Coastliner driver Martin Wright

Double celebrations at popular Yorkshire Coastliner

7 July 2015

As the much-loved Yorkshire Coastliner bus celebrates its 25th anniversary, one of its drivers is also marking a major milestone of his own.

After 20 years, Martin Wright has finally achieved his boyhood dream of becoming a driver for the Transdev-operated route, which links Yorkshire’s east coast with the cities of York and Leeds.

And after beginning the job four weeks ago, he loves it so much that he’s often at the depot a good hour before he’s due to start his shift, having a cuppa and chatting to his colleagues.

Martin Wright said:

That’s it, I’m quite happy, that’s me done.

I’ve reached my final destination work-wise.

This is exactly where I wanted to be. It was my childhood dream.

Martin is not alone in his passion for the Coastliner, which has achieved iconic status among both travellers and the industry since its launch on 2 January, 1990.

It offers a mix of city, countryside and coastal destinations, running three times an hour every day through Whitby, Scarborough, Filey, Bridlington. Pickering, Malton, York, Tadcaster and Leeds.

Martin, 36, first encountered the Coastliner as a teenager when he used to travel on it from his home in Copmanthorpe near York – where he still lives – to Tadcaster Grammar School.

Martin added:

The buses were part of a modern fleet, and were very well kept, clean and tidy.

And all the drivers were really friendly. In fact, I now work with a couple of them who used to drive me to school!

After leaving school at 16, Martin worked first as a van driver and then as a bus driver for various companies – all the while keeping his sights firmly on his ultimate goal of driving the Coastliner.

He finally got his break in April when he was offered a job at Transdev’s York depot.

Martin said:

I got my name down immediately on the waiting list for the Coastliner.

Much to my surprise and delight, after just four weeks, I was informed that I would be transferring to Malton, where the Coastliner is based. I was excited and very happy.

 

Having begun his dream job on June 1, Martin said it had been “as
good, if not better” than he’d imagined.

Martin said:

It’s been brilliant.

I think that’s because of the customers being so nice, and also the scenic route.

He is now looking forward to joining members of the public on Sunday, 12 July 2015, at the Coastliner 25 Summer Party to celebrate 25 years of the transport company.

Taking place from 10am to 3pm outside M&S in York city centre, it will feature family fun, giveaways and free vintage bus rides.

Coastliner staff in Malton will hold a birthday barbecue at the depot on 26 July 2015.

Martin added:

Hopefully the Coastliner will be going for at least
another 25 years – and I’ll still be driving it!

For more about the Yorkshire Coastliner and the Coastliner 25 Summer Party, visit www.yorkbus.co.uk or follow @Yorkbus on Twitter.

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