Perth pilot Generous staff That sinking Art puts Kiwi kick starts making a feeling in buses in the difference picture

The newspaper of Issue 58 Spring 2005

Franchise bids on track Stagecoach shortlisted for Greater Western and Thameslink/Great Northern

Brian Souter sees tagecoach has been given a the Smassive double boost for its rail by Steven Stewart double-decker get plans with the announcement that off to a flying start. it has been shortlisted to bid for The latest news means Stagecoach is in the two major UK franchises. running for three UK rail franchises. Stagecoach The Strategic Rail Authority has confirmed that Group has a 29.9% stake in South Eastern Stagecoach is in the running for Greater Western Railways Ltd, a company established by Danish and Thameslink/Great Northern rail franchises, State Railways (DSB) to bid for the Integrated which will begin operation in April 2006. Kent franchise. Graham Eccles, Stagecoach Group’s Executive Stagecoach already runs the UK’s busiest Director Rail, said: “We are delighted to have been commuter rail franchise, . shortlisted for what are two major franchises Centred on London Waterloo station, South bringing significant opportunities to expand our West Trains operates more than 1600 trains a rail portfolio. day on a network in south-west , “Both franchises are an excellent fit with our ensuring 143 million people get to their desti- existing rail businesses and are part of our strategy nation every year. of selectively targeting commuter and inter-city The Group also operates , the franchises.” UK’s smallest rail franchise, on the Isle of Wight. He added: “We expect there to be tough com- Stagecoach’s rail business include the joint petition for the right to run these franchises. venture, , which runs the West “However, we have a first-class team that has Coast and CrossCountry inter-city franchises, excellent experience of the operational challenges linking more than 130 stations across the involved and we are committed to developing country. bids that will improve service to passengers, The Stagecoach franchise team now faces a deliver value for money to taxpayers and provide busy summer developing the plans for the the right return to shareholders whose investment franchise and consulting stakeholders, with final is crucial to the rail network.” bids due to be submitted in September this year. Franchise factfile

The new Greater Western franchise will be currently the WAGN franchise. Millions of reasons to call megabus.com made up of the existing Great Western, Serving large numbers of commuters, Great Western Link and Wessex Trains the enlarged franchise will cover services Paying from just £1 for a seat legroom, seatbelts, CCTV, Group Chief Executive, said: franchises. between Bedford and Brighton, as well as on megabus.com can now land dedicated luggage space, “Arriving on the back of our Covering the West Country to London, between Peterborough, King’s Lynn, passengers a whopping £6.5 footrests and coat hooks. investment in a new fleet of the franchise includes long-distance, Cambridge and London. million! Built by MAN, the 45-foot luxury double-decker coaches, regional and local services in the Thames The four-year franchise is expected to That’s the amount invested buses are longer than tradition- customers are getting an Valley, Cotswolds, and the sur- begin operations on 1 April 2006, with two by the company in 25 new al coaches and carry up to 91 unbeatable package – simple rounding area and the West of England, extra years if agreed performance targets state-of-the-art double-decker passengers. booking, first-class service and with some cross-border services into South are met. There is also a possible further buses which have started And, as if that investment the widest range of best value Wales. extension for up to three years to facilitate operating on the routes wasn’t enough, people can fares money can buy.” The seven-year franchise will run from work on the Thameslink 2000 project. between Scotland and now book their tickets by Megabus.com goes to 30 1 April 2006 with a potential three-year Integrated Kent includes routes on the England. phone, opening the service up cities across the UK and, since automatic extension if agreed performance national rail network currently operated by The new vehicles are the to those who don’t have its launch, nearly two million targets are met. South Eastern Trains throughout Kent, biggest and most modern of internet access or would prefer passengers have used the Meanwhile, the new Thameslink/Great parts of Sussex and South East London. It their kind in Britain, with air to speak to someone in service. Recorded hits on the Northern franchise will be made up of the will also incorporate new domestic conditioning, toilets, comfier person. website are currently sitting at existing Thameslink franchise and the services on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link seats incorporating more , Stagecoach around 15,000 a day. Great Northern network, which is (CTRL). takes off in airline challenge

irgin Trains is putting airline Vcompetition to flight in speed, Sponsorship frequency, cost and convenience between London and . And train passenger numbers have been soaring helps polar since the launch of faster and more frequent services last September. achievement A 29% increase in passenger numbers has followed the introduction of a half-hourly train service, with the train journey taking around two Not content with offering bus hours 16 minutes. services the length and breadth The faster trains and more frequent services have of Britain and beyond, given the train the edge on city-centre to city-centre Stagecoach has helped a team of travel on this key business route. intrepid explorers reach the Corporate clients are switching allegiance to the South Pole. railways as business travellers take advantage of The young adventurers from being able to plug in laptops and mobile phones, West College enabling them to work throughout their journey. The benefited from the generous growth figures, comparing September-January 04/05 sponsorship of with the corresponding period a year before, are Midlands to fund the expedition. among the highest on the rail network and come The college outdoor despite heavy competition from coach and air education team and a group of operators, as well as the car. students became the first party Charles Belcher, Managing Director of the West from an educational establish- Coast Mainline franchise, said: “It has never been ment to complete an Antarctic easier or quicker to catch the train between these key expedition. cities. This was a fantastic achieve- “Passengers clearly value a short, seamless journey ment by the team, whose polar without speed cameras, airport check-ins, congestion exploits were featured in a Councillor Gerald Smith, Rotherham Council, Jack Mackay, South Yorkshire Rural Transport Group, and Mick Jameson, PTA charges and the hassle of transferring to and from the Channel 4 programme, and Chairman, highlight Stagecoach’s January sale. city centre. We have fares as low as £24 return, and Stagecoach warmly congratulates we are giving a 20 per cent discount on First Class everyone involved. journeys booked just a day in advance. This shows Our photograph shows the tri- another advantage, that we can tailor fares to a wide It’s all about the quality umphant party flying the flag at range of customer needs.” the South Pole. Virgin Trains has doubled frequency with its fleet After three years of hard work, the bus route of 125mph tilting Pendolino trains and now provides between Rotherham and Worksop has been trans- by Phillip Cartwright 33 weekday services each way compared to a total of formed into a Quality Bus Corridor (QBC). 19 flights between Heathrow and Manchester, split Working in partnership with local authorities, between rival airlines. Donation puts has made a number of “By working together with all local authorities in Pendolino travellers can enjoy the convenience of major improvements to the route. A £2million the area we are delighted to be able to provide such First Class direct travel to and from city centres, at- breakfast on project saw, among other things, the introduction a quality route,” said Stagecoach East Midlands seat catering, which includes full breakfast during of new buses, highway works and safety features. Managing Director Paul Lynch. morning peak, and a spacious working environment To mark the completion of the QBC project, an “Our January sale offer helped to give more in which laptop computers and mobile phones may the fast track official launch was held at Dinnington Interchange people the opportunity to sample the great public be used from power points at every seat. A wide and, to help celebrate, Stagecoach introduced a transport improvements achieved through the QBC range of audio entertainment is also available for week-long half-price January sale on Service 19. partnership.” moments of relaxation. Breakfast for the homeless at a Waterloo Christian Centre can now be cooked up without delay Contacts thanks to a donation from South West Trains. The Editor, On Stage, Stagecoach Group, West Mark Whittle 01392 889747 London City Mission has used 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth PH1 5TW. National Transport Tokens Sajda Khan 01254 680180 the contribution of over £1,000 Tel: +44 (0)1738 442111, Fax: +44 (0)1738 580407 to purchase, amongst other www.stagecoachgroup.com UK Rail items, a ‘Turbo Toaster’ that can toast up to 500 slices an hour, South West Trains Kathryn Rowe 0207 620 5238 If you have a story for On Stage, please get in touch meaning that the mission can Island Line 01983 812591 with your local contact below: Stephen Wade provide this valuable service to Stagecoach Supertram Julia Shaw 0114 2759888 Stagecoach Group Steven Stewart 01738 642040 the homeless as efficiently as possible. Overseas Martin Grier, Group Station UK Bus North America Manager at Waterloo, said: Lisa Henry 01383 516454 North East Roger Bowker 001 201 225 7581 “South West Trains admires and Scotland Allan Henry 01292 613515 North Central Dale Moser 001 847 390 5800 respects the work of our neigh- bours at the Waterloo Christian Kate Williams 0191 567 5251 Jim Devlin 001 705 748 1170 Colin Nicholson 01772 255752 Centre and we hope that this donation will assist them in their Karen Coventry 0161 276 2727 New Zealand Dennis Elliot 00 649 309 3500 efforts to support the homeless Stagecoach East Midlands Phil Cartwright 01246 222018 On Stage is published four times a year. Advertising connected in South London.” Stagecoach South Midlands Adam Rideout 01788 562 036 directly or indirectly with Stagecoach is accepted. Charitable adverts Roger Gadsden, Outreach Stagecoach East Philip Norwell 01604 676060 will be included without charge, otherwise rates on request. Ministries Director, said: “The On Stage is distributed free to Stagecoach staff. Public subscrip- centre serves a cooked breakfast Stagecoach West Anthony Evans 01443 687682 tions are available at £12 for one year or £20 for two years. Cheque to over 100 people on weekdays. Stagecoach Wales Anthony Evans 01443 687682 payable to Stagecoach Group plc at the editorial address. The We are very grateful to South Benjamin Franklin 020 8477 7249 Editor is unable to enter into individual correspondence concern- ing the affairs of The Stagecoach Group. West Trains for its kind offer of a Helen Martin 01243 536161 grant, which has been used to Stagecoach South Helen Martin 01243 536161 Designed by Catchline Communications Group, Scotland. purchase essential items for our kitchen.” 2 Spring 2005 Boost for Carlisle after flood chaos

