MEET Martin Shapley – whose face will soon become a familiar sight at bus stops across the area.

The 58-year-old, from Bingley, has been appointed customer facilities assistant by Transdev ­– operator of Keighley Bus Company.

And his role will involve keeping stops clean and safe, as well as posting updated timetable information during the coming months when service frequencies increase.

Martin said: “With so many people coming back to the bus over the next few months it’s vital we provide safe and clean places for them to begin their journeys with us.

“Good presentation is very important all the time – and especially so now, given what we’ve all been through this last year.

“This job is ideal for me as I’m not the sort of person who can happily spend all day in an office – I much prefer being out and about and meeting people. I’m thoroughly enjoying being on the road and making a real difference.

“Everyone at Transdev has gone out of their way to make me feel welcome and part of the team – they’re all so friendly and there’s a really positive atmosphere.

“I know that the work I’m doing is going to make a lot of people’s journeys better and brighter – it’s about encouraging more people to enjoy travelling by bus when we all can.”

The appointment is welcomed by Transdev operations director, Vitto Pizzuti.

He said: “Martin’s positive and friendly character makes him the ideal man to look after our bus stops and information displays, as well as facilities behind the scenes at our Yorkshire depots. The job he’s now doing is very important to us as we look to build buses back better beyond the pandemic.

“We all expect a clean and well-presented product when we go shopping and bus travel is just the same – we will need to be at our best when non-essential journeys restart, hopefully in a few weeks from now. I’m sure Martin’s experience and dedication to the task will see him become a welcome sight to our customers.”

Originally from Basildon in Essex, Martin moved to Yorkshire in 1982.

He worked at a woollen mill in Bingley before starting a 33-year career with the Bradford and Bingley Building Society’s maintenance team.

Before taking-up his role with Transdev, Martin had worked in the facilities department at Bradford Royal Infirmary since January last year.