Huddersfield bus driver reaches 50 years’ service and vows to continue
- Early in his career Younus helped improve safety at Huddersfield Bus Station
A First Bus driver in Huddersfield who is celebrating 50 years’ service has no plans to retire and has already left a long-lasting mark on the safety of passengers using the bus station.
Younus Mumtaz, 77, began his career on the region’s bus network in 1976, working as a conductor for what was then Metro Kirklees in the days before deregulation of the industry.
He recalls that driving buses was very different to the vehicles today. “Sometimes you had to sit up out of your seat to steer the bus on tight corners,” he said.
He qualified as a driver two years later and gradually saw roles changing. “When conductors were phased out the driver became the lead. Fares were all paid in cash, so we had more interaction with customers. Then the exact farebox came in and people could just pop in their coins and walk on, a bit like using bank cards today, much quicker.”
“There were also routes that would take four hours to complete so you could only manage one round trip on a shift and then have a break.”
He has lived most of his life in the Birkby Park area of Huddersfield and these days he will regularly be seen driving the 363 and X63 services.
It was during a year at college in Leeds in 1989 while studying to become a supervisor that Younus examined the safety layout of Huddersfield Bus Station. His recommendations led to the redesign of the bus drop-off island, keeping customers out of harm’s way, a change that remains to this day.
Younus has looked to develop his career through his decades with First Bus. During a four-year spell from 1985-89 he switched to become an instructor. Two fellow drivers he helped train are still at the Huddersfield depot on Old Fieldhouse Lane.
He has also had a brush with television fame. When the classic BBC sitcom Last of the Summer Wine required a bus for filming, Younus was among the drivers to be seen behind the wheel as the bus passed through the village.
His commitment to learning has clearly rubbed off on his family. His six children include two pharmacists, a solicitor, a law and criminology graduate, a staff member at the University of Huddersfield and a senior case officer within Bradford’s prosecution service.
After 20 years as a supervisor he returned to driving in 2009 and says it’s the daily connection with customers that he believes is the best part of the job and why he wants to continue.
“One good thing about being in the cab every day is that you get to know customers’ habits. You make personal friendships and this changes the atmosphere.”
Chris Burton, Operations Manager at the depot, said: “Younus is admired by everyone here. He’s an inspiration for drivers of all ages and we’re delighted he doesn’t want to leave us just yet!”.
Picture captions:
Picture 3: Younus Mumtaz receives plaques marking his 50 years’ service from Chris Burton and Mick Forbes, Engineering Director of First Bus in West Yorkshire together with Aftab Alam (far left) and (right) Mohammed Nasir from Unite.
Picture 4: Younus Mumtaz surrounded by his family and cheering colleagues from First Bus.
Picture 5: Younus Mumtaz is applauded by his colleagues at the Huddersfield depot.
Picture 6: Younus Mumtaz and his family celebrate his 50 years’ service with First Bus.
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