bus to clarinet lessons in Minneapolis. Later, he served as a school bus driver and created a computerized bus operations system. Neighbors have worked for Metro Transit, and many friends are regular riders.
And now, he’s made a small but growing business out of making model buses.
The idea to create miniature Metro Transit buses came after Wayne saw a model bus made by Rapido. He thought there would be local interest in a Metro Transit version, so he called the company and, together, they embarked on a collaboration.
Using images and personal observation, Wayne spent about six months creating a scale replica. Once set, the manufacturer produced 300 buses.
Today, Wayne sells models, each about six to seven inches long, that emulate the Xcelsior buses used on the METRO A Line and the older red buses used when Metro Transit was still known as the Metropolitan Transit Commission.
Feedback on the buses, including comments from bus operators, has been positive. And local interest has turned into international interest, with buses selling to collectors all over the world. So, what’s next? According to Wayne, articulated buses are at the top of the list!
-- By Lindsey Geyer, TCC Communications Specialist
South Garage Operator Terese Blanchard recently received a commendation for her onboard demeanor.
I’ve been riding with her multiple times a week since August, and she is amazing! She always greeted me and sent me off with a smile, regardless of if she had to deal with difficult passengers. Today, she told me it was her last week on this route. Her joy and warmth will be missed!
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Manager's Meeting: Managers are invited to attend monthly meetings to hear updates on the Strategic Plan, budget and more. All employees are invited to watch these meetings. View the Wednesday, Dec. 8, meeting on Stream here. Topics include the Zero Emission Bus Transition Plan, the 2022 budget and Employee Resource Groups.
Ambassadors needed: Eligible staff are invited to serve as ambassadors following the Minnesota Vikings home game on Sunday, Dec. 26. Ambassadors spend two to three hours assisting fans at light rail stations before and after the game, and are paid their regular hourly wage. On December 26, shifts are available starting at 9 a.m. For more information, email ambassador@metrotransit.org.
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