Isle of Wight bus passengers have gathered to celebrate the birthday of much-loved Route 6 driver Jacqueline Levy.
The unusual gathering, which took place at The George Inn, Newport, was recognition of the popular driver’s standing within the community.
Passenger Jan Chambers has said:
“My husband Keith is currently in hospital and has been for six weeks. I use the bus every day to visit him – and it’s wonderful having Jacqueline as a driver who asks after him without fail.
“She has a genuine care for all her customers and I’m delighted we could gather to celebrate her special day.”
Jacqueline is said to get that extra mile for each and every passenger, as Jean McCallum explains:
“Jacqueline knows all our names – she even checks to ensure that windows en route are either shut or open as expected. She looks for us at the stop too.”
The bond Jacqueline enjoys with her passengers is so strong that she organised a special Christmas meal for them in 2017 at The White Lion in Niton. And, during the bad weather brought on by the Beast from the East earlier this year, Jacqueline offered a room for the night to a stranded passenger.
Jacqueline has said:
“I think it’s so important to build strong relationships with those who travel along this route. Many of them no longer drive – and some don’t get to see and chat to people at other times of the day.
“I was so pleased to celebrate my birthday with them, and look forward to spending many happy years ahead on the buses with those I consider to be my very good friends.”
