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The newsletter of Group Issue 118 | November 2016 STAGE ON page 2 page 6 INSIDE UK Bus Awards | mega summer fun! Your 2016 Stagecoach Find out more about our champions Champions on pages 3,4 and 5

Stagecoach UK Bus Managing Director Robert Montgomery and Transport Minister Andrew Jones at the launch in . Delivering contactless bus travel across the UK STAGECOACH has announced it will deliver contactless bus travel on all of its regional bus services across the UK by the end of 2018. The £12-million initiative will allow passengers to pay for their travel with a contactless credit or The 2016 Stagecoach Champions debit card, as well as Apple Pay and Android Pay. It will be the first major deployment of STAGECOACH has paid tribute to employees from level of entries, with more than 2,200 nominations contactless technology on Britain’s buses outside across the Group at its annual Champions Awards. submitted. and will benefit customers from major Chief Executive Martin Griffiths The awards – now in their seventh year – recognise urban areas to rural and island communities said: “We have a fantastic team of almost 40,000 excellence over six areas including Safety, Health, such as in , Orkney in employees across Stagecoach and our Champions Community, Customer Service, Environment and and in . Awards are about celebrating those who have Innovation. Stagecoach launched the first stage of the delivered above and beyond expectations over the Winners at the 2016 event represented the company’s major project with contactless now live on all of past year. bus and rail businesses in the UK and North America. Stagecoach’s 180 buses in . It covers “From the UK to North America, from bus to rail, and All received a trophy, cash prize and a two night stay in Oxford City services, commuter routes into from background teams to frontline workers, we are London for the award ceremony. Oxford and Oxford Tube express services which delighted to have honoured the exceptional people The event was also attended by TV personality Ferne run to and from London 24 hours a day. who make a real difference to our business and to our McCann, who presented winners with their awards. The facility will be rolled out to Ashford in customers every day. Earlier this year, Ferne successfully obtained her bus and by the end of this year with “I would like to offer huge congratulations to all driving licence after training with Greater following in January 2017, of our champions and say thanks to them for the as part of a recruitment project to encourage more covering a further 1,300 buses and benefitting part they play in delivering high-quality services to female bus drivers. hundreds of thousands of bus passengers. By our passengers. I would also like to thank all those Around 150 Stagecoach employees have been the end of 2018, the state-of-the-art technology recognised through the Champions Awards over the employees and customers who took the time to past seven years and this year there was a record nominate.” Continued on page 5 .com is in the pink

MEGABUS.COM US has forged a partnership to Also, for every use of the hashtag help raise awareness and funds for the Breast #megabusGoesPink on social media, the company Cancer Research Foundation. donated $1 to the Foundation. The BCRF has just The company wrapped a bus in a special announced a $57 million commitment to breast megabus.com staff awareness-raising vinyl, and agreed that, for cancer research going into 2017, which will aid with the special every ticket sold on October 18, megabus.com more than 250 scientists at leading academic and pink vehicle. donated $1 to the Foundation. medical institutions in 14 countries. 1 Did you know? has donated 2,500 unclaimed pairs of glasses to eyecare charity Vision Aid Overseas. ON STAGE n Gleneagles gathering Stagecoach’s winning ways A GROUP of n Stagecoach’s Company scoops Top National Depot and Top London Depot awards emerging n London driver named ROSCO Safe Driver of the Year managers from n Two Stagecoach companies recognised with awards for overcoming adversity across the company’s bus The emerging managers STAGECOACH Group was once again among the There were also awards for Scotland at Gleneagles. and rail divisions winners at the 2016 UK Bus Awards – the 21st annual and Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire gathered at Gleneagles recently for a conference. awards ceremony, held in London. in the Overcoming Adversity category. The East Those attending also had a meal with the The company was recognised in categories covering Scotland team was recognised for its role in keeping Stagecoach Group Board and attended the safety, depot operations, overcoming adversity, unsung passengers moving during the closure of the Forth Group’s AGM the following day. heroes and marketing excellence. Road Bridge last December. Stagecoach Cumbria and ’s depot was North Lancashire was praised for delivering a special named Top National Bus Depot at the service to connect the north and south n event. Judges said the depot’s “efficient Lakes following storm damage. ’ page turner operations are a testament to the In the Unsung Heroes category, there was THE ONE and only, award-winning children’s professionalism of the staff and high a Special Commendation for Stagecoach author and comedian, David Baddiel hopped levels of morale” and recognised the East Customer Liaison and Revenue onboard (literally) as Virgin Trains’ ‘Summer excellent team spirit. In the same category, the silver Protection Officer Joe Somers, while Stagecoach Author’ to help capture precious customer stories award went to Stagecoach East’s Fenstanton depot. South won the silver award in the Marketing Initiative and immortalise them into a new book exclusively Stagecoach London’s Leyton garage scooped the Top of the Year category for its King’s City network for the company’s BEAM entertainment system. London Depot award. London driver Ray Clements relaunch. David went up and down both the West Coast won the Road Operators Safety Council (ROSCO) Stagecoach East Scotland won bronze in the Award and East Coast routes this summer, chatting and 2016 Safe Driving Award and was described as for Sustained Marketing Excellence, for its Express City listening to customers. Train managers, drivers a model employee who has received numerous Connect network and the Grasshopper and onboard staff also gave him some insight into commendations, has never had any complaints Multi-Operator ticketing scheme. the stories they unearth when interacting with against him and who displays exemplary attendance Stagecoach Group had 12 finalists at this year’s customers. and a strong work ethic. awards. So after criss-crossing the country and soaking up summer excitement, David wrote ‘The Girl Who Had Never Been On A Train’ which is now Former Record breakers Manchester available on BEAM, and it tells the story of MD Christopher Chrissie – a little girl who loves trains but has and Prevent Breast Bowles (second never actually been on a real one. Cancer have set a Guinness World Record for the right) holds the world’s biggest tutu to raise awareness of the certificate with charity’s ‘Take on the Tutu’ campaign. Lester Barr, Sofia Stagecoach linked up with its charity of the year, Greenacre and n Gordon Burns. Fearless Foxes train Prevent Breast Cancer, to publicise the fight against named the disease by dressing one of its double decker photos alongside the unique dress. buses in a 26-metre-long tutu at Manchester’s Former Stagecoach Manchester Managing Director The Fearless Foxes Piccadilly Gardens. Christopher Bowles said: “We decided to create train is born. The record-breaking tutu, which was designed by something unique to capture the imagination of local custom clothing manufacturer Fight Label, beat people and to get them thinking about how they can the previous best by 23 metres and caught the help the fight against a disease which affects too imagination of passers-by, with many stopping for many people.”

