Owen, 18, could be Bristol’s youngest bus driver

A teenager could be Bristol’s youngest ever bus driver as he has taken up the routes. Heads were turned by many residents when 18-year-old Owen Warbutton started driving through the town last week on his first trips as a bus driver.

Owen had passed his driving test shortly after turning 18 and needed six months’ driving experience to apply for a job as a bus driver at First Bus. He quit his job at Footasylum and embarked on a new career as a bus driver serving hundreds of passengers every day.

His proud mum Jodie Collins recalled that Owen was interested in buses when he was younger but never thought he would become a bus driver. “He got into soccer and sports and all those interests took over as he then studied sports and coaching in college,” she said.

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“He was working at Footaslyum and applying for different jobs. He applied for the bus driver job and First Bus responded the next day, he went in for an interview and they offered him the job there and then at the interview.”

The Brentry teenager had to undergo two weeks of training at First Bus before taking his bus driver’s test. Just like the driving test a few months before, Owen passed first time in May and was allowed to drive the buses with an instructor.

Owen has already completed two laps around the city while learning different routes, but was quizzed by curious passengers who asked “are you sure you’re old enough to drive?”. “He’s young,” his mother joked.

“He got a few looks from bus drivers who did a double take when they saw him. He reportedly got seven compliments, which shows how well he drove.

“Passengers asked how old he was and guessed he was 14, while others asked how old he was to drive the bus.”

While on duty, Owen even gave his mum a ride to Sainsbury’s – free of charge – and she was impressed by his driving and how helpful the instructor was. Asked if Owen was the youngest bus driver in the city, she said: “I think at the moment not the UK but Bristol? Categorical.

“The instructor said he had some young drivers but they were older than him. Technically he should be the youngest.

“He liked it from the first day. Working in a shop can be mundane and boring, but he drives and loves it. He visits different places and routes and meets different people.

“It’s great. The whole family is so proud of him because he’s doing a great job at 18.”

First Bus are currently recruiting for more bus drivers in the Bristol area, along with technicians and radio controllers. You can visit their careers site here.