Name: CJ Bahan
Lives: Minneapolis
Job: Electro-Mechanical Technician
Years of Service: 3
How did you come to work at Metro Transit and what do you do?
Approximately three years ago when I moved to the Twin Cities region to be with my girlfriend, I found a job at Metro Transit. I like to say that I dumb-lucked into this great career. I have a fancy sounding job title, but the way I see it, it’s a lot simpler to explain: I fix light rail vehicles (LRVs).
Where are you from originally? Tell us a little bit about your background.
I’m originally from the city of Jacksonville, Illinois, which is in the southern part of the state. However, I’ve lived and worked all over the country and abroad. I’ve been a mechanic for over 20 years. This profession has taken me around the world, working on everything from oilfield equipment, trucks, military vehicles, and, most recently, farm equipment.
What is your favorite part about working for Metro Transit?
My favorite part of working for Metro Transit, aside from living in the greatest city in the Upper Midwest, is that I find it personally rewarding to work in the public sector in a “green” career. Every day, when I fix an electric light rail vehicle, I know that I’m helping lower our carbon footprint.
What are your favorite activities when you’re not working or are “Off the Clock”?
My favorite activities include bicycling, lake swimming, canoeing, camping, crossfit, cross country skiing, ice skating, and doing all kinds of odd-ball physical challenges (many times to support good causes). I’ve biked the Tour de Cure, Lake Alice 100, Tour de Pines, Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride, Tour de Tonka, and several other tours that were less than 100 miles. Generally, I enjoy all manner of outdoors-y type stuff that takes me on awesome adventures in Minnesota and beyond!
My latest adventure, however, was in water. This past summer, I trained on lake swimming, which obviously would turn into an epic road trip/camping trip where my girlfriend and I would swim in all five Great Lakes. Crossed off the bucket list, and next year, I’ll find another adventure.