GNE’s Andrew Cummings helps fellow veterans get behind the wheel

Andrew Cummins and Craig Foggo

Army veteran Andrew Cummings has been a bus driver since he left the British Army back in 1991. He is now helping fellow veterans find purpose and pride in a new career behind the wheel of a bus.

As a training instructor at Go North East, Andrew has already supported more than 30 veterans become professional drivers. He draws on his own military background to help others make the leap from service to civilian life.

Andrew said: “Veterans bring so much to this job – professionalism, calm under pressure, great communication, and a real team spirit. I know how hard it can be to find your feet after military life, so to help others do that and build a second career is incredibly rewarding.”

One of those he trained is Craig Foggo, a driver at the company’s Riverside depot. The two quickly discovered they’d served in the same Royal Corps of Transport regiment – years apart – and formed an instant bond.

“It was amazing to meet someone who’d walked the same path,” says Craig. “Andrew helped me reconnect with that part of my life and gave me real confidence when I first started at Go North East. Thanks to him, I’ve even been back in touch with old army mates I hadn’t spoken to in 40 years.”

To mark Armed Forces Day on Saturday 28 June 2025, the company is offering free travel to all serving personnel (with ID), veterans wearing a veterans’ badge, cadets and anyone in uniform.