Growing up in St. Paul, Gene Hayes thought becoming a bus operator would provide a good opportunity to watch life unfold in the city. So after working in construction and holding several other odd jobs, he took his mother’s advice and put in an application. A week later, the then 24-year-old got a call and was asked if he could report for an interview in just 20 minutes. He hustled out the door, got the job and spent the next 39 years driving buses throughout the Twin Cities.

When he started, Hayes found himself a little overwhelmed and wasn’t sure he’d make it past the first year. But with the help of good trainers and managers his confidence grew. Later in his career, Hayes was recognized for 25 years of safe driving, an accomplishment that earned him a Metro Transit watch he wore proudly. While his safety and customer service records were laudable, Hayes said he never grew complacent. “Every day was a new challenge,” he said. “I never got comfortable – I just got more aware something could happen.” As a driver, Hayes said he especially thrived on winter weather and actually looked forward to driving in snowstorms.

Hayes started his career at the Heywood Garage, and moved to the Nicollet Garage when he went full-time ten months later. After nine years at Nicollet, he moved back to Heywood where he spent the duration of his career. During his time at Heywood, Hayes became a familiar face on routes 7, 9 and 10, and enjoyed getting to know some of his regular riders. With more experience, he was also able to pick work that started early in the morning so he could be in time to welcome his kids home from school and be involved in their education, sports and other activities.

When Hayes retired in July 2020, he was Heywood Garage’s most senior operator and among the most experienced operators at any garage. Even so, Hayes said his career felt like it had gone quickly and that he would have continued driving if his health had allowed. “It sounds like a long time, but it seemed to go by overnight,” he said.

In the early days of his retirement, Hayes said he might like to move south but that he was still figuring out exactly what was next. One thing he was sure of: his time at Metro Transit provided all he could’ve asked for in a a career. “It’s been a great career,” he said. “I feel very blessed.”