LEICESTER City FC Manager Claudio Ranieri and player Wes Morgan teamed up with Eddie Cocker, Area Station Manager for Trains, Oor Wullie’s to launch a train named in honour of the Premier League Champions. big move ‘The Fearless Foxes’ now proudly sits on the side THERE were “Jings”, “Crivens” and “Help ma boabs” of one of ’ High Speed Trains, a-plenty at head office as a surprise guest arrived which is used for services across the East Midlands on a bus! to London. Stagecoach made the successful bid for the ‘Biscuit Andrew Conroy, Customer Experience Director for Break’ Oor Wullie at a recent charity auction which East Midlands Trains, said: “Our connection to the raised over £883,000 for the Archie Foundation local communities we serve is very important and so Tayside Appeal for a new Children’s Theatre Suite at we were very keen to recognise this by naming one Ninewells Hospital in . of our trains ‘The Fearless Foxes’ after the amazing Head office staff have been given the chance to Premier League winning team, City.” enjoy Wullie for a while before he heads out on the The story of Wullie’s journey to Perth. road again, possibly to another new home. 2 Supporting the Poppy Appeal... Find out more on P5. ON STAGE The Stagecoach stars of 2016 The 2016 Stagecoach Champions are as follows: SAFETY CHAMPION ENVIRONMENT CHAMPION HEALTH CHAMPION GOLD: Ricardo Clarke, Rail Community Officer, GOLD: James Dolling, Flagship Station Manager, GOLD: Ruth White, Accounts Assistant, Clapham Junction, South West Trains Clapham Junction, South West Trains Trolley and Double Decker Company, Coach USA

Gold Safety Gold Health Champion Champion Ruth Ricardo White’s award Clarke with was collected Stagecoach by megabus. Chief Executive com Coach Martin Gold USA Chief Griffiths and Environment Operating TV presenter Champion Officer Linda Ferne McCann. James Dolling. Burtwistle.

