From General Manager Lesley Kandaras
As we reflect on 2023, we have many reasons to feel proud of our work this year and excited about what we can accomplish together in 2024.
We delivered about 15 percent more rides in 2023 than in 2022. We increased service, thereby providing more options for people we serve.
Within our organization, we practiced applying the Equity Considerations Tool to our decisions and continued strengthening our organizational culture through the Great Workplace Project. And in partnership with Human Resources, we hired hundreds of new operators.
We also made significant strides addressing public safety concerns on transit. While we still have much work ahead of us to ensure we are always delivering a safe, welcoming experience for all customers and employees, it's worth noting that Metro Transit recorded a decrease in crime in the second and third quarters of 2023, compared to the first quarter of this year. In 2023, we implemented new approaches to public safety by expanding the layers of official presence on our system to complement the tireless efforts of Metro Transit police officers. This includes adding supplemental security officers at several facilities, community-based organizations riding light rail and connecting people to social services, and Community Service Officers who are now inspecting fares and issuing citations for non-payment.
Additionally, in 2023, the state legislature established a new transportation-dedicated sales tax for the seven-county metro region. A portion of this new sales tax revenue will help fund transit operations and maintenance. Unlike many transit agencies across the country facing budget shortfalls as they run out of federal COVID relief funds, our region's sales tax will provide Metro Transit with more funding certainty than we previously could rely on. This means we are in the fortunate position of being able to plan years into the future and thinking more boldly about how we can best serve our region. As part of this change, this fall, we kicked off Metro Transit Forward, our effort to co-create a strategic vision that will help guide our work into the future.
I recognize that these examples barely scratch the surface of all that was accomplished in 2023. Below are reflections on this year from leaders across Metro Transit. The list is truly impressive and exemplifies your daily commitment and dedication to the communities we serve.
Thank you for all you do. I am excited for our shared work ahead in 2024!
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Join the next Employee Town Hall virtually or in-person at North Loop Garage, room 104 at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 10. The event will kick-off a series of in-person only town halls at each facility. For more information on Town Halls, visit MetNet or contact Lindsey Geyer at lindsey.geyer@metrotransit.org.
 A westbound Route 21 bus arrives at a future METRO B Line station in front of the Merriam Park Library at Marshall and Selby avenues in St. Paul.
The future METRO B Line stations constructed in 2023 are now serving Route 21 customers east of Hiawatha Avenue.
Construction of the B Line stations west of Hiawatha Avenue will begin in spring 2024. The line will open in 2025.
In mid-December, Metro Transit's Facilities Maintenance staff became responsible for maintaining the newly opened stations east of Hiawatha Avenue.
The shelters at the new stations feature light and heat to promote customer safety and comfort. Crews continue working to install and activate other station features, such as real-time signs, security cameras, and emergency telephones.
The METRO B Line is a planned bus rapid transit line that will provide faster and more reliable transit service in the Route 21 corridor along Lake Street and Marshall and Selby avenues.
 On Friday, Dec. 8, the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) joined law enforcement agencies from across the Twin Cities for a squad parade to KARE 11 in Golden Valley to drop off their donations for Toys for Tots. Lt. Leonard Keyes, who’s organized the drive for MTPD for two decades, says they filled up two squads with toys for kids in need this year.
 Milo the poodle in the back of a Metro Transit Police Department squad car before being transported home to his pet parents.
On Wednesday, Dec. 20, Bus Operator Finley Brees had an unusual passenger board his Route 64 bus at Burr Street and Minnehaha Avenue -- a poodle named Milo.
"I stopped and let someone off and then this dog jumped onboard," Brees said. "He was the most wonderful and friendly dog. He walked down the aisle and jumped up next to a passenger who held him in their arms."
Brees was happy to have the dog onboard until they could find a safe place for him. He was worried that Milo might get hit by another vehicle. So, after he called the Transit Control Center, Metro Transit police were dispatched to pick up Milo at the Smith Ramp.
Police then asked Street Supervisor JoAnn Peterson to take care of the dog until they found the owner and it was a job she truly enjoyed.
"My only job was to hold the dog until we knew where it was going and give it love," Peterson said. "I'll take that job any day!"
