- 03 June, 2026
Udupi, June 2, 2026: For more than three decades, Joseph Machado was more than just a KSRTC driver. He was a familiar face, a reassuring presence, and a symbol of dedication for thousands of passengers travelling across Karnataka and beyond.
The veteran driver from Udyavara, near Udupi, retired in May 2026 after completing an extraordinary 34 years of service with the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), leaving behind a spotless record that few can match.
Joseph belongs to a devout Christian family from the coastal region of Udupi. He is a loving husband and proud father of two daughters. His elder daughter works as a software engineer in Dubai, while his younger daughter is pursuing her studies in Manipal. Throughout his career, family remained his greatest source of strength and inspiration.
Joseph joined KSRTC in 1992, beginning his journey at the Kundapura depot. Like many young men from coastal Karnataka, he sought a profession that would allow him to serve society while building a stable future for his family. Driving appealed to him because it combined responsibility, discipline, and service to people.
What began as a job soon became a lifelong vocation. His commitment and professionalism earned him a place among the first batch of drivers selected to operate KSRTC’s prestigious Volvo buses when they were introduced in 2002.
Over the years, Joseph drove some of KSRTC’s most important routes, including Mangaluru–Mumbai, Mangaluru–Chennai, and Mangaluru–Pune services. He safely navigated challenging roads, including the winding Western Ghats, while maintaining an exceptional record for punctuality and passenger safety.
Passengers fondly remember his warm smile and courteous nature. Many regular travellers specifically looked forward to journeys where Joseph was behind the wheel. His colleagues affectionately called him the “never-late driver” because he consistently maintained schedules without compromising safety.
One memory that remains close to his heart is the support he received from KSRTC during his open-heart surgery in 2018. The corporation granted him six months of paid leave, allowing him to recover without financial worries. Joseph has often expressed deep gratitude for this support and for the friendships he built throughout his career.
As he steps into retirement, Joseph offers simple but powerful advice to those considering a career in public transport:
“Treat every passenger as a member of your own family. Safety should always come first. Be punctual, remain disciplined, and never stop learning.”
He believes that patience, responsibility, and respect for passengers are the qualities that define a successful driver.
Joseph Machado’s retirement marks the end of an era for KSRTC. Yet his legacy will continue through the countless lives he touched and the example he set. In a world that often celebrates shortcuts and quick success, his story reminds us that excellence is built one day at a time through honesty, hard work, and care for others.
As he begins a new chapter surrounded by family and loved ones, thousands of grateful passengers wish him the same safe and happy journey that he provided to them for 34 unforgettable years. His bus may have reached its final stop, but his legacy of service will continue to travel far beyond it.
Courtesy : Daijiworld
Picture Courtesy : Daijiworld and Mangalorean.com
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