Ricardo helped British Transport Police at Ascot Station James has been praised for his “exceptional and Ruth White has a real passion for promoting employee after it was inundated with people when a nearby pub intelligent leadership” of the South West Trains health by encouraging her colleagues to exercise held a music event. Environmental Improvement team. His passion for and eat better. She continuously sends new, healthy He witnessed a man assaulting a police constable and sustainability is infectious and has motivated his recipes and healthy eating data via email and works intervened, even though he was not equipped with the team. All members of the team have been given face-to-face with colleague to promote health and same protective equipment carried by PCs. clear objectives and has resulted in improved staff exercise programmes in the workplace, as well as He successfully managed to stop the assault but was engagement, recycling initiatives, lower costs, energy nutritional alternatives. Ruth cooks an extensive menu injured in the process. and water reduction and collaborative working with of healthy food at the company monthly barbecue Despite that, he carried on and, later that night, stakeholders. days, and works hard at promoting healthy eating discovered a woman having an asthma attack. He alternatives to all her colleagues. arranged for an ambulance and remained calm and SILVER: John Rentoul, Train professional before paramedics took over 30 minutes Presentation Maintenance Band, SILVER: Dick Pryde, Bus Driver, later. South West Trains Stagecoach SILVER: Richard Veater, Fleet and John received a number of nominations for the Maintenance Manager, Powder outstanding work he has undertaken to improve In April, Dick Pryde was on his bus at a stop when River Transportation Services, the working environment at Fratton traincare depot. he noticed a man collapse nearby. Dick called for an Inc, Coach USA Colleagues say it has been transformed from being ambulance and administered first aid with the help “extremely run down” to a place that is “now a of a female passenger, ensuring that they followed Richard has a strong commitment to a preventative pleasure to work in”. From litter picking, painting the instructions from the emergency contact on the maintenance programme and follow-up repairs. He’s and decorating, and making and hanging doors, to phone. Dick stayed with the man until paramedics ensured repainting of the workshop and its walkways fixing pumps, cleaning mess blocks, tiling toilets and arrived. It transpired that the man was very unwell and to reduce employee exposure to accidents and bricklaying, John is able to turn his hand to no end of close to being in a diabetic coma. Dick’s quick actions injuries. Richard is regularly in the shop area providing tasks. prevented what could have been a far more serious advice or assistance, or on-road calls. He completes all situation. this while still keeping up with his reporting, analysis BRONZE: Steve Stockwell, Station and managerial responsibilities. Property Works Manager, BRONZE: Shaun Harris, Bus Driver, South West Trains BRONZE: David Waller, Trimmer, Stagecoach London Steve has always supported environmental initiatives across South West Trains’ stations. He has been Shaun was in Lincoln bus station talking to colleague praised for “considering the environment and its Sean McGowan during a meal break when suddenly David won the award for his role in helping ensure the protection in everything he does”. Over the past year, Sean collapsed and stopped breathing. Shaun safety of people involved in two separate incidents. Steve has undertaken a significant amount of work to Harris quickly telephoned for an ambulance and In the first he assisted a motorcyclist who skidded promote biodiversity, working closely with the RSPB. he was asked to carry out chest compressions on on loose stones and mud, hit a road sign post as he Steve has built the company’s first ‘insect hotels’ at his colleague. Shortly afterwards, the ambulance came off the bike, and injured his shoulder and leg. Hinchley Wood and Effingham stations. Steve has also attended. Crew used a defibrillator on Sean McGowan In a second incident, Dave found a two-year-old boy helped introduce new recycling bins across the South and managed to resuscitate him. He was then standing in the middle of a roundabout in his pyjamas. West Trains network and worked with community stabilised and taken to Lincoln County Hospital. He stopped his bus, called police and stayed with rail colleagues to ensure station improvements Hospital staff and paramedics stated that it was the child until police and the child’s mother arrived, compliment the surrounding environment. Shaun and his actions that ensured his colleague had reassuring the young boy and keeping him company. survived the incident. It was confirmed later that Sean had suffered a heart attack. Continued on page 4 3 Did you know? driver Darryl Hobbs was presented with gifts from regular customers recently as he moved on to a new route. ON STAGE Celebrating your Champions Continued INNOVATION CHAMPION A team of 10 technicians from Stagecoach bus depots across London help develop the business’s BRONZE: James Williams, GOLD: Stagecoach bus driver recruitment project maintenance strategy. The technicians came up Operations Manager, team, comprised of Sarah Rennie: Head of HR with the idea of developing a number of 30-second Services; Ricky Sickelmore: Recruitment YouTube-style videos on how to repair technical faults & Communications Manager; and Yvonne Wallin, which lead to breakdowns and posted these on the James’ inclusive approach has fostered a real Training Supervisor, West Ham, Stagecoach London; company intranet to help fellow engineers. As well as collaborative spirit and sense of community among and Lindsay Reid, Senior Group Communications improving fault diagnosis and sharing knowledge, the his team and it has had a major impact on the Manager, Stagecoach Group initiative has helped demonstrate the power of the successes of Stagecoach West during 2015. Over the intranet as a communication tool. last year, Stagecoach in Gloucester, Wye & Dean has Gold won several awards for its community involvement, Innovation COMMUNITY CHAMPION from drivers, helping put a stop to the bullying of a Champions child to recognition for community regeneration and Sarah GOLD: Louise Wright, Publicity Officer, Stagecoach customer service. Stagecoach West has also had close Rennie, Ricky East Midlands Sickelmore, involvement with Winstons Wish, the leading childhood Yvonne bereavement charity in the UK. Wallin and Lindsay Reid. CUSTOMER SERVICE CHAMPION JOINT GOLD: Carlisle bus depot operations, Stagecoach London’s HR team had an idea to help engineering and commercial teams, Stagecoach boost the recruitment of women. It involved identifying Cumbria and North Lancashire and Joy Iggleden, a female celebrity and training them to be a bus driver. Gold Community Train Manager, East Midlands Trains The underlining message was “If she can do it, so can Champion I”. TV personality Ferne McCann agreed to take part in Louise the campaign and she was paired with Yvonne Wallin, Wright. one of Stagecoach London’s six female trainers. After extensive training she passed both the theory and Louise lost her daughter, Princess Leah, aged just six practical elements of the test, gaining her bus licence. on New Year’s Day 2013 after she was diagnosed The initiative was supported by a communications with Anaplastic Medullablastoma, a malignant primary strategy which generated huge positive publicity in brain tumor. Louise’s response to this terrible personal broadcast, online, print and social media and led to tragedy has been nothing short of inspiring. She has a rise in applications from women to Stagecoach worked tirelessly to raise money for the University London. of Children’s brain tumour research Gold Customer Service Champions Michael Sanderson, and, to date, her huge efforts have generated more Mark Bell and David Barrie, representing the team at SILVER: Alessandro Finistrella, than £24,000. Louise created a brand – Skegness Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire. Security and Crime Prevention Seasiders – which gives the local community Manager, South West Trains ownership and raises money for local charities. In late 2015, Cumbria was one of the areas worst Louise has written seven children’s books about hit by Storm Desmond, with significant flooding Alessandro has built on a crime hotspot data analysis the Seasiders and each one has raised money for and infrastructure damage across the region. For tool devised by a University academic to different charities. Stagecoach, it resulted in the company’s Carlisle help identify the best locations to deploy community depot being flooded for a second time in 10 years. rail officers on the South West Trains network. This SILVER: Dave Leigh, Bus Driver, Many of the roads and bridges used by Stagecoach allowed officers to be deployed at these locations at Stagecoach London services were no longer accessible. But the planning the correct time, resulting in crime reduction of up to beforehand and the efforts of staff and management 30% in some major northern hub stations. during and after the crisis meant lifeline bus services Bow night bus driver Dave Leigh hung up his running remained on the road for customers in hugely BRONZE: Technicians team, Stagecoach London shoes after taking part in the London Marathon in challenging circumstances. There were numerous April – it was his 25th full marathon, as well as stories of personal commitment, with many staff Bronze numerous half marathons. Over a period of more than working extra hours despite their own homes being Innovation Champions 20 years, through his running, Dave has raised over amongst those flooded. There were also magnificent Matthew £125,000 for children’s charities. The final good cause efforts to manually update ticket machines and Hill and to benefit from Dave’s running was Get Kids Going, amend services. The tireless efforts of the operations, Adrian Smith, a national charity which gives disabled children and engineering and commercial teams over many weeks representing young people up to 26 years old the opportunity of ensured Stagecoach provided the best level of service the Stagecoach London participating in sport. and information for passengers during one of the most technicians challenging periods for the company, earning huge team. praise from customers. Continued on page 5 4 Green fingers to green gifts... Find out more on P7. ON STAGE

