Stagecoach Yorkshire Celebrates Long Service of Bus Drivers and Engineers at Special Ceremony

Stagecoach Yorkshire recently hosted a special ceremony to celebrate the incredible dedication and long service of its bus drivers and engineers. Colleagues from various depots across the region were honoured for their years of hard work, with some having been part of the team for as long as 40 years. This event not only recognised individual achievements but also highlighted the significant contribution these employees have made to public transport in Yorkshire.

Honouring Long Service

The Long Service Awards ceremony took place to acknowledge those who have been with Stagecoach Yorkshire for over 20 years. Employees from depots in Barnsley, Rawmarsh, Ecclesfield, and Holbrook in Sheffield were celebrated, with a total of over 780 years of service represented among the honourees. This impressive number showcases the loyalty and commitment of the team to the local community.

Remarkable Milestones

Among those recognised, three individuals stood out for their exceptional dedication of 40 years with the company:

• Alan Arblaster – Driver

• Owen Moran – Driver

• Robert Bilham – Recently retired Engineering Manager

Another notable attendee was Ian Roddis, who recently retired after an astounding 56 years of service. Such long careers in one place are rare and demonstrate a deep connection to their roles and the communities they serve.

A Look Back in Time

The ceremony also took a nostalgic turn, reflecting on the year 1986, when some of the awardees began their journeys with Stagecoach Yorkshire. This was a time when popular music included hits like *Don’t Leave Me This Way* by The Communards and *Living Doll* by Cliff Richard and The Young Ones. Cinema-goers were entertained by blockbuster films such as *Top Gun*, *Crocodile Dundee*, and *The Karate Kid Part II*. These cultural references served as a reminder of how much has changed over the decades, yet the commitment to providing excellent transport services has remained constant.

Words from the Managing Director

Matt Kitchin, the Managing Director for Stagecoach Yorkshire, expressed his pride in the long-serving team members. He stated, “A service like running a modern bus network relies on the combined knowledge and experience of its team members. So, I am very proud to honour some of the people who have been here for the longest periods of time.”

He further emphasised the importance of this accumulated wisdom, saying, “It is very striking, as I travel around the different areas, that people enjoy working here, and they have a real passion to provide the best possible service to our region.” This passion is evident in every interaction with passengers, highlighting how dedicated employees contribute to community well-being.

Future Success Built on Experience

Kitchin also noted that the wealth of knowledge and experience among the team forms the foundation for the company’s future success. He thanked everyone for their hard work, stating, “I would like to offer my thanks to everyone who works so hard every day to welcome our passengers and to keep our communities connected.” This sentiment reinforces the idea that every employee plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of bus services across Yorkshire.

Connecting Communities

The Long Service Awards not only celebrated individual achievements but also highlighted the essential role that Stagecoach Yorkshire plays in connecting communities. With a commitment to providing reliable and efficient transport services, the company remains a crucial part of everyday life for many residents in the region.

Stay Connected with Stagecoach

For those looking to travel around Yorkshire, Stagecoach offers various services and routes that can be easily accessed. To find out more about local bus routes, purchase tickets before boarding, or track a bus in real-time, downloading the Stagecoach Bus App is highly recommended. The app allows users to plan their journeys conveniently and stay informed about service updates.

In summary, the Long Service Awards at Stagecoach Yorkshire provided a wonderful opportunity to recognise the dedication of long-serving employees. Their commitment not only reflects their loyalty to the company but also their passion for serving the community, ensuring that everyone can rely on safe and efficient transport.