One of the Tyne and Wear Metro’s longest‑serving train drivers, Brian Bulmer, has officially stepped down after an exceptional 40‑year career at the heart of the North East’s transport network.
Brian, 67, from Hebburn in South Tyneside, bid an emotional farewell to colleagues, customers, and the job he says he has “absolutely loved”. Having begun his Metro career in 1986, he affectionately described the train cab as the “best office in the world” — a place that shaped not only his working life but also his personal life, having met his wife through the job.
Nexus, the Metro’s operator, praised Brian for his outstanding service across four decades, marking him as one of the final members of an increasingly rare group of drivers present during the Metro’s early 1980s era.
A Career Built on Passion and Dedication
Reflecting on his departure, Brian said:
“I’ve absolutely loved my time in the role. It’s been fantastic. I feel emotional to be going. I’ll miss it. I just felt that now was the right time to retire after so many years.”
Brian joined the Passenger Transport Executive — now Nexus — after ten years as a bus driver, accumulating an impressive 50 years in the public transport industry. He recalled the early days of Metro operation as an exciting period dominated by experienced bus and British Rail workers, noting that today applications come from all walks of life.
He added:
“The Metro, for me, is the best office in the world. I enjoyed it so much it never felt like a job, it was a way of life. I’ve never been one for sitting behind a desk.”
Mentoring the Next Generation
Across his 40 years, Brian spent two decades as a coach and assessor, helping new recruits qualify as Metro drivers. His expertise was vital during the launch of the Sunderland line in 2002, where he played a key role in preparing drivers to work on Network Rail infrastructure.
Train driving is woven into his family, too — Brian followed in the footsteps of his brother Alan, who also drove Metro trains for many years.
Among his many memories, one stands out above all:
“Above all my experiences the one I treasure the most, of course, is meeting my wife Christine at a work social event in 2010.”
Looking Ahead as the Metro Evolves
Brian remains enthusiastic about the Metro’s latest chapter:
“The new trains are fantastic. I’ve been lucky enough to get the chance to drive them. All of the drivers will say the same, the leap from the old train fleet to the new one is immense in terms of the technology. It’s an exciting time for the Metro and I wish them every success for the future.”
He also offered thanks to the thousands of passengers he has transported over the decades:
“A big thanks also goes to my many thousands of customers, who I’ve taken to places of work and leisure over so many years now.”
Nexus Operations Director Kevin Storey added:
“On behalf of all the team I want to wish Brian well for his retirement. He’s given us 40 years of dedicated service. It’s an outstanding record and he can be rightly proud of his time here.”
