Young bus enthusiast enjoys an unforgettable day at Oxford Bus Company

A young bus enthusiast from Blackbird Leys experienced an unforgettable day out when receiving an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Oxford Bus Company’s Cowley depot.

Keyonn Blackstock can recall the city’s timetables by heart and name every operating bus locally after finding his passion through his grandmother, Joan, who passed down her collection of bus figurines.

The six-year-old bagged a little more than he had bargained for following his recent visit to a City Sightseeing information point, where he hoped to purchase an Oxford Bus Company bag.

Not only did City Sightseeing staff find a spare driver's baseball cap and shoulder bag for Keyonn, but also contacted his family a week later with an invitation for a special tour.

Keyonn explored the depot extensively and sat in the driver's seat of a bus, gained exclusive access to the operations centre, and witnessed the coordination of the entire fleet.

And it seems Keyonn’s love for buses runs in the family as his great-grandfather, Byron, worked as an Oxford Bus Company driver in the 1960s while Grandmother Joan lived directly opposite the former Cowley Road depot.

Keyonn said: “I had an amazing time at the bus depot. I loved seeing all the different buses, it was a great day!”

Keyonn has become a familiar face at Oxford Bus Company. Many of the drivers now wave to him while driving around the city – and they were all impressed by his knowledge when he was shown around different parts of the depot.

Luke Marion, managing director of Oxford Bus Company, said: “Keyonn’s enthusiasm for buses is infectious – and our team thought it was only right to let him see first-hand how our operation runs.

“His knowledge of our services surprised everyone, and we’re pleased to facilitate such a memorable day for him and his family. Our drivers are all familiar with him, so we have no doubt he’ll be receiving a few waves on the side of the roads day to day.

“We hope to see Keyonn back at the depot soon, and maybe in the future he’ll be an excellent addition to our close-knit team.”

Oxford Bus Company’s visitor information point is situated at 44-45 High Street, Oxford, OX1 4AP, and is open daily from 09:30 to 17:00. More information can be found at - https://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/csso-visitor-information-point