The newsletter of Issue 114 | March 2016 STAGE ON page 3 page 3 INSIDE Author’s on the write road | Campaign to drive change I’m a celebrity... let me drive buses! TV personality Ferne McCann has backed work goes into running Stagecoach’s drive to encourage more women buses. I take my hat off to consider a career in the bus industry. to the drivers I’ve met The star – currently a presenter on This Morning and I really hope my – has trained with Stagecoach to become a involvement has made qualified bus driver. more women think Ferne, who has appeared on The Only Way is Essex about bus driving as a and I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here, undertook career option.” training for her PCV (Passenger Carrying Vehicle) Stagecoach Director licence with driving instructor Clare Kavanagh added: Yvonne Wallin at the company’s West Ham depot “We have a lot of Ferne McCann in the driving seat for her PCV licence in London. fantastic female drivers, Ferne McCann said: “I’m so proud of myself – I and other staff, across the UK but the bus industry and indirectly, through the UK bus industry so there never thought in a million years that I would have as a whole still employs significantly more men than are many opportunities out there for both men and the chance to even drive a bus and now I can women. Many of the reasons for that are historic but women to have a successful and rewarding career say I’ve actually officially gained my bus driving times have changed and we want to make women in the transport sector.” licence. It’s been a fantastic experience and I’ve more aware of what a career at Stagecoach can “We hope Ferne’s involvement will help shine a light had a brilliant time getting to know Yvonne and offer them. on the bus industry as a potential job opportunity for the team at Stagecoach. I had no idea how much “More than 250,000 jobs are supported, directly women across the UK.”

Virgin unveils the Azuma Nominate your has unveiled the first of its new fleet of capacity into King’s Cross by 28 per cent during peak champions now trains in a ceremony at King’s Cross attended by Sir time. Richard Branson. Whilst the trains will initially reach speeds of up to THERE’S still time to nominate your Stagecoach Set to revolutionise travel on the East Coast from 125mph, Virgin Trains has announced the creation of Champions of 2016. 2018, the Virgin Azuma will be one of the most a cross-industry working group, including Network This year’s awards will again recognise success advanced trains on the UK’s rail network, and will Rail, to investigate the potential for the East Coast in the categories of Safety, Environment, embody the customer-centric approach which Virgin route to enable their operation at 140mph. Community, Health, Customer Service and Trains is famous for. Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, Innovation. Employees from across the Group’s Literally translated as “East” in Japanese, the Virgin said: “This is a hugely important moment for bus and rail businesses in the UK and North Azuma pays homage to the new train’s lineage and passengers on the East Coast. A line which has America are invited to nominate colleagues who to the East Coast route. With 65 trains providing witnessed the historic Flying Scotsman and Mallard are making a real difference in any of these areas. an extra 12,200 seats for a new and expanded will now see passenger services transformed with The deadline for nominations is Friday 27 May. timetable, the fleet of Virgin Azumas will increase the UK’s most advanced long-distance trains. Our Simply download a nomination form from the customers on the West FAQ section, under ‘Media’, at Virgin Trains Coast have already www.stagecoach.com. Managing Director on seen what Virgin can Then email the completed form to: the East bring to train travel and [email protected] or send Coast David how the Pendolinos it by post to: Lindsay Reid, Corporate Horne, have made a huge Communications Stagecoach Chairman, difference to speed and Manager, Stagecoach Sir Brian comfort. Our new fleet Group, 10 Dunkeld Souter and of Azumas will bring a Road, Perth PH1 Virgin Group similar transformation 5TW. You can founder to the East Coast, and nominate yourself Sir Richard Branson propel one of the UK’s or one of your launched the most prestigious lines colleagues. new train into the 21st century.” 1 Did you know? A Stagecoach survey has found that commuting by bus can save around £1,000 per year than taking the car. ON STAGE

What a Oxford tube launches Laugh! Overheard on a train... new mobile phone app Customer: “I wouldn’t call myself selfish, OXFORD Tube has launched a new mobile phone “This is great news but what’s mine, is mine”. app which will let customers buy tickets for travel for our customers who If you have seen or heard something funny direct from their smartphone. now have a smart, – online, in the papers, on social media or just The new app – called ‘Oxford Tube mobile tickets’ secure and simple way while out and about – send your contributions – makes travel easier by offering passengers of purchasing, storing for the ‘What a Laugh’ section in the next edition mobile ticketing for the first time. and using their coach to [email protected] Passengers can purchase their travel securely tickets. Our new app, through Apple Pay, PayPal and credit or debit card. combined with our n They can then activate their ticket before travel and excellent customer TV stars at East simply show it on their mobile phone to the driver. service, affordable fares Midlands Trains A range of Oxford Tube tickets are available and state-of-the-art through the new app which is available on Apple vehicles, provides even A screenshot of the TWO members of Trains’ frontline and Android devices and can be downloaded free more reasons for people new app customer experience staff are enjoying their 15 of charge via the App Store and Google Play. to get on board our minutes of fame after the train operator unveiled Oxford Tube Managing Director Martin Sutton said: greener, smarter coach services in the future.” a new TV advertising campaign. Gemma, from Customer Relations in Derby, and Shaun, from station, will both appear in new TV ads, which are based on heart-warming Social media guidelines – a reminder true stories demonstrating how staff go above and beyond to help their STAGECOACH employees are reminded of the Stagecoach. For example, this could be through customers. guidelines on social media and other