2016 Champions winners n Delivering contactless bus travel across the UK Continued Continued from page 1 for everything from the everyday assistance around things such as luggage to the personal touch, such as will be live on all of Stagecoach’s 7,200 buses in reassuring a customer’s nervous stepson who was England, Scotland and Wales – equivalent to nearly preparing to travel alone. one in four buses outside London. Robert Montgomery, Managing Director Gold SPECIAL AWARD: Bethany Soards, On Board of Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “Bus travel is Customer Customer Service Assistant, experiencing a complete transformation. Major Service investment by Stagecoach in new digital Champion Joy Iggleden. Bethany technology is making it easier than ever to Soards’ catch the bus. From contactless technology and Special new apps to greener vehicles with the latest Joy is the ultimate professional, leading by example, Award was always ready to help – and doing all of this with a collected by environmental performance, buses are the simpler, constant smile on her face. In the last year alone, Virgin Trains smarter and greener mobility solution. But to she has been named winner of two internal awards. East Coast maximise the benefit of this investment, we also During one journey, the train she was on came to an Managing need bold and urgent action by transport authorities Director to tackle the scourge of road congestion that is abrupt standstill following reports of a suicidal male David Horne. on the track. Concerned for the welfare of the man, holding back bus reliability.” Joy climbed down onto the track with the assistance Bethany was travelling home from work on a train of the train driver. She managed to get the man to service operated by another company when there sit on the banks and chatted with him. She then was a large bang under the train. The guard made n Supporting the Poppy persuaded him to get back on the train with her and announcements stating the train was on fire and that Appeal arranged for professionals to meet with him. Joy is everyone had to move to the front coach. Whilst the said to be “one of the railway’s heroes” and a “true train was delayed outside Station, Beth sprang role model to her peers”. into action and assisted the guard by reassuring customers, handing out water and delay paperwork, SILVER: Sammy Torrance, assisting customers with enquiries and keeping Bus Driver, Stagecoach North them informed. When the train was evacuated, Beth Scotland assisted with the safe movement of customers and ensured that she and the guard were the last people Sammy is one of the best-known faces of the off the train. company in , admired for his friendly, The Poppy Bus at Stagecoach East Midlands. helpful nature and cheerful personality. His great SPECIAL AWARD: Safety engagement project team, customer service skills were demonstrated when comprising Sarah Rennie, Head of HR Services; STAGECOACH’S bus and rail companies helped a major fire broke out in the heart of Inverness, Graham Bright, Garage Operations Manager, and support the Royal British Legion’s 2016 Poppy causing severe damage to buildings within the city David Clark, Assistant Garage Operations Manager, Appeal. centre. There was severe disruption to Stagecoach all Stagecoach London. Earlier this month, the company helped staff services as a result, with dozens of diversions due and passengers honour and remember service to road closures by the emergency services. Sammy personnel who have lost their lives in the line of took his customer service skills on to the streets duty. Military personnel and veterans carried out in the city centre. He helped passengers find their collections at selected stations served by East right stop, advised of any disruption to their service, Special Award Midlands Trains, South West Trains and Virgin updated bus stop information and distributed winners Trains East Coast. leaflets. Sammy’s efforts did not go unnoticed in the Sarah Rennie, Stagecoach bus companies across the UK Inverness community, with personal recognition on Graham donated a significant amount to the poppy appeal various Facebook pages. Bright and to provide poppies for all drivers who wished to David Clark. wear them. A new safety engagement initiative has been South West Trains dedicated all of its stations to BRONZE: Kim Cinavas, Customer developed and trialed at Stagecoach London’s Barking the Royal British Legion from 29 October until 13 Service Assistant, East Midlands garage in partnership with an external provider. The November, giving the charity exclusive access to Trains project involves a series of manager safety awareness collect donations from passengers. workshops which use staged scenarios with actors In , Stagecoach Supertram placed large- Kim is the epitome of excellent customer service, and facilitated discussion to consider not only the sized poppies on 25 trams in memory of the lives regularly receiving glowing commendations from consequences of an accident but also the perceptions lost in action. her customers. At the recent East Midlands Trains of risk and behaviour that can indicate a culture where Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Martin Great Service Awards, Kim received nearly 100 an accident is waiting to happen. This approach was Griffiths said: “We are pleased, once again, to nominations from customers, supported by a raft of rolled out to all managers and the innovative initiative be supporting this important cause that helps nominations from her colleagues. Kim regularly goes has helped reinforce that safety is the responsibility thousands of people every year.” above and beyond for her customers, earning praise of all. 5 Championing customer service... Find out more on P8. ON STAGE n Calendar Girls n PICTURE THIS FEMALE bus drivers at Stagecoach East have produced a limited edition ‘Womens’ Institute’- THIS edition’s ‘Picture This’ winner was taken by inspired calendar to help raise funds to buy Stuart Boxall. It shows the Stagecoach buses lined life-saving equipment for Addenbrooke’s Breast up ready to transport the crowds to the Radio 1 Big Unit. Weekend at Powderham Castle. Congratulations to Seven bus drivers, one bus mechanic and a Stuart who will shortly receive his prize of £50 in PA at the bus company bravely stripped off to M&S vouchers. produce the light-hearted calendar which has If you have any good photos for Picture This please very serious intentions. send them to Lindsay Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach The idea was the brainchild of sightseeing bus Group, 10 Road, Perth, PH1 5TW, or email it driver Julie Raiser who, together with her bus to [email protected] driver colleague Michelle Berry, had personal reasons for kick-starting the eyebrow-raising project. The ladies are hoping to raise £10,000, which will go towards the purchase of a new megabus.com summer fun table-top specimen x-ray cabinet (which MEGABUS.COM promoted the idea of a staycation costs £51,000) for Addenbrooke’s Breast Unit. at a special event in recently. This will provide a better and faster way of Mascot Sid was joined by two brand new, state- diagnosing suspected breast cancer and mean of-the-art Astromega coaches to introduce visitors less distress for patients while they undergo a to the 23 fantastic destinations that megabus.com biopsy procedure. offers direct travel to from Birmingham. The calendars cost £10 each. Orders should be While at the seaside themed event, visitors were emailed to [email protected]. invited to take part in a competition to win a pair There is also a justgiving page for those who of megabus.com tickets to London, including just wish to make a donation at overnight accommodation and a champagne tour www.justgiving.com/calendargirls2017 for two on the Coca-Cola . megabus.com’s mascot sid at the ‘seaside’. National Rail Award winners STAGECOACH’S rail franchises and employees highly commended in the same category. were among the winners at the 2016 National Andrew Conroy, Customer Experience Director Rail Awards. for East Midlands Trains, said: “This is fantastic Templecombe station in was named recognition for our staff who work at the The cover of the charity calendar. the best small station in the country, while station and on our trains helping the millions of Nottingham Station was awarded the accolade customers travelling to and from Nottingham of best large station in the country. every year.” South West Trains Guard Andre Xavier was Andrew Fairbank, Head of On Train Service for n New role for Robin named winner of the Outstanding Personal South West Trains, said: “We are all so proud Contribution Award and East Midlands Trains of Andre, this is a well deserved award and FORMER North East Commercial Director Customer Service Assistant Kim Cinavas was recognises the valuable contribution he makes.” Robin Knight has been appointed Partnerships Director – North with in a new role designed to increase and support the work that Stagecoach is doing in the Transport for the North (TfN) region. Non-executive director appointment Robin, who has been on part-time secondment STAGECOACH has announced the appointment of Commenting on Julie’s to TfN in recent months, will assist in ensuring Julie Southern as a non-executive director of the appointment, Stagecoach that Stagecoach is at the heart of thinking Company. Group Chairman Sir Brian and events as the government’s Northern A chartered accountant, Julie has considerable Souter said: “I am pleased Powerhouse unfolds. Robin will also work experience in senior finance and management roles, to welcome Julie to the with Stagecoach’s companies in the north of including in the transport sector. She served as Chief Board. She has a wealth England on matters of mutual interest and Financial Officer with Virgin Atlantic from 2000 to of financial and senior best practice such as partnerships, multi- 2010 and then as the company’s Chief Commercial management experience. operator ticketing schemes and new ticketing Officer from 2010 to 2013. In addition, she was Her insight from roles in Julie Southern. technologies. He will report to Paul Lynch, previously Group Finance Director at Porsche Cars the transport sector and Regional Director – North. Great Britain and is former Finance and Operations serving on the boards of major companies will enable Director at HJ Chapman & Co. her to make a valuable contribution to Stagecoach.” 6 Did you know? East Midlands Trains has highlighted the need for new trains and extra carriages to drive economic growth in the region. GREEN SCENE n Top car parks In the saddle DOZENS of East Midlands Trains stations and car parks have been officially recognised for their safety at and security by two national schemes. CYCLISTS using Winchester station are enjoying Fifty-eight stations, spread right across the network, significantly improved facilities following the are now accredited under the Secure Stations completion of a new Cycle Hub, as part of a Scheme. This is administered by the Department for £400,000 investment. Transport and British Transport Police and represents The new facility provides 100 cycle spaces on a national standard for passenger safety and two-tiered racks, free to use cycle maintenance security on Britain’s railway stations. equipment (including pump, tools and stand) fully Sarah Potts, Crime and Security Strategy Manager, enclosed providing shelter from the weather, said: “The safety and security of our customers is 24/7 CCTV for additional security and a real time always our top priority, whether that is on our trains information display screen. or in and around our stations. Christian Neill, Head of Customer Experience for “The Secure Station and Park Mark awards are South West Trains, said: “We are sure this Cycle a fitting recognition of our constant efforts and Hub will be very popular and we look forward to investment to provide safe and enjoyable journeys opening more facilities for passengers across the for our customers’ right across the network.” The opening of the new Cycle Hub. network.” n On your bikes A TEAM of bus drivers from Basingstoke took part in Green-fingered volunteering the London to cycle challenge recently. ‘Team Stagecoach’ consisted of Louisa Fraser, DURING a recent Stagecoach West volunteer Derek Primmer, Robin Colburn, Don McGovern, day, a team of staff worked on the Gloucester to Aaron West and Steve Cannon. They were raising Canal where they cleared debris, cut money for St. Michael’s Hospice which provides back brambles and made a safe area for both specialist care and support for those with a life- walkers and cyclists. limiting illness, their families and carers, to attain the Attendees on the day were James Williams, highest possible quality of life. Gloucester Operations Manager; Mark Holden, Stagecoach has worked closely with the hospice Ecodriver and Green Champion for Gloucester and since 2002, raising over £9,000 during that time. Ross; Ben Coulson, driver at Coalway out station and Louise Hetherington, Green Champion at The team of Stagecoach volunteers. . Eco gifts from Green Santa Team Stagecoach during the event. SCOUTS and guides from West Moor and in have received a bundle of green gifts to help them keep warm in winter and enjoy the outdoors all summer thanks n Freshers fun to . East parked up one of its green The groups entered the local bus operator’s Green Unibuses, which runs on biofuel, at the University of Santa competition for community groups across Kent campus during Freshers Week. Newcastle. They submitted a winning response Staff provided customer information and sold to the question ‘What could Stagecoach Green discounted Unirider tickets to students, who were Santa give your community group to help the also given a goody bag full of ‘Unibus’ merchandise. environment?’ and won an eco prize of £250 to spend on ‘green’ gifts, which will benefit the adventurous youngsters. (Front row – l to r): George Docherty, Stagecoach, Owen North East Bus Driver George Docherty went along Carter, Erin Mole, Rebekah Perry, Lucy Mole, Owen to meet the scouts and guides and see what they Dixon, Georgia Cowan and Sam Mace, Club Scout Leader. had bought with their prize money. He said: “As part of the Stagecoach Green Santa competition, to benefit the environment and the local Scout the groups put forward an impressive entry and Guide community, and their prize is well The Stagecoach promotions with innovative and useful eco friendly presents deserved.” team at the University of Kent.

