Meet Tobi - the talented Stockport local who has qualified to be a bus driver, aged just 19.

With his new passenger-carrying vehicle (PCV) licence, he has been doing school runs and other public services for his employer, Belle Vue coaches.

A veritable bus enthusiast, Tobi Dekker first started at Belle Vue when he was still at school. Initially, he helped to clean the fleet, and later took on some office roles, too. Just over a year after passing his GCSEs, Tobi got his car driving licence after passing first time, and shortly after picked up his PCV licence.

Some of his regular services are the 391 and 392 between Stockport and Macclesfield, and the 280 between Altrincham and Partington.

"It hardly feels like I'm working when I'm on driving duties because I enjoy it so much", Tobi said. "It's a dream come true.

"It's great to be out on the road and meeting the passengers [...]. People often comment how nice it is to see a young driver.

Tobi started at Belle Vue when he was still at school, helping to clean the fleet. Shortly after, he took on some office roles at the company, and is now a driver (Image - Belle Vue)

"However, I do a lot more at Belle Vue besides driving – I also have a lot of experience of working in the office on the operational side of the business and helping to ensure our services run as smoothly as possible.

"I get the best of both worlds in an industry that I love, and I would encourage anyone who is interested in a career in transport to go for it – it's always great to be doing a job you enjoy."

Phil Hitchen, managing director of Belle Vue, said: "From his days as a school student, Tobi has advanced with the company through roles as a bus planner and operations assistant, and has now attained his goal of qualifying as a bus driver. [...]

"He's been eager to immerse himself in the world of buses, has a true passion for the industry and an unwavering commitment. He's demonstrated remarkable progress at every turn, from assisting with day-to-day tasks to learning the intricacies of our operations, and he plays a multifaceted role as a transport consultant.

"His achievement in qualifying as a bus driver is not just a testament to his hard work, but also highlights his determination to excel in his role and his versatility."

Well done, Tobi!

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