Claude Chettleburgh is the longest-serving employee of Citibus in Dunedin and recently celebrated his 40th anniversary of driving for the company.
The 65-year-old began his career as a truck driver.
But when his brother "twisted" his arm to join him as a driver at Dunedin City Tramways, a new career was born.
Despite being a reserved character, Mr Chettleburgh said he had remained in his job for so long because it had become part of his social life.
He was well known in the community as THE bus driver.
"I like meeting people and ferrying the school kids from Waikouaiti to Dunedin - it keeps me young."
He is not your typical bus driver.
Mr Chettleburgh provides a unique arrangement for Waikouaiti school pupils travelling to Dunedin by letting them store their bicycles in his garage during the day.
In between his school runs to and from Waikouaiti, he drives the St Clair to Normanby service.
He is also popular among rugby fans for instigating the "Two Buck Bus", which shuttles patrons between the hotels and motels in north Dunedin and Carisbrook on big game days.
Mr Chettleburgh said the past 40 years had been a hell of a ride but, unfortunately, it was almost time to go "out of service".
"I'm looking at retirement at the end of the year. My wife's finished working now and it's about time I did, too."
While he would not miss the driving, he said he would miss the passengers and his colleagues.
Citibus general manager Tony Colins said the passengers and staff at Citibus would also miss him.
"One of the true old-school bus drivers, Claude is a well-respected and valued part of the Citibus team."
