Bus boss behind the wheel

Stagecoach's MD drives the number 2

A bus company boss is keeping his skills up-to-date by getting back behind the wheel.

Stagecoach South West's managing director Mike Watson brushed off his drivers' uniform to drive the number 2 bus route that connects Exeter with Dawlish, Teignmouth and Newton Abbot. 

Although he's in the bus industry for 25 years, Mr Watson took a little longer before gaining his bus licence. But after doing so in 2003, he loved it. He's 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.’ 

Before picking up passengers in Devon last week, he undertook the refresher training that all Stagecoach Drivers must uphold in preparation for his trip, He also spent time practicing operating ticket machines. Mike said: "A lot has changed since I was last out on the road. For example we’ve introduced contactless payments on all of our services which has added an additional step to the process for our drivers.

"Carrying out these practice sessions really has made me appreciate just how much knowledge our drivers carry; they are all proficient in our full range of tickets as well as the many routes we operate. They are the first point of call for our customers, and play a huge role in the experience our passengers have of travelling with us ’

Stepping into gas drivers' shoes has also held a greater meaning for him in recent months. Mike said: ‘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.

I really enjoyed getting back behind the wheel, and found it to be an inspirational experience. The levels of concentration needed are significant as there are so many hazards out there from trees to badly parked vans. You need to know where loads of products are on the ticket machine and help customers as best you can.

"Our customers are fantastic, many of them are really kind, asking you how you are, conscious you are working with the public during a pandemic. 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.’

As people across the UK start to look forward to the phased return to a more normal way of life, over the coming weeks and months, we will see more people travelling to head back into offices and to enjoy leisure trips.

Mike continued: ‘We have a really comprehensive network of buses across the south west, which will play a huge part in getting people moving again. I’m really keen that as people start to take steps back to a normal life that they’ll chose public transport to move about. Throughout the pandemic we’ve really seen a difference in air quality across our roads, with less people travelling by car. The last year has forced a huge change in the way we live our lives, it would be amazing for people to get back out there by bus and do their bit for the environment.’

Mike is proud to regularly commute by bus to work, often catching the number 2B. He said ‘My commute is great, I have extra time in the morning and at the end of the day to catch up on emails, or social media and I don’t have to sit in stop start traffic. I really enjoyed driving across the route on the day, but I’m more than happy to leave this pleasure to my experienced driving team, and sit back and relax on my journey home!’