Twenty-six-year Pace bus operator Michael Brown helps a passenger across the street while on his break at the Howard CTA Red Line station in Evanston.

George LeClaire | Staff Photographer

Route 290 Pace bus operator Michael Brown enjoys a cup of homemade coffee from his silver thermos while talking with passenger Hyacinth Taylor during a 10-minute break at the Howard CTA Red Line station in Evanston.

George LeClaire | Staff Photographer

Route 290 Pace bus operator Michael Brown gets back on his bus after helping a passenger lower the bike rack at the Howard CTA Red Line station in Evanston.

George LeClaire | Staff Photographer

Michael Brown, who lives in Des Plaines, drives past the Leaning Tower YMCA on West Touhy Avenue in Niles.

George LeClaire | Staff Photographer

Michael Brown walks through the Pace Northwest Division garage to inspect his bus at 5:30 a.m. before starting his shift.

George LeClaire | Staff Photographer

Pace bus operator Michael Brown of Des Plaines starts his afternoon shift driving a deadhead route (no stops or riders) past the Des Plaines Theatre on Northwest Highway to the beginning of his route in Park Ridge.

George LeClaire | Staff Photographer