7 FC team up with Stagecoach... Find out more on P10. ON STAGE

LETTERS OF PRAISE n Ladies on the run A TEAM of around 25 ladies based at Stagecoach If you or one of your colleagues has received a letter of praise from a South raised more than £2,400 for Cancer customer, please email a copy to [email protected] Research UK. or post it to Lindsay Reid, Senior Group Communications Manager, The Stagecoach women were one of several all- Stagecoach Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW. We will publish female teams who took on the charity’s ‘Race for as many as possible. Life’ event in . Stagecoach also recently launched a pink bus Hi Citylink, in support of the charity. Ever since I retired I have been travelling I’m not sure whether Citylink, Megabus and the The 73 seater fortnightly to Inverness and sometimes more Scottish Government realise what a valuable social double decker often, to visit my elderly parents; since July sadly service you provide between you but, I for one, has become a it is just my mother who is left. Together, the really appreciate it. Furthermore, the friendly driver, popular sight Scottish Concession Card Scheme and the Gold direct bus journey, and a cheerful host or hostess on the main Bus Service have been a huge help to me over serving us a cup of tea and a muffin just makes these two years and will continue to be so for as the effort of frequent travelling even easier. route between long as my mother lives. On my travels I meet With many thanks and kind regards Arundel and The cheque handover took place after many other pensioners who are travelling either to Brighton. the fundraising. support elderly parents, to help with grandchildren Name supplied or to visit lonely friends. Of course some are going on holiday too! Email sent to n Happy 75th birthday

