National Express says "Thank you Thelma!"

A community champion who’s spent ten years helping Solihull residents access public transport had a special surprise this week when National Express said a very public ‘thank you.’ 77 year old Thelma Dyke was stunned when her bus arrived with the message “thank you Thelma” on the destination display. Kind hearted Thelma is a regular visitor to the National Express travel shop on Station Road where she collects bus timetables to distribute at local libraries and churches. Thelma also helps concessionary passengers understand changes to routes and services. Thelma said: “This was such a lovely surprise, I couldn’t believe it when the bus arrived!” “I’ve been helping people use the buses for around ten years. I visit the travel shop every week to collect timetables and distribute them to public places. I like to keep busy and it helps me get out and about.” “All the bus drivers know me and I enjoy having a chat with them. My mother was a bus conductor during the war and I have always used the bus to visit friends, get to work and go shopping.” The surprise was arranged by staff at the Solihull travel shop who regularly greet Thelma with a smile and a cup of tea.  Michelle Acet, travel shop Manager, said: “Thelma is a regular and we look forward to her visits. She is a real community champion and is passionate about public transport. We wanted to arrange a special surprise to recognise the help she’s provided us over the years – a special bus dedication seemed like the perfect ‘thank you’.” Thelma was also presented with a bouquet of flowers and chocolates by staff at the travel shop.

Published 25th March 2010