Ever since he got his license, Harry Mandik liked driving. So, when a friend suggested becoming a bus operator, he set aside his aspirations of becoming a machinist and applied. Mandik retired nearly 36 years later as a decorated and well-respected operator with experience in both bus and rail.

Mandik’s career began at the old Snelling Garage, and he later worked at the South and East Metro garages. After 17 years as a bus operator and relief instructor, he was encouraged to join the first group of operators to move to light rail. Though he wasn’t sure at first, Mandik quickly came to love railroading and never looked back. “Driving a different type of vehicle and being able to do it well was rewarding,” Mandik said. “Plus, it was a smoother, quieter ride. And getting to learn all the different rules and about the equipment – it was all pretty interesting.”

When the METRO Green Line opened in 2014, Harry joined those carrying customers between Minneapolis and St. Paul, where he grew up. Being a part of the Green Line’s opening, he said, was yet another thrilling chapter in his career. “It was exciting in the sense that we were starting to build a system,” he said. “It felt good to see that we were growing and expanding.”

As both a bus operator and a train operator, Mandik exceled. He went his entire career without a responsible collision, won two Rail Rodeos and placed second in three consecutive Bus Roadeos. In 2021, he was named the Minnesota Public Transit Association’s Operator of the Year, a reward reflected both his skills and his role as a leader among his peers. 

Besides the enjoyment he got from driving, Mandik said he was grateful to have made so many friends over the years and to have had a job that provided good benefits and steady employment. When he retired in early 2022, Mandik was the last remaining train operator from the first group that came to light rail.

In retirement, he planned to spend more time volunteering and pursuing other interests like personal finance, home architecture and bicycling. “This job has provided a good wage and steady employment for 35 years,” he said. “I’ve done pretty well so now it’s time to give back.”