WISCONSIN Coach Lines/Coach USA On board for National Customer Service Week , commemorated 75 years of serving the community, with a celebration at their terminal. The company, based in Waukesha, WI provides over 550,000 rides annually on all of its services, and supports well over 100 jobs. A number of elected officials, including the Mayor, County Executive, and a representative East Midlands Trains provided from U.S. Senator Johnson’s office, attended pupils from the event. Additionally, the local U.S. with a very special first class Congressman Stagecoach South took the trip during which the British opportunity to promote the South East Operations Director Neil Instrall Transport Police spoke to them sent a new UK Bus app. took calls in Travel Shop. about safety on the railway. congratulatory letter, which was read to North East Managing Director There were breakfast giveaways in for Operations the crowd, Steve Walker took on a passengers in . Manager Gillian Robertson different role during the week. took on the role of inspector. while Governor Walker of sent a proclamation (pictured) honouring .

STAGECOACH Group companies across the UK helped of local activities aimed at highlighting the importance n drive forward this year’s National Customer Service of continuing to deliver good customer service, day Wi-Fi delivered Week campaign. in, day out for passengers. These included holding FREE wi-fi is now live at five busy South West The Group’s bus and rail divisions celebrated roadshows, providing giveaways for customers, holding Trains stations in and following a the national campaign with a range of activities Meet the Manager and Tweet the Manager events and partnership agreement between the train operator, throughout the week. National Customer Service Week managers and directors carrying out job swaps. the Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership is run by the Institute of Customer Service and aims to Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Martin Griffiths said: (Enterprise M3 LEP), Hampshire County Council and raise awareness of customer service and the vital role “National Customer Service Week is a great opportunity Surrey County Council. it plays in successful business practice and the growth to showcase the commitment we have to customer Passengers at Aldershot, Basingstoke, Farnborough, of the UK economy. service all year around. It also gives customers the Guildford, and Woking train stations can use the Employees from Stagecoach’s bus companies and chance to speak directly to us and share their thoughts free service throughout the concourses, platforms, from rail franchises South West Trains, East Midlands about what we’re doing well and how we can do even waiting areas and other public areas. Trains and Stagecoach Supertram, took part in a series better.” 8 Did you know? megabus.com has recently added Falmouth to its UK network. ON STAGE

NORTH Scotland n Pensioners’ lunch Marketing Manager THE annual pensioners’ meal took Kim Masson had a place recently, attended by a number of former celebrity encounter employees, including ex-drivers, cleaners, recently when she engineers and an ex-manager. Current bumped into singer Stagecoach West Managing Director Rupert Cox Ronan Keating at and Operations Director Rachel Geliamassi also . went along on the day. Ronan Keating Kim managed to discreetly snap the star before catching her flight!

If you, or one of your colleagues, have a claim to fame – perhaps a hidden talent, a meeting with a The group of former employees. celebrity or an interesting hobby – please email details to [email protected] n Joining the debate , based in Paramus, recently New face-to-face ticket technology arranged all of the bus transport for a Presidential debate at Hofstra University. SOUTH West Trains has opened its new video help and find the best value fare for their journey. Community Coach was responsible for contact centre, which provides real time help and Arthur Pretorius, Customer Service Director for transporting students, media and attendees advice to passengers across the network. South West Trains, said: “We’re very proud that our to and from the debate which was a massive The centre is linked to new Video Ticket Machines, Video Ticket Machines are linked to a dedicated undertaking which involved complex logistics, designed by technology company Parkeon, at 91 centre with specially trained staff who can offer security and moving multiple VIPs. stations across the South West Trains network. It is face to face advice 24/7 and are able to purchase believed to be first system of its kind in the country tickets for passengers on their behalf. Passengers and allows passengers to talk directly to specially love the fact they don’t have to wait around trained staff who can offer face to face advice and for an answer and risk missing a train or later assistance, making it easier for passengers to get connection.”

Some of the security passes for the Presidential debate. All aboard the wedding bus A DRIVER from Newcastle got a surprise when a n wedding party of over 30 people boarded his bus at Keeping Britain moving Newcastle Civic Centre after the bride and groom COACH providers megabus.com and Scottish were married. Citylink plan to keep passengers connected this Norman Fullard said: “Someone put their hand out Christmas by running coach services throughout the for the bus but to my amazement, they all appeared festive season across the UK. to be together and intended to get the bus. They megabus.com will provide around 1,500 seats on then told me they had all attended a registry office its services on Christmas Day this year, serving wedding across the road at Newcastle Civic Centre 27 locations across Scotland, England and Wales and were now on their way to have a drink following The happy couple before boarding the bus. including London, , , Dundee, the wedding.” , , , Birmingham, Sheffield, Manchester, Liverpool, , York, Newcastle, , , , Leicester, Loughborough, Nottingham, Derby, Newport, , , , Rugby and Cwmbran. Standing Up In Scotland, for the first time, Scottish Citylink will provide a special 900X service on Christmas day, with two journeys in each direction between to Cancer Edinburgh and Glasgow. EAST Scotland staff in recently swapped The coach operator, will also once again run special their uniforms for fancy dress in aid of Stand Up coach services for people travelling home from the to Cancer. Several drivers, conductors and travel Edinburgh Hogmanay celebrations to 12 locations shop staff successfully raised over £650 which across Scotland – Glasgow, Kinross, Perth, Dundee, was rounded up to £1,000 by Stagecoach East , , Glenrothes, St Andrews, Scotland. Great effort for a great cause! Livingston, Grangemouth, Falkirk and . Staff dressed up for their fundraising in Arbroath.

