Dedicated staff who kept the buses running across the region for a combined total of 718 years have been recognised with long service awards.
Nearly 30 bus drivers, engineers, fitters, driving instructors and office staff who have worked for Stagecoach for as long as 40 years were celebrated at a special ceremony at the Low Wood Bay Resort and Spa, Windermere, on September 24.
Six of those who received awards have retired, with the rest still working at the company’s Barrow, Carlisle, Kendal, Morecambe/Lancaster and West Cumbria depots.
Steven Rudd, a driver based in Stagecoach’s Penrith depot, received his award after working for the company for 26 years.
As well as driving various routes across the area, Steven, 57, also oversees the smooth operation of buses at the depot.
He began his career at Stagecoach as a driver in Carlisle. However, he enjoyed his time helping out at the Penrith depot one summer so much that he opted to stay.
“There are only 12 of us here and we’ve been working together for a long time now so it’s like a little family group,” he said.
“It’s a very secure job and I have really enjoyed working here over the years.”
The buses Steven drives every week include the 508, which takes a scenic route from Penrith through to Windermere via Ullswater and Kirkstone Pass.
“I love having the opportunity to drive out into the Lakes; there’s beautiful scenery and you meet friendly people,” said Steven.
“I was quite taken aback by the award and the evening they put on for us to be honest. It was nice for my wife Elaine to get a bunch of flowers as well, in recognition of all the support she’s given me.”
Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire managing director Rob Jones said: “It was a privilege to have all of that experience in one room and have the opportunity to thank people for supporting the company, each other and – most importantly – our passengers over the decades.”
