Meet the veteran turning military experience into bus driving success
2 weeks ago
From left: Craig Foggo, Alan Macdonald, Andrew Cummings, Sarah Jones, Steven Hopkins, Antony Swan, Kevin Shanks and Robbie Purdham.
We're proud to have so many veterans as our colleagues here at Go North East.
Our training instructor Andrew Cummings has been a bus driver since he left the British Army back in 1991. He is now helping fellow veterans find purpose and pride in a new career - behind the wheel of a bus.
Andrew has already supported more than thirty veterans in their journey as professional drivers. From classroom sessions to time on the road, he offers not just technical training, but real understanding - drawing on his own military background to help others make the leap from service to civilian life.
Andrew says: “Veterans bring so much to this job - professionalism, calm under pressure, great communication, and a real team spirit. I know how hard it can be to find your feet after military life, so to help others do that and build a second career is incredibly rewarding.”
One of those he trained is Craig Foggo, a driver at our Riverside depot. The two quickly discovered they’d served in the same Royal Corps of Transport regiment - years apart - and formed an instant bond.
“It was amazing to meet someone who’d walked the same path,” says Craig. “Andrew helped me reconnect with that part of my life and gave me real confidence when I first started at Go North East. Thanks to him, I’ve even been back in touch with old army mates I hadn’t spoken to in 40 years.”
Andrew (left) trained fellow Royal Corps of Transport veteran Craig to become a bus driver.
To mark Armed Forces Day on Saturday 28 June 2025, we're offering free travel to all serving personnel, veterans and cadets.
This offer is valid across our entire network, excluding our Toon Tour and 327 DFDS service) and applies to:
- Serving personnel in uniform
- Individuals with a valid military ID card
- Veterans displaying a medal or veteran’s badge
- Cadets in uniform