It’s a real family affair at the Keighley depot of bus company Transdev – thanks to driver Steff Simeone and his sons.

Steff’s son Oliver was recently welcomed to the company as the newest – and youngest – recruit to its driving team. He’s one of a growing number of younger people beginning exciting careers with Transdev.

Oliver, 19, has shown he is a chip off the old block after beginning his new job at Keighley in February.

“I’m loving it. I like the driving and the passengers,” he said.

“It’s not at all strange working with my dad. We don’t really see each other very much at work, which is good because I see him at home!”

A love of buses would seem to run in the Simeone family, with Steff’s younger son, Lewis, currently undertaking work experience at Transdev Keighley’s engineering department. Lewis, 17, is now hoping to join his father and brother at the depot as an apprentice auto electrician.

Steff, who also works as the Unite Trade Union secretary, said: “To be honest, I’m still getting used to Oliver being here. We both do school runs so we sometimes pass each other, and it still surprises me when I see him.

“It was a bit of a shock when he told me he wanted to be a bus driver but he’s absolutely enjoying it.”

Oliver, who lives at home in Sutton in Craven near Keighley with Steff, Lewis and mum Rachael, said: “My dad has been driving buses for more than 30 years so I suppose you could say I was inspired by him.”

Steff, 53, added: “Oliver’s always been interested in cars and wagons, and he’s always known me as a bus driver, so maybe he’s subconsciously been inspired by me!

“I’m quite proud of him, of course I am. He passed his test first time too!”

Alex Hornby, the firm’s managing director, said younger people like Oliver and Lewis were critical to the future of the company.

He added: “The number of long-serving staff we are lucky to have in our business says a lot about the commitment of our teams and the attraction of working in our company, but for us to attract sons of our existing employees is something very special indeed.

“Steff is a valued member of our team and it’s great to now have young, enthusiastic people like Oliver and Lewis working with us and keeping us all on our toes!

“I wish them the very best in the future with us at our exciting and developing business at Transdev in Keighley.”