9 Stepping together to aid volunteering... Find out more on P11. ON STAGE n Teresa’s big race Footballers in the driving seat employee Teresa Phillips would LIVERPOOL FC teamed up with Stagecoach Bus to like to say a big “thank you!” to everyone who offer supporters a more efficient way of getting to sponsored her for the Slimming World: Race and from Anfield. for Life, which helped raise £800 for Cancer Fans can access the 917 express bus service, which Research UK. runs direct from Liverpool City Centre to Anfield, up Teresa raised £400 from donations which was to every 10 minutes on matchdays. matched by Stagecoach to give a grand total To celebrate the launch of the new service, Reds of £800. duo Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi joined forces to take part in the ultimate challenge which saw the strikers try their hand at driving a double decker Liverpool players Daniel Sturridge and bus. Divock Origi helped launch the new service. Andrew Parkinson, Operations Director, Liverpool FC, said: “The 917 is a great initiative for fans which days attract LFC fans from all over the world, so will provide safe and efficient transport to and from it’s great to be able to offer home and away fans Anfield Stadium.” an affordable and sustainable transport option that Elisabeth Tasker, Managing Director of Stagecoach allows them to get into the spirit of the game as Merseyside and South Lancashire, said: “Match soon as they board the bus.“

POPULAR picture book writer and illustrator Helen Snowdog on display Stephens has teamed up with Stagecoach North East to create a ‘snowdog’ as part of a regional public art event to help raise funds for a local hospice. The Stagecoach Snowdog ‘Hiding Lions’, is located at the iconic Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens. Inspired by the animated short film, The Snowman™ and The Snowdog, the large-scale public art event will feature over 60 large Snowdogs and 105 smaller Teresa (right) after the race. dog characters across the Tyne and Wear, and aims to capture the hearts and minds of the region and beyond in the run up to Christmas 2016. n Getting pretty muddy ‘How to Hide a Lion’ will be on stage at the Polka Theatre in London from October 2016 until February supplied a free shuttle North East staff with the Stagecoach snowdog. 2017. service staffed by volunteer drivers for ’s Pretty Muddy event recently to raise money for Cancer Research UK. The company helped transport many of the 3,504 participants who, between them, raised a total of Teaming up with Whizz-Kidz £120,000. STAGECOACH East Midlands has partnered up with the children’s charity Whizz-Kidz to promote the n South East welcomes wheelchair accessibility of its buses. Stagecoach reunited with Whizz-Kidz after the success Matthew of their ‘day on the buses’ event in Nottingham earlier MATTHEW Arnold this year. Most recently, Stagecoach continued this has been appointed partnership by putting on an event at St Francis School as Stagecoach in Lincoln, which is a school for children and young Commercial Director adults with special needs between the ages of 2-19. of its Kent and East Stagecoach brought a single decker bus and the day Sussex operations. consisted of a range of activities aimed at making Matthew started the pupils feel more comfortable using their local bus his career in the services. transport industry as a scheduler with London Whizz-Kidz trainer Fiona McNaught said: “We know Country Bus Services in 1984. Previously that many young people experience difficulties when Commercial Manager at Southern Counties using public transport, so Whizz-Kidz is delighted he joined Stagecoach as Business Development to be working in partnership with St Francis School Manager in early 2016. and Stagecoach East Midlands to help give them the skills they need make this easier and build their Youngsters take part in one of the activities during the day. confidence.” 10 Did you know? The Loop intranet has now been launched at Group HQ in Perth. ON STAGE n Brian’s a top driver Changes in South Wales DUNFERMLINE driver, Brian Mackie represented SOUTH Wales Commercial Manager Stephen Wren passionate about Stagecoach East Scotland at the 50th annual Bus Stephen Wren who has retired after 50 years’ service. design, with it being Driver of the Year national finals in . recently retired. Stephen started his career in the bus industry as a my personal hobby Brian completed the competition in 10th place Junior Clerk at in in 1966. He along with my overall and was the highest placed Stagecoach has been with Stagecoach for the past 19 years. professional work, driver in the competition. Brian was awarded He said: “Buses are a people business, and I have and I am looking ‘Driver of the Year’ at this year’s Bus Driver of the worked with some fantastic teams in the 50 years forward to seeing Year competition within East Scotland for the third I have been in the bus industry. I now have three some of my work out consecutive year and also won in 2008, showing grandchildren and hope to spend some more quality in the public eye. I his consistently high standard of work since time with them.” have already been working on new corridor marketing joining the company 14 years ago. Meanwhile, has appointed for the Newport and Cardiff areas and I am excited Jason Thomas as Marketing Assistant. He said: “I am about growing the business in the future”. Fundraising success for daffodil bus STAGECOACH East Midlands today presented a cheque for £2,050 to Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal. Those whose lives have been affected by cancer also attended the presentation, that took place at Lincoln cathedral, and have their own personal touching messages displayed on the side of the daffodil bus. People came from across the country to see their tributes on the side of the bus. The money was raised by encouraging people to submit messages to be printed on the double decker ‘daffodil bus’, which visited towns and cities Dunfermline driver Brian Mackie. including Lincoln, Grimsby, Hull, , Gainsborough, Skegness, Managing Director of Stagecoach Worksop and Mansfield. East Midlands Michelle Michelle Hargreaves, Managing Director for Stagecoach East Midlands, said: n Hargreaves hands over a cheque “We are delighted to be able to present this cheque to Marie Curie, double Transforming lives to Gary Burr from Marie Curie. the amount that we had initially set out to raise.” through volunteering THERE are many young people who have found themselves on the street following family difficulties, with a seemingly impossible task to Joe’s decade of memories get their lives on track. ENGINEERING Director Joe Gilchrist has retired from with a Over the past year, Stagecoach Group has been decade’s worth of professional and personal memories. providing essential travel support to Step Together Glasgow-born Joe’s career has seen him work in engineering roles for various Volunteering, a national charity helping people companies and all over the UK including Motherwell, Aberdeen, Leeds, London, like these to find a more positive future through Leicester, and . volunteering. Like Stagecoach, Step Together Joe said: “I have really enjoyed my time at Stagecoach. It has a good culture of Volunteering are experts at connecting people and being supportive of employees while also giving you the freedom to get on and communities. deliver your duties independently.” Through a team of outreach workers Step Paul Lynch, Stagecoach Yorkshire Regional Director North, said: “We will be Joe Gilchrist (left) with South Together provide clients with intensive one-to-one very sad to say goodbye to Joe – he has been a very popular, hard-working and Yorkshire Managing Director support to find tailored volunteering placements diligent member of our team. We wish him a long and happy retirement.” Matt Davies. that match their needs and interests, and help them develop the personal and practical skills required to build a more positive future. Mike Silvey, Director at Step Together East of Scotland Managing Director moves on Volunteering, said: “We are most grateful to Stagecoach for their support which has enabled ANDREW Jarvis, Managing Director of Stagecoach Stagecoach has started a recruitment process our outreach team to come together to share East Scotland, has left the company after 10 years for a new Managing Director of the East Scotland key learning; as a result we have successfully with the business. regional company. In the interim, the business implemented a new monitoring framework that Andrew said: “I have thoroughly enjoying working will be overseen by Robert Andrew, Stagecoach will help us demonstrate the impact of our work with a great team of people in my time at Stagecoach Regional Director for Scotland. Jon Oakey, the to prospective funders.” and I am proud of what we have achieved over the company’s Scottish Regional Finance Partner, has If you would like to know more about the work years. I would like to wish my colleagues across the been appointed Acting General Manager and will of Step Together, please visit business all the best for the future as I look forward manage the day-to-day operations, reporting to www.step-together.org.uk to new challenges.” Robert Andrew.

11 THE PEOPLE PAGE ON STAGE n Tony hangs up his keys GETTING TO KNOW YOU... NEWCASTLE bus driver Tony Youmans has retired after 31 Howard Pritchard, Group Head of Information Security years service at Stagecoach ■■ Who are you? ■■ What are you North East’s Walkergate depot in Howard Pritchard – as the Group Head of most proud of? Newcastle. Information Security, I provide Strategy and Being part of life The long serving driver and direction with regards the latest Cyber Security on a daily basis. elected shop steward began Tony Youmans threats ad vulnerabilities, provision of Group ■■ Favourite holiday his career at Stagecoach in who recently retired. Security awareness modules, but just as destination? February 1985 as a trade important, look after all aspects of the protection Muscat, Oman. union representative, and has worked at both the of data from and information security perspective ■■ Most Walkergate and Byker depots during his career. throughout the whole of the Group. embarrassing Tony was also part of a team recognised for their ■■ What do you like most about your job? moment? efforts in improving the wellbeing of staff when Being part of Information Security for over 35 Whilst in a board they won the Gold Award in the Health Champion years, I enjoy all aspects, from the day-to-day meeting continually calling the CEO by the wrong category of the Stagecoach Group Champions for challenges through to the awareness and name – oops. achievements in promoting employee health. investigations undertaken. ■■ Favourite music? He said: “I am very much looking forward to ■■ What do you like least about your job? All music, but especially ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. retirement. My wife also retired on the same day, so Nothing – every day is a challenge. ■■ Person you would most like to have dinner it is a double celebration!” ■■ Favourite food? with? Anything that is hot. Chuck Yeager – aviation test pilot. ■■ Least favourite food? ■■ First thing you would buy if you won $1 million? n Long service Salad – too healthy. Not sure as it is a large amount of money. recently held its annual Long Service Awards in . ‘Getting To Know You’ features in every edition of On Stage and we want to hear from as many staff After the awards ceremony all guests were treated as possible. To suggest the next participant, email [email protected] to a three course meal and a string quartet played music. New faces in the south BUS operator Stagecoach South has appointed new Assistant Operations managers for its & Worthing depots. Mike Armitage will be based at the Portsmouth depot, whilst Martin McDougall will take up his new role in Worthing. The South East long service award winners. Mike, a Yorkshire man with Scottish roots, joined Stagecoach in 2005 as a driver at Stagecoach West in Cheltenham, while Martin, originally from Dunfermline, started working for Stagecoach in 2013. n Dave gets on board Gordon Frost, Operations Director, said: “I am delighted to welcome both Mike and Martin to the management team. Our Operations Managers are has at the heart of our business and critical to the success of the company. appointed Dave Morgan as New Assistant Operations We’re committed to ensuring that we provide real opportunities for staff Engineering Director. Managers Mike Armitage development and we’re delighted that Mike and Martin are growing with the Dave has been with the company and Martin McDougall. business and continuing to further their careers and develop with us further.” for the past 22 years and has (L to r) Dave been Engineering Manager at Morgan Rugby depot for the past 16 years. with Dave He has taken over from current Heptinstall. Jason steps up Engineering Director, Dave Heptinstall who has transferred to Stagecoach Yorkshire. JASON Astley has been appointed as the new Operations Manager for depot. Jason will now oversee the everyday running of the depot, after former manager Janine Fowley joined the n Contacts team as its new Operations Manager. Editor: Lindsay Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach He joined Stagecoach North East in 1998 as a minibus Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW driver. Email: [email protected] Jason said: “This is a great opportunity for me, stepping up to the role of Operations Manager and running a depot If you have a story for On Stage, please contact for the first time. I am also working with a new team Lindsay Reid as above. The copy deadline for and in a new area but I am very much looking forward the next edition of On Stage will be Monday 16 to the challenge, and to building on the success former January 2017. Operations Manager, Janine Fowley, has achieved.” New Operations Manager Jason Astley. 12