ISSUE #64 - JUNE 2020

MESSAGE FROM JOHN TRAYNER

MAKING A STAND AGAINST COVID-19 LIFE IN MIRRORLESS BUSES - HOW LOCKDOWN! ARE THEY PERFORMING? CLEANING YOUR HANDS

WORKING AS ONE TEAM As part of the national effort to curb the spread of coronavirus and limit our exposure to dangerous germs, we understand the most effective way to remove or us drivers are the literal driving adjustments to both our home and deactivate germs is to clean your hands with warm Bforce which has kept working life and continue to do so. moving and allowed essential As we come to terms with a new ‘normal’, keyworkers such as those in the I would like to take this opportunity to running water and soap. Hand sanitiser should never NHS and supermarket workers to thank each and every one of you for your safely arrive to work and return bravery; thank you for flexibility, and replace soap and water where its available. home again. thank you for your commitment during the coronavirus crisis. At the start of this pandemic, Go-Ahead London, in agreement with TFL and We are now entering a new phase, so 1. 2. 3. 4. Unite the Union made changes to our please remain vigilant and continue to cleaning regime on buses and garages/ adhere to Government guidelines for the offices; making all areas safe for our safety of both yourself and others. colleagues to carry out the vital roles I also pay my utmost respect to our they play to ensure our services remain colleagues and other transport workers running on a daily basis. Hand sanitiser who are no longer with us and offer Apply soap and Rub your hands palm Rub in between your Make sure your hands has been readily available at every warm water to palm fi ngers and cover all are completely dry my deepest sympathy to the location since February, and surfaces families and friends they additional changes were have left behind. Our also made, including thoughts are with you all. a one-way system in garages to help practice Thank you once again social distancing. We - together, we WILL get If soap and water isn’t available, use have all made many through this. hand sanitiser as an alternative. JOHN TRAYNER 1. 2. 3. 4. MANAGING DIRECTOR

Apply hand sanitiser Rub your hands palm Rub in between your Make sure your hands to palm fi ngers and cover all are completely dry surfaces

Apply the gel product to the palm of one hand. A HUGE Rub your hands together. Rub the gel over all the surfaces of your hands and fi ngers until your hands are dry. This should take around 20 seconds.

THANK YOU Avoid eye contact. Do not use on damaged, sensitive or irritated skin. Adult supervision required for child use. Flammable liquid and vapour. FOR ALL YOUR EFFORTS Keep away from heat/sparks/open fl ames/hot surfaces. No smoking.

LET’S ALL PLAY OUR PART AND HELP REDUCE THE SPREAD OF COVID-19. BUS TALK | PAGE 2 KERRY SI SMITH FRANK PL "Kerry's friendly smile NYAMUTALE in the mornings never fails "The driver was very Drink PASSENGER to lift my spirits. A simple water patient as he waited for me FRANK NYAMUTALE WATERSIDE WAY smile goes a long way. Drink at the bus stop. He was also Drink Drink COMMENDATIONS Please can you pass on my water water Drink polite and professional when water feedback, thanks and Congratulations to all our drivers who have received praise dealing with other road sincere appreciation REMEMBER TO from customers. Here is a selection of those received... users. We need more to Kerry." KEEP HYDRATED! drivers like him." MB CHARLES NELSON "I was in some degree of difficulty but the driver helped me out to ensure that WENDY NAKITTO DEBORAH SKINNER CROYDON I was okay. He advised me SUTTON DEBORAH SKINNER A of the nearest stop for my "She is always convenience and was RR AMAR HUSSAIN courteous and makes the WENDY RIVER ROAD very reassuring." C NAKITTO AMAR passengers feel welcome. "I want to say thank you HUSSAIN The driver wished me a nice "He was helping a to the driver. She lowered day; something she did for blind woman out of the ramp, dropped the bus the bus and cross the each passenger alighting to the kerb and allowed me MG the bus. Thank you." road. BIG THANK VALERIE SHAW to board with my buggy YOU to him!" JOHN NEW CROSS through the middle doors. HUMMERSTON She was so kind and "Your 178 driver kindly NX VALERIE professional." waited for us to board SHAW after seeing us miss the "The lady driver was DEBRA NP bus infront. His manners very helpful in getting me RICKETTS and understanding were and my son on the bus, even RA CHRISTOPHER BX KEITH "Debbie is an amazing. Please pass though some passengers WORRELL SMITH "What an outstanding exceptionally considerate on our thanks." refused to move down. This "The young driver calmly AL ANNA polite and pleasant driver! driver. Very calm and driver is amazing and I explained that we needed GERE Passengers were having professional. Our best hope to get her as a individual cards for tapping "She was polite in and was kind about it. a little trouble boarding and journey on this route for driver again." and friendly to Nothing appeared too alighting from the rear everybody who quite some time." DEBRA RICKETTS NORTHUMBERLAND PARK much trouble for this doors. The driver politely arrived. Thank you driver." explained the new driver." procedure."

