After 48 Years Driving a School Bus in Old Lyme, Caroline Doughty Hangs Up Her Keys

OLD LYME — Can you imagine getting up every morning and driving a school bus in Old Lyme?

Well, that’s the first thing to think about … but now try this. Can you imagine getting up (very early) every morning and driving a school bus in Old Lyme for 48 years?

Well, that’s what Caroline Doughty did … and she just retired on Oct. 30!

Doughty started her career in August/September 1972 and has driven for six different companies, as each was contracted in turn by Lyme-Old Lyme Public Schools.

She became a household name on the bus routes she drove, always respected for her firm but fair way of dealing with the students she transported.

Apart from driving students to each of the Lyme-Old Lyme Schools on a daily basis, Doughty’s work has included taking athletic teams to their games, and providing transportation for field trips.

At one time, she drove residents out of the South Lyme (Point O’ Woods Beach) area when it was flooded.

Doughty also drove for the Special Olympics Games in 1995 when High Hopes Therapeutic Riding hosted the equestrian events for the contest.

She notes that one of her most rewarding experiences has been driving the children of former students that she used to transport.

The catalyst for her retirement was her 72nd birthday, which was Nov. 2. She says with a smile that she’s looking forward to not always having to wake up so early in the morning!

Her retirement plans include enjoying more of her hobbies such as gardening, sewing, knitting, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Vincent, have been married for 47 years and are lifelong residents of Old Lyme. They have two married children and five grandchildren, ages 5 to 21.

We join the Lyme-Old Lyme community in wishing you a well-deserved and very happy retirement (and we’ll use the name we knew you by when you picked up our children every day on Hawthorne Rd.), “Mrs. Doughty”!