A Thames Travel bus driver has looked back on an eventful 25-year career as he became his employer’s first long-service award recipient.
George Walker, who has covered more than 800,000 miles for the operator in south Oxfordshire, recalls having broadcasting legend Bob Harris and music icon Kenny Lynch among his passengers.
Having joined Thames Travel in 1999, one year after its founding, he is the business’s longest-serving driver.
Mr Walker, who switched careers from a heating engineer, describes his job as rewarding and adds that no two days are the same.
The married father-of-two says: “Kenny Lynch lost his diary on my bus one day. We tracked Kenny down and returned it to him – that’s the side of bus driving people do not see.
“We’re problem-solvers and quick thinkers as much as we are drivers and we build a good relationship with our passengers, which makes all the difference day-to-day.”
Over a quarter of a century, Mr Walker has seen the business grow to employe more than 150 staff with a fleet of 70 buses. Its many advancements include the adoption of tap-on, tap-off payments.
He says: “I’ve witnessed a lot of changes in my time at Thames Travel. Our operation today is huge compared to when I started, almost unrecognisable – it’s been great to be part of that growth.
“Buses built today are far easier to handle, and we have a lot of built-in technology onboard so our services can be as smooth and efficient as possible. But no two days are the same, which is what I love about the role.”
“I enjoy the camaraderie in the team and the conversations we have with colleagues and passengers to make sure our attention to detail goes that extra mile. For anyone considering becoming a bus driver, I couldn’t recommend it enough.
“It’s provided me with skills and memories to last a lifetime.”
The 54-year-old received his long-service award from Neil Butler, Oxford Bus Group Finance Director, and Luke Marion, Oxford Bus Group Managing Director.
Mr Marion says: “A huge congratulations to George for receiving our first long service award following 25 years behind the wheel.
“Thames Travel has grown significantly since George joined the team before the turn of the millennium, and it’s thanks to the team’s high levels of service, which has enabled this growth.
“We’d like to thank George for his outstanding loyalty and levels of customer service over the years and prioritising the satisfaction and safety of our customers.”