Thankfully, Milo's pet parents reached out to Customer Relations while Metro Transit checked Milo's collar and animal control to find an address. And within an hour of being picked up, Officer Brandon Colvin was able to escort Milo back home in his squad car.
In 1979, a teenaged Tom Vang immigrated from Laos to Minnesota with his father to be close to family and to find opportunities. About a decade later, he found opportunity at Metro Transit.
"I was working as a teacher and working part time at Metro Transit," Vang said. "After a few years of doing both, I realized the pay and benefits were better being a bus driver."
When he began, operators made $8 an hour, buses were red and had no power steering nor air conditioning, Snelling Garage still existed and Ruter was called Shingle Creek. Today, as he leaves Metro Transit with all the modern advancements and amenities operators enjoy, Vang realizes that his three decades go by quicker than most realize.
"Metro Transit is a place to meet lots of different people onboard and in the garage," Vang said. "The time here goes by fast."
In retirement, Vang plans to travel to Europe and South America. And, when he's not traveling, he'll tend to his seven-acre hobby farm with sweet corn, mustard greens, and a host of other plants.
Celebrate with Tom at 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 12 at East Metro Garage.
To celebrate an employee milestone, email insights@metrotransit.org.
Nicollet Garage operator Chantal Burnett recently received a commendation for their customer service.
My driver today was so friendly and helpful. They greeted everyone on the bus. When I got on, I told them I was going to Knollwood and that I hadn't been there before. The driver asked me what store I was going to and that they would tell me where I needed to get off the bus. When I was getting off, they told me where to wait for my return trip. They were so upbeat and positive. It was really nice to see, and it changed the mood for everyone on the bus!
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Bob Brown joins Asset Management as Business Analyst 3. In his role, Bob will be responsible for data analysis and implementation for the Enterprise Asset Management system. Previous to this role, Bob has worked in GIS, project management, and data analysis. When he’s not studying for his MBA, Bob enjoys playing pool and fishing. His most frequented route is the METRO Green Line.
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Michelle McPherson joins the Metro Transit Police Department as Police Records Supervisor, managing the records and evidence units for MTPD. Michelle comes to us from the legal field, most recently serving as Support Staff Supervisor. In her free time, Michelle enjoys hiking with her dog, watching the Minnesota Vikings, and volunteering with MN Sheltie Rescue.
To announce a new employee or staff promotion, email insights@metrotransit.org.
Welcome to these new operators who recently completed training at the Instruction Center. From left: Terron Hess, Kevin Lacy, Phillip Johnson, and Marcellis Geralds.
We're hiring!
Browse open positions, including Police Officer, Track Maintainer, and more here. Information on open positions can be found on the right navigation bar in each issue of HR Connect.
New Years Eve & Vikings free rides: Starting at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31, all rides are free until the end of service as part of the Miller Free Rides program. Vikings fans riding Northstar on New Years Eve are only responsible for one-way fare for the 7:20 p.m. game. The return trip is free. For more information, visit our website.
Reminder: Submit a new badge photo by Dec. 31: Due to new card access technology, all Met Council employees will receive new badges in 2024. Staff, especially those hired before 2020, are encouraged to submit an updated badge photo in Employee Self Service by Sunday, Dec. 31. More information can be found on MetNet.
Leadership inviting feedback at light rail listening sessions: Riders are invited to attend a series of listening sessions to provide feedback on our continued efforts to improve conditions on transit. The sessions will be attended by Met Council Chair Charlie Zelle, General Manager Lesley Kandaras, Police Chief Ernest Morales III, and Transportation Committee Chair Deb Barber, among others More info here.
WTS fireside chat: Metro Transit and WTS Minnesota are hosting a fireside chat with General Manager Lesley Kandaras on Thursday, Jan. 18, at the North Loop Garage. The event is open to WTS members, which includes all Metro Transit employees. Register for the event here. For more information about WTS, email Carrie Desmond at carrie.desmond@metrotransit.org.
Participate in the next Great Day in Transit: All employees are invited to participate in the next Great Day in Transit on Wednesday, Jan. 17. Throughout the day, participants are encouraged to ride trains and buses to connect with riders and frontline staff. Sign up for a Great Day in Transit here. For more information, contact Jeremiah Cox at jeremiah.cox@metrotransit.org.
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