It’s never been Stagecoach has invested £4 million in 39 state-of-the-art vehicles designed to boost bus services in Carlisle following January’s devastating floods. From June, a fleet of 39 low- floor vehicles will make inner city services in the city easily accessi- ble for all passengers. better by bus Keen to capitalise on the investment, and encourage more people on to public transport, Stagecoach also urged New fleet supports organic passenger growth strategy County Council to improve on- street infrastructure for buses and introduce more bus priority massive new fleet is to measures. Ahit the roads as by Steven Stewart Nigel Barrett, Managing Stagecoach launches a Director of Stagecoach North West, said: “This significant national blitz to get the impressive passenger growth in investment in new vehicles is a UK out of the car and on our bus operations outside massive boost for public London. Thousands of new users the bus. transport in Carlisle.” The 340 new, environmentally are being attracted out of their cars “The floods had a major friendly vehicles will be delivered and on to our services every week impact on our operations in between June 2005 and the end of as a result of our investment in Carlisle and we were forced to February 2006, with even more telemarketing initiatives and inno- write off all of our fleet. Thanks orders on the horizon. vative new products. to a huge collective effort by our The new state-of-the-art low- “This latest capital investment employees in Carlisle and col- floor vehicles will be introduced in will deliver a more comfortable leagues nationally we managed Stagecoach’s provincial bus opera- travelling experience for passen- to keep services running using tions, which last year achieved gers, better environmental per- older vehicles.” passenger growth of 1.4%. formance, improved reliability and The new vehicles are part of Orders have been placed with help make public transport more the major order for 340 new vehicle manufacturers Alexander attractive to car users.” buses. They are fitted with the Dennis, MAN and Optare for 50 Stagecoach recently set up a latest Euro 3 low emission single-deckers, 120 double-deckers new telemarketing unit at its head- engines and will run on low and 170 midi-buses. quarters in Perth as part of its sulphur diesel; have modern Les Warneford, Managing organic growth strategy and has heating and ventilation, low floor Director of Stagecoach UK Bus, launched targeted campaigns in a A fleet of 50 state-of-the-art midibuses similar to the vehicle above are access and are fitted with a said: “This significant investment is number of locations in the UK to included in Stagecoach's multi-million-pound bus order. ‘kneeling’ mechanism to assist evidence of our confidence in the encourage non-users to switch to boarding from the pavement. future of bus travel in the UK and bus travel. and car users, have seen up to one a new town or city every six complements our strategy for The campaigns, which include in five of those contacted switch to weeks and intends to target up to organic growth. the offer of a week’s free travel the bus. 20% of its bus networks in the UK “We are continuing to deliver and focus in particular on mothers Stagecoach is concentrating on over the next two years. The day the rains came…p6/7 Poetry in motion!

Passengers in Kent have been Sotillo (8) were selected from nearly treated to some literary gems thanks 1000 entries and covered a range of to a group of schoolchildren. topics including school, animals and Stagecoach in East Kent bus stops. sponsored the Canterbury Festival’s East Kent’s Managing Director, Poetry competition and agreed to Paul Southgate, said: “We are place a selection from the winners pleased to be able to let the work of inside the buses for the enjoyment many of the category winners reach and interest of their passengers. a wider audience on our buses. The young poets, Hope Margetts “We know from feedback given (13), Megan Finnis (10), Samantha to drivers that our customers enjoy Ralfs (12), Tom Croxton (12), the creative and often thought- Eleanor Hartland (7) and Helen provoking writing.”

Jacqui’s a cut above the rest

Stagecoach drivers may be money for the Jack & Jill keen to swap hair-raising tales Nursery in Rushden. So keen If you have been up to something of life on the buses. were friends and colleagues to that has helped your local community However, Stagecoach in see her part with her locks, then we’d like to hear about it. Northants driver Jacqui they helped her raise more Your On Stage contact is listed on p2. Cheesman’s recent close shave than £500. is bound to top them all. Our photograph shows Based at the Kettering youngsters at the nursery A tale depot, generous Jacqui had giving Jacqui a collective pat to tell? her head shaved to raise on the head for her efforts. Little poetic gems: Hope Margetts, Eleanor Hartland, Samantha Ralfs, and Helen Sotillo proudly show off their creative works. Spring 2005 3 Maltese prove Perth kick starts sweet addition to recruitment

