At 95 years young, Raymond Hager has driven his way into the record books as the world's oldest active bus driver, showing no signs of slowing down despite having decades on most of his colleagues.
A Lifetime Behind the Wheel
The Wichita Falls resident was officially recognised by Guinness World Records on 1 June and celebrated by his hometown with a special ceremony on his birthday, 18 November. During a city council meeting, Mayor Tim Short presented Hager with a proclamation declaring his birthday "Raymond Hager Day" in honour of his extraordinary achievement.
"I've always liked to drive – I still do," Hager remarked during the ceremony, expressing his hope to continue driving as long as his employer and doctor permit. His remarkable story comes at a time when many Americans are working well beyond traditional retirement age, though Hager's motivation appears rooted in passion rather than necessity.
From Farm to Bus Route
Hager's driving career began long before he took the wheel of a municipal bus. He told local Texas outlet KFDX that his journey started at just 14 years old when he began driving cotton to the gin on his family farm. This early experience behind the wheel laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong passion.
After spending much of his earlier life farming and working as a cropduster pilot, Hager began driving buses for Wichita Falls around 1998. The role perfectly suited his enjoyment of being "out and moving" and provided the social interaction he values with passengers on his regular routes.
"I get more tired at home than I do driving – honestly," Hager revealed. "You know – if I get four or five hours of sleep at night, man, I'm ready to go."
Safety First Approach
Despite his advanced years, Hager takes his responsibility to passengers seriously. He undergoes monthly health checkups to ensure he can perform his duties safely and maintains his doctor's approval to continue working.
"My doctor tells me I'm good," Hager stated. "So I don't have no desire to quit."
His dedication and safety record caught the attention of Wichita Falls public transportation administrator Jenny Stevens, who initiated the push to recognise Hager's remarkable career. Mayor Short praised him as "a shining example of lifelong purpose and passion" and noted how he demonstrates that "age is not a limitation – but a testament to experience, wisdom and heart".
Hager expressed profound pride in his achievements from both Guinness World Records and his hometown, acknowledging he never expected such recognition. "I've been blessed – a little country boy – to achieve something like that," he reflected, adding that he told his grandson, "It's like I had a good dream. It's hard for it to soak in yet."
As he continues his daily routes, this nonagenarian driver proves that passion and purpose can keep people moving forward at any age, inspiring his community and passengers with every mile he drives.
