A teenager has passed his test and secured a job to become Britain’s youngest bus driver.
Kraish Symes, an 18-year-old from Bradford, left a career as a store clerk to make the move into a job in public transport.
Now, the teen spends his days transporting hundreds of people around the roads of West Yorkshire, and says he has “not looked back since”.
After passing his bus-license exam in November, Kraish got to work job-hunting and quickly landed a role with regional operator Transdev.
While he recognises it's a huge responsibility keeping people safe on the roads each day, Kraish said he’s loving it.
“Every day is different, and the best part of it is making someone’s day with a smile or a quick chat when they get on my bus,” he said.
“I’m enjoying every single minute," he said.
Kraish made the decision to change careers after working in retail for several years.
He said: “I’d worked in a discount store for almost two years when I decided to make this change into bus driving, and I’ve never looked back since.
“I enjoy driving, plus the customer service skills I learned behind the till are helping me now to look after people on my bus.
“I’m usually on the Otley Dash route – we’re the local bus in and around Otley and already I’m getting to know my regular customers every day.
One of his favourite parts of the job, Kraish said, was meeting local people.
“The people I meet are all happy and friendly and I’m just glad to be here for them," he said.
“This is the job I always wanted to do.”
Kraish learnt his skills behind the wheel from driving instructor Barry Dean, a "brilliant instructor" he has nothing but praise for.
“I’d have qualified even sooner, but we had to wait three times longer than usual to get my licenses and test date set up through the DVSA.”
Kraish said Barry had helped him make it to where he is today.
He now works for The Keighley Bus Company which is part of the Transdev group.
General manager Alan Isherwood is hoping more youngsters will follow in his footsteps, claiming there was "no better time than now" to join the industry.
“Kraish did it – and so can you!”
