Rider's Almanac Blog

On Off The Clock

On/Off the Clock with Elaine Warren

How did you come to work at Metro Transit and what do you do?

After 30 years as a store alterations manager for bridal, couture and men’s and women’s clothing, the company I worked for was sold. I thought it was an opportunity to do something different. I was informed of a temporary administrative position at the Metro Transit Police Department.

My father and spouse were in corrections, so I had a little knowledge of what this could be. I kind of went out on a wing and a prayer hoping it would transition into something permanent, and here am five years later, Principal Administrative Specialist at West Command (Minneapolis).

What is your favorite part about working for Metro Transit?

I’m most likely your first point of contact when you come to West Command. I like the diversity of my job responsibilities here, dealing with people from many aspects of life or business in and outside of Metro Transit. I especially like the camaraderie of the police family. This is an awesome group of folks who have great care and concern for each other. That makes it a pleasure to work here.

What are your favorite activities when you’re not working or are “Off the Clock”?

I like to volunteer with Transit Police and at other events where I can be creative. For the last four years, I’ve worked with a few other seamstresses to alter garments for the Saint Paul Winter Carnival royalty. We spent the weekend in a hotel room with our sewing machines, working around the clock to get them ready. (Above, Warren makes alterations to a dress worn by Alison Gunter, the 2019 Saint Paul Winter Carnival's Queen of the Snows.)

I also volunteer with Operation Glass Slipper, which provides prom gowns and accessories at no charge to high school girls throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin who would be unable to afford them. At the organization’s annual Princess Event in mid-March, more than 1,000 girls are outfitted for prom with the help of hundreds of volunteer Fairy Godmothers like me who make alterations. I also enjoy Latin dancing and family time. I have two sets of twin grandchildren!

Ride free to the Saint Paul Winter Carnival

The Saint Paul Winter Carnival continues through Sunday, Feb. 3, with events at Kellogg Mall Park, Union Depot and the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. With a downloadable pass, visitors can ride Metro Transit for free from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.