KEVIN EVANS SW "The service suffered ANNA GERE ALI FARAH MERTON AF MALCOLM Q some disruptions. KEVIN EVANS "Thank you for MINETTE CAMBERWELL HUSANI PM taking care of stopping "The bus driver The driver informed all WILLIAMS "I was greeted by a and waiting for me while was very friendly and passengers in a polite and friendly driver and I want I ran with my child and a drove smoothly. This informative manner for the to make sure he gets the You can see the latest driver bag! I really appreciate made my journey reason of the delays. He is a great asset to the recognition he deserves. commendations on Go-Ahead this kind gesture from very pleasant." company from what we He made a joke which London’s Twitter account your driver." experienced." HUSANI WILLIAMS made me smile and was (@Go_Ahead_London) PECKHAM polite to people or by searching for getting on." #GoodGALbusdriver Thank you! Q CAMBERWELL MG MORDEN WHARF MB ORPINGTON A SUTTON RA WATERLOO BX BEXLEYHEATH PM PECKHAM C CROYDON

SW STOCKWELL PL WATERSIDE WAY RR RIVER ROAD NX NEW CROSS SI SILVERTOWN AF PUTNEY AL MERTON NP NORTHUMBERLAND PARK

BUS TALK | PAGE 4 BUS TALK | PAGE 5 Name: Tatin Age: 5

TheMAKING rainbow has become A STAND a symbol of support for children and adults making a stand to show their support for NHS workers on the front line during the coronavirus pandemic in the UK.

But what about bus drivers? SILVERTOWN Operating Name: Umaiza Age: 7 Manager, Brad Campbell and Garage Administrator, Karen Smith pondered on this question and came up with an ingenious idea to allow children to show off their creative skills, support Name: Nikola Age: 7 transport workers and help brighten up the depot all at the same time! Genius! The initiative was to encourage drivers to ask their children to colour in the image of a bus in recognition and support of London bus drivers who are keeping the city moving for key workers. Karen said: "We had a great response with some brilliant works of art presented from the children of our drivers." Pictured here is a selection of just some received. “The rest are displayed nicely around the garage on a special board in recognition of the great job our Name: Age: colleagues are continuing to do. The Lucas Man 2 pictures are certainly helping to raise extra smiles in and around the garage at this time of uncertainty. Thank you to all the parents and children who took part in a bid to show your support, and Name: Age: simultaneously help brighten up a bus Sajid Uddin 3 driver’s day,” Brad concluded.

