Franchise Win Promises Punctuality and Service

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The newspaper of Stagecoach Group Issue 67 Summer 07

Franchise win promises punctuality and service r4UBHFDPBDITFDVSFT&BTU.JEMBOETDPOUSBDU r#FUUFS GBTUFSBOETBGFSUSBWFMGPSQBTTFOHFST New mag’s r4FWFOZFBSEFBMCSJOHTTDPQFGPSHSPXUI a shore

tagecoach Group is celebrating the success of its pioneering bid for the thing! Snew East Midlands rail franchise. %XV SDVVHQJHUV HQMR\LQJ The Department for Transport (DfT) has “Our innovative and value-for-money the beauty of England’s awarded the Group the new seven-year and plans are designed to meet the challenges south coast can now take four-month franchise, which is worth £235 of growing demand, improving passenger in some interesting infor- million in annual total revenues and will run perceptions of service and security, and mation along the way. from November 11 this year. making it easier for people to travel by A free magazine Stagecoach engaged with more than train. is on offer to users of 80 local, regional and national stakeholder “We look forward to delivering a com- Stagecoach’s popular organisations in developing its proposals for prehensive package of train, station and CoastLiner 700 route East Midlands, which combines the current security investment, improved operational between Southsea, Midland Mainline franchise and regional performance, increased capacity, state-of- Portsmouth, Chichester, services transferred from Central Trains. the-art ticketing options and a range of %RJQRU 5HJLV :RUWKLQJ And this latest success marks the Group’s other customer benefits. DQG%ULJKWRQ third rail contract win in 10 months, ´7KLVLVDQH[FHOOHQWUHVXOWIRUSDVVHQJHUV Helen Martin, following the retention of the South West WD[SD\HUVDQGRXUVKDUHKROGHUVDQGZHZLOO Stagecoach’s Regional Trains franchise in 2006, and the recent be working closely with local stakeholders Marketing Manager, said securing of a tram contract in Manchester. to help meet their aspiration for the area the 19-page CoastLiners Passengers can now look forward to: to become one of the top 20 regions in magazine contained )DVWHU MRXUQH\V DQG EHWWHU Europe.” details of special offers, punctuality The new franchise incorporates a multi- events and attractions to ,PSURYHPHQWV WR WUDLQ IOHHW DQG million-pound investment programme and be found along the 60- capacity will generate £133 million (Net Present mile route. ,QFUHDVHGVHFXULW\ Value) in premium payments to the DfT The magazine has a )OH[LEOHWLFNHWLQJRSWLRQV over the period of the franchise. regular letters page and $VWDWLRQHQKDQFHPHQWSURJUDPPH Under the franchise, regulated fares will staff member’s profile. %HWWHU FXVWRPHU VHUYLFH DQG OLDLVRQ ULVH DQQXDOO\ E\ 53, LQ OLQH ZLWK +HOHQ H[SODLQHG with local stakeholder groups. Government policy, while unregulated fares “There a kids’ page which DUH H[SHFWHG WR LQFUHDVH E\ DQ DYHUDJH RI introduces a cartoon %ULDQ 6RXWHU &KLHI ([HFXWLYH RI 53,SHUDQQXP seagull family The Stagecoach Group, said: “We are delighted The East Midlands rail franchise will Gullivers and a spot the to be entrusted by the Government with operate trains from the new St Pancras difference competition. the contract to run a key rail franchise in a ,QWHUQDWLRQDO VWDWLRQ SURYLGLQJ GLUHFW “Our first print run for region that is the heart of the UK transport connections with Eurostar services to Paris CoastLiners was 20,000 and logistics economy, with significant DQG %UXVVHOV IROORZLQJ WKH RSHQLQJ RI WKH and drivers on the route growth potential. Channel Tunnel Rail Link. tell us that the magazine “We plan to win back customers from The last 16 months of the contract are is being well received by the car and grow the market by delivering dependent on meeting performance targets. customers for both the a high-quality service that meets the diverse Gullivers’ travels: Rude members of The Gullivers read the CoastLiners magazine over information and entertain- needs of short and long-distance commuters, Chris Pearce’s shoulder! ment value it contains.” business and leisure travellers. (SFBUOFXTGPSQBTTFOHFSTwQ Marvellous memories from veteran passenger :KHQ%LOO0LOOVIURP1XQHDWRQEHJDQULGLQJ Nuneaton route 3 service. Mark and his assistant Jayson Smith the buses, they had four legs and a tail! /RFDOGULYHUVZKRDOONQRZ%LOOE\QDPH SUHVHQWHG%LOOZLWKDYHU\UDUHOLPLWHGHGLWLRQ %LOO ZDV ERUQ LQ DQG KDV QHYHU suggested that Stagecoach in Warwickshire replica Routemaster double-decker bus and a owned a car. At 101 years old, he can reward his dedication. bottle of his favourite brandy. remember when the first motorised bus Mark Crannis, Operations Manager for %LOO WKDQNHG HYHU\RQH DQG WUHDWHG came into service, following the horse-drawn 1XQHDWRQVDLG´:KHQZHKHDUGDERXW%LOO Stagecoach employees to memories of his carts which had previously been used as we knew we had to do something. life during the Second World War – including public transport. ´,W·VQRWYHU\RIWHQ\RXJHWWRPHHWD how passengers on the bus to Coventry He has been a public transport passenger year-old, and the drivers thought it would be would take it in turns to walk in front of the 101 not out! Veteran passenger Bill Mills receives ever since, and is still a regular on the nice to give him a gift for his loyalty.” bus to watch out for bombs! the thanks of Mark Crannis and Jayson Smith. GNER on board for East New director for Group Coast rail franchise bid Stagecoach Group has announced the appointment of Garry Watts nter city - railways limited, DQG H[WHQVLYH FRQVXOWDWLRQ ZLWK ORFDO SODQV,QWHU&LW\(DVW&RDVWLVDFRPSOH[ agreement between the parties. DV D QRQH[HFXWLYH GLUHFWRU RI WKH a 50/50 joint venture stakeholders. and challenging franchise. We believe ,QWHU&LW\ (DVW &RDVW LV RQH RI Company. I 3DVVHQJHUVDQGWD[SD\HUVZLOOEHQHILW our unique partnership of the most %ULWDLQ V EXVLHVW ORQJ GLVWDQFH UDLO Garry (50), who took up the role between the Virgin Group of from an innovative package of improve- H[SHULHQFHG DQG LQQRYDWLYH RSHUDWRUV routes, which links London with several RQ-XO\KDVEHHQ&KLHI ([HFXWLYH Companies and Stagecoach ments that build on the strengths of the on the UK rail network will deliver cities in both England and Scotland, RI 66/,QWHUQDWLRQDOSOFVLQFH$SULO Group plc, has submitted current operation, including: a new benchmark for the franchise's including Edinburgh. its bid for the InterCity East D PXOWLPLOOLRQSRXQG LQYHVWPHQW customers and communities.” Short-listed bidders were asked to $FKDUWHUHGDFFRXQWDQWKHMRLQHG Coast rail franchise with a in trains, stations and systems ic-r announced in April 2007 that bid against a specification based on a 66/ DV *URXS )LQDQFH 'LUHFWRU LQ LPSURYHG SXQFWXDOLW\ DQG GNER Holdings Limited will acquire a consultation process undertaken by the )HEUXDU\ DQG ZDV SUHYLRXVO\ commitment to set a new reliability VWDNHLQWKHQHZIUDQFKLVHKROGLQJ DfT, which is proposing that current DQ ([HFXWLYH 'LUHFWRU RI &HOOWHFK benchmark for service to EHWWHUHQYLURQPHQWDOSHUIRUPDQFH company at the time of signing a new services are maintained and that the SOFDQG)LQDQFH'LUHFWRURI 0HGHYD passengers. franchise agreement, if the ic-r bid Leeds half hourly service will continue. plc. Prior to that, he was a partner The bid has been developed through A spokesman for inter city – railways is successful. Virgin and Stagecoach 7KH *RYHUQPHQW LV H[SHFWHG WR at KPMG. a partnership with incumbent operator said: “New thinking and putting ZLOO MRLQWO\ UHWDLQ WKH UHPDLQLQJ DZDUG WKH ,&(& IUDQFKLVH LQ WKH ODWH *DUU\ LV D 1RQ([HFXWLYH Great North Eastern Railway (GNER) passengers first are at the heart of our shareholding as part of the commercial summer of 2007. Director of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and also Protherics plc. Stagecoach Group Chairman New service completes The Link Robert Speirs said: “Garry Watts KDV H[WHQVLYH LQWHUQDWLRQDO DQG from Folkestone to Canterbury ILQDQFLDO H[SHULHQFH DFURVV D UDQJH of businesses and will be a strong Stagecoach have launched a re-branded and alternative to using the car. DGGLWLRQWRWKH6WDJHFRDFK%RDUGµ LPSURYHG VHUYLFH EHWZHHQ )RONHVWRQH DQG Paul Southgate says that the £900,000 Canterbury. investment by his company will improve bus &OOU*HRUJH%XQWLQJ&KDLUPDQ6KHSZD\ services for residents in the villages of the District Council, and Cllr Mike Patterson, Elham Valley and Sandgate, Seabrook, Hythe Canterbury City Council’s Cabinet Member and Saltwood, as well as catering for tourists. Kristina moves for Transport, helped Paul Southgate, “We are delighted to offer The Link with Managing Director for Stagecoach East Kent buses departing every 30 minutes,” said Paul. and Hastings, launch eight new double-decker, “We believe that there is strong demand from make-up wheel chair and baby buggy-friendly Enviro and that we will be able to change the 'hop EXVHV in the car' habit for many along the route by to marketing The new vehicles were launched on routes offering easy access buses and sensibly priced Filling the missing link. Cllr George Bunting (left), Paul Southgate and Cllr Mike Patterson (right) launch 16 and 17 to make bus travel between the two fares that compete against the cost of parking Kristina Harrison the improved service. key destinations an attractive and convenient DQGSHWUROXVHGRQDFDUMRXUQH\µ from Whitstable is Stagecoach in East Kent’s Contacts new Marketing Assistant. Editor: Steven Stewart, On Stage, Stagecoach Group, Stagecoach South Helen Martin 01243 536161 6KH MRLQV 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth PH1 5TW. Stagecoach South West Mark Whittle 01392 889747 the company Tel: +44 (0)1738 442111)D[+44 (0)1738 443076 Stagecoach Yorkshire Hannah Thompson 01226 202555 to promote the company’s vast www.stagecoachgroup.com National Transport Tokens 6DMGD.KDQ 01254 680180 network in Kent ,I \RXKDYHDVWRU\IRUOn Stage, please get in touch with your Kristina Harrison. and Hastings local contact below: UK Rail from the regional Stagecoach Group Steven Stewart 01738 642040 South West Trains Lisa Davies 0207 620 5892 head office in Canterbury. Island Line Stephen Wade 01983 812591 Working closely with the Marketing UK Bus Stagecoach Supertram Julia Shaw 0114 2759888 Manager and the commercial team, the Stagecoach East Scotland Lisa Henry 01383 516454 role includes the design of bus liveries for Stagecoach West Scotland Allan Henry 01292 613515 North America RQHRII SURMHFWV DQG QHZ URXWH EUDQGV Stagecoach North East Jodine Milne 0191 566 0236 Coach USA Dale Moser 001 201 225 7575 created to make services more recognis- Stagecoach North West Colin Nicholson 01772 255752 able and attractive in the region. Coach Canada Jim Devlin 001 705 748 1170 Stagecoach Manchester Karen Coventry 0161 276 2727 Kristina (pictured above) first worked as a special effects make-up artist for Stagecoach Merseyside Clare Tresnan 07711 950 019 On Stage is published four times a year. Advertising connected directly or film, television and stage productions, Stagecoach East Midlands Louise Wright 01522 522255 indirectly with Stagecoach is accepted. Charitable adverts will be included including the Young Vic European Tour Stagecoach Oxfordshire Chris Child 01865 405511 without charge, otherwise rates on request. DQGWKHFRPHG\VNHWFKVKRZ%R·6HOHFWD Stagecoach in Warwickshire Adam Rideout 01604 662283 On Stage is distributed free to Stagecoach staff. Public subscriptions are EHIRUH MRLQLQJ WKH FKDULW\ 7KH 6ROGLHUV Stagecoach East Adam Rideout 01604 662283 available at £12 for one year or £20 for two years. Cheque payable to 6DLORUV $LUPHQ DQG )DPLOLHV $VVRFLDWLRQ Stagecoach Cambridgeshire Ed Cameron 01223 423578 Stagecoach Group plc at the editorial address. The Editor is unable to enter in London as public awareness and into individual correspondence concerning the affairs of The Stagecoach fundraising assistant. Stagecoach West Nathan Williams 07753 775 193 Group. When the busy new role allows, Kristina Stagecoach Wales Nathan Williams 07753 775 193 UHOD[HVWKURXJKKHUDUWLVWLFKREELHVZKLFK Stagecoach South East Helen Martin 01243 536161 Designed by The BIG Partnership Group Limited, Scotland. include painting and interior design. 