‘Helpful Trevor’ signs off after 34 years behind the wheel

Trevor Lightfoot will retire this week after an exemplary career behind the wheel.

Trevor’s career-long commitment was recognised recently by BusNSW, where he was awarded the 2025 Outer Metropolitan Driver of the Year to honour his outstanding driving record and excellent customer service.

Known affectionately by his customer’s as “helpful Trev”, Trevor is someone who turns up to work every day with a hardworking and positive attitude.

“I take a lot of pride in my job.”

Not only is Trevor’s on time running virtually perfect, with 99% score overall On Time Running, he has never missed a customer at a stop, and this is demonstrated by zero customer complaints.  

“It’s very important to get out of the depot and get to where you start the trip on time,” said Trevor.

Trevor also has almost perfect attendance and has hardly taken a sick day in 24 years.

“I just have a loyalty to the company – that’s just me,” said Trevor.

Trevor came into the bus industry after leaving his job as a fitter and turner at Newcastle State Dockyard when it closed in 1986. He pivoted his career, and started bus driving with Sid Foggs, driving coaches for 10 years before he started as a bus driver in Newcastle, where he has been for the last 24 years.

Although Trevor considers himself “old school”, he has kept up with technological advancements in the industry, becoming one of Newcastle’s first Bus Operators to drive Newcastle Transport’s first zero emission buses.

“I was excited to get to know this technology before retiring,” said Trevor.

Keolis Hunter Operations Manager, Dan Collis said Trevor has been a dependable and valued member of the team.

“Trevor is the definition of a quiet achiever. He sets the standard for what great public transport looks like.”

“He has been an advocate for our electric bus fleet, taking great pride in driving the buses and playing an important role in educating the team about this new technology.”

“We wish him all the very best for a long, happy, and well-deserved retirement,” said Mr Collis.

Trevor encourages people to consider a career in the bus industry and his advice to anyone joining the industry is to “keep the customers happy” and that “preparation is key”.

To celebrate, the Keolis Hunter team hosted a small ceremony, morning tea and an unveiling of Trev’s honorary parking spot.

Follow a day in the life of Trev at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LEFQelEVcA.