OPEN AND APPROACHABLE Tote Age 5

Name: Luke Age: 2

BUS TALK | PAGE 6 BUS TALK | PAGE 7 LIFE IN LOCKDOWN

BUILDING Family Time Keeping RELATIONSHIPS with John Hope in touch hen Boris Johnson BUILDING Wannounced that the UK RELATIONSHIPS with friends and family would be going on lockdown, ersonally, I think it would’ve been I thought it was a good decision P a better idea if Boris Johnson as I believe the less people on the implemented the lockdown 2 weeks streets, the better it would before Monday 23 March; nevertheless, be for all in our fight against early or late, it was something that the coronavirus. had to be done for the safety of the UK public. Since it’s been in place, I’ve managed to finally complete a lot of DIY which Life is now so different, but Seeing the devastating I’ve been putting off for months. It’s JOHN HOPE I’ve managed to adapt impact of the coronavirus WATERLOO DRIVER also been great as I have been able to whilst sticking to the rules pandemic, my perception have a lot more quality time with my of the lockdown. I’m on cleanliness has wife and son. Keeping him entertained now doing a lot more changed in a big way. certainly raises a smile much to my reading and gardening I am so much more wife’s amusement! and I’ve also managed conscious of the to improve my cooking things I touch, paying I must say that I do miss going out and skills! Like everybody particular attention socialising though. Everyone loves else though, I reallyCOVID-19 when disposing a decent pub on a sunny afternoon, miss my family and rubbish - I have listened right? It’s not quite the same in the back friends, so I’ve been to the Government’s garden as I’m sure most of you have spendingLOCKDOWN quality time advice on regular hand tried! Restrictions on seeing my family catching up with them on washing and will continue and friends is also challenging for me video calls. I also ‘WhatsApp’ to do so once this is all over. but with the use of ‘Messenger’, I’ve my family every evening and managed to stay connected to those CLAUDE PARCHMENT I’m looking forward to returning every morning to check they closest to me nearly every day! MENTOR - STOCKWELL to life as close to what it was pre are all still in good health. Covid-19. I’m seriously missing a I’m definitely looking forward to theme proper steak in a good restaurant; pubs parks and parks in general re-opening. and the like can wait. One of the first things I’ll do is take my son for a day out filled with fun As sad as it is to say, I don’t think life will and activities which he’s undoubtedly ever be the same again, but with my tight missed during lockdown and the unit of family and friends, it will be a change implementation of social distancing. which we will all get through together. Anyway, time for work now – mask and gloves at the ready! Stay safe everyone! COVID-19

LOCKDOWN JOHN HOPE SPENDING SOME QUALITY TIME WITH HIS FAMILY DURING LOCKDOWN.

