Still on Route: Britain’s Oldest Bus Driver Marks 60 Years Behind the Wheel

An 81-year-old bus driver from Merseyside is proving that passion for the job doesn’t come with a retirement date—after clocking up an incredible 60 years of service and still going strong.

Merfyn “Taff” Williams, believed to be one of the oldest working bus drivers in the UK, first stepped onto a bus in St Helens in 1966—and six decades later, he’s still part of the daily operation at the very same depot.

A lifetime on the buses

Originally from Colwyn Bay in North Wales, Taff moved to St Helens in the 1960s after meeting his wife—and never looked back. What began as a suggestion from his mother-in-law, who worked as a conductor, quickly turned into a lifelong career.

Starting out as a “clippy” in the days of open rear platforms, he recalls a very different era of bus travel—one where winter journeys meant heavy coats and freezing conditions for conductors, while drivers stayed warm at the front.

Over the years, Taff has driven every route in St Helens, gaining an unmatched knowledge of the area. “I know the town like the back of my hand,” he says—a claim few could dispute after such a long career.

Still enjoying the ride

Today, he works part-time, driving three days a week, transporting Arriva staff between depots. But for Taff, it’s not just about the driving—it’s the people that keep him coming back.

“The camaraderie is what I enjoy most,” he said. “I get to chat with colleagues and keep up with everything going on.”

Stories from the road

After six decades, it’s no surprise Taff has built up a collection of memorable moments. One of the most dramatic involved a pram rolling off a bus after a sharp turn—fortunately without a baby inside.

He’s also witnessed huge changes in both vehicles and passengers over the years, noting that while buses have evolved, the sense of community isn’t quite what it used to be.

A local legend

Taff’s longevity means he’s now working alongside drivers who once rode his buses as schoolchildren—a full-circle moment that highlights just how much of a fixture he’s become.

Colleagues recently celebrated his milestone with a small gathering, recognising not just his years of service but the impact he’s had on the team.

“He’s part of the fabric here,” said site manager Lisa Sloan. “He brings a smile to everyone and we’d be lost without him.”

No plans to stop

Although he once considered retiring after 40 years, a last-minute job opportunity kept him behind the wheel—and he’s glad it did.

Now, more than 60 years since he started, Taff has no immediate plans to hang up his keys.

“I’ll keep going as long as I can,” he says.

And for passengers and colleagues alike, long may that continue.