online issues in stating in a social media profile or online discussion The first ad, featuring Gemma, tells the real-life the Group’s Code of Conduct. that they work for the company. story of a small boy who was very upset when he The guide helps staff make sure that their use of Some of the specific things which employees must left his teddy on a train while on a visit to see his digital media, including outside work, does not not do include: grandparents. Despite her best efforts, Gemma was break the law or conflict with their obligations as an ƒƒ posting any non-public information which could unable to track down the missing teddy but had a employee. affect the share price of Stagecoach Group brainwave – her own child had the same teddy at It covers use of social networking sites such as ƒƒ conducting themselves in such a way that is home which she knew wouldn’t be missed. Facebook and , as well as personal websites detrimental to the company She posted the replacement toy to the youngster and blogs. All employees are urged to read the new ƒƒ engaging in activities on the internet that might with a postcard saying how much teddy had information and guidelines. bring the company into disrepute enjoyed his holidays! Stagecoach Group Director of Communications ƒƒ posting defamatory, offensive or discriminatory The second ad involves a partially sighted Steve Stewart said: “Social media and the web remarks on the internet about the company, woman getting extra special treatment from East have transformed everyone’s lives and have lots customers, business partners, suppliers, Midlands Trains employee Shaun, who is himself of positives for individuals and for businesses. We shareholders or other stakeholders partially sighted. also all have the right to a private life outside the ƒƒ using the internet to bully, attack or abuse the workplace. Nothing in the guidelines is designed to company, colleagues, customers or suppliers stop that. ƒƒ disclosing confidential company information n “But we will all have read about cases where social ƒƒ posting images of or information about colleagues In the pink for charity media and the web have been misused. The last without their permission .COM US recently announced a thing we want is for our employees unwittingly to get ƒƒ posting material on social networking sites, partnership with the Breast Cancer Research into difficulties or break the law. personal websites, blogs or microblogs in Foundation (BCRF). To mark the event, the “That’s why the new section of the Code of Conduct work time. company donated $1 for every ticket sold on sets out some key principles to follow when using The Code of Conduct document as a whole outlines 19 January to support breast cancer research. the internet either at work or elsewhere. It also the principles that have guided the development of The final donation to the charity was more than includes helpful examples to help people understand Stagecoach Group over the past 30 years: acting $19,000, and megabus.com plans to continue to what is and isn’t acceptable.” with honesty and integrity, taking responsibility for donate to the cause with additional programmes. All staff have a duty not to breach the law or disclose our actions and treating people with dignity, respect It has also created a new pink bus to promote company secrets. Employees also must not breach and thoughtfulness. It covers how we deal with our the effort. copyright, defame any company or its suppliers, employees, suppliers, customers, competitors, and To mark the partnership, a number of breast cancer customers or employees, or disclose personal data the wider communities in which we work. survivors and their loved ones joined megabus.com or information about any individual that could breach A copy of the updated Code of Conduct with the executives and BCRF leadership aboard the new their right to confidentiality or breach the Data new guidelines is available online at: custom pink BCRF branded vehicle for a special trip Protection Act 1998. www.stagecoach.com/~/media/Files/S/ to New York City which included attending a taping Care also has to be taken online where people Stagecoach-Group/Attachments/pdf/code-of- of The View and a celebratory lunch. might see a connection between an individual and conduct-2015.pdf 2 Couple board love bus ... find out more on page 5. ON STAGE

New campaign to drive change n A warm welcome has launched an innovative GROUP Chief Executive Martin Griffiths has campaign to improve awareness of hidden welcomed the latest group of new graduate disabilities in partnership with campaigner and trainees to the business. Eight trainees have taken author Jo Milne. up their places on the successful Stagecoach bus Jo, who has Usher Syndrome, made headlines division graduate training programme. around the world after undergoing life-changing The new intake includes the first megabus.com surgery to have cochlear implants fitted to allow her European graduate trainee and the first Coach to hear for the first time in forty years. USA trainee. However, Jo’s condition means that she is now losing The group is now embarking on a two-year her sight and knows all too well the challenges that programme which has helped develop the careers many people face every day as they travel around Jo Milne with Stagecoach’s Paul Bradley of 13 current directors and 34 managers. the region. Keen to improve understanding for those with conditions like her own when using buses and internal campaign, ‘Challenging Perceptions’, which trains, she contacted local public transport operators, uses eye-catching posters asking drivers not to including Stagecoach North East, in April last year to judge customers on what they can see. explore possible ideas and support for a campaign. The posters are displayed around the company’s Jo said: “As Usher Syndrome is virtually unheard six north east depots and focus on three of the of, I felt there needed to be a hard-hitting campaign main types of hidden disability: sensory (sight and to change perceptions of hidden disability from hearing problems), anxiety disorders and chronic Martin Griffiths welcomes the new graduate trainees a different angle. Since my diagnosis of Usher pain conditions. Syndrome 12 years ago, I felt so alone due to lack of Paul Bradley, Stagecoach North East Training and awareness, with even my own GP having to Google Development Manager, said: “When Jo got in touch, n information on the condition.” we could see real value