BUS TALK | PAGE 8 BUS TALK | PAGE 9 KNOWING YOUR COLLEAGUES In this edition of Know Your ISSUE #64 Mohammad Chaudhary Colleagues, Mohammad Chaudhary, Assistant FACE 2 FACE WITH Operating Manager based at MORDEN WHARF garage, talks IN THE RED about his sporting heroes and reveals the TV show which really ‘cracks him up!’ Over to ELEANOR CORNER you Mo… MOHAMMAD CHAUDHARY IN THIS ISSUE OF BUS TALK, WE SPEAK TO NEW CROSS ASSISTANT OPERATING MANAGER MCDONNELL ASSISTANT OPERATING MANAGER, ELEANOR MCDONNELL I am 32 years old and have been in WHO HAS WORKED FOR GO-AHEAD LONDON FOR 1 YEAR. the bus industry since 2007. I joined Stagecoach as a driver in 2007 and worked at Bow garage. In 2011, I was Tupe’d to First Capital with the route 1) When and where was your last holiday? 30 which then operated from Lee ELEANOR MCDONNELL I went to Galway, Ireland with a group of friends in February this year. Interchange. In 2012, I successfully ASSISTANT OPERATING MANAGER Little did we know that our next catch up would be a self isolating video call! Hair today, applied for the position of Senior Garage Administrator (SGA) and continued this role until 2017 when 2) It's Friday night - what do you order, an Indian, gone tomorrow! I became a cover AOM at the same Chinese, Fish and chips or something else? garage. I then joined Go-Ahead London Dominoes pizza Texas BBQ flavour, but I wouldn't turn down any takeaway! artin Miners joined Go-Ahead Despite the friendly put down, he in April 2019 as Assistant Operating MLondon 16 years ago back happily obliged. Manager and have worked at River 3) Would you rather spend or save? in January 2004 as a bus driver Road and New Cross; I am now based at As a child, Martin experienced at Bexleyheath garage. After 12 Morden Wharf garage. I like to think I have a good balance, but maybe I would be able to save years, he took the brave step 35% burns due to spilling a pot more if I didn't subscribe to annual next day delivery on ASOS! into and started at of tea over himself. He was in Outside of work I enjoy nothing more Orpington as a Cover Performance hospital for the best part of his than spending time with my wife and 4) What is your favourite movie and why? Manager. Successful in his trial, the childhood, so this was his way of child aged 2. Despite being a ‘family I am a massive film nerd! I especially love allQuentin Tarantino movies because BUILDING position became permanent in May rewarding the friendly staff who guy’, I’m also mad about sports, they are so creative but if I have to choose one, it would have to be Pulp Fiction. RELATIONSHIPS 2017 and since November 2019, he took care of him. especially Boxing and UFC. My sporting heroes are Mohammad Ali and Khabib has been the Performance Manager Scissors at the ready and sitting Nurmagomedov. I love Mohammad Ali’s 5) What makes you smile? at BEXLEYHEATH. comfortably at home, his daughter determination and the way he stuck to Jade (who lives in the same A lot makes me smile, I'm a pretty smiley person! Family, friends and food if Lockdown has forced us to do his morals and beliefs; he had a colossal household), begun snipping away. I had to be specific. many things ourselves, for example personality and immense charm. Khabib cutting our hair! But pleased with “I must say I felt sick once Jade Nurmagomedov, a Russian mixed 6) What is your first childhood memory? the ‘locks’ grown and happy with started to cut. I was hoping my martial artist and UFC fighter is humble, the compliments he has received, wife wouldn’t give me that divorce well-spoken and in my opinion the best Probably when my dad put me on his shoulders at Disneyland and ran through a Martin says: “It’s taken me all of she mentioned when I initially said UFC fighter in the world. massive crowd of people so that 'Mary Poppins' would see me and wave. I was a lockdown to get my hair to this I was becoming a skinhead for massive fan at 4 years old! I also follow football and support length – I’ve been told it makes me charity! But on a positive note, the United. I last watched them look younger!” children will definitely benefit from 7) Which album would you want to be stranded on a deserted play against Club Brugge at a stadium in the £500 raised.” island with? However, fellow colleague, Colin February 2020 where they won 5-0! The Rowe approached Martin and As he gets accustomed to his new atmosphere was fantastic with a real buzz This question is impossible! My music taste is SO varied, I think I would break asked him if he would consider hairstyle and happy that he still has in the air. down if I could only ever listen to one album and then end up hating it! cutting his hair to help raise money a wife, Martin would like to thank In contrast, when I want to relax there’s for Great Ormond Street Hospital. everyone who supported and 8) Creation or Evolution? nothing better than watching a good In Colin’s words: “Your hair is helped him to raise funds for movie or binge watching a TV series. Evolution - In my opinion, the scientific evidence is pretty hard to dispute! getting long and ya starting look Great Ormond Street Hospital. like look like an old rockstar!” My favourite film of all time is Public Enemies, a 2009 American biographical 9) What is your favourite lockdown pastime? crime drama. I could also happily sit BBQ'ing in the garden. It's the next best thing to being able to go out and eat! through my favourite series including Game of thrones, Breaking Bad and Rick 10) Do you have any pets? & Morty. I cannot watch an episode of Family Guy though without cracking We recently bought a French/English Bulldog puppy and have named him Aldo up with laughter! Peter Griffin; (after a character in a Tarantino directed movie). He is the cutest and has definitely MARTIN MINERS what a character! kept us occupied during lockdown. Our house rabbit Thor won't be fooled by PERFORMANCE MANAGER those big puppy dog eyes though!

Before After BUS TALK | PAGE 10 BUS TALK | PAGE 11 the on no...

peckham FORWARD Reflecting LOOKING

for reversing, in the rain, in the fog, for community ReflectionsMirrors to mirrorlessseeing otherbuses cars, I could go on.” Richard Conn, Satellite Manager at Operating Manager, Mark Cambridge and respect for each other. How times are changing. Croydon believes that the CMS mirrors and the Senior Garage Administration Remember when going to the We would also like to emphasise have aided the engineers, by reducing team at PECKHAM garage would cinema was normal? Remember that whilst it is right to recognise the the number of call outs and lost mileage like to give a huge and sincere thanks efforts being made by NHS when visiting a friend after work to replace broken mirrors. “When the to all their colleagues for the extremely workers, it is also important to was normal? Remember when mirrorless buses first arrived, there hard work and efforts put in during this remember the vital role of bus buses with mirrors…was normal? was a few teething problems which we very challenging period. drivers, whom several key and It has now been 8 months since we have fully rectified and now they are CROYDON “Despite the understandable concerns essential workers rely on daily. Your continued started using EH type mirrorless performing well. For both the engineers raised by a number of colleagues, and the drivers, there was a period of Your efforts have also been buses on route 197 at following some informative staff diligence has not acclimatisation as we all got familiar and recognised by members garage. Technically known as Camera engagement, everyone at Peckham accustomed to this new technology,” of the public who have Monitoring System or CMS, it is the first- continues to make a positive gone unnoticed and explains Richard. contacted the garage in time buses of this kind have operated contribution during these difficult writing and even in person, to is highly appreciated in London. This was a huge change for Operating Manager James Barlow circumstances, and sensibly respond compliment your good work. drivers as it represented such a large continues: “Having seen the possibilities to the guidance being circulated, and respected. departure from standard wing mirrors of this new technology, we are excited which is being updated on almost a Your continued diligence which were first added to vehicles in to see where further developments in daily basis. has not gone unnoticed and MARK CAMBRIDGE 1921, almost 100 years ago! this may take us.” is highly appreciated and OPERATING MANAGER A factor that has been evident during PECKHAM GARAGE respected. Route 197 driver Domingos Martins this period is the increased feeling says: “For me, they’re the best! I of the 'Peckham Community' in and Thank you and stay safe.” don’t want the old mirrors anymore. around the garage, at a time when it is Sometimes drivers from other bus even more important to show support operators come and ask me if it is better, and for me I say much better! At night,

LEFT TO RIGHT: JAMIE ANDERSON, MARK CAMBRIDGE AND TINA WRIGHT.

A ROUTE 197 MIRRORLESS BUS IN SERVICE.

BUS TALK | PAGE 12 BUS TALK | PAGE 13 Life is like a... BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS The gift of GIVING

e are all experiencing trying and Colleagues graciously helped BOX OF Wtesting times at the moment – themselves to a drink and sandwich support, help and acts of kindness is being with encouragement from Abdul, kindly seen all over the country by individuals and reminding them that they are a key worker, charities alike. playing an important role in keeping the city moving. CHOCOLATE Closer to home, Go-Ahead London’s Abdul Rouf was a driver at Brad continued: “The team here at ... you never know what you're gonna get. SILVERTOWN garage between Silvertown have really come together 2008 and 2019; following this, he was during these pressing times, and at times It's fair to say that we're living Warmly received by Operating Manager promoted to the role of driving instructor. like this, we notice that whatever our role Lance McFarlane, the goodies were is in the business, none of us are immune in strange and uncertain times When Abdul isn’t busy at work, he spends to the impact this virus is having on our and for some, what goes along neatly displayed ready for colleagues at his time supporting the DH Foundation, ‘a Waterloo to enjoy. everyday lives. We have taken a positive with this is a loss of routine - 100% non-profit UK based charity with an approach to move forward and it's acts of ABDUL ROUF aim to alleviate poverty in Bangladesh.’ DRIVING INSTRUCTOR perhaps a change in diet which “This kind offer is brilliant,” said Lance, kindness as displayed by Abdul and the now includes a few naughty trying hard to contain his excitement! In addition to their normal charity work, the DH Foundation that will ensure we all get "When does being given chocolate not through this as one. I am really proud of chocolate treats (when no DH Foundation have also been supporting put a smile on your face?" those working on the frontline during the how everyone has played their part one’s looking of course!) in keeping the garage moving. Thank Waterloo Driver Jose Mendonca coronavirus outbreak in London. Abdul you all.” For our lucky colleagues at commented further: “It is nice and and his colleagues have been transporting WATERLOO, they could tuck in to as thoughtful of Waitrose. It’s great to see sandwiches and water to key workers After visiting Silvertown garage, much chocolate as they liked thanks to key workers looking out for each other.” during these very pressing times. Clearly Abdul’s next stop was Guy's and St ...it's acts of kindness as a huge donation of the good stuff from noble, Abdul contacted Silvertown garage Thomas' hospital; truly and richly Lance continued: “In this current displayed by Abdul and Waitrose, Kings Cross. This kind delivery Operating Manager Brad Campbell to offer deserved as NHS staff put their own climate, it is pleasing to see how a kind of chocolate goodies was their way of refreshments for the hard-working drivers lives at risk on a daily basis to help gesture can bring people together the DH Foundation that saying thank you for keeping London transporting keyworkers to and from work and support those battling this life- (maintaining social distance of course). moving during this difficult time. during this pandemic. threatening illness. will ensure we all get Colleagues here were most thankful for After Head Office received a call from their donation and gesture of thanks for Brad was pleased to accept the offer and Many thanks to Abdul and the DH through this as one Kings Cross Waitrose store manager helping to transport keyworkers to work the following day, Abdul arrived at the Foundation - Stay safe everyone. with this generous offer, it wasn’t long and home again! A huge thank you to garage with a selection of sandwiches and BRAD CAMPBBELL drinks courtesy of DH Foundation charity. OPERATING MANAGER before the delivery of chocolate arrived. the Waitrose team for their generosity!” SILVERTOWN GARAGE Commenting on this act of kindness, Driver Kayes Kabir stated: “This gesture was well received by everyone and further enhanced the community spirit at Silvertown garage. At times like this, small OPEN AND gestures have massive impacts.” APPROACHABLE