2 Summer 07 All aboard the Climate Change express Metrolink 6WDJHFRDFK DQG 9LUJLQ MRLQHG IRUFHV WR DW%ULVWRO3DUNZD\%ULVWRO7HPSOH0HDGV provide eco-friendly travel for delegates 7DXQWRQ 7LYHUWRQ 3DUNZD\ ([HWHU 6W deal secured attending an environmental conference. 'DYLGV3O\PRXWKDQG%RGPLQ3DUNZD\ Virgin CrossCountry ran a special com- 'HOHJDWH SDVVHQJHUV HQMR\HG EUHDNIDVW Stagecoach takes over the running of plimentary train for delegates travelling to and made good use of their travel time Manchester's Metrolink tram system WKH %XVLQHVV LQ WKH &RPPXQLW\ &OLPDWH to network with other members of the this month under a ten-year deal. &KDQJH 6XPPLW DW WKH (GHQ SURMHFW RQ business community. Stagecoach Group has signed May 1. And, when they arrived at Par, a contract with Greater Manchester Companies attending the summit Stagecoach whisked delegates from the 3DVVHQJHU 7UDQVSRUW ([HFXWLYH were asked to commit to reducing their VWDWLRQ WR WKH (GHQ 3URMHFW LQ EXVHV (GMPTE) to operate and maintain the emissions and combat climate change. running on biofuel. 37km Metrolink network and associated Virgin Trains helped to keep delegates’ infrastructure. carbon emissions to a minimum by running Going green: Delegates enjoyed eco-friendly The contract will include managing a train from Cheltenham Spa to Par, calling travel to a key climate change conference. DQXPEHURI VSHFLDOSURMHFWVVSRQVRUHG by GMPTE to improve the trams and infrastructure for its passengers. Stagecoach Metrolink will also be responsible for operating tram services on the new Metrolink lines to Oldham, Rochdale, Droylsden and Chorlton. Personal best for ,DQ 'REEV &KLHI ([HFXWLYH RI Stagecoach Group’s Rail Division, said: “We are delighted to have signed the contract to run Manchester’s Metrolink QHWZRUN PDNLQJ 6WDJHFRDFK %ULWDLQ·V biggest tram operator. “We have been working closely South West Trains ZLWK WKH H[LVWLQJ RSHUDWRU 6HUFR DQG GMPTE, to ensure a smooth transition for employees and customers. outh West Trains has hit an “We believe there is significant 1BTTFOHFSTSFBQJOHSFXBSETPGOFXBEWBODFT potential for growth on the Metrolink Sall-time high with its best network and we will be working hard performance figure to date. on our detailed plans to improve further The company's Public Performance year, when South West Trains was named the high quality of service provided to Measure (PPM), which shows customers UXQQHUXS LQ WKH FDWHJRU\ RI %HVW 5DLO the thousands of customers who use how well the trains are running, reached Operator at the 2007 Group Travel Awards. the system every day.” ODVWPRQWK Held at the Radisson SAS Hotel in South West Trains has introduced London, the 11th Group Travel Awards a variety of measures to improve DWWUDFWHG DURXQG SURIHVVLRQDOV IURP performance such as the much-heralded the travel trade. QHZ WLPHWDEOH WKH ILUVW PDMRU UHFDVW RI The awards recognise transport Helping police the schedule since the 1960s. SURYLGHUV ZKR JR WKDW H[WUD PLOH The integrated control centre at to accommodate passengers to help others /RQGRQ:DWHUORRKDVDOVREHHQDPDMRU who wish to travel in groups. factor. South West Trains, which won the award A free bus pass is helping police support The centre sits South West Trains in 2006, has a dedicated team based workers to keep the peace. and Network Rail controllers side by in Southampton who cater for group Stagecoach in Warwickshire has granted side, which improves communication bookings, offering travel assistance and free travel to local Police Community between the two companies. This allows great discounts for groups of ten or more. Support Officers (PCSOs). for quicker recovery during times of Rob Potter, South West Trains’ Customer The offer helps the officers cover disruption. Service Centre Manager, said: “Having their beats more effectively, and also gives -DPHV %XUW 6RXWK :HVW 7UDLQV· Saving time: The new integrated control centre at London Waterloo has helped make 2007 a great won the award in 2006, it was great to be passengers added security. 2SHUDWLRQV'LUHFWRUVDLG´,·PDEVROXWHO\ year for South West Trains. in the final again this year. Phil Medlicott, Stagecoach in delighted that we have hit an all-time high “Although we didn’t win, coming Warwickshire’s Managing Director, said: in our performance. performance team – has been working though. We will all continue to strive runners-up is still a great honour and “When we received the request to support “Working closely with Network Rail, harder than ever, and our passengers are towards improving our already impressive fantastic recognition of all the hard work Leamington police we were very happy to every one of our employees – from train reaping the benefits of that. performance figures.” that the team put in to make sure group oblige in any way we could. dispatchers and drivers to our dedicated “The hard work doesn’t stop here There was more good news earlier this days out run as smoothly as possible.” “Stagecoach understands the benefits access to public transport gives to officers and how it can help them help the local community.” PCSOs can already travel free of Crafty kids showcase their art on the buses FKDUJH LQ WKH 1XQHDWRQ DQG %HGZRUWK areas. Welsh school children have turned local buses into mobile John Gould, Managing Director for Stagecoach in South art galleries. Wales, said: “We were so impressed with the entries that we The crafty kids from Aberdare have seen their works of wanted to share the winning ones with the entire community. art showcased on vehicles operated by Stagecoach in South “And what better way than on our go2… buses, which Wales. are quickly becoming one of the most popular ways to travel Café culture 7KH H[FLWLQJ QHZ PRYH FDPH DIWHU $EHUQDQW 3ULPDU\ around Aberdare. School and Park Lane Special School won Stagecoach’s ‘My ´,·PVXUHWKDWHYHU\RQHZKRWUDYHOVRQRXUJR«VHUYLFHV at Basingstoke Aberdare’ competition, which invited local school children in Aberdare will agree that this is a great way of brightening to write a poem, draw a picture or take a photograph about up our buses. South West Trains has added a little café something they thought captured the essence of day-to-day “Perhaps it will get other passengers thinking about what FXOWXUHWRLWV%DVLQJVWRNHVWDWLRQ life in the area. living in Aberdare means to them too.” Working hard to improve stations Nine-year-old Oliver Pritchard from Abernant Primary Christine Chapman, Assembly Member for the Cynon across its network, the company has was the winner of the 8 to 11-year-old category with his 9DOOH\ ZDV RQH RI WKH FRPSHWLWLRQ MXGJHV 6KH VDLG ´7KH teamed up with Café Destino to introduce painting and poem based on Aberdare Park. HQWLUH MXGJLQJ SDQHO ZDV UHDOO\ LPSUHVVHG ZLWK DOO RI WKH QHZIDFLOLWLHVDW%DVLQJVWRNH )HOORZ$EHUQDQWSXSLO.DWLH3LJJRWW ZRQWKH\RXQJHU SXSLOV·SRHPVDQGDUWZRUNDQGFKRRVLQJMXVWWKUHHZLQQHUV 7KH VWDWLRQ·V SODWIRUP QRZ ERDVWV category with her poem all about Aberdare. was very difficult. a new waiting area and disabled toilets And Kirsty Humphries (16) from Park Lane Special “Aberdare certainly has its share of talented children, – marking a huge improvement on its School was also a winner with a painting of herself and her and the pupils put a lot of creativity and thought into their former facilities. two sisters dressed in their Welsh costumes for St David’s VXEPLVVLRQV,UHDOO\HQMR\HGVHHLQJWKHHQWULHVDQGDPVXUH Steve Hampson, Area Manager, South Day. 6WDJHFRDFKSDVVHQJHUVHQMR\HGWKHPDVPXFKDV,GLGµ West Trains, said: “We hope our passengers $VZHOODVKDYLQJWKHLUDUWZRUNH[KLELWHGRQ6WDJHFRDFKLQ John Gould added: “Stagecoach in South Wales is are pleased with the results. South Wales buses, the pupils each won £25 of vouchers and committed to Aberdare and, over 18 months ago, we demon- ´, ZRXOG OLNH WR WKDQN WKH &DIp £250 for their schools. strated that with a £1.5 million investment in new low-floor Destino team for their hard work and Abernant Primary School pupils Hollie Davies and Luke buses and service enhancements. Moving art: Christine Chapman and Nathan Williams, Marketing their commitment to improving facilities Morgan each received a £10 voucher after their entries were ´,WLVFOHDUO\PDNLQJDGLIIHUHQFHWRSHRSOHDVZHKDYHVHHQ Manager for Stagecoach in South Wales and West, help local at the station.” chosen as runners-up. SDVVHQJHUXVDJHLQWKHILUVW\HDUJURZE\PRUHWKDQµ children display their paintings and poems. Summer 07 3 Mega-deals generate fresh interest in inter-city coach

egabus.com, the UK’s megabus.com network in the UK. leading budget inter-city And, last year, the megabus.com M concept was introduced in the United coach service, has expanded States, where it now covers the states its network to two new RI ,OOLQRLV,QGLDQD.HQWXFN\0LFKLJDQ English cities. Missouri, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Customers can now book travel from Stagecoach also operates megatrain. MXVW WRDQGIURP0LGGOHVEURXJKDQG com, the Group’s innovative budget rail Sunderland, offering one service a day initiative, which has now attracted more in each direction to Leeds, Sheffield than 200,000 passenger bookings since and London. the service went live in autumn 2005. %ULDQ 6RXWHU &KLHI ([HFXWLYH Earlier this year, Stagecoach of Stagecoach Group, said: “Our launched the UK’s first integrated H[FHSWLRQDO YDOXH IDUHV IURP MXVW budget coach and rail online booking KDYHDOUHDG\EHHQH[WUHPHO\SRSXODULQ service, allowing customers using the North East of England. megabus.com and megatrain.com to “With no direct rail services to access both coach and rail options in London from either Middlesbrough or one easy search. Sunderland, we believe we can create a The online retailing system gives new market for budget inter-city coach visitors to the new consolidated website travel between these locations.” access to a total of 530 daily departures Around two million passengers a to around 50 locations across the UK \HDUWUDYHOWRVRPHORFDWLRQVRQWKH IURPMXVW

*OTJEFUIFNFHBCVTDPNOFUXPSL*OTJEFUIFNFHBCVTDPNOFUXPSL*OTJEFUIFNFHBCV Moto In The Community Trust Flooding in Yorkshire 7KHUHFHQWVHYHUHZHDWKHULQ

megabus.com presented a cheque to the charity ,Q LWV ILUVW \HDU WKH 7UXVW KHOSHG 0RWR,Q7KH&RPPXQLW\7UXVWDIWHUZHVWDUWHG organisations and pledged £96,000 through using Woolley Edge Services as an out-station JUDQW VFKHPHV DQG QDWLRQZLGH SURMHFWV IRURXU%DUQVOH\FUHZV7KHFKDULW\ZDVIRUPHG ,DQ/DLQJ1HWZRUN0DQDJHUDQG'DZQ0XUSK\ in October, 2005, by Moto and has been set up Coaching Manager from Stagecoach Yorkshire, to assist the communities which Moto services are pictured presenting a cheque for £200 to Rob are part of. Allen, Manager of Moto Services at Woolley Edge. Congratulations NEXT ISSUE Congratulations to Debbie Christian, who married Robert Leitch – a Leading Driver with Stagecoach in Dawlish – on June 23. Members of staff are invited to submit articles they think may be of interest to fellow 'HEELHRSHUDWHVRQPHJDEXVFRPIURPWKH([HWHUGHSRWDQG megabus employees – including weddings, charity events or special occasions. is popular with both staff and passengers. Send contributions to [email protected], preferably with photographs. Sheffield bore the brunt of the floods, as this picture of Hillsborough We wish them both well for the future. football ground shows.

(QJLQHHULQJ DSSUHQWLFHV HQMR\HG DQ more able to ask for help when it was activity-filled week in North Devon. needed. Trying their hand at everything from 7KH QH[W HYHQW ZLOO EH ¶$SSUHQWLFH Building bridges for workers of the future raft building to abseiling, they overcame of the Year’ at the end of August, when fears and gained new confidence along all three year groups will be brought the way. together for a lunch and presentations. The strenuous but fun week was designed to give the apprentices a We’d like to hear from you if you range of skills they could take into the have been involved in a novel project workplace. aimed at boosting passengers. And it certainly seemed to have the desired effect, with some apprentices Your On Stage contact is listed admitting they had learned how to take on p2. advice and how to communicate with their colleagues. A tale Others said their confidence had to tell? increased and that they now felt Team spirit: Active apprentices were put through their paces. High jinks: I'm a Stagecoach apprentice – get me out of here! 4 Summer 07 Better, faster, safer 'SBODIJTFXJOQSPNJTFTIVHFCFOFGJUTGPS&BTU.JEMBOETQBTTFOHFST

tagecoach’s success in Ssecuring the new East Midlands rail franchise is great news for the Group, and even better news for passengers. The key highlights of the new franchise, which will be operated under a single overarching brand and managed from headquarters in the East Midlands, include:

Improved journeys and improved punctuality

)DVWHUMRXUQH\VWR6KHIILHOG KRXUV 08 mins) and Leicester (1hr 07mins) from London as part of a new Journey times from London to Sheffield and Leicester will be cut. timetable in December 2008 with potential further infrastructure-based improvements thereafter )OH[LEOHWLFNHWRSWLRQVZLWKGLIIHUHQW $GGLWLRQDO HDUO\ PRUQLQJ WUDLQ IURP prices depending on the time of Derby to cater for high levels of travel, including a trial to attract morning peak demand passengers to the shoulder peak using )XUWKHU IHDWXUHV RI WKH 'HFHPEHU Smartcard 2008 timetable change include: ,QVWDOODWLRQ RI DURXQG QHZ VHOI – A new daily direct service between service ticket vending machines London and Lincoln to reduce ticket office queues and – An hourly Nottingham-Matlock provide ticket retailing at locations service such as Syston and Sutton Parkway – An additional off-peak service each for the first time hour from London, allowing a new ,QWURGXFWLRQ RI DXWRPDWLF JDWHV DW WUDLQ VHUYLFH H[FOXVLYHO\ WR VHUYH four additional stations to improve stations south of Leicester security and reduce ticketless travel, 3HUIRUPDQFH SODQV WKDW ZLOO KHOS UHVXOWLQJLQQHDUO\RI SDVVHQJHU improve the public performance MRXUQH\V EHLQJ JDWHG DW OHDVW DW RQH PHDVXUH 330 WRIURP end by focusing on poorer performing regional services and trains Station enhancements

Fleet improvement and capacity $ PVWDWLRQLQYHVWPHQWLQFOXGLQJ a programme at the busiest stations covering: – refurbishment of waiting rooms, shelters, booking halls and toilets, improved internal lighting, replacement seating, new cycle racks and repairs to forecourts. – fitting out East Midlands Parkway station building and completing access 5HSDLQWLQJDQGQHZVLJQDJHDFURVVDOO stations London 2012

Passengers can look forward to a Customer service much-improved service. and stakeholder relations 6LJQLILFDQW LQFUHDVH LQ FDSDFLW\ ZLWK 1HZ SDVVHQJHU FKDUWHU ZLWK FOHDU PRUH WKDQ H[WUD PDLQOLQH SHDN targets and compensation structure seats into and out of London and based on the ‘Delay Repay’ model an increase of nearly 10,000 off-peak VXSSRUWHGE\3DVVHQJHU)RFXV seats per weekday %HWWHUFXVWRPHULQIRUPDWLRQ ,QFUHDVLQJPDLQOLQHIUHTXHQF\WRILYH 3URYLVLRQ RI DQ DGGLWLRQDO FDU trains per hour between the peaks 6LJQLILFDQWLQYHVWPHQWDW'HUE\WUDLQ parking spaces, in addition to 500 %ULQJ IRUZDUG ILUVW PRUQLQJ WUDLQ maintenance depot (Etches Park), spaces at East Midlands Parkway arrival into London to provide an which will become the centre of train funded by Network Rail and the DfT integrated connection to Eurostar maintenance operations ,PSURYHG OLQNV ZLWK ORFDO DXWKRULWLHV for business passengers travelling to and regional government agencies continent Security 1HZ GHGLFDWHG PDQDJHPHQW SRVWV $GGLWLRQDOKLJKVSHHGWUDLQVHWIURP to improve stakeholder relations June 2012 to increase capacity in $FHQWUDOLVHG,QIRUPDWLRQDQG6HFXULW\ and manage a range of transport time for the Summer Olympic and Centre to respond to Help Point integration improvements, including Paralympic Games requests and monitor CCTV cameras Capacity will be increased in time for the London Olympics. additional cycle parking facilities, bus $ LQFUHDVH LQ FDSDFLW\ RQ $GGLWLRQDO &&79 FDPHUDV DW through ticketing and Community Rail Norwich-Liverpool weekday services stations and mobile security staff 6HFXUH6WDWLRQ$FFUHGLWDWLRQFRYHULQJ Fares and Ticketing partnerships $LQFUHDVHLQZHHNGD\FDSDFLW\RQ coverage for stations and trains RI SDVVHQJHU MRXUQH\V RQ WKH other regional routes 0RUHWKDQQHZRUXSJUDGHG+HOS franchise ,QYHVWPHQWLQ6PDUWFDUGWHFKQRORJ\ Corby Station and Rail Service $ P IOHHW LQWHULRU DQG Points at 35 stations 0RUH YLVLEOH VWDII SUHVHQFH RQ to make ticket purchasing much performance improvement 6HQLRU &RQGXFWRUV 7UDLQ 0DQDJHUV trains and at key stations to improve easier $FRPSHWLWLYHRSWLRQKDVEHHQRIIHUHG programme, including décor, seats, and Revenue Protection staff equipped personal security 3URPRWLRQ RI LQWHUQHW SXUFKDVLQJ to the Department for Transport for on-train CCTV and technical modifi- with PDAs to improve information $FFUHGLWDWLRQRI WKUHHIXUWKHUVHFXUH and telesales the provision of rail services to a cations provision and security for customers station car parks ,QWURGXFWLRQRI PHJDEXVFRPIDUHV potential new rail station at Corby. Summer 07 5 Richmond New buses are looking good Stagecoach North West is bringing and better passenger access, with reaps a new fleet of double-deckers the added benefit of improved into its Preston Citi 2/2A route styling, so they look good on the rewards from Longridge to Preston and roads.” Southport/New Longton. South West Trains have scooped another North West Operations Manager Pupils from St Cecelia’s RC High accolade at the annual London Transport Rob Jones said: “We are very proud School, Longridge, take a look at one Awards. WR EH LQWURGXFLQJ (QYLUR V of the new buses, with Alex Crane, This prestigious awards ceremony was onto the City 2/2A routes. The Stagecoach Assistant Operations held in April at London’s Park Lane new buses offer lower emissions Manager, Preston. Hilton. The honour handed to South West Trains was The Rail Station of the Year Award and is in recognition of Richmond Station. Richmond station is a local landmark with its 1930s façade and is recognised TV bus ads designed to as one of South West Trains' busiest commuter stations. :LWK RYHU VL[ PLOOLRQ SDVVHQJHU MRXUQH\V D \HDU WKH HPSOR\HHV DW WKLV busy London station still manage to make it a welcoming one. tickle the funnybone $QGUHZ)DLUEDQN6RXWK:HVW7UDLQV· +HDG RI 6WDWLRQV VDLG ´, DP SURXG RI all the hard work demonstrated on a daily 8"( QSPGFTTPSBOEHSFFOHSBOIFMQHFUQBTTFOHFSTCBDLPOUIFCVT basis by the employees at Richmond and they should hold their heads high as they deserve this recognition.” he people behind the Tfamous Irn-Bru soft drinks adverts are creating a TV Wheely good advertising campaign to encourage Britain to get on news for board the bus. $VHULHVRIWKUHHVHFRQG6WDJHFRDFK Guildford funded adverts, created by Edinburgh’s award-winning Leith Agency, began Eco-friendly travellers have been made airing in the Anglia West TV region in even more welcome at Guildford mid-June. station. The £350,000 pilot campaign, the first New cycle storage has been installed, of its kind in the UK, is being targeted creating parking space for more than at consumers in the Cambridge and 100 bikes. Peterborough areas. Dan Lucas, Duty Station Manager at Plans are also being drawn up to roll Guildford said: “Guildford station has the campaign out to further key locations already seen a number of improvements around the UK if the advertising in the WKLV \HDU ZLWK H[WUD FDU SDUNLQJ VSDFHV south-east of England is a success. anti-slip treads on the stairs and now $FWRU 7RP %DNHU UHFRUGHG WKH more cycle storage. The improvements voice-over for the ads, which were directed we are making show our commitment to by Damien O’Donnell – well-known for improving our stations for the benefit of creating comedy films such as the movie both our staff and our customers.” ‘East is East’ and a TV commercial for TV stars: Light-hearted adverts are designed to convey a serious message about public transport. Dave Holladay of the Cycle Touring ,UQ%UX Club, the UK’s National Cyclists’ The adverts feature three humorous numbers of passengers for the past five dramatise it in a humorous way that would a simplified network and fares structure, Association, said: “The response of FKDUDFWHUV:$*7DQ\D%URZQDFDGHPLF years in a row. We believe that, with put a smile on people’s faces. 10-minute turn-up-and-go services, com- 6RXWK :HVW 7UDLQV LQ GHOLYHULQJ H[WUD Professor Harold Hooterson and “green” increasing congestion and more environ- “This kind of approach is novel in prehensive marketing and improved capacity shows that they are one of the enthusiast Gayle Windybottom. mental awareness, there is huge potential transport advertising, but our view is that information for customers has seen the few operators who monitor and manage %ULDQ6RXWHU6WDJHFRDFK*URXS&KLHI to get even more people on board the if people feel warm towards a transport number of passengers travelling by bus in cycle parking as a serious choice that ([HFXWLYHVDLG´7KLVLVDFRPSOHWHO\IUHVK nation’s buses.” brand then they’re more likely to use it.” &DPEULGJHMXPSE\DURXQG PDQ\ FXVWRPHUV KDYH PDGH WR HQMR\ way to market public transport and a first /HLWK $JHQF\ 3DUWQHU (G %URRNH Passengers have flooded on to the ,Q 3HWHUERURXJK SDVVHQJHU QXPEHUV time savings and convenience in their IRU WKH 8. %XVHV DUH IRU HYHU\RQH DQG said: “The brief for the Stagecoach TV buses in Cambridge since Stagecoach