From Teen Driver to Control Room: Metro Veteran Phil Taylor Retires

A Tyne and Wear Metro employee who made history as the network’s youngest ever train driver when services first launched is retiring after a career spanning almost half a century.

Phil Taylor, now 65 and from Bank Foot in Newcastle, was only 19 when he took up the controls of a Metro train in August 1980. He remains the youngest person ever to join the Metro train crew, a record that still stands today after changes were later made to the minimum age requirement for drivers.

He joined the system at a time when everything was brand new, from the infrastructure to the fleet of trains that are now nearing the end of their working lives. Phil remembers starting out on the same trains that are currently being withdrawn as part of the transition to the new Stadler fleet.

After 14 years as a driver, Phil moved into a training role, helping to prepare the next generation of Metro drivers. He later progressed into management, becoming a Metro Operations Manager responsible for dealing with incidents across the network, before taking up his most recent post as a Service Delivery Controller in the Metro control room.

Phil’s railway career began even earlier. He joined British Rail straight from school in 1977 at the age of 16, initially working as a junior before becoming a train guard. In more recent years with Nexus, his work in the control room involved overseeing the safe operation of services and he played a significant role in the introduction of the Metro’s digital signalling control system in 2018.

Away from work, Phil is well known among colleagues for his love of Disney World in Florida. He and his family have visited the resort around 80 times, typically making four trips a year, earning him the nickname ‘Florida Phil’. In retirement, he plans to spend more time travelling there with his family.

Phil said:

“I’ve always been proud to work for the Tyne and Wear Metro. I was just 19 when I was lucky enough to become a driver. I was the youngest member of the team and that record has stood for all these years, not least because they changed the age limit for the role. It was an exciting time to join the team. The Metro was a new concept for the region and millions of pounds had been spent making it become a reality. I found myself at the age of 19 getting the chance to drive the trains when they were shiny and new. I vividly recall being told each one was worth a million quid. All of the drivers were proud to be a part of it. It was such a big achievement, and the system was delivering something huge for the region. Back then the technology on board was all cutting edge and seen as the best in the industry. It is sad to see the current fleet being phased out. They have served our customers for close to 46 years. There is great fondness for them, but the time is right for them to go. The new trains are lovely. Really great. Later this year, all the old ones will be gone and it’ll all be new trains. It’s an exciting time for the Metro. I will miss Metro. I’ve always enjoyed the roles I’ve had, and I’ve made some great friends. All my working life has been on the railways, and it’s given me a brilliant career.”

Kevin Storey, Operations Director at Nexus, said:

“Phil has given us excellent service for over 45 years. He’s a been a key member of our team and has helped to mentor so many of the workforce in all different areas of Metro operations through the roles he’s had. We wish him all the best for his retirement.”

Image: Nexus