If you’re on a bus at 4 pm, you might be part of a memorial

For Metro, today is Mark McLaughlin Day, a tribute to the driver murdered on the job on the day after Thankgiving in 1998, including a 4 pm moment of remembrance for drivers if they can stop safely. Here’s the system alert:

Metro bus service will pause for a moment of reflection and remembrance for transit operator Mark McLaughlin at 4 pm today.

Metro operators will honor the legacy of operator Mark McLaughlin, who died tragically while driving Route 359 in 1998. Operators throughout the system will pause for a moment of silence at 4 pm today to honor Mr. McLaughlin. Operators participating in the annual remembrance will stop only where and when it is safe to do so. Operators will not pause service if they are traveling on highways or on roadways where there is no place to safely pull over.

This Metro Matters post from two years ago has the backstory.

Alki resident November 28, 2025 (3:16 pm)

That horrific tragedy will never be forgotten. What an honor it would be to be on a bus during this memorial.

Tessa November 28, 2025 (5:35 pm)

I remember.i was working as one of so many of the healthcare workers of several hospitals that helped people go from the Emergency Room to eventually back to their home….today all of the drivers were given holiday pay . Each day a sacrifice, each day safety precautions. Every day a gift.

Workdowntown November 28, 2025 (7:43 pm)

I remember that day vividly, horrific. Prayers for Mark and his family.

KT November 28, 2025 (8:32 pm)

I think about him every time I travel across the Aurora Bridge.

pelicans November 29, 2025 (3:25 am)

As do I. And all the passengers. For years afterward there was a wreath attached to the bridge railing on the northeast end. I’m hoping there is one there again.
- KD November 29, 2025 (9:17 am)
  
  Our Union, ATULocal #587 does do a new wreath every year with a small ceremony. There is a mini park up at the North Base (where Mark worked out of) I knew Mark, he was a few hired classes behind me. To think that he’d probably be entertaining the notion to retire around now is sad also if he’d made it that far. I’m sure our Union will also hold a memorial up in the U-District for Shawn Yim.. his tragic passing year date is coming up soon in January ☹️

LyndaB November 30, 2025 (9:06 am)

I won’t forget this either. Count me as part of countless community members who donated blood or became new blood donors. Blood Works (then Puget Sound Blood Center) sent me a “donorversary” email with 11/28/1998 as my first donation. 🙏🏼

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