in using her experiences Good deeds Jo has worked in partnership with the marketing and expertise to help us devise an original, creative STAFF at Stagecoach have been going team at Stagecoach North East to create a new and high-impact campaign.” above and beyond the call of duty to assist customers. depot’s Paul Keating and Danny Beale reunited a 92-year-old customer with his wallet, containing over £900. The pair returned the wallet Author on the write road after it was handed in on Danny’s bus, without an PART-TIME Oxfordshire commute into London where he works as an Asset address. They knocked on doors near where the author Martin Marais Optimisation Manager, Martin wrote all 122 pages customer had alighted until they found him. is celebrating after self- and drafted the four subsequent novels. Meanwhile, David Ivill, Jerry Ford and Mick publishing his second The first book is now available to buy on Amazon Brown (now retired) from Barnsley depot helped a novel and has thanked and Lulu.com. vulnerable passenger get home after she caught the Oxford Tube for Oxford Tube Managing Director Martin Sutton said: the wrong late-night bus. providing the creative “We love hearing about our passengers and the The teenage customer, whose mobile phone thinking space for him to stories behind their journeys. This is definitely one battery was flat, made driver David aware of her pen the entire story. of the most exciting! situation on the last trip of the night. David let the ‘The Bounty Hunters’, the “We pride ourselves on providing a comfortable and young girl stay on the bus to the depot where he first in a five-part series, reliable service, and by offering WiFi we aim to make and Jerry Ford managed to charge the phone for a few minutes to get a telephone number for the Author Martin Marais on was hatched on the the journey for everyone, particularly commuters, as an Oxford Tube vehicle Oxford to London coach productive as possible. girl’s foster mum. as Martin boarded the “We’re looking forward to seeing what the next four Jerry then arranged for the customer to be taken 6.10am every weekday from Thornhill Park & Ride. books have in store and wonder if one may be set to a meeting point where her foster parents Over the course of eighteen months, while on his on a bus!” collected her.

Research UK. The messages will then be designed Park & Ride heroes and displayed inside Stagecoach buses so that and Cambridge Park & Ride have passengers and nominees can read their personal teamed up with Cancer Research UK to launch a Park tributes. & Ride Heroes campaign showing support for people Andy Campbell, Managing Director of Stagecoach affected by the disease. East, says: “We want to recognise individuals who The campaign invites members of the public to have made a positive impact on the lives of others. nominate their personal hero by completing a specially This could include partners, parents, hospital staff, designed card available at five Park & Ride sites. volunteers, survivors, siblings and more. The aim is For every completed card deposited in drop boxes to share their stories in order to inspire others. situated at Madingley Road, Newmarket Road, “We’re proud to be working with Cancer Research Campbell Ross-Bain from Cambridge County Council, Milton, Babraham and Trumpington Park & Ride sites, UK to promote awareness of and support for World Zoe Paget from Stagecoach East and Laura Holland, Stagecoach East will make a donation to Cancer Cancer Day.” Fundraising Manager for Cancer Research UK 3 Did you know? passengers can now pay for their parking using their phone at all station car parks. ON STAGE n Lee’s a star Special milestone THE very first Virgin Trains Star has been named HAVING recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, as Lee Marshall from Doncaster Station. South West Trains is now the longest-running He was nominated for being ‘Red Hot’ by franchise in the country, providing half a million Doncaster Duty Team Leader Lindsey Hudson who passenger journeys on the UK’s busiest railway had this to say: “On 28 December the announcing network. system at Doncaster wasn’t working. We couldn’t To mark the occasion, the company held events display platform information or use our Customer to thank stakeholders and communities for their Information monitors, and there were no route support over the last two decades as well as messages or emails coming through. recognising and rewarding staff for their hard work “While announcing the trains, Lee contacted our and commitment. To mark South West Trains’ 20th birthday, colleagues from brought balloons to IS team and O2 for updates, as no one knew what South West Trains has witnessed significant changes Waterloo Station to celebrate with staff the problem was. He gave IS and O2 his number since taking over the franchise in 1996: so they could contact him (even after he went ƒƒ More than doubling the number of passenger Waterloo, Europe’s busiest railway station, to deliver home) to make it easier for everyone. journeys from 108 million in 1996 to 234 million the biggest capacity improvement programme this “I think Lee went over and above to try to resolve today network has seen for decades. the problem. He was a star at keeping everyone ƒƒ Adding more than 400 extra train carriages and The scheme involves the re-opening of the former up to date on progress. He took ownership of the over 45,000 more train services compared to Waterloo International Terminal, bringing platforms problem to make sure the team and our customers 1997 20-24 back into regular passenger use. This will also could receive accurate and excellent information.” ƒƒ Introducing free WiFi on more than half of all its allow platforms 1-4 to be extended, to allow longer Lee’s fantastic efforts resulted in him receiving 1,689 daily services trains to run on Suburban services for the first time. a £150 Virgin Experience voucher, which was ƒƒ Generating 240,000 followers on social media. In addition, the first of a £210million fleet of brand presented by our Managing Director of Virgin In the next year, £50m will be invested in a range new trains will start to arrive in 2017, providing 150 Trains on the East Coast line, David Horne. of improvements including 1,400 extra car parking extra carriages in total. spaces, a new website and mobile app, new As part of the 20th anniversary celebrations, customer ambassadors on station platforms and South West Trains has also launched the 20 for 20 n Dave’s