Strabane bus driver retires after 50 years in public transport

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 11:34 · Archive

Noel Christy from Co Tyrone has retired after 50 years as a bus driver, matching his father's service record.

Noel Christy from Strabane in Co Tyrone has retired after 50 years with Ulster Transport Authority and Translink. He started work at 17, following his father into public transport, and was given the chance to drive at 21 after initially cleaning and maintaining buses.

Christy was determined to match his father's 50-year career. 'My dad did 50 years and I could've been away a couple of years ago,' he said. 'But I said no, I'm going to do the 50. Just something in my head I had to do.' He surpassed his father by four days.

During his long career, Christy experienced hijackings and said his mother wanted him to quit afterwards. 'I got that used to it,' he said. 'I would tell them you have no cause to stand beside me pointing a gun at my side.' He highlighted the importance of friendships with colleagues and the support they gave one another, particularly during The Troubles.

How it is being reported

• From hijackings to a ‘bus blind date’: Veteran driver Noel Christy ends 50-year Translink careerBelfast Telegraph · 23 Oct, 10:46
• Strabane bus driver looks back on a long career as he prepares to retire after 50 yearsNoel Christy shared some of his memories as a bus driver, including his first hijackingBelfast Live · 22 Oct, 20:21

In this story: Noel Christy · Strabane · Co Tyrone · Ulster Transport Authority · Translink

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem