Driving in the 60s

I m a retired Resp therapist who drove semis and greyhound from 1958 thru 1972 (got my medical degree). Retired in 2003 -- and after 7 years of volunteer work, skiing, swimming dancing and romancing, I decided to get my CDL and drive for 1st student (who owns Greyhound) and drive part time charters for various school events.

Back in 1966s I trained as a Greyhound Driver. The course was 11 weeks out of Philadelphia. There used to be a lot of local routes to learn. The training was terrific. Given I had been driving semis for some 8 years (started at 19), it came easy and I learned a lot of good safety rules and insights.

Back then we had to be licensed in Pa, Delaware, Maryland and NY. I also had a NJ resident license. We had to take written tests for each with PA having an oral exam.

The Philadelphia drivers were a great bunch. We had family picnics, soft ball, football and basketball teams. These were always family affairs.
The pay was great up till the nasty long strike right after I left in 1972. Scab drivers came on board and things may have never been the same since.

But while I drove from 1966 thru 1972 I had a wonderful time as an extra driver, during which I got my degree in medicine. When I could, I worked the LSA board out of NYC. Philadelphia drivers then covered all runs south to Philly, Baltimore, Wash DC and Richmond.

I remember the Newark riots and was routed into the heart of it to pick up all those poor souls wanting out. Then turned Washington right back into Newark. Wild time. I also missed by one man taking a busload to the 69 Woodstock Festival Concert. Not sure if I would have lived thru that--one nightmare of a traffic jam.

During this time I also drove semis out of Philly for Eastern Express while layed off from Greyhound.

Still living the good life--living in Vermont, working out of White River Jct part time for 1st Student, skiing, kayaking, swimming and enjoying my grandkids and a wonderful wife.

Enjoy your driving -- I did--and I also like helping those less fortunate than I. My 37 years as a Respiratory Therapist was wonderful.