Jimmy Kewley, 78, from Birkenhead, has retired from Arriva after 60 years behind the wheel. He joined Birkenhead Corporation in 1966 at age 18, starting as a conductor before becoming a driver three years later.
A career born from a desire to earn decent money
Jimmy told the ECHO: “I’d just gotten married and I wanted a job where I could earn decent money. So I became a conductor, but I always wanted to be a driver.” He passed his PSV driving test first time and began driving when he turned 21.
He recalled: “I remember coming into work while I was still a conductor one day, and they said, ‘Your results have come through, you can go driving now'. So, off I went. I was so excited.”
An unexpected end to a six-decade career
Jimmy's career ended after he was diagnosed with a leaking heart valve. He had initially taken time off with high blood pressure, but a heart scan revealed the issue after he experienced breathing problems. The diagnosis means he can no longer drive.
He said: “It’s horrible. Even today, I still love it. I'm actually gutted about what's happened to me. I really am, because I wanted to carry on driving till I was in my 90s. I’m going to miss it very much.”
Watching the industry change
Jimmy's career spanned major industry changes, from Birkenhead Corporation to deregulation and integration into the Merseyside Passenger Transport Executive. By October 1986, operations became Merseybus, then MTL Trust Holdings in 1993, before Arriva took over in February 2000.
In his early years, he worked from the New Ferry depot, driving routes including the 10 between New Ferry and New Brighton, the 41 from Woodside to Mill Park, the 39 between Woodside and Eastham Village, and the 44 from New Ferry to Eastham Ferry. He said: “I liked them all, to be honest with you. So long as I was behind the wheel driving, I was in my element.”
Pride in connecting people
Jimmy said he took satisfaction from knowing passengers relied on him to get to work, hospital appointments, or elsewhere. He said: “Obviously, you do your best to make sure you're always running on time - not early and not late. [You're connecting] one area to another area.”
To celebrate his 60 years, colleagues gathered for a send-off, with Jimmy picked up in an old bus. He said: “The lads are great. The workmates are absolutely brilliant. We all work for each other.” His advice for anyone considering the job is to “just take your time and be nice to people”. He added: “Even today, I think it's a worthwhile job, and one people should love.”
