When Thomas Carey entered the workforce in 1979, he entered a down economy and jumped from job to job. After a friend became an operator at Metro Transit, he decided to apply, too.

“I thought, ‘if he could do it, so could I,’” Thomas said. “There was a lot of job security there – no matter how bad the economy gets; people still need transit.”

His 35-year career began in 1989 as he reported for duty at the Old Shinglecreek Garage (renamed Ruter years later). But it would be Heywood, where he spent the bulk of his career 30 years. Towards the end of his career, he used his union seniority to move into the state-of-the-art garage, North Loop.

“I was number 2 at Heywood and number 12 system wide,” he said. “With time, it gets better here.”

At the end of his career, he was able to have his pick of shifts and routes he preferred, including the 645, 9, and 3. He remembers working through the Thanksgiving and Halloween blizzards where he didn’t get stuck. And narrowly missing the 35W collapse while on duty. Whatever happened, however, he had no doubts this is where he wanted to be.

“I love to be behind the wheel,” Thomas said. “I never tire of looking out a window with a wheel in front of me.”

Beyond driving, he enjoyed interacting with the customers, especially to share smiles and jokes. He found that it helped build report and a reputation with riders. This included taking a page from his clown alter ego named “Broccoli.”

“Not everyone likes Broccoli, but I hope you like me!” he would joke to customers.

Even though he loves his job, he knows there’s a time to move aside for the next generation to take the wheel. But before he left, he served one more State Fair – a service he provided every year at transit. On his very last ride, he announced his retirement, which was met with applause and congratulations.

“I’m going to miss my job,” Thomas said. “But I find myself in a really good place.”

In retirement, he looks forward to camping, visiting friends in the Dells, snow birding in Florida, and looks forward to welcoming a new grandchild into the family.