School bus driver marks 46 years on the job: ‘Hope I’ve made a positive impact’

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. (WUPA) — A Georgia school bus driver remains dedicated to his job after 46 years.

Henry Mercer never expected to spend 46 years driving a school bus.

Mercer marked 46 years as a DeKalb County school bus driver on Nov. 1.

“Well, I started just for the benefits, but then it seemed to grow on me,” Mercer said.

A routine built over decades

The routine is now second nature for Mercer. He checks the bus window by window and row by row to see what is working. He also notices when something is not.

Drivers support students daily

DeKalb transports more than 45,000 students daily.

Raymond Stanley, DeKalb County executive director of transportation and fleet, said the drivers are essential.

“If it’s not for bus drivers, a lot of our kids would not have a consistent way to get to school,” Stanley said.

Stanley said that support is especially important for children who need extra support.

“It’s very, very important, especially when we talk about students with special needs, wheelchair-bound children, very important for drivers and monitors to support that,” Stanley said.

A chance meeting after an appointment

Mercer said he wondered whether he had made a difference.

“I hope I’ve made a positive impact on the number of students,” Mercer said.

Two months ago, Mercer and his wife asked two nurses for directions after an Emory appointment. Mercer said one of the nurses recognized him.

“One of the nurses say, ‘Hey, I know you. I know you.’ I said, ‘Pardon me?’ She said, ‘Yes.’ She said, ‘You were my bus driver.’ I think about it in ’85, ’86, and she still remembers,” Mercer said.

The nurse remembered Mercer nearly 40 years later.

Mercer has left an impression that lasts long after the ride.