KOCHI: On Sundays, 21-year-old Ann Mary Ansalen will be on 'heavy duty' in the driving seat of a private bus, leaving aside her law books. She can drive through Kochi city like any other professional driver. It is not the reward, but sheer passion for driving big vehicles that made Ann Mary the holiday driver of the private bus 'Hey Day' on the Kakkanad - Perumpadappu route.

Ann Mary, daughter of contractor P G Ansalen and Palakkad additional district judge Smitha George, is a fourth-year law student of Ernakulam Law College. Growing up, Ann has always been fond of vehicles. She had learnt to drive her father’s bullet, while studying in 10th standard itself. At 18, she secured two-wheeler and four-wheeler license. On her 21st birthday, she joined classes to learn heavy driving and secured the license in last February. Following which, she became a private bus driver on Sundays. She does not accept any money in return for her service.

Sarath, a neighbour and driver, is Ann’s source of courage. The bus service which begins at 6:30 am from Vathuruthi, ends at 7 pm. She has the support of the passengers too. On other week days, Ann spends time for studies. She also owns a classic bullet, on which she rides to college and drops off her younger sister to school.

Now, Ann is busy learning to drive JCB and containers before turning 22. Ann Mary, who has passed both class 10th and plus two with high marks, is an excellent power lifter and a keyboardist too.