by Lisa Henry

A new life in the north east of national bus drive Scotland beckoned for a few Maltese drivers after they were trail-blazing initiative by signed up as part of an innovative AStagecoach has triggered £22m campaign to get Scotland on board joint recruitment mission to the Mediterranean island. a three-year £22.5million Aberdeen City Council joined funding deal to kick start forces with Scotland’s bus services. to help address the nationwide The Scottish Executive took up the shortage of 5000 drivers by Kickstart pump-priming concept after a holding a job fair in Malta. As a successful pilot project by Stagecoach result, a handful of experienced in Perth, which saw passenger bus drivers – who all speak very numbers on a flagship route grow by good English – signed up for 70% in three years. Stagecoach Bluebird in Aberdeen. Scottish Transport Minister Nicol The company, which runs 98 Stephen was joined in Perth by buses in the area, is increasing its Stagecoach Group Chief Executive driver numbers due to the Brian Souter and Provost Bob Scott, of expansion of megabus.com and Perth and Kinross Council, as the winning additional contracts in Executive announced the first round of the area. successful projects to benefit from the Alan Bain, Stagecoach Bus Route Development Fund. Bluebird’s Operations Manager in Among the 22 schemes to receive Aberdeen, said: “Stagecoach is £12.2million of Scottish Executive one of the biggest employers in backing is a major £820,000 joint initia- the area and we are delighted tive between Stagecoach and Perth and with the positive response from Kinross Council to improve bus our recruitment drive in Malta. We services in the Muirton and North Dignitaries in Perth welcome the announcement of the first round of successful projects to benefit from the Bus Route Development Fund. are pleased to welcome our Muirton areas of Perth. newest recruits.” Passengers will also benefit from 10 a model for the rest of the country to duction of new low-floor buses and Heather Farquhar, Business new fully accessible, low-floor buses by Steven Stewart get more people onto buses and cut simpler fares. Training Manager with the equipped with CCTV security systems congestion. An innovative telesales campaign, Council’s City Development and better infrastructure along the “We have forged a strong partner- the first for a bus company, was also Services, said: “We are very route. The improvements are expected the Kickstart concept and the new ship with Perth and Kinross Council used to encourage more people to encouraged with the success of to be in place by Christmas. funding is excellent news for passen- and this latest investment in new take the green option of the bus. The this overseas initiative and are Brian said: “We are delighted the gers. It is great to see the innovative vehicles, more frequent services and campaign included the offer of a looking forward to repeating that Scottish Executive has taken forward approach first trialled in Perth become better infrastructure will make a real week’s free travel to try out the bus success in other parts of Europe difference to people in the Muirton and around 30% of people who took which offer real recruitment areas of Perth who rely on the bus. up the promotion were former car potential to address the shortage “Stagecoach has funded a number users. of particular skills in Aberdeen.” of Kickstart projects of its own around Perth and Kinross Council intro- The council has been working the UK and we are seeing thousands of duced a bus priority scheme on the with local companies, Jobcentre people getting on board our buses. route, which included bus lanes, Plus and Eures (European There is no doubt Kickstart is a winner priority for buses at traffic signals and Employment Services), in all round – for passengers, taxpayers new bus shelters. targeting a number of potential and the environment.” Passenger numbers on the route workers in the new EU member Stagecoach launched a pilot of the have now increased by 80% since the countries. Kickstart pump-priming concept in improvements were put in place and The Lord Provost welcomed Perth in October 2000, which doubled around 20,000 passengers a week are the drivers to the city in February. the frequency of some services to using the service, many of them Each received a ‘Welcome to Scottish Transport Minister Nicol Stephen (left) at the launch with Brian Souter every 10 minutes, and saw the intro- choosing to leave their cars at home. Aberdeen’ pack, which contained information on the area and discount vouchers donated by local businesses. A warm Welsh welcome greets new travel scheme The council, in conjunction with Eures, hopes to hold a job “When we launched this Kickstart ini- fair in Krakow, Poland, in late by Anthony Evans tiative last November, we set ourselves spring to address specific skill a target of 10% more passengers shortages in the hospitality, care during the first year. Hence, we’re and construction sectors. Caerphilly folk are taking the ‘just go delighted by these first quarter results. by bus’ message to heart and are Our justgo… service enhancements leaving their cars at home. are a shining example of how private Piece of cake Latest figures show that almost and public partnerships can work and 300,000 passengers have travelled on all credit must be given to the Welsh the Stagecoach justgo… buses con- Assembly Government and Caerphilly to help charity necting Graig y Rhacca and County Borough Council for their Senghenydd to Caerphilly town centre support and involvement. Comic Relief Day in the UK once and Cardiff since the launch of this “It’s also a tribute to the hard work again brought out the sunny side innovative Kickstart initiative last and commitment of Stagecoach in staff at Stagecoach Group HQ in November – an impressive 18% employees in Caerphilly.” Perth. increase, year on year. The Kickstart initiative originated The mirth and merriment also The three-year £1.5million in New Zealand, recording 27% produced some serious cash for Kickstart venture is the first bus growth over a 20-month period, and the worthy cause, with £204 being enhancement scheme of its kind in its success there has already been Justgo… just takes off! added to the national coffers. Wales and aims to encourage more replicated by Stagecoach in other And a sizeable portion of that people to leave their cars at home and parts of the UK. The three-year brand new 38 seat Super Low Floor buggies, giving easy access for the was a waist-expanding £24 raised travel by bus. patronage growth target for the Pointer , which have flat, less mobile, parents with children in from the sale of some “fabulous” John Gould, Managing Director for Caerphilly scheme is 22%. step free floors in the front section pushchairs and people with heavy cakes. Stagecoach in South Wales, said: The justgo… fleet includes 16 with spaces for wheelchairs and shopping or luggage. 4 Spring 2005 TSOs help Caring staff reach out crime hit the buffers to help rebuild lives by Michael Cavanagh Passengers using South West Trains have been enjoying safer journeys Stagecoach donation helps repair lives after tsunami disaster thanks to a reduction in crime across the network. by Steven Stewart The hard work of 62 Travelsafe & Rachel Gibbons Officers (TSOs) saw crime on trains and at stations in the area fall by an average of 20% in the last six months tagecoach Group staff, of 2004 compared to the same period Stheir families and the in 2003. Acting in conjunction with the company itself have British Transport Police (BTP), the combined forces to raise a TSOs work to ensure passenger phenomenal £180,000 for security and safety on trains and at those affected by the Asian stations. Additional measures include tsunami. CCTV and Help Points. A total of £40,000 was raised by All locations where TSOs are employees and their families in the based have seen a reduction in UK, North America and New recorded crime: Zealand. This figure was then match • Clapham Junction - down 25.2% funded by the company and added to • Basingstoke/Bournemouth the £100,000 already pledged by Back to school: Save the Children kits enabled - down 21% Stagecoach to help the relief effort children to take the first steps in rebuilding • Portsmouth - down 17.2% and rebuilding work in south-east their lives by going back to school. • Guildford – down 16.3% Asia. • Richmond - down 12.8% The funds being donated by to ensure that children were cared for Stagecoach Group are being chan- whilst efforts were made to reunite In the last year, work by South nelled through four charities – Save them with their families. West Trains and the BTP has resulted the Children, British Red Cross, The tsunami also destroyed the in seven Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) being issued, including one Troubled times: A child is comforted in the aftermath of the disaster. Tearfund and World Vision – which ability of communities to earn a are part of the Disasters Emergency living and, in Sri Lanka, Save the to a 14-year-old girl for assault. Committee. Children is providing people in Breaching the terms of an ASBO A vast range of activities were coastal communities with boats and carries a jail term of up to five years. organised by employees in divisions rope-making equipment so that they South West Trains’ Customer across the group. Just one example can start rebuilding their businesses Service Director, James Burt, said: was Stagecoach UK Bus Ashford and their futures. “South West Trains is pleased that the Depot’s staff who entered a draw to Stagecoach Group Chief Executive many initiatives we have in place, win an extra day off, paid for by the Brian Souter said: “Our employees such as our Travelsafe Officers, are company, raising nearly £340. were very touched by the scale of the making a huge difference. This is Save the Children, which said a human tragedy caused by the disaster clearly demonstrated by the continu- special ‘thank you’ to Stagecoach for and it is heartening to see such a ing reductions we have in crime and the donation, swung into action response.” we will continue to work with the quickly after the devastating disaster BTP to further reduce all crimes on Boxing Day last year, providing If you have been adding your support across the network.” shelter, clothing, food and medicine to charity then we’d like to hear to children and their families. about it. In Sri Lanka, for example, one Your On Stage contact is listed on p2. On track with third of the 30,000 people who died were children. In addition, thousands either lost a parent or became A tale new stock separated from them. Save the to tell? Safe delivery: The arrival of badly-needed supplies. Children worked with communities A billion-pound investment programme is keeping South West Trains on track to be the first operator to completely replace its stock of Folkestone stages golden day out slam door trains. The company is improving the travelling experience for passengers People in Kent were treated to free East Kent Bus company in 1993. in the region with its growing Desiro vintage bus rides on Easter Monday Today, a fleet of 35 buses, fleet, which now runs to 109 units. to celebrate the 50th anniversary of supported by a team of 70 drivers, The first Desiro was introduced in the opening of Folkestone bus provides important commuter and 2003 and the total order for 155 units, station. leisure transport to thousands of worth over £1 billion, including main- Bus operators Stagecoach, with passengers each day on the 15 tenance, is the largest train order in the Maidstone & District and East routes that operate through the the UK. Kent Bus Club, held the vintage bus station. Air conditioning, automatic sliding day free rides on the routes Jeremy Cooper, Commercial doors, audio and visual passenger operated 50 years ago. Manager at Stagecoach in Kent, said: information displays and dedicated A total of 15 vintage buses, used “The bus station was busy all day facilities for disabled passengers are over the decades in the Folkestone with people from across the region all included on the new Siemens-built region, provided the service. It ran enjoying a day of nostalgia. trains. alongside the usual Sunday services “There was also a display of There are two types of Desiro on which passengers within the buses at Folkestone harbour which units, the 450, which serves outer town area could make a donation to attracted crowds.” suburban areas such as Alton, the Sittingbourne based Demelza Guildford and Basingstoke, and the House Hospice for Children rather 444, which serves stations such as than paying the usual fare. Members of Stagecoach and vintage fleet Portsmouth on the mainline. The bus station was renovated drivers at Folkestone with buses (from left) The rest of the fleet will be phased and refurbished last year by 1956 Guy Arab 4, 1959 Regent V and a 1945 in across the network this year. Stagecoach, which took over the Bristol. Spring 2005 5 Barely had 2005 dawned when Carlisle found itself swamped, then submerged, under January’s flash flooding. Here NIGEL BARRETT,Managing Director, Stagecoach North West, offers this The day t fascinating insight into how his team was back on the road within 24 hours but out in the cold for five weeks. Teamwork and tenacity pulls Stagecoach thr

ost folk, following the BBC Radio Cumbria to announce all services had MChristmas and New Year cele- been suspended as the rising water had trapped all brations, resign themselves to vehicles and that all Stagecoach staff should report to “getting back to normal”, but the bus station for instructions. Though the buses were off the road, there was January in Carlisle proved to be still some traffic – the bizarre sight of HM anything but for Stagecoach Coastguard, complete with inflatable boat, rescuing North West. people trapped in their houses. The gloom of returning to the daily routine was And the situation was not going to get any better. clouded by a meteorological gloom – winter’s It was clear that Stagecoach’s national support was clouds were gathering, the wind was blowing… and going to be needed. the rains were coming. All of Carlisle’s bus services were suspended, But even when the train services were disrupted Penrith services were unable to leave the town and as the weather worsened, the buses continued to West Cumbria’s services could only serve the local run to schedule. areas of and Whitehaven. Six vehicles At the end of Friday, January 7, all vehicles had had been flooded at the Ambleside outstation and returned to the depot at Willowholme. They were there was no news from depot, situated in fuelled, washed, cleaned and parked up ready for the town, which was also flooded. the next day’s service. Les Warneford, UK Bus Managing Director, was The cleaning contractors left the site around 1.30 briefed and asked for assistance with replacement on the Saturday morning, having locked up the vehicles from other Stagecoach depots and assis- premises as usual. “As usual” was a phrase that was tance from the Group Construction department for about to disappear. what was clearly going to be a major clear up Prince Charles was very complimentary of efforts to restore services so quickly. operation. The Operations team, led by David Ashworth, SATURDAY, JANUARY 8. started to put together an emergency plan for The first calls offering assistance started to come had been lifted and moved and buildings damaged services on Sunday and beyond and Paul Lee started in, from Manchester - 15 vehicles, Scotland - 20 as vehicles and other objects had been carried along The first hint that something was wrong was when to put together a plan for the depot clear up. vehicles and North East - 10 vehicles. The owners of by the water. At the front of the depot was an artic- the phones started ringing in the homes of senior As there were a number of drivers on site at Kingmoor Park on the outskirts of Carlisle offered ulated lorry from a cement firm and a number of management shortly after 5am. Carlisle Bus Station, the drivers at Penrith were asked some parking space for the relief fleet and that’s caravans and large vehicles from the showmen’s site The early-turn supervisor had arrived for work at to bring six vehicles from Penrith to Carlisle on the where Stagecoach’s relief column would assemble opposite the depot. Willowholme only to find the access road under A6, the only road into Carlisle that was still open. the next day. It was clear that nothing could be done at the water and he was unable to get to the depot. By now BBC Radio Cumbria had issued warnings Meanwhile, the shuttle service was carrying very depot and the focus had to be on the emergency As the Stagecoach team moved to check out the that the flood would reach its height around 15:00 few people and the situation in Warwick Road was plan being formulated by the Operations team. situation, the police had already closed the main hrs. getting worse by the minute, the water was rising By noon, the 45 buses from Scotland, road. Alternate routes also proved to be impassable The police station, fire Station, magistrates court fast, helicopters were overhead and a full-scale Manchester and North East started to arrive at and by 6am the road to the depot was already under and the civic centre were now under five feet of evacuation was about to take place. Kingmoor Park, along with 10 vehicles from the around four feet of water… and rising. water, people were trapped in their houses and a full Four vehicles were offered to assist in the reserve at West Cumbria and six vehicles from the I knew that we were at the start of a very serious scale emergency was under way. The power was movement of displaced people to the reception depots; a mix of vehicle types, ticket incident. I couldn’t see how high the water was in knocked out around 11:30 and mobile phone centres around the town; the rest of the drivers were machines (or lack of them) and destination the depot but clearly there was no way out for the service became patchy and eventually failed. stood down. equipment. vehicles inside. The six vehicles arrived from Penrith and a An emergency meeting at the bus station, with shuttle service was set up to Harraby and Upperby, Operations Director David Ashworth and the only two areas in the town that could be SUNDAY, JANUARY 9. MONDAY, JANUARY 10. Engineering Director Paul Lee, followed a visit to accessed. The first task on Sunday was to take stock of the The scene at Kingmoor Park was one of controlled position. All of the Carlisle vehicles were still cut off, chaos in the dark. Drivers were unfamiliar with the the water had been seen to be five feet high in the layout of some of the vehicle controls and the depot - and the sewage treatment plant was only driving instructors were busy giving quick vehicle half a mile upstream. familiarisation lessons. There was no ticket system All ticketing equipment, drivers’ equipment, duty and no equipment to reprogramme blinds. sheets etc were in the operations building at Drivers took vehicles to the bus station and were Willowholme; fortunately the bus station was not allocated routes, destinations and numbers written affected by the floods, allowing the duty sheets and on temporary blinds, with instructions to collect drivers’ rosters to be replicated. money as best they could using flat fares. The road Again vehicles were brought from Penrith to run outside the bus station was commandeered and an a skeleton service to Upperby and Harraby, and to emergency timetable was operated on all routes Penrith for passengers who needed to shop, as there throughout the day. was still no power in Carlisle and very few outlets There was also the problem of cleaning and refu- open. elling the vehicles. Kingmoor Park provided an area Along with Phil Wilson, Engineering Manager, I where a Portakabin could be set up, a 35,000 litre made my way to the top of Willowholme, the water temporary fuel tank was to be put in place and had receded but was still three feet high on the North East loaned a mobile wash and the cleaning access road. contractors moved in straight away. We managed to hitch a lift on the back of an Unfortunately, the fuel tank could not be on site Environmental Agency lorry and got to the depot for until Wednesday and the Portakabin on Tuesday. An the first time at around 10:00 hrs. The scene that account was arranged with a BP petrol station and greeted us was one of sheer devastation. Monday and Tuesday night’s drivers took their The tidemarks on the buses and walls showed vehicles there, refuelled and drove up the M6 to that the water had been up to six feet in places, all park at Kingmoor Park. The Dunkirk spirit was of the buses had a deposit of silt and water inside certainly evident. and it was clear that the sewage treatment plant had Meanwhile, back at the depot, Alan Anderson overflowed. from Group Construction Department met Paul Lee The pits were still full of water and the mixture and Phil Wilson on site at Willowholme. An impres- Washed out: 85 vehicles were put out of service by the flood. of water, silt, fuel and oil was everywhere. Vehicles sive array of tradesmen and cleaning firms were on 6 Spring 2005 the rains came rough the torrent

site from first thing to begin the clean-up, with Stagecoach’s own staff ‘mucking’ in. There was also the problem to solve of servicing the relief fleet, an assortment of vehicle types, with no facilities or stores on hand. Again, with the assis- tance of local contacts, pit space was secured at two HGV dealerships and Stagecoach staff were to man these for five weeks before returning to the depot.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 11.

By Tuesday, it had been decided to operate all services to the registered timetables. Additional time was added to allow for the trip to and from Kingmoor Park and the drivers soon got into the swing of the operation. There was still no ticketing equipment but temporary arrangements and flat fares were used. It took until the following Saturday, when some machines were borrowed, repaired or salvaged, before a fully operational ticket system was back in place. Better quality temporary blinds were obtained along with equipment to reprogramme the electron- ic blinds. Services were now back to normal. The next step was to assess the damage and the insurers were contacted. Apart from the 65 Carlisle-based vehicles on site, seven vehicles were in the paintshop, six Routemasters in store for London, two training vehicles and three seasonal vehicles were parked up, as well as two ancillary vehicles - 85 vehicles in total. The BBC Radio Cumbria bus along with all its computer equipment was also flooded. At the end of the first week, it was clear that the vehicles would not be returning to service for a long The January floods caused devastation in Carlisle and the surrounding area. time, if at all, and another call for replacement vehicles went out to all depots in the country. The Group did good! Further vehicles were promised, seven from the rolling road and brake tester to the sewing Sunday, February 13, was set for moving back to the London, four from Wales, three from and machine for the trim shop was ordered and work depot. three from Kent. Some vehicles were exchanged “The whole incident, which is still had started on the operations accommodation At the start of week four, all building contractors’ with North East and four headed back to Scotland. not closed, has demonstrated the known locally as the Bungalow. work was concentrated on the Bungalow - five days The reinforcements also enabled Lancashire’s The temporary outstation at Kingmoor Park was to repair the damaged walls, fit the building out, vehicles to be returned. ability of Stagecoach to rally round operating well, with the drivers and supervisors install phones, computers, ticket machine facilities, The clean-up operation continued with teams when things go wrong. getting used to the change of environment. The new lockers and cash counting machines; it was a working 18 hours a day to try to return the depot to constant supply of free tea and coffee had helped, tough task. use as soon as possible. however the difficulty of operating some two miles The depot was given a final clean on Saturday “Without the support of other from your original base along the busiest route out and the return was organised in military fashion, of Carlisle did cause some problems. from the staff signing on at Kingmoor Park on FRIDAY, JANUARY 14. depots throughout the Group, and Staff moved from one task to the next without Sunday morning to the final bus being transferred on the Group Construction complaint. The night cleaning team had moved to Sunday night Stagecoach was eventually ‘back Spirits were lifted when HRH Prince Charles visited the site at the outset and were fuelling and cleaning home’. the depot. He spoke to a number of staff on site and department, we would never have the vehicles, sometimes by hand when the wind The depot run-out on Monday was as if nothing saw for himself the devastation the floods had managed to put a service on the was too high to use the walk-round wash. Sundays had happened. Drivers and engineering staff had caused. Prince Charles appeared to be shocked at road in 24 hours and made the were reserved for a whole fleet clean by anyone arrived and buses were departing as normal, they the scale of the damage and was complimentary who volunteered to work. just had strange place names on the side. about the efforts to restore services so quickly after depot operational in five weeks. Senior manager updates were held daily to losing so many vehicles. ensure everyone knew what was happening. Carlisle had attracted the attention of the media On the Monday of week three, a settlement THE AFTERMATH from all over the country, but what wasn’t expected “It must be said that without the figure was reached with the insurers for the whole was the influx of bus enthusiasts that were all over cooperation, hard work and of the written off fleet, 85 vehicles in total. It was The operation since then has not been without the city taking pictures of the replacement vehicles, agreed to remove the vehicles from the site and a problems. Spare parts for 13 different vehicle types still with their own adverts and company names on dedication of all the staff in large number of recovery vehicles came from North were difficult to obtain and the stores were still not them. Carlisle, who worked long hours, Staffordshire in the next 10 days to undertake the fully functional. Internal decoration was still going task. It must have been an interesting sight to see so on, 85 internal doors had been replaced and plant changed operating and engineering many vehicles en route along the M6 at all times of and equipment was still being delivered. CLEAR UP AND CLEAN UP procedures at short notice and the night and day. The final replacement of the fleet was discussed worked together as a team, this Once the vehicles had been removed, the final and 39 Dennis Darts had been ordered to replace By the third week, the depot was beginning to look part of the clear-up operation could start. The main the 24 low-floor vehicles lost and to convert the clean, the numerous contractors on site had cleared recovery would not have been depot floor area still had the silt, oil and fuel under remaining town services to low floor. the pit area and our staff had made their workshops possible.” and around the vehicles and, only once this was The remaining requirement of 46 vehicles would and paintshop habitable. cleared, could moving back to the depot be consid- come from the 11 Penrith outstation vehicles that The list of plant and equipment that needed ered. had been unaffected by the floods and a selection of replacing was growing even longer, everything from Nigel Barrett At the end of week three, a target date of the replacement fleet that had been loaned. Spring 2005 7 Stagecoach in Inverness has invested over £380,000 In a high profile launch in Inverness, the newly in a new ‘green’ fleet. branded vehicles were formally unveiled by The three new Volvo B7 Interurban coaches Green buses take the high road Councillor Ewen Mackinnon, The Highland incorporate the latest design features. An additional Council’s Depute Chairman of TEC Services with investment of £40,000 has meant CCTV is fitted on responsibility for transport. all buses, playing a major role in keeping passen- better air quality within the Easter Ross area. commitment of our company to making public Cllr Mackinnon said: “Stagecoach has invested gers and drivers secure in addition to deterring Robert Andrew, Deputy Managing Director of transport an easy to use and pleasant alternative to heavily in new buses for Inverness routes in recent vandalism. Stagecoach Scotland, said: “Stagecoach has been at the private car. People not only benefit from the years. The new vehicles have Euro 3 engines, allowing the forefront of public transport development in the convenience and comfort of the bus, but can also “These high quality coaches should attract new low pollutant, minimum emissions, demonstrating a UK. work with us in helping cut pollution and conges- passengers to the service and help to reduce con- commitment by Stagecoach to sustainability and “This investment in Inverness demonstrates the tion.” gestion.”

South West Stations upgrade Trains MD moves on

South West Trains Managing Director Andrew Haines has the next priority left the business to become Managing Director UK Rail at transport company irgin Trains has called for FirstGroup. Graham Eccles, Stagecoach Vmassive investment in railway Group Executive Director Rail, stations on the West Coast has assumed day-to-day oper- mainline as the next priority in ational responsibility for South improving journeys. West Trains on a temporary A major strategy document by the influential basis and will continue to West Coast Rail 250 group praises the efforts and retain his current Group role. progress made so far in upgrading the route, but Andrew has spent 20 years says that further work is needed to deal with the in the rail industry, having expected growth in both passenger and freight joined British Rail as a traffic. graduate manager in 1985. He In particular, it highlights that the current joined South West Trains in £7.3billion upgrading scheme does not include 1997, becoming Operations any station investment despite many now being Director two years later and in desperate need of upgrading. With the then Managing Director in exception of the newly-renovated Manchester 2000. Piccadilly, there was an urgent need to spend Stagecoach Group is some serious money on extra car parking, retail currently recruiting a new outlets, lounges and toilets, stated the report. Managing Director for South Virgin Trains is pressing for the go-ahead to West Trains and expects to be allowed to raise additional money to invest in make an announcement in the stations, some of which are more than 100 years near future. old and are in need of major renovation. Graham Eccles said: Charles Belcher, Virgin Trains Managing “Andrew leaves with our best Director West Coast, in agreeing with the spirit The b-line students and their larger than life selves. wishes and we look forward of the report, explained: “We have come up with to appointing a successor that a figure of around £150million that we would will drive forward our plans like to spend on stations including car parks. for what is the UK’s biggest “However, we need to find a way that we can Make a beeline for b-line ! rail franchise. get an asset to be paid back over its life rather “I will assume day-to-day than simply over the life of the franchise and Youngsters around Chesterfield are enjoying the management responsibility for that will require a change in Treasury rules. If benefits of cheap travel and discounts in local shops, by Phillip Cartwright South West Trains. We have a we can do that, the market, the banks, are quite thanks to the b-line travel card. first class team at South West happy to put up the money.” Working with Derbyshire County Council, Trains, with a number of Amongst the possible station improvements Stagecoach East Midlands has been promoting the “We are delighted to be able to help highlight the excellent senior managers, West Coast 250 highlighted were increased car card and the distinctive b-line bus to young travellers b-line travelcard in Derbyshire,” said Stagecoach East and it will be business as parking at Crewe, Preston and Carlisle, addition- in the area. Midlands Managing Director Paul Lynch. usual as we continue with our al track and platforms at Milton Keynes, and A competition for local students gave some lucky “The b-line has made bus travel more attractive major programme to introduce major redevelopment at Preston, Birmingham winners the chance to actually appear on the b-line amongst the 11-18 age group and anything that the new Desiro train fleet and New Street and London Euston to deal with bus. And they recently got to see the eye-catching encourages young people to use public transport has further measures to improve future growth. design before the bus went into service. our full support.” our services to passengers.” Bus link completes Belarus to ‘Boro trip

A group of children, suffering from the The eager children were taken from effects of the Chernobyl disaster, have Newcastle airport direct to once again received a helping hand from Middlesbrough to meet their host Stagecoach. families. The Chernobyl Children Lifeline the charity network was formed in Stagecoach Inspector Alfie Morgan charity was formed to help the young- February 2003 and Stagecoach has given has driven the bus on every occasion for sters of Belarus, the region worst hit by its support by providing transport to and the Chernobyl children and was thrilled the 1986 disaster. from Newcastle airport. to be involved again with this worthwhile There are branches of the charity In February, another party of children cause. throughout the country that raise funds to arrived in the North East on a cold, He said: “This is a wonderful example bring groups to the UK for respite care, snowy Newcastle evening for a month- of where we can help make a real differ- boosting their immune systems and long stay and the youngsters were very ence to children’s lives. offering them temporary relief from the excited to board the Stagecoach bus, “I’m delighted that Stagecoach is bombardment of radiation even after their epic 19-hour journey committed to helping a local charity in The Chernobyl youngsters join the last leg of their journey with Stagecoach. The Middlesbrough-Teesside Link of from Belarus to Newcastle airport. this way.”

8 Spring 2005 Buses remain Bowling over the competition A team of drivers and their partners are the And team captain Glyn Lewis won the firm favourite pride of the alley after an impressive silverware singles title before teaming up with Ray haul in a national ten-pin bowling tournament. Marshall to win the doubles. in ! The Stagecoach Manchester Hyde Road A total of 20 teams took part in the event, squad certainly made their mark when they representing transport companies from all over took part in the Hull Fours tournament during the country. Each team consisted of four March, striking an astonishing tally of 17 bowlers and one reserve and the Manchester trophies. pinsplitters were, from left to right, Ray All four struck silver in team, individual and Marshall (driver) Lois Lewis (reserve), Glyn handicap categories, including landing the Lewis (driver), Gail Marshall and Phil Evans overall team title, the trios and the team fours. (driver).

Swindon has a proud railway history, but buses are clearly a firm favourite with the town’s residents today! During 2004, Stagecoach in Swindon’s extensive bus network Engineer goes nuts enjoyed passenger growth of 6.5%, bucking a national decline of approximately 3% throughout England (excluding London). Routes 54 and 55 enjoyed the greatest growth with 13.7% more passengers using the rural over Wheelsure! services connecting Swindon, Wootton Bassett and . The recently ife’s Engineering Director by Lesley Pryke rebranded ‘popin’ services to FSandy Brydon is piloting a & Lauren Kobilnyk Kingsdown, Highworth and trial that could further boost Freshbrook, which launched in Stagecoach’s excellent repu- Sandy is always looking for additional November and run at 10-minute tation for safety. safety features to supplement these intervals between 7.30am and The trial of the innovative new procedures and to ensure absolute 6pm Mondays to Saturdays, also Wheelsure nut-locking device, which safety for his fleet. grew by a combined average of stops nuts from loosening, was He added: “Safety is of paramount 6.2%. extended to 29 vehicles after a success- importance to me and if the trial Ian Manning, Managing ful first phase. continues to go well, I would like to Director of Stagecoach West, said: Sandy explained: “Wheel loss is a see the device fitted as standard “In 2003, our Stagecoach in sector-wide issue that we take very equipment on all heavy vehicles.” Swindon operation was one of seriously and we have been very Wheel loss and wheel nut the Top 10 fastest growing bus impressed with the results of the initial loosening, which are caused by a lack networks in the UK, and we’re trial phase. of clamping force, are problems that delighted to report continued “Having discussed the results at our have existed within the transport growth across the network engineering meetings we decided the industry for decades. throughout 2004.” way forward was to increase the The widely accepted view in the number of vehicles fitted with the industry is that a strict torquing regime product and to extend the trial for a will ensure that the correct clamping Vicky’s extra further three months.” force is applied to wheel nuts. Stagecoach already employs However, this belief is not correct. rigorous maintenance procedures, The amount of torque energy applied mile smile! which include regular re-torquing, but to a wheel nut does not necessarily translate into the required clamping only a matter of miles after wheel main- Independent vibration testing force to secure a wheel. tenance has been carried out. carried out on the device by Bolt Vicky Nightingale, a Travel Over 90% of torque energy is used The device, which has been Science using a Junkers machine, Shop clerk in Exeter, was up in overcoming frictional resistance patented and developed by Wheelsure showed that the device retained the nominated for the ‘Going that in the stud threads and bearing Ltd, recently won Brake’s Vehicle Safety optimum 95% of its clamping force. A Extra Mile’ award after turning surfaces. Whilst this is still enough to Invention Award. It has a modified 5% loss in clamp force occurs without a complaint into a glowing generate sufficient clamping force on a wheel stud and counter-threaded any nut rotation and is due to commendation! brand new wheel stud, it rapidly locking cap that covers the wheel nut, embedding loss in the thread and on Vicky gave exemplary becomes insufficient for reused, holding it in place. In the event of the the bearing faces of the fastener. customer service to somebody damaged or incorrectly fitted studs. wheel nut starting to loosen, the left The results of this market-leading who had a bad travel experi- This goes a long way towards hand threaded locking cap immediately trial will be known shortly and may ence on a National Express explaining why wheel nuts still loosen tightens against the nut, ensuring that it well be another example of Stagecoach service. in even the best-maintained fleets or will not come off. leading the industry. Her attitude and approach completely turned around all negative feelings towards the A heritage line right in the heart of bad journey and, thanks to her the New Forest has been announced Rail nostalgia key to preserving community line helpfulness, the customer took by South West Trains. the time to write and commend Two Mark One trains are being her service. refurbished to their original said: “We believe this is the right way Development, said: “The aim of the condition, which includes repainting by Simone Spinks forward and rather than trying to Community Rail strategy is to help them in their original British Rail justify the expensive costs of a new safeguard the future of lines such as colours and operating both trains on Development Strategy, which involves train, which would only cover a Lymington by putting them on a more the Lymington line. looking at making branch lines more journey time of 10 minutes, it makes sustainable footing and working with To ensure all passengers’ needs cost efficient. The Lymington line has sense to refurbish two perfectly good the local communities they serve to are met, extensive works are being been proposed as a suitable slam door trains. help increase passengers and make a carried out, including adding a Community Rail Partnership. “The New Forest is a popular area greater contribution to local economic dedicated wheelchair space, addi- Mark One trains are due to be and by creating a heritage line this can development. tional seating and cycle storage. phased out by the end of this year, but only add further to attracting more “Lymington is a perfect example of By buying the two Mark One South West Trains has sought approval tourists.” this strategy at work and will help to trains outright and refurbishing them, from Her Majesty’s Railway Although operated by heritage give local people a say in the running, South West Trains will be helping to Inspectorate (HMRI) to allow the trains trains, South West Trains will still and invariably the future, of their make the line more cost effective, to remain on the Lymington line. maintain the current service frequen- railway.” which will help to safeguard its With only one train operating at any cies and connections into ferries, South West Trains will be working future. one time, at a maximum line speed of Virgin Trains and its own mainline with Hampshire County Council and Mark Whittle, Customer Services This would be in line with the 45mph, the line is entirely suitable for services. New Forest District Council to involve Manager of Stagecoach , presents Strategic Rail Authority’s recently Mark One stock. Chris Austin, the SRA’s Executive other stakeholders in this community Vicky with the National Express award. announced Community Rail A South West Trains’ spokesman Director for Community Rail project. Spring 2005 9 A well-earned Ridgeway comes alive retiral with the sound of music… Workers at the Walkergate depot in Newcastle bid Stagecoach in Bedford struck a The decision to donate the cash Mohammed Ibrahim a fond chord with Ridgeway School to Ridgeway was taken after it farewell in March after an out- pupils by raising £520 for school emerged driver Paul Sampson had standing 36 years of service for funds during their staff Christmas himself launched a fundraising Stagecoach North East. party. appeal. Paul’s son Jack attends the Mohammed joined the The sum included £350 from Kempston-based school, which company in June 1969 and has the raffle, £150 from Operations caters for children with disabilities. worked on the 21/22 services Manager Sean Catt and £20 from Paul raised just over £200 with between Wallsend and driver Tom Carpenter, who help from family, friends and col- Throckley ever since. donated his “wages” for driving leagues, bringing the total donated Despite being a shy chap, the staff party bus. to the school to £739. Mohammed took great pride in Headmaster Graham Allard his work and was well liked at Our photograph shows, from left, driver Bob thanked everyone involved and the depot. In fact, everyone Auty (Bedford Organising Committee), driver revealed the cash will be used to wanted to know the secret of Paul Sampson, Graham Allard with Jack buy new musical equipment for his robust health – he hadn’t Sampson. the school. had a sick day for over 20 years! He plans to spend his hard earned retirement relaxing with Learning curve for Stacey his grandchildren. Staff at Walkergate said Mohammed’s contribution will Judging by her hectic calendar, it’s theory studies and practical mainte- be missed and wished him all a wonder Stacey Mallett found time nance. the best for the future. to start an apprenticeship with “Overall, I find every day an Stagecoach. experience and I hope to perform The keen drummer embarked on to the best of my abilities over the her four-year apprenticeship in coming four years.” Farewell October last year, though she still Famed for her outrageous hair studies at college in Bristol. colours, Stacey is also the proud to Tony Stacey said: “I am lucky to work owner of several piercings and with such a skilled workforce and tattoos. In her spare time she enjoys After taking charge of some enjoy the challenging yet interest- the company of friends, listening to 3,000 driving tests, Stagecoach ing skills I’m learning through music and catching live gigs. East Midlands Driving Examiner Tony Stacey has hung up his clipboard. Having started as a Conductor way back in 1959, Tony has clocked up 45 years in the industry. He has also worked as a Driver and for last Peter Robinson, Stagecoach’s new Assistant Manager for Portsmouth. 12 years was the Driving Examiner at Chesterfield. In 2000, Tony’s sterling Peter steps into new role service to the bus industry was Stagecoach’s Portsmouth bus depot Director from Stagecoach South, recognised when he was has a new Assistant Manager said he was delighted that Peter has awarded a well-deserved MBE. following the promotion of Peter taken the new managerial position. He recently received a further Robinson. He added: “Peter’s experience letter of congratulations from He will be working with within the bus industry will enable Buckingham Palace to mark his Portsmouth Operations Manager him to develop his management retirement. David Rossiter, one of the most skills and he will certainly benefit Everyone at Stagecoach experienced in the company. from working with David Rossiter gives Tony a hearty thanks for Peter joined Stagecoach in 2000 and his team.” all his effort over the years and in Andover after nine years with Stagecoach’s Portsmouth depot wishes him a long and happy Wilts & Buses and prior to is one of the busiest in the south retirement. his promotion he was one of the with 160 drivers, operating eight company’s Driving Instructors. routes using a fleet of over 70 Andrew Dyer, Managing buses. Stacey with Tony Gates, DEM Kettering/Corby. Team sharpens up skills Members of the Stagecoach team that course provided by Stagecoach as a runs the bus services from way of enhancing their driving and Basingstoke have been celebrating people skills. their NVQs. Robbie Hall, Operations Manager Drivers Jayne Morgan-Payne, Phil for Stagecoach in Basingstoke, is Payne, Phil Sherman, Dave Muller, delighted that the team has embraced Acacio Santos, Alan Compton and the NVQ training. Mick Smith have all achieved their “It is all about striving to provide a NVQ Level 2 for Transporting high standard of service and care for Passengers by Road, after six months our customers and the NVQ courses Our photograph shows Stagecoach East of studying, practical training and help individuals to develop their Midlands Managing Director Paul Lynch assessments. skills,” said Robbie. “We now have congratulating Tony. So far 28% of the drivers in many other staff following their Celebrating success: Robbie Hall congratulates the team of Alan Compton, Mick Smith, Jayne Basingstoke have taken the voluntary example.” Morgan-Payne, Phil Payne, Phil Sherman, Dave Muller and Acacio Santos

