Beth de Salguero thought she'd become an airline pilot, and even earned a degree in air traffic control.
For the past decade, though, she's found herself at the helm of trains instead of planes.
The change in career paths was inspired by the Metropolitan Council's competitive benefits and the opportunity to come home every night. She's also found that she has a knack for rail operations, and that she enjoys moving large numbers of people. "I took to it like a duck to water," she said.
As a Blue Line operator, de Salguero has gotten pretty familiar with all the scenery along the 12-mile corridor. Still, she says there's always something new to see and that every trip remains a thrill.
"I enjoy seeing the wildlife that comes out around Fort Snelling," she said. "And, I love going through the airport tunnel, where we speed up."
What kind of person does de Salguero think would do well in a role like hers? "If you've got great attention to detail and don't want to be in a cubicle all day, this is a great job," she said.
We're hiring!
To learn more about becoming a bus or train operator, attend an upcoming information session. Applications for train operators are expected to be accepted again in January 2024; bus operator applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis. No experience is necessary to apply. Learn more at metrotransit.org/drive.