Monday 11 May 2026 at 4:26pm
Windsor commuter catches his last train to work after 52 years on the same rail route
A commuter, who’s travelled the same rail route every day for 52 years, has made his last journey to work.
Steve McCulloch has journeyed between Windsor and Eton Central to Maidenhead, taking two trains for his printing job every day since 1974.
But when he turned 70 he decided to retire and Great Western Railway wanted to mark the occasion.
They presented him with a plaque bearing his name, similar to those put on the side of trains, and a gift bag.
Steve said: “I’m not sure how to take it really. It’s got to be done, I’m 70 now, and you can’t go on forever.
“It’s going to be a bit of a wrench to stop doing it every day, but I will hopefully travel, three times a week or so to somewhere fairly local”
Over the years he’s collected snapshots of his journey – and he’s certainly had some memorable moments.
“In the days of slam-doors stock I was sitting at the end of the train at Slough and we moved away and somebody came running up the side and through the door and tried to climb in but stumbled. I had to grab them and pull them in,” he said.
Train travel has changed significantly since the 1970s with more electrification, the introduction of high speed trains, and digital signalling.
Mian Sarwar, the Station Manager for GWR, Slough and Maidenhead area, said: “Steve’s been travelling with us for over 50 years and to acknowledge his travelling and his loyalty with us, it was important to acknowledge him and mark this occasion very well. “
Steve says he has plans for his retirement. He wants to travel further and has been invited to go to India, but he also hopes to explore the UK more… by train of course.
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 