Stephen Pincott, who began his career with Rhondda Buses in 1996, is celebrating 30 years with Stagecoach. He started as a bus driver and now works in the marketing and commercial teams, creating timetables and customer information.
Stephen joined Rhondda Buses on August 5, 1996, after working on building sites and gaining NVQs in Building and Carpentry. A friend suggested he try bus driving, and after passing his PCV test with Cardiff Bluebird, he began a three-decade career in the bus industry.
From Driving to Marketing
For his first 23 years, Stephen drove a range of buses, including Dennis Darts and Leyland Lynxes, before moving into the Marketing team in 2019. He said, "I wanted to see how the company worked from a different perspective. As a driver, you don't necessarily see everything that goes on behind the scenes."
In his current role, Stephen works on roadside timetables and customer information, coordinates signage, maintains infrastructure records, and works with local councils and suppliers. He has also attended community events, including Clean Air Day in Caerphilly and Armed Forces Day in Crosskeys.
Charity and Community
Stephen has been a passionate supporter of charity fundraising. Alongside colleagues, he has taken part in challenges such as a 28-mile walk from Maerdy to Cardiff and cycle rides from Rhyl to Cardiff, Cardiff to Land's End, and Cardiff to Tenby.
He said, "It's nice to give something back to the community. Stagecoach has always supported everything we've done, and it's great to see colleagues getting involved."
Embracing Technology
Stephen has also embraced technological changes in the industry. He said, "When I started, I had very little experience with computers and software. Now I use systems such as Crosstown for timetables and Adobe Illustrator for artwork and templates. Every day is different, and that's what I love about the role."
Looking back, Stephen says the people have been a highlight. "I've met some great characters and made some great friends over the years. I'm a people person, I like talking to people."
After 30 years, Stephen has no plans to stop. "I've thoroughly enjoyed my 30 years so far and I'm looking forward to many more years working with the company and meeting many more great people along the way."
Recognition from Management
Chris Hanson, managing director at Stagecoach South Wales, said: "Stephen's 30 years with Stagecoach is a fantastic achievement and we're incredibly proud to celebrate this milestone with him. His career is a great example of the opportunities available in the bus industry, having progressed from driving buses for more than two decades to taking on new challenges in Marketing and Commercial."
"We hugely value colleagues like Stephen who bring so much experience, knowledge and commitment to our business. His story shows that a career in the bus industry doesn't have to follow one path, there are opportunities to develop, learn new skills and take your career in different directions. After 30 years, Stephen continues to make a real difference to our business and to the experience of our passengers. We'd like to thank him for his dedication, hard work and the contribution he has made over the past three decades, and we look forward to seeing what the next chapter brings."