final run concourses as well 170 brand new ticket machines, campaign, with employees invited to raise £20,000 many of which will include real-time video links to a for South West Trains’ charities of the year. LONDON driver Dave Leigh is hanging up his dedicated customer contact centre. The company has also promised to match every running shoes after taking part in this year’s Work will very shortly get under way at London pound raised (up to the value of £20,000). London Marathon, his 25th full marathon. Dave, from Bow Garage, has also run many half marathons and over the past 20 years has raised over £125,000 for children’s charities. The final cause for which Dave is seeking New rail appointments sponsorship is Get Kids Going, a national charity which gives disabled children and young people STAGECOACH has announced the appointment of Tim – up to the age of 26 years – the opportunity to Shoveller as Managing Director of the Group’s UK Rail participate in sport. division. Colleagues can sponsor Dave by visiting: Tim, who has nearly 25 years’ experience in the rail www.virginmoneygiving.com/davebus8 industry in the UK, has been Managing Director of South West Trains for the past four years. Reporting directly to Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Martin Griffiths, he now has responsibility Christian Roth Tim Shoveller for the management of the Group’s existing rail businesses and new business development His experience includes engineering management opportunities. as well as project management and development. Stagecoach’s UK Rail division includes South West Christian Roth joined South West Trains in December Trains, East Midlands Trains, Virgin Trains East Coast 2008, following three years heading up the UK rail and the Supertram light rail network in Sheffield. business for Siemens. Christian Roth, Fleet Director at South West Trains, has Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Martin Griffiths succeeded Tim Shoveller as Managing Director of the said: “We have a strong rail business and a portfolio Stagecoach London marathon man Dave Leigh franchise. He has covered a variety of roles in his of franchises which extends through to 2023, with 25-year railway career, both in the UK and in Germany. further opportunities to bid for a number of contracts over the next two years. breathing, fellow driver Sean Harris telephoned “Tim has extensive management experience and Sean’s a lifesaver for an ambulance and gave his stricken colleague first-hand insight into large parts of the UK rail employee Sean chest compressions, which successfully started network, as well as a strong commitment to safety, Harris has been praised for helping to save the Mr McGowan’s heart again. customer service and partnership working with life of a colleague. The paramedic who attended the scene contacted stakeholders. When driver Sean McGowan suffered a serious Stagecoach East Midlands to inform the company “Christian has a strong understanding of the South heart attack at Lincoln Bus Station and stopped that Sean’s actions had saved his colleague’s life. West Trains network and the key priorities ahead.” 4 Falcon’s flying start ... find out more on page 6. ON STAGE

n Playing for Tyler n PICTURE THIS STAGECOACH London Garage Supervisor Ryan Aldridge is organising a charity football tournament THIS edition’s Picture This winner was taken to raise funds for Make A Wish UK. by Stephen Armour, who works in the training The seven-a-side Stagecoach London-wide department at Stagecoach North Scotland. It shows tournament is being held on Sunday 22nd May at dawn breaking on an autumn morning over the bus Thamesmead Town FC. depot in Inverness. The event was inspired by Ryan’s son Tyler Congratulations to Stephen who will shortly receive G. In August 2015, Tyler was diagnosed with his prize of £50 in M&S vouchers. a rare x-linked metabolic condition called If you have any good photos for Picture This, please Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). send them to Lindsay Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach The condition is a progressive degenerative myelin Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW, or email them to [email protected] disorder, meaning that the myelin, insulation around nerves to the brain, breaks down over time. Until November 2014, Tyler appeared to be a healthy, happy boy. He was fun-loving, outgoing and loved playing football. New faces on Group Board Now seven years old, Tyler is deaf and almost blind. STAGECOACH has announced the appointment of Thanks to Make a Wish UK, the family took a trip two new non-executive directors, James Bilefield to Disneyland Paris last year. The charity arranges and Karen Thomson. experiences known as ‘wishes’ to children with In addition, Garry Watts has given notice of his life-threatening medical conditions. intention to step down as the company’s Deputy Chairman and Senior Independent Director on 1 April 2016 and to step down from the Board on 31 July 2016. n The love bus Phil White has also informed the company that he intends to resign from the Board with effect from KETTERING drivers 31 March 2016 to reduce his public company Nick Shipton and New Non-Executive New Non-Executive directorships and to pursue other interests. Patsy MacDonald were Director James Bilefield Director Karen Thomson Will Whitehorn, currently a non-executive director, recently married and will assume the role of Deputy Chairman and Senior Karen Thomson previously served as Chief Stagecoach provided Independent Director with effect from 1 April 2016. Executive of AOL UK and President of AOL a heritage bus to help James Bilefield previously managed the digital Europe. As a member of the Vodafone UK board them begin their journey transformation of media group Condé Nast across Karen had responsibility for developing online as a married couple. 