Ladbible X Whatsapp
  • iconNews
  • videos
  • entertainment
  • Home
  • News
    • UK News
    • US News
    • Australia
    • Ireland
    • World News
    • Weird News
    • Viral News
    • Sport
    • Technology
    • Science
    • True Crime
    • Travel
  • Entertainment
    • Celebrity
    • TV & Film
    • Netflix
    • Music
    • Gaming
    • TikTok
  • LAD Originals
    • Say Maaate to a Mate
    • Daily Ladness
    • Lad Files
    • UOKM8?
    • FreeToBe
    • Extinct
    • Citizen Reef
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube

LAD Entertainment

YouTube

LAD Stories

Submit Your Content
'Iconic' bus driver retires after 56 years and has party thrown for him to celebrate

Home> News

Updated 05:26 30 May 2023 GMT+1Published 05:27 30 May 2023 GMT+1

'Iconic' bus driver retires after 56 years and has party thrown for him to celebrate

Bob Smith first joined when he was just 18 years old.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Bob Smith has had a party thrown for him to celebrate his retirement after 56 years of driving a bus.

The 75-year-old from South Yardley, Birmingham has finally handed in his keys following his record-breaking employment.

He joined National Express West Midlands at the age of 18 as a conductor and eventually moved on to become a driver.

For the last 20 years of his career, he switched things up and became a driver who picked up fellow colleagues.

Advert

Smith is the National Express West Midlands' longest serving employee and they wanted to make sure he finished his last shift with a bang.

National Express West Midlands

The BBC reports colleagues and pals organised a traditional 'bus pull' of a MCW Metrobus.

They surprised him on his final work day with the company and he got the send-off he deserved.

Operations manager Mat Dale said Bob is an 'icon' in their eyes and a 'top-notch bloke'.

Advert

"He's a bit of an icon at our Acocks Green garage and we'll all really miss him," he said.

"He's been a brilliant driver which was proven by his recent Master Driver status, and his knowledge and experience of the roads was unrivalled.

"Bob [was] very honest, kind, and always willing to help whenever he could. [He] will be sorely missed."

But Bob isn't the only person who has recently celebrated retirement after a lengthy career of local transport.

Joe Crean finished up his 52-year career driving trains around the UK.

Advert

TPExpressTrains/Twitter

He hails from Glossop in Derbyshire and was totally overwhelmed when he walked onto the platform after having completed his last shift on the job earlier this month.

A cheering crowd of Joe's nearest and dearest gathered around for the momentous occasion at Manchester Piccadilly station.

The 69-year-old first began his railway career back in 1971, starting as a steward in the dining car for British Rail.

Reminiscing about his decades-spanning vocation, he revealed: "I have over half a century of cherished memories on the railway, and it means a lot to have shared my final journey with both my family and my railway family.

Advert

"I’m looking forward to spending more time with my wife, Christine, my sons Gary and Shane, and extended family, who thoughtfully came to see my final drive."

The managing director at TransPennine Express, Matthew Golton, said: "Joe’s retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy and contributions towards the future generation of drivers will carry on."

Featured Image Credit: National Express West Midlands

Topics: UK News

Stewart Perrie
Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Senior Journalist at LADbible. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign. He is in charge of the LADbible Australia editorial content and social presence.

X

@stewartperrie

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

6 mins ago
26 mins ago
an hour ago
3 hours ago
  • 6 mins ago

    'Worst shark attack ever' saw desperate crew feed dead to sharks as they circled in bloodbath

    If you've seen Jaws, then you'll know about this

    News
  • 26 mins ago

    'Infuriated' swingers speak out on the impact Diddy's 'freak-off' parties had on community

    Sean 'Diddy' Combs' lawyers caused an outcry in the swinging community

    News
  • an hour ago

    Dad issues grave warning as partner fighting for her life after horror mosquito bite infection

    She fainted due to the bites and fell down a flight of stairs

    News
  • 3 hours ago

    Everything we know about China's Ozempic and Wegovy rival to help people with weight loss

    Several other weight loss jabs are being developed in China

    News
  • Oasis stage time and set list length revealed for first live shows in 16 years
  • Iconic ‘apparently kid’ recreates viral clip 10 years later and it's just as good
  • Woman who went missing at bus stop more than 60 years ago and not heard from since found ‘alive and well’ by police
  • School bus driver immediately retires after winning £80,000 lottery