Retiring Sunderland bus driver Calum parks his bus for the final time after 26 years service
“His work ethic is second to none, and nothing is ever too much trouble for him”
A Sunderland bus driver has parked up his Stagecoach bus for the final time after 26 years of helping to transport people across the city and wider region.
Calum Train, 62, has helped keep communities across South Tyneside and Sunderland moving since joining Stagecoach in 2000. What was intended to be a six-month stop-gap role became a rewarding career spanning more than a quarter of a century. Starting at South Shields depot, Calum built a reputation as a dependable and highly respected driver before transferring to Sunderland in 2019.
In 2022, Calum joined the Training Department as a Relief Post Test Trainer before becoming a Driving Instructor, where he played a key role in helping develop the next generation of Stagecoach bus drivers.
Calum is now looking forward to an “exciting new chapter”, including his daughter Bethany’s wedding later this year.
A lifelong enthusiast of transport and engineering, Calum has a passion for vintage vehicles and now hopes to use his increased spare time to regularly attend rallies with his prized Corporation Transport Daimler CCG6/Roe 140.
He is also a dedicated Formula One fan, having fulfilled a long-held ambition to attend Silverstone recently. Among his motorsport heroes are Nigel Mansell and Lewis Hamilton.
Commenting on his two-and-a-half decades of service, Michael Emmet, Driving Excellence Lead Trainer at Stagecoach, said: “Working alongside Calum in the training room over the past four years has been an absolute privilege.
“His work ethic is second to none, and nothing is ever too much trouble for him. Whether it’s helping someone with a work-related issue or simply taking the time to listen and offer support on a personal matter, Calum is always there.
“He walks through the door every day with a smile on his face, bringing positivity and professionalism that has had a real impact on everyone around him. It has been a pleasure to call him not just a colleague, but a good friend.”
Reflecting on his career, colleagues describe Calum as someone who has “embodied” the values of Stagecoach throughout his time with the company – “combining professionalism and a genuine commitment to supporting both customers and colleagues”.