27 countries, scaled Skype’s global operations strategy, customer experience and online sales The new Mr and Mrs as part of its founding management team and performance. In addition, Karen served as a Shipton used a 1953 held senior commercial and management roles nonexecutive director of UBM plc from 2006 to Bristol Lodekka as their The happy couple in at Yahoo!. Formerly CEO of global advertising 2014 and is currently the Nonexecutive Chairman wedding vehicle to front of the vintage bus technology company OpenX, he also co-founded of Outplay Entertainment. transport themselves the local information business UpMyStreet following Sir , Stagecoach Group Chairman, and guests on the day. The event was enjoyed by a successful investment banking career at JP said: “I would like to thank Garry and Phil for their all who attended and everyone wishes the couple Morgan Chase. contributions to Stagecoach Group. many years of married bliss! James currently serves as Chairman of ticketscript, “Will Whitehorn has been an independent non- acts as Advisor to McKinsey & Company, Advent executive director of the Company since 2011. International and the UK Government Digital Together with his substantial experience across n In the driving seat Service, and was recently appointed a Trustee of transport and other sectors, it means he is well LONDON driver and Acting Garage Supervisor Teach First. placed to be the Company’s Deputy Chairman.” Cameron Hollis is gearing up for the drive of a lifetime to raise money for Saint Francis Hospice. Cameron will be joined by friends Jake Brooker and Charlie Watson as the three attempt to drive Hair today, gone tomorrow their one-litre Nissan Micra from Gidea Park to SURJ BHULLAR, the recently appointed Operations “Many of the other drivers wanted to take me up Ulan Ude in Siberia as part of this year’s 10,000 Manager for the Stagecoach Rugby depot, on the bet and I couldn’t back down. When the sum mile-long Mongol Rally. managed to go 13 months without a haircut to pledged reached £200 I decided to do it for charity.” They will be entirely unsupported on the trip, raise over £1100 for charity. Sandra Murphy, a long-time Admin Clerk at the meaning that they will have to do all their own Surj explained: “One of the drivers mentioned my Rugby depot, has a five-year-old grandson, Shay, maintenance work on the car en route to Ulan hair was slightly longer than usual and I jokingly who has the genetic disorder, Fragile X, so Surj Ude and sort out their own accommodation along said I was growing it. He offered me a wager of decided to raise the money for the Fragile X Society. the way. £20 if I didn’t cut my hair for a month. With other And, when the time finally came for Surj’s haircut, A fundraising target of more than £1,000 has drivers in hearing distance, I said I could do it for Shay was on hand to make the first snip of Surj’s been set for their challenge. a year. flowing locks! 5 Did you know? Stagecoach Group Deputy Chairman Will Whitehorn is to become the next President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport. GREEN SCENE n Big switch-off Vital link restored THE Green Team at Stagecoach East Midlands STAGECOACH Cumbria and North Lancashire is organised their annual big switch-off event over helping to provide a crucial link between Grasmere the festive period to save energy. and Keswick while repair work continues on the Mansfield depot came out on top for gas savings flood-damaged A591. while Gainsborough depot were front-runners in The new service – using a temporary road created electricity savings. by Cumbria County Council – will deliver a direct link between the north and south Lakes for the first time since the area was badly affected by flooding late A vehicle on the temporary road n Vehicle investment last year. A £2.7 MILLION fleet of 19 new single-deck buses The service, which is being delivered on a It will open up a vital direct link between the north has been launched by Stagecoast East Scotland commercial basis by Stagecoach, will offer a journey and south lakes for the first time since December in Fife. time of 45 minutes, cutting the existing journey time and we believe it will make a big difference for The buses feature the latest ‘green’ Euro 6 engines between the two locations by almost two hours. people travelling between Grasmere and Keswick. and free wi-fi access on board. Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire “Customers using the service will benefit from Andrew Jarvis, Managing Director, Stagecoach Managing Director Matthew Cranwell said: “We have hugely reduced journey times as well as a significant East Scotland said: “Route 19 is one of our most worked in partnership with Cumbria County Council price discount and we would encourage people – popular routes in Fife and with this significant and are pleased to be able to step in to deliver this even those who may not be regular bus users – to investment in the service, we want to ensure we hourly shuttle service using the temporary road. take advantage of this temporary transport option.” provide comfortable and quality travel options for customers using the route.” Townlines in track A FRESH fleet of next-generation buses, costing £1.9 million, is out and about in . One of the new Route 19 vehicles The 14 Enviro200 MMC single decker buses will operate on Stagecoach’s popular Townlines 11 and 22X routes and feature wi-fi and dedicated branding. Stagecoach officially launched the Alexander Dennis n Great result for vehicles at a special event at Barnsley FC’s Oakwell Stadium, which was attended by VIPs including the football fans Mayor of Barnsley, Cllr Brian Mathers. Stagecoach Yorkshire Managing Director Paul Lynch with Mayor of Barnsley Cllr Brian Mathers THIRTEEN new single-deck buses are servicing Paul Lynch, Managing Director of Stagecoach and South Lancashire’s Yorkshire, said: “We like to innovate and investment to the industry average of eight years. The cost of Anfield Stadium and Goodison Park, thanks to a is key to our success. In ten years, we have our Dayrider ticket hasn’t changed in nine years. £2 million investment by the company. introduced more than 300 new buses and the “Out of all the large operators, Stagecoach has The route covers Liverpool City Centre, Everton average age of our fleet is just seven years in the best track record for investment, low fares Road, Everton FC, Walton Hall Avenue, East Barnsley and six and a half in Rotherham, compared and customer service.” Lancashire Road and Kirkby, allowing football fans to easily get to and from the grounds on match days. Elisabeth Tasker, Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire Managing Director, said: Falcon off to a flying start “Nothing but the best is good enough for our A NEW 24/7 coach service connecting major locations main towns and cities across the South West plus passengers and we want to make sure they across the South West is a first for the area. Bristol Airport. never walk alone, which is why we’ve invested in Stagecoach’s South West Falcon service is operating “I am confident this new 24/7 connection will prove a fleet of brand new buses to service this route. 