Metro’s newest Operator of the Year: Terry Moon

King County Metro bus operator Terry Moon has been awarded the department’s highest honor, 2021 Operator of the Year. Moon was surprised with the recognition at a ceremony celebrating his award at Metro’s Atlantic Base. He was chosen by 84 fellow 2021 Operators of the Month as the “best of the best.”

Surrounded by family, transit operators and King County leadership at the ceremony, Terry Moon joined the ranks of Operators of the Year by receiving a jacket patch, bus ring and shelter ads announcing to all riders he is Metro’s No. 1 transit operator.

“Terry Moon embodies the very best qualities of our Metro operators: Strong skills, a commitment to safety, and a genuine love of the people who ride with him,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “His career is a shining example of public service and I am thrilled to congratulate him on this honor as Metro’s top driver for 2021.”

“Terry Moon is a model for what we want our transit operators to be,” said Metro General Manager Terry White. “He embodies excellence in this position, from his clear love of our riders to his devotion to safe driving, something that has been recognized by his fellow drivers. Since 1994, he has served the people of our region with exemplary grace and skill, and we are lucky he chose to bring his talents to Metro. Bravo, Terry!” Surrounded by family, transit operators and King County leadership at the ceremony, Terry Moon joined the ranks of Operators of the Year by receiving a jacket patch, bus ring and shelter ads announcing to all riders he is Metro’s No. 1 transit operator.

Here’s what riders had to say about Moon:

“Our driver was incredibly friendly to everyone who boarded. It made my morning to be greeted with a genuine smile and ‘hello.’”

“Not only was our bus driver friendly, he seemed to really enjoy his job!”

“This driver was so calm, relaxed, professional and confident.”

“I started off having the worst day because my car bit the dust. My day is now off to a really good start, since my Metro driver turned it around for me. I had the nicest driver!”

Moon, a veteran of the U.S. Army, was hired as a part-time operator in 1994 and went full-time in 1997. He’s?earned dozens of Safe Driver Awards and 29 rider commendations. “I have loved every bit of this journey,” he said.

Originally from Pittsburgh, Moon says he became a transit operator because of his passion for public service. He’s been married for 46 years and has three children and seven grandchildren. He enjoys woodworking and fixing things.

At Metro, Moon has gone above and beyond, supporting his fellow transit operators following collisions or security incidents as part of the Critical Incident Stress Management Team since November 1998.

“That’s when I began to notice that this was more than just a job—my Metro team was truly an extension of my family,” Moon said. “As a member of the Critical Incident Management Team, I was given the tools to help my peers through some trying moments of their lives. In doing so, it’s also helped me to grow as a person in my life. It’s been a wonderful experience.”

Moon’s advice to his fellow operators:

?“Stay humble to the process. Be good to yourself and it’s easy to be good to others.”

QUOTES

“Not only does Terry daily model to his customers what great customer service at its best looks like but is also a mentor to his fellow operators. He frequently can be found in the base bullpen making himself available to assist and answer any questions that come his way!”

Darryl Butler, King County Metro Base Chief

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“Operator Terry Moon is a kind-hearted gentleman! He always shows up at work and greets us with the softest smiles. As a senior transit operator, with the time he had served, the skillset he obtained is top-notch. His demeanor as a kind-hearted person shines. He cheers us up. He shares and mentors us on how to best deal with our daily challenges. He is a go-to person when we need it. He supports us. He points out guidance and directions. I love to work with him and getting to know him in the time I have had at Atlantic Base.”??

Yen N. Matley,?King County Metro Base Operation Chief