Bus boss back behind the wheel to drive Newton Abbot route
“It’s great to see what is happening across our network and get a feel for any improvements we can make for our staff and customers"
BUS boss Mike Watson has brushed off his driver’s uniform to get back behind the wheel and drive the number 2 bus route between Exeter with Dawlish, Teignmouth and Newton Abbot.
Stagecoach South West managing director Mike has been getting to know the number 2 road from Exeter to Newton Abbot, via Dawlish and Teignmouth.
He joined Stagecoach South West in July 2013, and has been in the bus industry for 25 years.
He gained his bus license in 2003, and has enjoyed several driving duties across his career, including local Exeter city routes during his first stint in the South West.
He said: “I’ve been keen to get back behind the wheel for a while.
“It’s great to see what is happening across our network and get a feel for any improvements we can make for our staff and customers.”
He carried out refresher training in preparation for his trip, and has also spent time practising the operation of the company’s ticket machines.
He said: “A lot has changed since I was last out on the road!
“The work our drivers have been doing throughout the pandemic has been incredible. I really wanted to experience first hand how the work of a bus driver has been changed, and understand any issues our team may face.”
He said the experience had been ‘inspirational’ and added: “I loved every minute of it but was a little bit nervous beforehand although I was well prepared!
“Pretty much all the customers were wearing their face masks, which was appreciated although one or two were exempt. It was also pretty obvious the journeys people were making were essential, mainly shopping trips or the commute to college for example. Everyone was in good spirits and it was a very friendly atmosphere!
‘I am so grateful for the work our team have done to keep keyworkers and communities across Devon connected, and in particular over the past 12 months. Many members of staff have stepped up to help us enhance our cleaning measures, and have also volunteered to operate special duties to allow us to operate additional buses for school journeys. These are just a couple of examples that highlight the great people we have working for us.”
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