19 journeys a day, seven days a week, between extremely popular with commuters, university “This great, efficient service will help fans and Plymouth, Exeter, Taunton, Bristol Airport and Bristol students, shoppers, day trippers and, of course, their family and friends get quickly and affordably City Centre. holidaymakers flying from Bristol.” to and from the Anfield and Goodison grounds.” To celebrate the launch of Falcon, single and return journeys initially cost just £1. The eight brand new coaches operating the service represent a £2.5 million investment by Stagecoach. All feature free Wi-Fi as well as air conditioning, leather seats and charging sockets. Bob Dennison, Managing Director of West, said: “Falcon is a bold new step in making it easier for people to travel across the One of the new vehicles outside Anfield football stadium region. It’s a round-the-clock service between the One of the new Falcon vehicles 6 Snow on the train ... find out more on page 8. ON STAGE

LETTERS OF PRAISE n Artistic licence PRIMARY school children in Glasgow have seen If you or one of your colleagues has received a letter of praise from a their artwork featured on the side of a Scottish customer, please email a copy to [email protected] Citylink coach. or post it to Lindsay Reid, Senior Group Communications Manager, Ashpark Primary School in the south west of Stagecoach Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW. We will publish the city entered the company’s competition in as many as possible. November to draw a picture titled ‘My City’. The winning entry was drawn by all members of class Primary 4M who are seven and eight years old. Dear Colin and Phil, The winning design, highlighting many of I am writing to thank you and all your lovely You have been extremely patient and understanding Glasgow’s famous landmarks including the colleagues at Stagecoach for looking after my son and we would like you to know how much it’s Armadillo concert venue, the City Chambers, a Andrew whilst he was on work experience at your appreciated both by Andrew and ourselves. football and the River Clyde, is now displayed on depot. the rear of a vehicle operating It’s extremely difficult as a parent of a vulnerable Best wishes, Andrew’s family the 900 service which offers journeys between child to let go and allow them to explore the adult Glasgow and Edinburgh up to 50 times a day. world. He loved every single minute of his time with Email sent to Stagecoach Merseyside and South The winners were also invited on a special trip to you. He was happy and confident and delighted to be Lancashire after the company welcomed school Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh, travelling on their one of the lads! pupils on a period of work experience. specially designed bus. Marketing Manager for Scottish Citylink, Nicola Dear Sir/Madam, Campbell said: “We were overwhelmed by the I wish to pass on my compliments to the staff at the It would be greatly appreciated if the staff at number and quality of entries that we received. Kilmarnock bus station. I have only recently started Kilmarnock bus station get the recognition they The children have obviously put a lot of time and using the Stagecoach services from Kilmarnock to deserve for being so helpful, understanding and effort into their drawings. It’s great to see all of Glasgow. Each time that my husband and I arrive at patient, while allowing me to feel like any other the wonderful images that were prompted by the the Kilmarnock bus station, the staff are very polite passenger. great city of Glasgow.” and helpful. As it is very rare to get a wheelchair passenger like Yours gratefully, name supplied myself there and, at first, many were very unsure n Gus is bowled over what to do. However, they have learned and even Feedback received by staff at Coach Lines employee Gus Yansaras passed this knowledge within the group, all while Scotland. has been recognised for his talents in the field never making me feel like I am any different than of ten pin bowling. an able-bodied passenger. It is very rare to find this Gus, who works part-time in the WCL shop, has anywhere. been inducted into the US Bowling Hall of Fame, being described as the mastermind of one of the greatest teams in USBC (United States Bowling Going the extra mile Congress) Open Championships history. Gus is a four-time USBC Open Championships NORTH East IT engineer Robert Whitehouse has gone winner. More about his induction into the Hall the extra mile for a charity very close to his heart and of Fame can be found here: raised over £1400 thanks to generous donations. www.youtube.com/watch?v=edap68hA1hw Robert decided to run his first major race since he was a teenager and signed up for this year’s Redcar Half Marathon to raise funds for the South Tees n Hospital Neonatal Special Care Unit which cared for Peter Pan panto fun his daughter when she was born prematurely. NORTH Scotland spread the festive cheer in Robert explained: “I’m a dad who knows exactly Inverness over the Christmas period with a ticket what parents of the babies that need this unit go giveaway for the Peter Pan pantomime. through and I’d like the Neonatal Unit at James As the main sponsor, Stagecoach gave away over Cook Hospital to be able to carry on helping others £200 worth of tickets in a Twitter competition. in the future.” Steve Walker, Managing Director, Stagecoach North Scotland, said: “We value the arts and the enjoyment they bring to the local Inverness Onesies at work day community.” Inverness STAFF at ’s Stockport driver Sammy depot (pictured) recently held a onesie day and Torrance raised over £1400 for the company’s charity with this partner Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention. year’s Well done to all involved and those who donated cast of so generously. Peter Pan 7 Did you know? East Midlands Trains saved the day by allowing football fans to use pre-booked tickets after match was rescheduled. ON STAGE n Take me out to the ball game ALL West Coach Lines, based in Sacramento, played an important role by supplying some transportation (pictured) for Super Bowl 50 which saw the Denver Broncos taking on the Carolina Panthers. Nory Gherici

