Richard Neesham, Tyne and Wear Metro’s oldest ever driver at 75, has retired about over 40 years of service on the network. He started his job on the Metro in 1981 shortly after the system opened and despite the 3am starts he had been there ever since, until now when he has finally taken a well earned retirement.
Having spent ten years as a bus driver before taking the job at the Metro he has spent over 50 years in the industry and doesn’t seem to have regretted a minute of it.
Richard said: “I love the job and I am going to miss it greatly. I am really proud to have worked as a Metro driver for so many years. I’ve worked with some great people. I was quite emotional on my last day at work, especially after spending 41 years working at the same place. All of the team gave me a fantastic send off.
“I started as a Metro driver at the time that the network was new and I have been there over four decades. It was an amazing time when it was all brand new and brought this new, rapid mode of transport for people to travel around on, a bit like the London Underground. The Metro attracted lots of bus drivers and it was a brilliant career move for me. After all these years I still don’t mind the early starts. Getting up at 3am for an early actually became my favourite shift, even in the winter.
“I must have carried millions of passengers over all those years. I’m one of a small number of drivers who have been there since the system opened. There aren’t that many of us left now. It’s a big achievement to work so long in this industry and I love the camaraderie with the other drivers. I am sad to leave but am also looking forward to my retirement and spending more time with my family. I’ve been invited back to see the new generation of Metro trains when they enter service next year and I am really looking forward to that.”
John Alexander, Metro Operations Director, said: “Richard has given outstanding service to the Tyne and Wear Metro over the last 41 years. To be still driving Metro trains at the age of 75 demonstrates the scale of his dedication to his profession. He is a hugely respected and popular member of our team and he will be greatly missed. It was an emotional send off on his last day at work. To spend 50 years in the public transport industry is an amazing achievement. Everyone at Nexus wishes Richard all the very best for a long and happy retirement.”