Stagecoach South West’s longest serving driver retires

Stagecoach South West’s longest serving driver has hung up keys for the final time.

Mike Prowse signed up to a lifetime on the buses aged just 15 back in August 1962.

And his long service and dedication to Stagecoach was celebrated at Exeter Bus Station after he finished his last ever shift.

Mike, a much-loved character amongst his driving team has clocked up a wealth of experience during his six decades behind the wheel and has become a recognised face throughout the region by locals and visitor alike.

Born in Venny Tedburn near Crediton he returned to the city centre, aged five, after his family were evacuated during the war. Mike’s dad had started as a driver with Devon General in 1932 and he recalls his father asking him what he was going to do after leaving school.

Mike said: “I had originally planned to look for a job with the railway company. However, my father had other ideas! There was a vacancy in the parcel office with Devon General, and the rest is history.”

His family have a combined service record with the company spanning a whopping 116 years. Mike’s own son who is also called Mike, also did a stint working with the Exeter Stagecoach team

Over the 55 years Mike has been behind the wheel, he’s driven the majority of the company’s routes, with rural journeys being his favourite shifts. He also did a stint as roadside publicity officer for a while, updating bus stops across the region with the latest timetable information for customers.

One of Mike’s proudest moments was meeting the then His Royal Highness Prince of Wales, in July 2021 at the opening of Exeter’s new bus station in the city centre.

Over the years Mike has gathered a few favourites routes. He said: “I particularly enjoy driving through Chagford and Mortenhampstead. Our buses travel through some of the most beautiful scenery you can imagine. One morning arriving at Longdown and seeing the sunrise of the Exeter landscape in the distance, the sight completely took my breath away.  As a driver used to early morning starts, you often have the opportunity to take in the peacefulness of such a scene, before the local communities rise and the hustle and bustle begins.”