Celebrating excellence: Honoring Metro’s Operator of the Year Tamieko Cook

At King County Metro, celebrating excellence in public service is one of our proudest traditions. This year, Metro proudly recognizes Tamieko Cook as our Operator of the Year.

Cook was celebrated today at a ceremony at Metro’s South Base attended by King County leaders and colleagues from across the agency.

General Manager Michelle Allison told those gathered: “Tamieko Cook is in a class of her own. You’ve earned this recognition not just for what you do, but for how you do it—with heart, integrity and a deep commitment to the people of King County.”

“Tamieko represents the very best of Metro and the very best of public service,” County Executive Girmay Zahilay said. “For 30 years, she has connected people to the places and opportunities that matter in their lives, while treating every rider with dignity and respect. Her commitment to serving others is a family tradition, and we are proud to recognize the impact she has made in King County.”

A legacy built in the driver’s seat

Cook’s mother, Velda Square, was a transit operator in the 1980s, and her fond Metro memories stretch back to childhood and helped shape her career path, she said. Her mom took her to bases, union meetings and cookouts, and her mom’s colleagues felt like family. Her mother loved the get-togethers, she said, and was renowned for her cooking and baking, particularly her cakes.

Just before Cook’s 21st birthday in 1996, her mother urged her daughter to apply to be a driver. Cook hesitated, though: “Ma, I can’t drive a bus!” But her mother’s confident reassurance — “Metro will train you” — changed everything. Several months later, she was in the driver’s seat for Metro.

Thirty years later, she stands at the top of her profession.

“You—and your mom!—remind us that Metro isn’t just about moving people from point A to point B,” Allison said. “It’s about connection, community and care.”

A brief detour

After few years at Metro, Cook enlisted in the United States Air Force as a B‑52 engine mechanic to push herself to try something different. Although she excelled, her core passion remained serving others. She returned to Metro, earned degrees from South Seattle Community College and Evergreen State College, and continued shaping her path at Metro, including union leadership.

Along the way, she raised her niece, Mysia, and now helps raise her great nephew, Marquez, who recently turned 16. He’s “one of my favorite people,” she said. Her life outside of Metro includes traveling, enjoying live music and comedy, discovering new food spots and sharing time with family and friends.

Metro has given her so many opportunities, she said: completing her bachelor’s degree, buying a home, and traveling widely. Most importantly, it’s given her the chance to serve her community with heart.

“I like being the captain of the ship,” Cook said. “And I try to lead with respect regardless of whether the person gives it back to me. If I give you a harsh time you may take it out on the next driver and I think about that, I truly do.”

Her favorite route to drive remains the 128, because it takes her through the neighborhoods where she grew up in South King County. “The 128 is my ‘favorite favorite.’ It goes through some of my old stomping grounds in Boulevard Park.”

A leader and previous award winner

This year’s Operator of the Year recognition adds to Cook’s legacy of excellence, which already includes honors like Operator of the Month and the George Turner Award, which she  received in August 2005 for assisting a customer with a motorized mobility device. The award is presented by the Northwest Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America.

“Tamieko has a long history of public service demonstrating her commitment to our customers,” said Phil DeVault, Director of Bus Operations for Metro. “She also has been a leader for our employees, showing that she truly cares about their well-being with empathy and grace. Metro is proud to honor Tamieko as our Operator of the Year.”

 Cook’s advice for other operators: Always try and lead with respect even if that respect is not mutual. Remember the job we do is important and the service we provide is vital. Don’t sweat the small stuff and leave work on your coach–don’t take it home.

Congratulations, Tamieko! Thank you for your service, your example, and your unwavering commitment to the people of King County.

What riders say about Cook

• “I commute every day, we are always running to pick up the Route 12 at 7:45 a.m. every morning heading toward 15th and Madison, her name is Tamieko.  She is always very patient and so customer focused, she told us not to worry and run because she is going to wait for us.  This is so unusual that when we started to go the crowd running from the ferry gave her a round of applause.  She is absolutely amazing and accommodates all of us from the ferry and her being this sensitive really means so much to us and she is worthy of praise.”

• “This driver was extremely professional as she had to deal with a very loud and rude passenger.  I also work in a service industry and deal with difficult individuals but I commend this driver for taking things in stride.”

• “Accolades to the bus driver of Rapid Ride C – 6057. Some car pulled out in front of the bus and the driver had instantly reacted, avoiding an accident!!”

  

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