august 14, 2025
Guled Wehliye, Bus Operator for Metro Transit, shares how he came to Saint Paul, “I used to live in Toronto. When I visited Minnesota for the first time in 2018, I stayed in Downtown Saint Paul and that’s where I met my wife. A few months later, we started spending more time in Downtown, going on dates and visiting places like The Science Museum... I love the historical buildings, parks, and lakes in Saint Paul."
Guled shares a really special story, “One day I was driving Route 68 heading toward South St. Paul. I picked up an elderly woman in Downtown, she looked to be around 70 or 80 years old. When we got to the final stop at Southview and 5th Street, I told her, “Ma’am, this is the last stop.” She asked, “Where are we now?” I told her we were at Southview and 5th in South St. Paul.”
“She explained that she got on the bus near University and L’Orient and didn’t realize how far she had gone. I contacted the Transit Control Center and asked if I could take her back to her building. They gave me the okay. I drove her back and dropped her off at her building. Before leaving the bus, she told me, “God sent you to save me tonight.” I saw tears in her eyes. That moment really touched my heart. I love working for Metro Transit because I care deeply about helping vulnerable people. That’s the real reason I do what I do.”
Guled explores the future of Downtown, “If we work together as a community, we can make Downtown Saint Paul a great place for everyone. My dream is to start a nonprofit organization that partners with the city to support homeless people, helping them find housing and jobs.”
“I want to be part of building a more compassionate and supportive future for our city… I enjoy volunteering and helping my community, especially elders and people experiencing homelessness. I believe small acts of kindness can make a big difference.”
When asked if there is anything else he'd like to share, Guled says this, “Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. I'm proud to be part of this community.”
Thank YOU, Guled! Your story is beautiful and you're such an important part of Downtown - We're all connected by a thread.