Bus driver makes morning bus ride fun for Victoria University staff

Casey Meyer makes early-morning bus rides something to look forward to for the Victoria University staff and students who regularly catch the bus he drives up to the Kelburn campus in Wellington.

Mr Meyer and his regulars have formed a friendship, and the group miss him on the days he has off work, Victoria University reported on its website.

To pass the time before setting off each morning, Mr Meyer performs his "daily ritual" of reading out the paper's daily quiz, pitting the group from Victoria against the score won by Mr Meyer and his Go Wellington workmates earlier in the morning.

"It all started with a rainy and windy Wellington day when I arrived on the platform early," he said.

"They're all really smart. Others sit back and are in awe of the answers."

Mr Meyer also holds the bus for racing latecomers and generally cheers everyone up, said Gillian Green, a teacher at Victoria.

"There is nothing like the boost of energy when we get on the bus to Casey's smiling face."

It was all about treating others as you want to be treated, Mr Meyer said.

"They're a nice bunch of people, really lovely and I like working with people like that."

As staff and students get off the bus, most passengers farewell him by name.

"I tell everybody to learn lots, study hard and to behave, and most of all to the students -- to make their parents proud."

On the university's Facebook page, people commented agreeing Mr Meyer deserved to be known for his good humour.

"The highlight of our 8am starts," wrote one woman.

"Casey is an absolute gem, I make sure to bring extra baking with me whenever I catch his bus," wrote another.

"He's just a genuine and lovely person. I'm thrilled that he is getting the recognition he deserves."

NZH