‘THANK YOU FOR RELYING ON STC’
Longtime driver’s fondest memories
Since his first trip from Prince Albert to Creighton in May 1979, Bob Clouatre has driven more than four-million kilometres in Saskatchewan Transportation Company busses. With the STC closing on Wednesday, Clouatre — who has been working as a driver longer than anyone else currently serving — shared memories of his time behind the wheel with The StarPhoenix in an email interview.
Q As someone who has spent 38 years serving the people of Saskatchewan, what have you learned about the STC travellers who call this province home and about the type of people who make up Saskatchewan?
A People in general like to live in this province. It is comprised of hard-working people who are proud to live here. We live in a very diverse society and it is very difficult to generalize about the people who have travelled with me.
Q How has the service changed over your time with the STC?
A The service hasn’t really changed. All the time we have been here we have always transported passengers and freight throughout the province and from that aspect the service hasn’t changed. We service fewer routes but the principles are the same as they were 38 years ago.
Q Are there any changes within the STC you recall as most memorable?
A Changes in equipment that have appeared over the years i.e. larger busses and trailers, more comfortable equipment, Wi-Fi, and wheelchair lifts.
Q Do you have any memorable riders that have stuck with you over the years? A Dudley and Henry are two names that immediately come to mind. They rode the bus from Swift Current two to four times a week for health reasons. Over the years I have had the opportunity to get to know them very well and consider them friends. Henry knew the route so well he often was a guide for new drivers that were running it for the first time. Many of the people I see on the bus I have gotten to know very well.
Q Working for the STC for so long, how would you describe the relationship that forms between STC drivers, mechanics and others you worked with in the service?
A All employees at STC had very important roles, from express tickets to mechanics to drivers. For the most part I have had great relationships with all of the staff. As well the rural agents were an important part of what we did.
Q Is there any part of Saskatchewan that you would consider your favourite?
A Definitely the north, although I like all of Saskatchewan. The north is a very beautiful part of the province because of the forest and the lakes. It is a special part of the province.
Q Is there a community that you had hoped to visit, but never got to? A No.
Q Was there ever a trip were you were worried you wouldn’t reach your destination?
A There were many trips that I was worried I wouldn’t be able to complete. Weather and road conditions in this province can make driving treacherous; however, in 38 years I can only recall twice where I was unable to complete the trip.
Q What would you say to the passengers who travelled on your bus over the years?
A Thank you for relying on STC. It was a pleasure to serve the people of Saskatchewan.
Q What are your thoughts on the STC closure overall?
A I feel badly about people losing the service and the employees losing their jobs, however, sometimes governments have to make unpopular decisions and this is one of them.
Q What do you think it will mean for Saskatchewan?
A The loss of service will be felt for a while but I believe that people will eventually find ways to deal with the change.
Q If you could say one thing to Premier Wall, what would it be? A No comment.
Q Do you have a favourite STC story?
A There are many and at the moment I can’t think of them. When you drive as many miles as I have and met as many people as I have they all begin to blend together. One embarrassing recollection I have is a trip I was making from Saskatoon to Prince Albert. I drove into Rosthern, unloaded and loaded my freight and passengers and left. When I reached Highway 11 instead of turning north as I should have I turned south. I was almost to Hague when a passenger asked me where we were going. I realized what I had done, turned around and headed to Prince Albert.