National Express coach driver Brent Humphries is celebrating a career spanning 40 years behind the wheel of National Express coaches.
The Edwards Coaches driver from South Wales began his career in the industry after university, joining National Express in 1983 as part of its driver school programme in Swansea.
On starting the programme, Brent’s wife Ann went into labour – meaning Brent was able to save time (and clock up additional instructor miles) by driving the training coach to the hospital.
During his 40-year career, Brent has picked up a number of awards, including UK Bus Driver of the Year in 2005, and the National Express Partner Company Driver of the Year in 2015, where he was recognised for assisting a passenger who had stopped breathing.
The career milestone comes as National Express marks its 50th anniversary with a 50-day giveaway, the publication of a commemorative book, and events across the UK to celebrate National Express history and showcase coach travel.
Chris Hardy, Managing Director for National Express UK Coach, says: “We’ve been a part of people’s lives for half a century and it’s been great hearing stories from our customers and staff, past and present – from couples who met on the coach and are now married, recollections from our long-serving drivers and coach station staff, to tales from our former jolly hostesses.
“Coach travel has moved on immeasurably in the last 50 years. Today, journeys are quicker and more reliable and our coaches are safer, more comfortable and greener than ever. I’m incredibly proud of our achievements and look forward to continuing our journey as the nation’s number one coach operator.”
Adds Brent: “I have always driven the National Express coaches, or ‘white ladies’ as we call them. Even though the companies I’ve been employed by have changed hands, the white ladies have always stayed with me and I really enjoy driving them.”
