Stagecoach South bus driver Michael Phelps retires

Michael Phelps is retiring from Stagecoach South after decades of service.

He began working in the early 1970s with a local coach company, before moving to Porters of Dummer in 1974 and later joining Stagecoach in December 1991.

Michael Phelps is retiring from Stagecoach South after more than 50 years in the transport industry. (Image: Stagecoach South)

Although he originally aspired to be a lorry driver, Michael found great satisfaction behind the wheel of a bus.

He said: "Driving was always what I wanted to do.

"Driving the bus was still the same as driving a lorry for me."

He became a well-known and trusted driver on school and rural routes, often advising passengers on the best value tickets.

His work also took him further afield, including assignments in Worthing, Exeter, Chichester, London and Birmingham.

One career highlight was supporting the 1995 Special Olympics in Portsmouth and transporting athletes during the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

Michael also appeared on television when he was interviewed by Nick Knowles for a traffic programme filmed in Basingstoke.

Marc Reddy, managing director of Stagecoach South, said: "Michael has been a hugely valued member of the team for many years and a familiar face to countless customers and colleagues."

Michael now plans to spend his retirement travelling, gardening and driving vintage lorries with the Thornycroft Society.