King County Metro has named Tamieko Cook its Operator of the Year, recognizing a veteran transit operator whose connection to the agency began as a child and eventually led to a career spanning nearly three decades.
Cook was selected by her peers from among more than 2,700 Metro transit operators and honored Tuesday during a ceremony at Metro’s South Base attended by King County officials and agency employees.
“Tamieko Cook is in a class of her own,” Metro General Manager Michelle Allison said. “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.”
Cook’s history with Metro began well before she became an operator. Her mother, Velda Square, drove for Metro during the 1980s, and Cook grew up accompanying her to transit bases, union meetings and employee cookouts.
Just before Cook turned 21 in 1996, her mother encouraged her to apply for a job as a Metro driver. Cook initially questioned whether she was ready.
“Ma, I can’t drive a bus!” Cook recalled telling her.
“Metro will train you,” her mother responded.
Within months, Cook was driving for the agency.
“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.”
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay said Cook’s career reflects the role transit operators play in connecting residents with jobs, schools, services and other opportunities throughout the region.
“Tamieko represents the very best of Metro and the very best of public service,” 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.”
Cook briefly left Metro after several years to enlist in the U.S. Air Force, where she served as a B-52 engine mechanic. She later returned to the transit agency and continued her education, earning degrees from South Seattle Community College and The Evergreen State College. She has also served in union leadership.
Cook said her Metro career helped make it possible for her to complete her bachelor’s degree, purchase a home and travel, while providing an opportunity to serve the community.
“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.”
That approach has earned Cook praise from passengers.
One regular commuter recalled Cook waiting for a group of passengers rushing from a ferry to catch her Route 12 bus and reassuring them that they did not need to run.
“This is so unusual that when we started to go the crowd running from the ferry gave her a round of applause,” the rider said. “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.”
Despite her experience driving throughout Metro’s system, Cook has a particular affinity for Route 128 because it travels through neighborhoods familiar to her from her childhood in South King County.
“The 128 is my ‘favorite favorite.’ It goes through some of my old stomping grounds in Boulevard Park,” Cook said.
The Operator of the Year honor adds to previous recognition Cook has received during her career. She has been named Operator of the Month and received the George Turner Award in August 2005 after assisting a passenger using 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, Metro’s director of bus operations. “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.”
Outside of work, Cook helped raise her niece, Mysia, and now helps raise her 16-year-old great-nephew, Marquez. She also enjoys traveling, attending live music and comedy performances, trying new restaurants and spending time with family and friends.
For other transit operators, Cook’s advice is grounded in the approach she has followed throughout her own career: treat people with respect even when it is not returned, remember that the service operators provide is important and don’t carry the day’s difficulties home.
In Cook’s words, leave work “on your coach.”
