SEPTA bus driver celebrates 48 years on the job

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Wednesday is Transit Driver Appreciation Day and we are recognizing a SEPTA driver who's been appreciated by his passengers for 48 years.

For 75-year-old SEPTA bus driver Welton Cannon, there's a lot about this job that drives him.

"I meet all kinds of people out here. There's good people, bad people, but that's part of life," Cannon said.

It was April of 1966 when a much younger North Philadelphia man got a job with the Philadelphia Transportation Company now known as SEPTA; today, he's inching closer to his 49th year behind the wheel.

"I've seen many changes in Philadelphia and I'm still here," Cannon said.

Like the millions of passengers he's transported across this city over nearly 5 decades, Cannon has also adapted to the changing times.

His miles have carried him through a Civil Rights movement, a growing skyline, and a system of streets that has changed so much the younger operators just can't believe his stories.

"I used to come down the expressway down at Vine Street and got to 16th Street, that's where it end," Cannon said.

Those rookies have learned from the transportation agency's longest serving road operator who has been awarded for safe driving 18 times.

His Route 27 travels from Center City to Plymouth Meeting has him logging more than 150 miles a day.

But for Cannon it's not just about driving, it's the people, it's his love of the job.

"I think that's what's keeping me moving cause this job is like a therapy, it's like exercise, cause I'm constantly moving," Cannon said.

Cannon is thinking about making his final stop at 50 years; the reason is to spend more time with his wife.

"A lot of people say when are you going to retirement, when you are going to leave, why don't you enjoy yourself? I've been enjoying life ever since I've been here. I enjoy life every day," Cannon said.

And he has, one mile at a time.