10 Spring 2005 Fragrant Employees honoured Long service presentations were made to 23 Fareham employees of Stagecoach South at an awards dinner. boosts The awards were: 45 years’ service – Peter Young, Head Office. 40 years’ service – Richard Alexander, Head charity funds Office; Jenny Harris, Aldershot; Bob Hill, Aldershot; Paul Langridge, Lewes; James Mason, Lewes. A team of South West Trains 35 years’ service – John Clark, Aldershot; Peter managers recently swapped Green, Portsmouth; Bill Vern, Andover. their suits for overalls and 30 years’ service – Paul Fowler, Lewes; Paul elbow grease in aid of Hayward, Winchester; Chris Ingram, Portsmouth; homeless charity Crisis. Frederick Kelland, Aldershot; Vic Leggett, Aldershot. Armed with feather dusters, 25 years’ service – John Black, Portsmouth; Allan sweeping brushes and a good Daines, Chichester; Gerry Fisher, Basingstoke; Richard sense of humour, the 10-strong Hodgkiss, Aldershot; Ken Jennings, Portsmouth; John group hoped to raise £2000 by McAvoy, Lewes; John Profit, Aldershot; Graham giving Fareham station a Rowden, Aldershot; Steve Williams, Winchester. complete makeover. Accompanied by handymen and direct services staff, the team – including Recruitment Manager Pat Gillman, Contracts Manager Andy Peberdy, and Group Station Manager Steve Hampson – cleared and tidied A late delivery from the car park, put up poster boards and thoroughly cleaned the toilets and waiting area. Their names were drawn out of a hat during the South West Trains management con- ference. ‘Santa’ and his crew Operations Director Stewart Palmer also displayed his green-fingered prowess by helping one of the teams to Hampshire hospice weed and replant six Ahas had a £500 boost by Helen Martin flowerbeds in the car park next thanks to generous pas- to platform three. sengers on a ‘Santa Bus’ A second charity event was donations, and additional funds held in February and involved operated by Stagecoach’s from Stagecoach, we have another team of employees Portsmouth depot over exceeded the previous years’ totals. planting shrubs at several the festive period. “The atmosphere on the bus was stations in the Portsmouth The bus, using special panels great and was much appreciated by area. created by Stagecoach’s bodyshop passengers, who enjoyed the These two events followed team members Simon Davis and sweets we dispensed on the a similar fundraising drive in Bryan Gigg, was driven by Michael journeys.” May 2004 when four teams of Crockford, who dressed as Father Meryl Townsend, a Day Care employees raised more than Christmas. Manager at the hospice, thanked £10,000 for the Railway It is the third year that a presen- the team for the support, adding Children charity by planting tation has been made to the Rowan that every donation was important flowers and re-painting Hospice. Last year, and in 2003, as £2.3 million had to be raised stations across the network. passengers donated £400. every year to run the facility. Peter Robinson, Assistant Manager at Stagecoach’s If you have been rallying around to Portsmouth Depot, said: “The team help a worthy cause then we’d like to involved with the Santa Bus is hear about it. Double top delighted that, thanks to the gen- erosity of passengers who made Your On Stage contact is listed on p2. success Generous greetings: Stagecoach’s Peter A tale Robinson hands over the money raised to to tell? Stagecoach North East was Meryl Townsend of Rowan Hospice. bang on target recently when its darts team scored two triumphs in the PCV Championship. As winners in the north Perfect setting for golf challenge zone, the players travelled to Kent to defeat Rotherham in Budding Tiger Woods and Vijay rounded by geysers, boiling mud the semi-final. This set them up Singhs have been battling it out in pools and steaming craters. It is for a game against London the annual Golf Challenge Match certainly a great place to visit. Counties, which ended in a between Stagecoach Auckland and Beyond the golf, the group of 70 glorious 5-3 victory. their Wellington counterparts. had a great weekend with the after- The success didn’t stop Played in perfect conditions in match function a definite highlight. there though; they also the tourist town of Rotorua, the A big thank you to Stagecoach clinched the award for team of match was keenly contested, with New Zealand for its support and to the year. Auckland eventually coming out on the planners who helped competi- Ladies world number one top by 658 to 655 Stableford points. tors by rearranging their driving Trina Gulliver and professional The match was played in duties. darts player Mervin King were excellent spirit with the teams Next year’s challenge is set to be on hand to make a special enjoying each other’s company as played in Taranaki, North Island. presentation to the winners. well as the challenges presented by The victors thank Geoff the course. The surrounding area Reed, Bob Bootiman and the also added to the enjoyment. Up for the cup: Doug Hawkins (left) from Welfare Committee for all their Rotorua is a smallish city on the Auckland and Chris Rupapera from support. shore of Lake Rotorura and is set in Wellington with the Stagecoach New Zealand a geothermal wonderland, sur- Golf challenge Cup. Spring 2005 11 Bus-mad pensioner Alison Davies wonderful, I never expected the was thrilled when she was invited to Veteran traveller takes the wheel chance to do anything like this.” Investment take the helm of a seven-tonne Her drive was organised by driver double decker. pastime, Alison jumps on her first was given the chance to steer a Dougie McInnes and colleagues brings extra Bognor-woman Alison (81) is a bus at 6am and keeps going until seven-tonne double-decker around from Stagecoach South East. familiar face on Stagecoach buses night time. Her preferred route is the an unused airfield on Thorney “Alison is nuts about buses,” said and has befriended many of the 700 Stagecoach service between Island. Dougie. “We see her nearly every benefits for drivers in her travels around West Portsmouth and Brighton. Grinning from ear to ear and day on various routes. Seeing her Sussex and Hampshire. Alison achieved her ambition of sitting at the wheel like a profes- driving the bus was like seeing a bus users Indulging in her favourite taking the driver’s place when she sional she said: “Didn’t I do well. It’s child opening Christmas presents.”

A popular South East bus route has by Dennis Elliott been revolutionised thanks to a £1million investment by Stagecoach. A dozen new buses now operate on the route between Aldershot, n artist rarely sees a Farnborough, Frimley, Camberley Awork on a canvas as big and Old Dean. As a result, the as the side of a bus! frequency has increased from 15 to But that was the giant showing every 10 minutes. given in February by Stagecoach in A 10% reduction in journey times New Zealand when the Mayor of has been achieved through the Auckland, Dick Hubbard, unveiled introduction of transponders on the the winning artwork from the Art on vehicles, coupled with dedicated the Buses competition on a full size bus lanes and gates. The transpon- coach. ders alert traffic lights when a bus is Art on the Buses, sponsored by approaching. Stagecoach Auckland, is an annual The fleet of new buses was event involving 19 Auckland Artists. launched by one of the special Since December last year, the liveried vehicles driving through a artists’ work, depicted on 19 banner held by Andrew Dyer, miniature buses, has been on display Managing Director for Stagecoach at the Britomart Transport Centre South, and Aldershot MP Gerald with the public invited to vote for Winning artist Howarth. their favourite design. Mr Howarth said: “I am When voting ended in January, delighted that Stagecoach has made the winning bus was prepared with this investment. More buses with the artist’s design applied along the improved frequency provides more entire body. opportunity for people to use public Art on the Buses is an initiative of transport and bus lanes are more City Artists Network, founded by gets the buzz acceptable to motorists if buses are Bev Goodwin and Barbara Bailey. seen using them with a good This was the third Art on the Buses number of passengers on board.” project for City Artists Network. Route 1 is one of 47 services Stagecoach New Zealand operated by Stagecoach in Hants Executive Chairman Ross Martin and Surrey, using a fleet of 85 buses said: “Stagecoach is thrilled to be a and a team of 140 drivers. sponsor of the Auckland Festival and of the bus! Andrew Dyer added: “We are Art on the Buses is a natural part of delighted to make this major invest- the programme for our company to ment in the Blackwater Valley, align with. Public choose which work should hit the road which will give real benefits for bus “It is very exciting to consider users in the area. These improve- that 19 artists gathered in front of a ments are part of a major partner- full size bus, all wondering whether in there were many close results for design received the most votes, the Ross Martin and Dick Hubbard ship project with Hampshire and it is their artwork which will be runner-up places, but there was one MAN bus was carefully covered with removed the cover from the rear, at Surrey County Councils and, unveiled. clear winner, Sue McKenzie.” tarpaulins at City Depot and then the set time, using specially- together, we aim to make public “With over 1,000 votes being put As the artists did not know which towed to the Centre. attached ropes. transport a really viable alternative This caused great excitement for local residents.” amongst the gathered crowd. All of the artwork from the com- petition was auctioned off in March with 50% of the proceeds going to Ghurkas’ roles Auckland’s Starship Children’s Hospital. take about turn If you have been up to something innovative in your local community It’s not just in the barracks of then we’d like to hear about it. Aldershot where the military Your On Stage contact is listed on p2. tradition remains strong. Stagecoach South is proud to have 11 former Ghurkas as bus A tale drivers and two as trainee bus to tell? drivers at its depot in the town. The first to join in 2001 was Prakash Raut, a former Staff Sergeant with the Queen’s Own The South West Trains’ Woodfalls Competitions across the south and Ghurka Logistics Regiment. The Band has secured sponsorship from master classes in Berkshire, the train company for the 10th con- Ten years of brass Winchester and Bournemouth. most recent recruit is Indra Gurung, who joins 10 former secutive year. In July, the band will hold a colleagues who served with the The band, recently placed fourth concert and master class at Node Hill 1st Royal Ghurka Rifles. in the All England Masters band helps the band play on middle school on the Isle of Wight “We are delighted to have contest, is one of the UK’s top 20 and hopes this will kick-start the Indra as an addition to the brass bands. creation of a third brass band at the former Ghurka team,” said The £9,000 sponsorship has years. We are so proud of our part- The band is especially proud of school. Operations Manager, Aldershot, enabled the band to continue its nership and the benefits that it has the ‘We Will Remember Them’ A South West Trains’ spokesman Graham Harmer. “We have varied programme of annual brought us which we can then pass concert, which it has staged with the said: “The partnership between South found that their dedication and concerts, many of which help to raise onto the community projects which Royal British Legion for five years, West Trains and Woodfalls Band has professional approach to what thousands of pounds for local we are involved with”. and the ‘O Glorious Christmas’ gone from strength to strength over can be a difficult job has been charities. Last month, Woodfalls raised concert in association with Age the last decade. The band has a real welcomed over the years by the Brian Easterbrook, Woodfalls £1,553 for the Asian Tsunami Appeal Concern. place at the heart of the local experienced team of drivers Band Secretary, said: “I am thrilled during a two-hour concert at West South West Trains also supports community and its music has brought based at Aldershot.” that South West Trains has continued Quay shopping centre in the band’s work with young people, pleasure to audiences right across its support of the band for the last 10 Southampton. including Young Composer our network.” 12 Spring 2005