Stagecoach South West’s longest serving driver retires
Mike Prowse of Exeter Devon is Stagecoach South West’s longest serving driver having signed up to a lifetime on the buses back in August 1962. He celebrates his 62nd, and final, year working for Stagecoach this September, connecting thousands of passengers to their destinations across the South West.
Mike’s long service and dedication to Stagecoach was celebrated at The Exeter Bus Station on the 9th of September, where Mike finished his last ever shift. After finishing his last drive on the 2 route, his first ever route driven as a bus driver, Mike was greeted with a party at Exeter’s bus station. Staff were able to share stories of his career, and Mike was able to recount his fondest memories over the years.
Exeter man Mike Prowse is Stagecoach South West’s longest serving driver having signed up to a life on the buses at 15 years old in August 1962.
Mike, a much-loved character amongst his driving team has clocked up a wealth of experience during his 6 decades behind the wheel and has become a recognised face throughout the region by locals and visitor alike.
An Exeter local, Mike was born in Venny Tedburn near Crediton. Returning to the city centre, aged 5, after his family were evacuated during the war. Mike’s dad had started as a driver with Devon General in 1932. Mike recalls his father asking him what he was going to do upon leaving school.
Mike said: “I had originally planned to look for a job with the railway company. However, my father had other ideas! There was a vacancy in the parcel office with Devon General, and the rest is history!”
Mike has a strong family tie to the bus industry. His family have a combined service record with the company spanning a whopping 116 years! Mike’s own son who is also called Mike, also did a stint working with the Exeter Stagecoach team
Over the 55 years Mike has been behind the wheel, he’s driven the majority of the company’s routes. With rural journeys being his favourite shifts. He also did a stint as roadside publicity officer for a while, updating bus stops across the region with the latest timetable information for customers.
One of Mike’s proudest moments was meeting the then His Royal Highness Prince of Wales, in July 2021 at the opening of Exeter’s new bus station in the city centre. He recalls that due to the top-secret nature of the visit, he didn’t know who would be opening the station, just that he had to be in attendance. When he found out the identity of the Royal guest, he was a bit apprehensive, but he tells us His Majesty then King Charles put him at ease right away. He remembers His Majesty the King saying, ‘You’re older than me!’ To which Mike replied, ‘Well someone’s got to be!’ He tells us this was a truly special experience, and he was honoured to be involved this remarkable event.
Over the years Mike has gathered a few favourites routes. He said: “I particularly enjoy driving through Chagford and Mortenhampstead. Our buses travel through some of the most beautiful scenery you can imagine. One morning arriving at Longdown and seeing the sunrise of the Exeter landscape in the distance, the sight completely took my breath away. As a driver used to early morning starts, you often have the opportunity to take in the peacefulness of such a scene, before the local communities rise and the hustle and bustle begins.”
Amongst his favourite vehicles to drive were Devon General’s AEC Reliance buses, numbered 45/46 and 47. The Buses were painted in a special reverse livery for the operation of the express route 46. They featured a 6 speed ZF German gearbox and had the potential of reaching 82 MPH.
