A bus driver who was let go by Arriva after they axed routes in Wycombe and Aylesbury yesterday (July 27) said he has had an “amazing” 12 years and will miss his “lovely” regular customers.

Junior McGaw, 58, first joined Arriva as a driver in Tottenham, London, before moving to Wycombe – “following someone I thought was the love of my life” – on a whim in 2011. 

Despite some initial reservations – on his first shift in Bucks, the bus broke down outside Chilterns Crematorium and he had to call the tow truck himself – Junior grew to love the green fields of his regular routes as well as the cheerful children, elderly women on shopping trips and people from all manner of walks of life that he encountered every day. 

It was with some sadness, then, that he said goodbye to the steady gig this weekend after Arriva closed its High Wycombe and Aylesbury depots, handing over responsibility for the routes to local competitors Carousel and Redline.

"My favourite thing over the years has just been speaking to people. I love talking, and in these smaller towns, unlike London, you really get to know the customers. I see them and they'll wave to me even on my days off.

"There were kids I drove around when they were in primary and secondary school who are now driving their own cars. And there was a little boy called Mick who used to wait at the bus stop and get really excited when he saw me - he'd always say I was his bus driver and get disappointed when I wasn't working."

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"It's been eye-opening in so many different ways. I've learned about the local area but I'd also play games with the kids and one lady taught me sign language because she couldn't speak."

Despite an unsurprising outpouring of affection from his regulars – including flowers, chocolate and cards – Junior is reluctant to dive into a new contract with Carousel, which he said would entail longer shifts and more duties.

Instead, in the wake of a personal tragedy, he’s planning to take a month off to collect his thoughts and reassess his best next steps.

Regardless of what he goes on to do, there’s no doubt the 58-year-old has made an impact on the people of Bucks, and that the favour was returned tenfold.

"I've become close friends with other drivers over the years too - there are so many experiences and people that I'll never forget. It's been a crazy journey."

The majority of Arriva routes that ceased operation yesterday (July 27) are being covered by Carousel or Redline from today or tomorrow. Click here to see what the changes mean for your travel plans.