If you, or one of your colleagues, have SOUTH West Trains Revenue Protection Assistant a claim to fame – perhaps a hidden Nory Gherici bumped into a famous face travelling talent, a meeting with a celebrity or an on the South West Trains network. Veteran Channel 4 interesting hobby – please email details newsreader Jon Snow was happy to have his photo to [email protected] taken during his journey. n Spring forward STAGECOACH East Midlands is raising money for Marie Curie this spring by encouraging 10 million reasons to be cheerful people to submit a message that will be printed on a specially decorated ‘daffodil’ bus. Stagecoach in Oxfordshire has celebrated the Donations have started coming in from people 10 millionth passenger to board its S1 Gold bus across the region who will have their tributes since the service launched in 2009. printed on the side of the bus. To mark the occasion the company presented its It’s all part of supporting the charity’s Great special customer – care worker Busie Simelane Daffodil Appeal, which is Marie Curie’s biggest – with a box of chocolates and a golden envelope, annual fundraising campaign. which included a complimentary Stagecoach Michelle Hargreaves, Managing Director for Monthly Pass and £50 cash. Stagecoach East Midlands, said: “This is all Martin Sutton, Managing Director of Stagecoach in about paying tribute and respect to family Oxfordshire said: “Our Gold bus service launched to members and friends and hopefully making bring a bit of luxury to public travel in Oxfordshire. people think, when they see the bus, what We’re thrilled people have benefited from using they can do to help.” Stagecoach driver Josh Kayany presents 10 millionth the service and we’re celebrating our 10 millionth customer Busie with her prize passenger milestone.” n Customers rate Stagecoach best value High praise Depot romance BUS passengers have rated Stagecoach as the ANDREW Jarvis, ALLAN Curran started his Stagecoach journey as a best value major bus operator in Britain for the Managing Director, has praised employees for bus driver in Walton Lane depot, Liverpool, in 1971. third consecutive year, according to the latest UK their response to the closure of the Forth Road Ten years later, he placed his lunch order with new Bus Passenger Satisfaction Survey by consumer Bridge during December. canteen assistant, Marian Duffy. It was love at first watchdog Transport Focus. The company played an important role in the sight... and the couple have been together ever since. 67% of Stagecoach customers in Scottish Government’s travel plan during the Now after 17 years of marriage, Marian Curran said: said they were satisfied with value for money, closure, operating 33 additional vehicles each day ‘I still love him like I did back then.’ significantly above the industry average of 62% to keep people moving. A reduced fare was also This year Allan and Marian celebrate 45 and 35 The results showed that 86% of Stagecoach offered for the duration of the closure. years’ service respectively. customers in England were found to be satisfied Andrew Jarvis said: “We are so grateful for with their bus services overall, in line with the UK the support our colleagues across the country average. provided in offering extra buses and drivers to Merseyside had the most satisfied customers facilitate more journeys across the Forth. of any metropolitan area in England as 89% of “As a result, we were able to offer high-frequency customers said they were satisfied with services shuttle services to Edinburgh and maintain a overall.. quality network of services in Fife during the Robert Montgomery, Managing Director of closure. I would also like to thank my own team Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “This is further who were marvellous – hugely adaptable and verification, from the customers who use buses, cheerful despite many changes and challenges that we offer the best value bus travel in Britain.” during the closure.” Merseyside employees Allan and Marian Curran 8 Apprentices begin their journey ... find out more on page 10. ON STAGE

Bus duo face a marathon task n New year honour TWO drivers from Thanet are preparing to make CONGRATULATIONS go to Virgin Trains East Coast a marathon effort. Garry Warren and Jake Bowd driver John Mccree Scott who was awarded an will be running the 2016 Virgin Money London MBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours list for Marathon for the charity Children with Cancer UK. Services to the Administration of Justice and to The pair, who will be running in the charity’s the Railway Community. Superhero uniform, are aiming to raise £6,000. John, also a Magistrate in Sunderland, has 38 Garry has previously completed two London years’ service as a driver for British Rail, GNER, Marathons, in 2005 and again in 2014, while this National Express and now Virgin Trains East Coast. will be Jake’s first attempt. He said: “Railwaymen have a proud history of Already the pair’s JustGiving page has notched up public service and during my time working for the a total of £1,300 in donations helped by generous railways, seven Lord Mayors of Newcastle have customers who travel on the buses. Stagecoach been railwaymen and councillors. I consider the has pledged to top up the amount raised and local award of the MBE a great honour, not only for me, buses are carrying posters. but for my fellow magistrates who are the unsung To support Garry and Jake text GAJA70 and the heroes of the criminal justice system, and who, as amount you would like to sponsor e.g. ‘GAJA70 £1’ unpaid volunteers, have been serving this country to 70070 or go to: www.justgiving.com/ Garry (left) and Jake in their Children selflessly since 1361.” Garry-and-jake with Cancer UK t-shirts n Help needed THE Butterfly Trust provides support to people The right stuff of all ages living with Cystic Fibrosis in Scotland. COACH USA held a The charity is on the look-out for volunteers ‘Stuff the Bus’ food to fulfil a variety of roles including befriending, drive during the first two mentoring, support work and driving across weeks in January which Scotland. resulted in more than Anyone who is interested can find out more 1,000 pounds of food by visiting: www.butterflytrust.org.uk/ being donated to local volunteering food banks. The scheme – which is part of the ‘Coach USA n New route for Cares’ commitment to the community – was megabus.com a success thanks to MEGABUS.COM has announced a new route generous donations linking Liverpool and Glasgow, marking the first from both staff and direct public transport link service between the Lots of people got involved in the successful food drive customers. two locations. megabus.com Managing Director Edward Hodgson said: “This new route is great news for our customers who want to travel between these two magnificent cities. Liverpool and Glasgow Rocking-good fundraising have always had a close affinity and we’re delighted to be able to announce the first direct STAGECOACH South raised more than £1,500 for the link between them.” Rockinghorse charity in Brighton over Christmas and New Year. Rockinghorse, the official fundraising arm for the n Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital, will use the Making his Mark funds for life-saving and cutting-edge medical NORTH Scotland bus driver Mark Robinson has raised equipment for young patients. over £16,000 for local communities badly affected The majority of cash was raised on board the Santa by flooding in January. The floods devastated many Buses which Stagecoach customises each year. small villages and towns in Aberdeenshire. To raise Each bus has buckets for passenger donations funds, Mark organised an auction and raffle night and the company organises additional activity to believed to have been the biggest of its kind in the maximise fundraising. local area, selling over 11,000 raffle tickets. He Analiese Doctrove, Head of Fundraising for approached many local companies, big and small Rockinghorse, said: “We were delighted to have been has been overwhelming and the money raised will and obtained many generous gifts for the event. chosen by Stagecoach to benefit from the Santa go towards ongoing projects at the Royal Alexandra He said: “I know many members of the community, Bus in 2015. The generosity of everyone involved Children’s Hospital and Trevor Mann Baby Unit.” and it was terrible to see how people were affected.” 9 THE PEOPLE PAGE ON STAGE n Jason gets on board GETTING TO KNOW YOU... JASON Dixon has joined Stagecoach Pietro Scalici, megabus.com Italia East Midlands as ■■ Who are you? ■■ Favourite holiday the new Engineering I am Pietro Scalici, supervisor at Firenze control destination? Manager in Worksop centre and crew base, megabus.com Italia. Eolian islands (Sicily) and hopes his ■■ What do you like most about your job? in a sail boat without previous nine years When I hear the people speak well about our phones ringing, noise of managerial services. I take a great pride when things go well. and pollution. experience will help ■■ What do you like least about your job? ■■ Most embarrassing him develop his Delays to the services, inconveniencing our moment? New recruit Jason Dixon vision. customers (thankfully not too often!). My wedding day – too He said: “I am ■■ Favourite food? many pictures! looking forward to implementing my new ideas “Pasta alla norma” (a typical Sicilian food). ■■ Favourite music? at Stagecoach. My tasks are exciting with clear ■■ Least favourite food? Blues and soul music. visible goals and achievements. I have learnt a I have still many foods to try in the world to ■■ Person you would most lot over the years in my work and that will show decide this. like to have dinner with? through in this new role.” ■■ What are you most proud of? Pope Francesco. My family. ■■ First thing you would buy if you won €1 million? I would buy a big house on my favourite island. n New to the North East ‘Getting To Know You’ features in every edition of On Stage and we want to hear from as many staff COLIN Newbury, as possible. To suggest the next participant, email [email protected] who has almost 30 years in the industry, has been appointed Operations Director for Stagecoach North The next generation East. Colin began his FIVE young people from across Merseyside and career in the UK South Lancashire are starting their careers in bus industry with the transport industry thanks to the Stagecoach New Operations Director Yorkshire in apprenticeship scheme. Colin Newbury 1987 as a driver and The local company has welcomed its latest crop of worked his way up apprentices, aged from 16 to 20, who are learning the corporate ladder, progressing from Operations their trade across the operator’s depots in Liverpool, Supervisor to Depot Manager before taking up Wirral, Chester, and Preston. the roles of Assistant Area Manager, Commercial Elisabeth Tasker, Mmanaging Director of Stagecoach Development Manager and General Manager at Merseyside and South Lancashire, said: “We’ve The new apprentices in Merseyside and South Lancashire various depots in Yorkshire. Most recently, he held witnessed real growth in the number of ambitious the role of Operations Director. young people who are choosing apprenticeships. Upon completing their training, apprentices will Colin said: “When the opportunity arose at The opportunity to ‘earn while you learn’ is a very be awarded an Advanced Apprenticeship (Modern Stagecoach North East I had no hesitation in attractive proposition for people who recognise Apprenticeship in Scotland) in Bus and Coach taking it. Stagecoach North East is a larger that apprenticeships are a great way to learn new Engineering Maintenance or Mechanical Engineering company with almost double the number of staff skills, get their foot in the door, and build exciting, and will have the opportunity to become a member to oversee than in my previous role, so it presents stimulating careers.” of the Society of Operations Engineers. an exciting opportunity. “I’m very much looking forward to the challenges ahead, to experiencing a new approach with a different company and demonstrating the value Marcin’s new role and experience that I can bring to the role.” MARCIN Leszczyk has been appointed as Operations Manager for the Stagecoach Kettering and Corby n Contacts depots. Marcin has had an interesting and varied career with Editor: Lindsay Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach the company over the past nine years after starting Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW as a bus driver at the Stagecoach Basingstoke Marcin Leszczyk Email: [email protected] depot. He then took part in the company’s Staff If you have a story for On Stage, please contact Development Programme and held Assistant Marcin said: “I have the advantage of having worked Lindsay Reid as above. The copy deadline for Operations Manager roles before moving to Germany here before and knowing what to expect. My main the next edition of On Stage will be Friday 15 as General Manager at megabus.com’s Munich base. function is to do my best to help further improve our April 2016. He has also worked for megabus.com in France. bus services in the area.” 10