A train driver from Glossop has retired from TransPennine Express after working on the railways for 52 years. 

At 12:39pm on Wednesday afternoon (10 May), Joe Crean pulled into Manchester Piccadilly for the final time – where he was greeted by a PA announcement, congratulating him on his outstanding service and thanking him for his many years of hard work.

The 69-year-old was met by the applause and well wishes of his friends, family and fellow railway workers.

Joe's wife Christine, son Shane, sister-in-law Veronica, brother-in-law Peter, nephew Oisin, sister Moira, friend Roz, and cousin Geraldine, who travelled over from Southern Ireland, were in attendance alongside TPE's Managing Director, Matthew Golton, Customer Service & Operations Director, Kathryn O'Brien, Driver Manager, Tara O'Toole and Manchester Piccadilly depot colleagues. 

Joe's special retirement notice 

Joe said: “I have over half a century of cherished memories on the railway, and it means a lot to have shared my final journey with both my family and my railway family.”

Joe has spent his whole career on the railway, first joining in 1971 as a steward in the dining car for British Rail. With inspiration and encouragement from his colleagues, he then went on to apply to become a train driver.

In April 1975, Joe began his role as a trainee driver and after five years of training and working as a driver’s assistant, Joe became a fully-fledged qualified driver in June 1980.

In 2011, Joe joined TPE as a driver based at Manchester Piccadilly and went on to spend several years as a driver instructor, helping to train the next generation of drivers.

Joe with his family and friends 

Matthew Golton, Managing Director at TPE, said: “Joe is amongst the rare few who have achieved the 50-year milestone on the railway. He has lit up Manchester Piccadilly depot with his humour, hard work, loyalty and diligence.  

“Joe’s retirement marks the end of an era but his legacy and contributions towards the future generation of drivers will carry on. He has been a credit to TPE and will be sorely missed.”

Joe says he now looks forward to spending more time with his wife Christine, sons Gary and Shane, and extended family, and volunteering to help out at his local football team Glossop North End. 

He's also booked various holidays and loves walking and spending time outdoors. 

Watch Joe being greeted by friends, family and colleagues on his final drive into Manchester Piccadilly train station at the top of the page. 

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