Busways driver signs off after 49 years driving in Western Sydney

BUSWAYS bus driver Vince Jones, 72, said his last “too-da-loo” on his two-way radio when he retired from driving buses after 49 years.

BUSWAYS bus driver Vince Jones, 72, said his last “too-da-loo” on his two-way radio when he retired from driving buses after 49 years.

His popular sign-off is just one of the things for which Mr Jones’ bus-driver mates will remember the jovial Wilmott resident .

Busways Driver Vince Jones, 72, retires after driving buses for 49 years. Friends farewell Mr Jones at Busways depot in Penrith.

“Yes, I always say too-da loo when I’m finishing my shift, but I also say too-da-loo when I have to go to the loo,” Mr Jones said.

“The reason I have kept driving so long is because driving buses and helping people makes me happy.

“I feel proud when I can help my community and I like helping the elderly.”

On Friday, Mr Jones enjoyed a farewell party at the Busway depot in Penrith.

Busways Driver Vince Jones, 72, retires after driving buses for 49 years. Mr Jones' son, Gavin Jones, is also a bus driver.

Over his career he has worked for State Transit Authority’s Pagewood and Willoughby depots, Westbus and, in 2013, he transferred to Busways in an exchange.

“The industry has had such big changes since I first started driving, with new buses and the growing area of Western Sydney,” Mr Jones said. “In 1965 the double-decker buses had no power power steering.

“We used to double-clutch to switch gears. These days it’s easier for the disabled to enter buses — they have wider doors and you can lower the bus floor for wheelchair access.”

Busways Driver Vince Jones, 72, retires after driving buses for 49 years.

When asked what he will miss most about his job, Mr Jones said: “Simply getting behind the wheel.”

Busways Penrith operations manager Georgette Golding said: “Vincent has proudly transported his passengers safely and on time to and from their destination for the last 49 years. He is an excellent driver and has always been very considerate of those on board.”