The King County Department of Transportation recognized bus driver John Boone as Operator of the Year on Wednesday, June 24 for his many years of service and first-class customer service.

Metro officials held a surprise ceremony for Boone, who pilots the Eastside’s Route 246 on weekdays. He has been driving buses since before Metro Transit formed in 1973.

“John is in an elite group of our best operators who are driven to provide the best customer service we can offer and we’re proud to have him on our team every day,” said Metro Transit General Manager Kevin Desmond.

Boone was chosen from among Metro Transit’s 2,530 bus operators to be this year’s Metro Transit Operator of the Year. He was previously named a Metro Operator of the Month in November, and six previous times in his career. His 84 fellow “Operators of the Month” chose him for the award.

Boone currently lives in Bellevue, and is actively involved in a variety of Seafair events, volunteering at the hydroplane races, working as an active volunteer of the Unlimited Hydroplane & Race Boat Museum, and serving previously on the board of the Seafair Boat Club.

He is also a fervid Seahawks fan and an original season ticket holder.

“John’s enthusiasm makes him a favorite at the bus base and at every stop on his route,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “If you want to know which bus John is driving, just listen for the ‘Go Hawks’ chants each fall.”