Oh, this makes me sad, but also really happy for you. I’ve enjoyed your writing and I try my damnedest to not do those things that drive you and other drivers up the wall. All the best!
Sorry to hear you're retiring, but I'm here for the Camino photos and stories! Best of luck with the walk and whatever you get up to when you return home
Thanks for your writing Alan, it has been nice to read another perspective of getting around Wellington's busy streets, as a previous light truck driver myself. And an important aspect has been you always working to add a personal touch. No doubt you will reflect on it later, but looking at your scheduled day, I imagine that the length of your working day with those split shifts would have been a factor in making the decision to not continue much easier. All the best with those future endeavours.
Over a decade ago I used to catch the Island Bay bus, with mostly the same two drivers of a morning. Opposites! The grumpy one, who I dreaded - such a bad omen for the day. And the absolutely lovely, friendly one who greeted everyone with a smile. Always a better day after his rides. It does make a difference. I'm sure they must have thought the same about grumpy vs friendly passengers. ... and Wow, Portuguese Camino. Go well!
OMG! Will miss you! But that is super exciting, walking the Camino. You’ll end that with Iron Legs rather than an Iron Arse (or whatever it was!) I hope to hook a ride with you, but if I don’t, farewell!
Have loved reading your updates and the very few times I catch the #4 from Constable I hop on and hope to see your smiling face. All the best for the walk. Take care out there and thank you x
Oh how wonderful! I am not in Welly but on Waiheke. And I love PT. Have a wonderful time on the Camino. Something I never did but wanted to do. So, I will live it through your writing. All the very best!
Oh I’ll miss the bus stories Alan but how exciting that you are walking the Camino. A woman that recently joined my team at work walked it alone last year!
I will also miss your lively posts Alan. We need more drivers like you who actually like people and enjoy their jobs.
However what lies ahead is exciting and a real challenge. I wish you both well, have a fabulous time and please, keep writing!
Oh, this makes me sad, but also really happy for you. I’ve enjoyed your writing and I try my damnedest to not do those things that drive you and other drivers up the wall. All the best!
Sorry to hear you're retiring, but I'm here for the Camino photos and stories! Best of luck with the walk and whatever you get up to when you return home
Appreciate that Kevin, and thanks for continuing to follow!
Thanks for your writing Alan, it has been nice to read another perspective of getting around Wellington's busy streets, as a previous light truck driver myself. And an important aspect has been you always working to add a personal touch. No doubt you will reflect on it later, but looking at your scheduled day, I imagine that the length of your working day with those split shifts would have been a factor in making the decision to not continue much easier. All the best with those future endeavours.
Split shifts and long hours were some of the reasons, but not all. It is bittersweet, but definitely the right decision for now.
Over a decade ago I used to catch the Island Bay bus, with mostly the same two drivers of a morning. Opposites! The grumpy one, who I dreaded - such a bad omen for the day. And the absolutely lovely, friendly one who greeted everyone with a smile. Always a better day after his rides. It does make a difference. I'm sure they must have thought the same about grumpy vs friendly passengers. ... and Wow, Portuguese Camino. Go well!
Thanks, Annie. Treating people with a smile and a bit of good humour doesn't take much. It makes everyone's day better.
Have loved your stories and attitude to life. Thank you. And best of luck on the Camino - there will be stories to tell for sure.
Thanks, Lynn!
Alan - it's been absolute delight reading your stories about bus driver-life. You have a very special and authentic way with words 💛
I'll be keeping an eye out for tales of your Camino adventures! xx
Thanks, Shannon! I have a few more bus stories before I start on the Camino!!
Huge news!
I'm surprised all the major national newspapers haven't covered it 🤣
Look forward to reading about your next venture. Camino, here comes Al ❤️
Thanks for your loyal following Meg!! Love to you ❤️
Oh, how wonderful! Look forward to following your new adventures as a travel writer!
No pressure, eh? Thanks for following my driving escapades 😍
OMG! Will miss you! But that is super exciting, walking the Camino. You’ll end that with Iron Legs rather than an Iron Arse (or whatever it was!) I hope to hook a ride with you, but if I don’t, farewell!
Thanks Lee-Anne, always a pleasure to pick you up and drive you down the hill ❤️
Have loved reading your updates and the very few times I catch the #4 from Constable I hop on and hope to see your smiling face. All the best for the walk. Take care out there and thank you x
Thanks Annabelle!! ❤️
I’ve really enjoyed your writing and totally understand why you’re leaving. I’ll be sticking around to hear what you have to say. Thanks
That's made my day, thanks!
Oh how wonderful! I am not in Welly but on Waiheke. And I love PT. Have a wonderful time on the Camino. Something I never did but wanted to do. So, I will live it through your writing. All the very best!
Thanks, Kathy! Camino, here we come - well, in a month or so...
Oh I’ll miss the bus stories Alan but how exciting that you are walking the Camino. A woman that recently joined my team at work walked it alone last year!
Krystle, you have been a stalwart supporter of me on my driving adventure, despite never having been on my bus. I appreciate it, greatly. ❤️
Alan!!!!!!!
That's me. Always mixing it up. ❤️