LEFT TO RIGHT: ALEX FERNANDES, ALPHA KALLON, NATHAN DANIEL (WAITROSE), JADA SINGTONG (WAITROSE) AND OPERATING MANAGER, LANCE MCFARLANE ABDUL AND COLLEAGUES AT SILVERTOWN DISTRIBUTING FOOD COURTESY OF DH FOUNDATION

BUS TALK | PAGE 14 BUS TALK | PAGE 15 TENDER NEWS

A yellow highlight indicates an involvement with Go-Ahead London. All are retentions unless stated otherwise. * = 24 Hour Route.

ROUTE R7 | Chelsfield Village to Chislehurt Sainsbury's. ROUTE 283 | Brunel Road to Hammersmith Bus Station METROBUS. Won from Stagecoach . London United. Contract retained. Contract begins on December 5, 2020. Contract begins on February 27, 2021. Using Existing Diesel Single Deck (4 PVR). Using Existing Diesel Single Deck (10 PVR).

ROUTE 306 | Second Avenue to Sands End / Sainsbury's. ROUTE 649/650/651 | School Routes. . Won from London United. . Contract retained. Contract begins on December 12, 2020. Contract begins on January 2, 2021. Using Double Deck (details TBC) (11 PVR). Using Existing Hybrid Double Deck (9 PVR).

ROUTE 385 | Chingford Station to Salisbury Hall. ROUTE S4 | Wilson's School to St Helier Station. HCT Group. Contract retained. ABELLIO LONDON. Contract retained. Contract begins on October 17, 2020. Contract begins on December 5, 2020. Using Existing Diesel Single Deck (1 PVR). Using Existing Diesel Single Deck (6 PVR).

ROUTE 654 | Addington Village Interchange to Eldred Drive. ROUTE 456 | Crews Hill to North Middlesex Hospital. METROBUS. Contract retained. . Contract retained. Contract begins on October 24, 2020. Contract begins on October 17, 2020. Using Existing Diesel Double Deck (1 PVR). Using Existing Diesel Single Deck (5 PVR).

ROUTE 200 | Mitcham Fair Green to Lambton Road. LONDON GENERAL. Contract retained. Contract begins on February 20, 2021. Using Existing Hybrid Double Deck (15 PVR).

Keeping it Thanks for reading! Congratulations to Try not to becomeSutton driver, a person Marco of success, but Martin who achieved MARCO MARTIN rather try to becomea BCES score a of person100. of value.SUTTON DRIVER Well done! Albert Einstein

BUS TALK | PAGE 16