After studying studio arts, Denny Johnson started his career at a paint and wall-covering store where he had a knack for matching paint colors. But when he found himself out of work and needing to support his young family, he followed the lead of a neighbor, a bus operator, and applied for a job at the Metropolitan Transit Commission. In July 1979, at the height of the U.S. Oil Crisis, he started as a bus operator at the old Snelling Garage. It was the beginning of what would become nearly 41-year career in transit. “I didn’t really see myself as a bus driver but one thing led to another and here I am,” Johnson said shortly before his June 2020 retirement.

Born and raised on St. Paul’s East Side, Johnson had some experience riding the bus growing up. And while the buses he started out driving were prone to break down, had no air conditioning and lacked power steering, he enjoyed his turn at the wheel. After 12 years on the road, he joined the agency’s first group of instructors. Despite being a self-described introvert, Johnson said his experience leading his daughters’ Girl Scouts troop led to an interest in teaching that he thought could be fulfilled in his professional life. “That was almost like an instructor job, and I wanted to use that experience,” he said.

One of the best parts of the work, he said, was meeting people from all over the world who came to Metro Transit with a desire to work hard. As his career progressed, many of his former students would see him and remark about the impact his patient, early guidance had on their lives. “You realize you really do make a difference,” he said.

Approaching his retirement, Johnson said he would miss the banter between colleagues, and seeing people he’d befriended while commuting on the bus. In retirement, he planned to devote more time to several interests, including technology, cooking and the outdoors, and to enjoy living at a more relaxed pace. “I’m going to take each day and enjoy it, whatever it brings,” he said.