Key Takeaways
- Darrell Poole, a bus driver with 45 years of experience, has retired from Pearsons Coachlines.
- Mr. Poole has driven various routes, including school runs, tours, and charters, and has even driven a famous passenger, New Zealand radio personality Selwyn Toogood.
- He reflects on his job as "really great" and recommends it to others, especially those in their 50s considering a career change.
- Mr. Poole will miss the young people he has driven over the years and plans to focus on home improvements and spending time with his family in retirement.
Introduction to Darrell Poole’s Career
Darrell Poole, a veteran bus driver with 45 years of experience, has stepped off the bus for the last time, retiring from Pearsons Coachlines. Mr. Poole’s career has been a long and fulfilling one, with him having driven generations of people and schoolchildren. He has covered all sorts of driving work, including school runs, tour driving, InterCity bus routes, and charters. Mr. Poole’s experience and dedication have made a lasting impact on the community, and his presence will be truly missed by his colleagues and customers.
Reflections on a 45-Year Career
At 66, Mr. Poole reflects on his job as "really great" and says he would recommend it to anybody, especially those in their 50s considering a career change. He started his career with Ritchies, one of New Zealand’s leading transportation companies, and later drove for Pearsons Coachlines, a member of the Ritchies Transport Group, in 2021. Mr. Poole’s dedication, professionalism, and care have made a lasting difference, not only to his team but also to the wider community and the many students he has supported over the years. His operation manager, Trelise Gibson, praised Mr. Poole’s "incredible" 45 years of service, saying his presence, experience, and steady support will be truly missed.
A Family Legacy of Bus Driving
Mr. Poole’s interest in bus driving was inspired by his father, who was also a bus driver. He had always wanted to be a truck driver, but his father encouraged him to consider bus driving, saying it was similar, but with the added benefit of interacting with passengers. Mr. Poole’s father instilled in him the importance of treating children with respect and kindness, and Mr. Poole has carried this philosophy throughout his career. He has always made an effort to greet each student who boards his bus and bid them farewell when they get off, and he says he has had thousands of young people on his bus over the years.
Notable Passengers and Memories
One of Mr. Poole’s most notable passengers was New Zealand radio personality Selwyn Toogood, whom he drove on an "emergency run" from Dunedin to Christchurch after Mr. Toogood’s flight was cancelled due to fog. Mr. Poole describes Mr. Toogood as a "great fella" and a "real people person." He also recalls that he has had six marriages eventuate from couples who met on his bus, with the couples coming up to him and saying they got married after meeting on his bus. These experiences have made Mr. Poole’s career a memorable and rewarding one.
Life in Retirement
As Mr. Poole steps into retirement, he plans to focus on home improvements and spend more time with his family, including his daughter, son-in-law, and three grandchildren. He jokes that he will be "Darrell the Tool Man" Taylor in retirement, a reference to the popular TV show "Home Improvement." Mr. Poole says he will miss the young people he has driven over the years, but he is looking forward to this new chapter in his life. He praises the Pearsons staff as "a great bunch" to work with and jokes that they may not miss him too much, jokingly suggesting that they might prefer a younger, more charismatic driver to take over his route.
A Lasting Legacy
Mr. Poole’s retirement marks the end of an era, and his dedication and service will be remembered for years to come. Oamaru parent Catherine Wilson, whose children were all driven by Mr. Poole, describes him as a "very friendly and affable guy" who always gave her a wave. Mr. Poole’s legacy extends beyond his own family and colleagues, as he has made a positive impact on the wider community. As he begins his retirement, Mr. Poole can look back on his 45-year career with pride, knowing that he has made a difference in the lives of countless people.
