Ken was born in London, England, and served in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He began his transit career in January 1972, driving Route 4. The first bus he drove, a GMC "Jimmy" #1399, currently resides at the Minnesota Transportation Museum. He drove out of Northside for nearly three years then transferred to Snelling Garage, then finally to East Metro Garage when Snelling was closed. He retired after driving in St. Paul for 37 years. Within his 39 years of service, he posted 33 years and 8 months of safe driving. Ken retired Sept. 23, 2011, and plans to travel to England with his family to visit relatives. 

John retired from South Garage on Sept. 9, 2011, with more than 32 years of service. He was among the first group of drivers to begin work from the then brand-new South Garage upon its opening in 1980. During his career, John received Metro Transit's Safe Operator Award 28 times. He received the Outstanding Operator Award 20 times, qualifying him as an Elite Master Operator – one of only 26 Metro Transit employees to have attained that status.

Robert retired Aug. 1, 2011, with 38 years of service. He completed his transit career at East Metro Garage.

Mark was hired as a bus driver in July 1972, driving for 32 years at several garages, and ending his career at East Metro. Mark enjoyed the people aspect of driving, but his heart belonged to trains. Prior to Metro Transit, he applied at Burlington Northern but taking that job would require leaving Minnesota. As a young father he chose to stay and drive buses. When light-rail service began in 2004, Mark jumped at the chanced to become a train operator. He was known for his attention to detail and love of a clean train cab – he always washed the windows so they were spotless. Mark retired on July 10, 2011, and lives with his family in western Wisconsin.

Ralph was hired by Metro Transit in April of 1981. He began his career at Snelling Garage, moved on to Nicollet and ended at Heywood with 30+ years of service. He received the Safe Driving award 24 times. He retired on July 1, 2011. In his spare time, Ralph enjoys fishing, hunting and gardening.

Richard started with Metro Transit on June 11, 1979. He spent most of his career working from Heywood Garage. In his 32 years of service, Richard logged 29 years of accident-free driving and earned numerous customer commendations. He earned the agency's Outstanding Operator Award – the agency's mark of excellence in customer service, attendance and safety – 25 times, earning him the title of Elite Operator. Richard retired on June 11, 2011.

Carroll left his colleagues on June 3, 2011, after 31 years and three months behind the wheel. He began his career as a part-time bus driver at the former Snelling Garage, moving to full-time work after 12 years. Career highlights were receiving an award for 30 years of safe driving in 2010 and winning the agency's Roadeo – a safety and skills competition – in the part-time category in 1987. Metro Transit estimates that he served more than 880,000 customers over his years of service. Upon retirement, he planned to engage in his favorite hobby: designing and building unicycles, having already built more than 100.

Bill began his transit career at Northside Garage, worked at Nicollet and South garages, and drove mainly from Snelling/East Metro Garage. Bill worked swing shifts for many years and he could often be found on Rice Street, Grand Avenue or East/West Seventh Street. In 2003 Bill began training as one of the first operators for the Hiawatha light-rail line, a position he held until his retirement on June 3, 2011. "The many friends I've met at Metro Transit I expect to have for the rest of my life," he said.

Cheryl began her career as temporary employee with a pilot project known as MTC Commuter Services. The group was tasked with promoting transportation options to employers in the Pentagon Park area of the Twin Cities. The program grew into Minnesota Rideshare and finally became part of Metro Transit's Customer Services & Marketing division. Throughout her 32+ years as Program Administrator, Cheryl helped scores of commuters and employers find alternatives to driving alone, preventing the release of many millions of tons of greenhouse gases. She left service on June 3, 2011.

Scott was instrumental in moving Transit Supervision into the computer age. He established many of the computer procedures that are still in use today. He was responsible for training all transit supervisors when Metro Transit joined the regional 800 MHz radio system. Most recently he managed downtown St. Paul bus service through the first season of construction on the Central Corridor light-rail project. His colleagues remember him as a mentor for many new supervisors throughout his career. He retired April 29, 2011, with 31 years of service.