KDYHVKRWXSE\DURXQGVLQFH$SULO daily commute.” carry a diverse range of customers from campaign originated from the thought LQYHVWHGPRUHWKDQ PLOOLRQLQDQHZFLWL DIWHU WKH ODXQFK RI VLPLODU SDFNDJH lots of different backgrounds. that ‘you’d be surprised who travels on the branded bus network in November 2001. of citi-branded services, new vehicles and buses’. We sought to take this thought and $ IOHHW RI QHZ ORZIORRU YHKLFOHV a simplified network. Bus drivers “Stagecoach has attracted rising receive a A breath of fresh air glowing tribute in Lincolnshire resort 6WDJHFRDFK%OXHELUGGULYHUVKDYHEHHQ +ROLGD\PDNHUV DQG ORFDOV FDQ HQMR\ beginning of September, 2007. praised for being friendly, helpful and the sea air in comfort, thanks to a new Stewart Swinburn, the Mayor of SURYLGLQJH[FHOOHQWFXVWRPHUFDUH open-top bus service. North East Lincolnshire Council, cut A delighted customer took the time Cleethorpes is the home of the the ribbon and toasted the new bus WR SHQ D OHWWHU FRPSDULQJ %OXHELUG·V new Stagecoach East Midlands service, with champagne before taking a tour superb service with her less happy which runs from the Pier to Pleasure along the promenade on top of the H[SHULHQFHRI EXVHVRQWKHZHVWFRDVW ,VODQGDQG7KRUSH3DUN bus. of Scotland. The initiative was launched in “Cleethorpes is still a proper family She was thoroughly content with partnership with North East Lincolnshire seaside resort with a great beach, a KHU MRXUQH\ RQ WKH %OXHELUG EXV DQG Council, who are promoting the open- lovely promenade, the thrills and rides a friendly driver even went out of his toppers both locally and in the Scenic DW3OHDVXUH,VODQGDQGDPRGHUQOHLVXUH way to help her find a bag she had %ULWDLQE\%XV*XLGHIRU pool with a wave machine for when it’s mislaid. Running under the brand “Coastal raining,” said Dave Skepper, Stagecoach The woman suggested that staff North East Lincolnshire Council’s Mayor, Stewart Swinburn, (far left), and Dave Skepper, Cruiser” - with livery in the Stagecoach East Midlands’ Commercial Director. of the Scottish bus company should Stagecoach East Midlands’ Commercial Director, (far right), toast the launch of the new corporate style but featuring the beach “Most seaside resorts have open-top receive customer service training from Cleethorpes Open Top bus service with representatives of North East Lincolnshire Council’s tourism and a palm tree at the back - the service buses and we think Cleethorpes should %OXHELUGGULYHUV department and Thorpe Park. will run every 30 minutes until the EHQRH[FHSWLRQµ

6 Summer 07 6LU 5LFKDUG %UDQVRQ DQG *RUGRQ %URZQ have launched Europe’s first biodiesel blend Virgin Trains leads Europe with biofuels train in scheduled passenger service. Speaking before the June launch, Gordon the rail industry. amount to 100 percent in the future, which brake, making the Pendolino fleet one of the %URZQ²ZKREHFDPH3ULPH0LQLVWHUHDUOLHU As part of a national trial, Virgin Trains would potentially see 100,000 cars off the most efficient in the world. WKLVPRQWK²VDLGKHZDQWHG%ULWDLQWREHD will run one of its Voyagers on a 20 percent road.” Over ten years, Virgin Trains has world leader in the development and use of biodiesel blend. Virgin CrossCountry Managing Director developed the West Coast and CrossCountry environmentally-friendly fuels. 6LU 5LFKDUG H[SODLQHG ´7KLV LV D Chris Gibb said: “Sir Richard set out a franchises into high-quality networks, offering +H DGGHG ´, EHOLHYH WKH\ ZLOO SOD\ D SLRQHHULQJVWHS,I WKHWULDOLVDVXFFHVVDQG vision that Virgin should be at the forefront a green alternative to air and car travel. fundamental part in our efforts to reduce we can convert our Voyager fleet to run RI GHYHORSLQJ VXVWDLQDEOH HQHUJ\ , DP 3DVVHQJHUQXPEHUVDUHQRZDWPLOOLRQ emissions and tackle climate change. RQ % ELRGLHVHO ZH FRXOG FXW RXU &2 really proud that it is the people at Virgin a year and punctuality is currently running at ´,ZLVK9LUJLQHYHU\VXFFHVVZLWKWKHVH HPLVVLRQVE\XSWRSHUFHQW Trains who are the first to have risen to the ZHOORYHUSHUFHQWRQERWKURXWHV%XWLW SLORWVFKHPHVDQG,ORRNIRUZDUGWRKHDULQJ challenge.” GRHVQ·WVWRSWKHUH,Q'HFHPEHUWKHUH the results.” Proud As part of the investment in biodiesel, ZLOOEHIDVWHUMRXUQH\VRQ/RQGRQVHUYLFHV The train is the first in Europe to use a ´7KLV PHDQV WRQQHV OHVV &2 special fuelling points have been installed with almost one third more trains running. practicable blended fuel which can signifi- being emitted into the atmosphere each year, DW %RPEDUGLHU 7UDQVSRUWDWLRQ·V GHSRWV LQ Virgin Trains also hopes to be able to cantly reduce CO2 emissions. and is equivalent to taking 23,000 cars off %DUWRQXQGHU1HHGZRRG6WDIIRUGVKLUHDQG run trains at 135mph and add two more 7KH9LUJLQ7UDLQVWULDOLVDPDMRUVWHSLQ the road. Crofton, West Yorkshire, and modifications coaches to Pendolino trains, encouraging Fundraiser a national biodiesel programme, conducted “The Government wants to see a have been made to the Cummins’ engines. millions more people out of their cars and by Virgin Trains, the Association of Train UHGXFWLRQ LQ WUDQVSRUW·V FDUERQ GLR[LGH ,QDGGLWLRQWRWKHHQYLURQPHQWDOEHQHILWV off domestic flights. Ron goes Operating Companies (ATOC) and the emissions, and Virgin and the rail industry of the Voyager trial, Virgin’s Pendolino All profits made by Virgin Group through 5DLO6DIHW\DQG6WDQGDUGV%RDUG 566% WR are at the forefront. We’re starting with 20 electric trains return 17 percent of the power LWVWUDLQDQGSODQHFRPSDQLHVIRUWKHQH[W pioneer a sustainable fuel breakthrough for percent biodiesel and hope to increase this they use to the national grid every time they years will go into developing clean fuels. extra mile A local man has gone back into the pool to raise money for charity. tagecoach is one of more Ron Steele, a training officer for Sthan 20 transport companies Stagecoach East, has raised £300 for backing an innovative campaign Marie Curie Cancer Care in a marathon to get more young disabled swim at Kettering swimming pool. ,W·VQRWWKHILUVWWLPH5RQKDVUDLVHG people to use public transport. GOJO for it! money, as he also swam 150 lengths for ‘GOJO’, a campaign launched recently by charity last year. the Disability Rights Commission (DRC), is for This year he decided to up the the thousands of young people aged between $PNJDTVSHFEJTBCMFEZPVOHTUFSTUPUBLFQVCMJDUSBOTQPSUTFSJPVTMZ distance to 200 lengths, swimming three 16 and 25 who have difficulties or fears using miles in total. public transport. A recent DRC poll found 5RQ SLFWXUHG DERYH VDLG ´, ZDV that twice as many young disabled people said UHDOO\SOHDVHGDV,PDQDJHGWRFRPSOHWH they lacked confidence using public transport WKHOHQJWKVLQWKHVDPHWLPHDV,GLG than their non-disabled peers. WKH OHQJWKV ODVW \HDU ² KRXUV The campaign will run in five English minutes. Every year a different charity is cities – Sheffield, Newcastle, Nottingham, VXSSRUWHGDQG,ZDVSDUWLFXODUO\SOHDVHG 0DQFKHVWHUDQG([HWHU²DQGIROORZVFKDQJHV to hear it was Marie Curie Cancer Care. to the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) ´,·YHNQRZQVHYHUDOSHRSOHWKURXJK introduced in December 2006. Disabled work and personal life, who have either people now have the right, for the first time, died or had treatment for cancer, so it’s WRIDLUWUHDWPHQWRQSXEOLFWUDQVSRUW,WFRPHV nice to be able to give something back.” as more than £6 million has been spent by transport providers to make vehicles more accessible to disabled people. Transport providers are supporting GOJO Students earn by distributing campaign leaflets and posters to staff on how to support young disabled travellers, offering special travel deals and their freedom SURYLGLQJ H[WUD EXVHV WR KHOS ODXQFK WKH regional campaigns. Students aged 11 to 16 have been A central tool of GOJO is the campaign’s given the freedom of Kent. ZHEVLWH ² DW ZZZP\JRMRFRXN ² ZKLFK Stagecoach designed a one-off SURYLGHV LQWHUDFWLYH MRXUQH\ SODQQHUV IRU bus livery to promote Kent County young people, tips on how to travel safety &RXQFLO·V )UHHGRP 3DVV VFKHPH IRU and special deals with transport and leisure young travellers. providers. The ground-breaking initiative 6LU %HUW 0DVVLH &KDLUPDQ RI WKH '5& provides a payment of £50 to give said: “GOJO is all about supporting young youngsters unlimited travel on public people who may think public transport isn’t bus services for a year – making for them. travel easier and more affordable “The improvements which have made for young people, and encouraging it easier to use buses, trams and trains the use of public transport in the should make it easier for young people to be longer-term. independent and in control. Paul Southgate, Managing Director “We’re delighted to be working with for Stagecoach in East Kent and transport providers to help equip staff with +DVWLQJVVDLG´,W·VFRPPRQVHQVHWR the skills they need to ensure that more young attract the commuters of tomorrow SHRSOHDUHFRQILGHQWDERXWWKHMRXUQH\VWKH\ To celebrate the launch of the GOJO campaign, comedians from the hit troupe Abnormally Funny People performed stand-up routines on buses onto our increasingly popular network make.” around the country. Pictured, from left, are performers Steve Best, Laurence Clark and Simon Minty. today and help break the hop-in-the- car habit.” Improved service becomes ‘the 1’ to watch

$ 9,3 JXHVW KHOSHG 6WDJHFRDFK VWDII SXW Run in partnership between Stagecoach ,QWHU&RQQHFWURXWHV better buses on the streets of Lincoln. and Lincolnshire County Council, the Since the new Lincoln bus network Gillian Merron, local MP and the then Lincoln to Grantham service became was introduced in July 2006, city passenger Junior Transport Minister, launched seven RQH RI WKH NH\ ,QWHU&RQQHFW URXWHV LQ MRXUQH\V KDG LQFUHDVHG E\ \HDU RQ brand new low-floor double-decker buses November 2002, when the frequency was \HDUZLWK0HJDULGHUVDQGMXVWXQGHU IRU6WDJHFRDFK/LQFROQVKLUH·V,QWHU&RQQHFW increased to every 30 minutes and the 'D\ULGHUVEHLQJVROGLQ/LQFROQHDFK route between Lincoln and Grantham. first low-floor single deck buses were month. Speaking to councillors, local business introduced. )ROORZLQJ WKH ODXQFK 0V 0HUURQ leaders and representatives of the parishes 3DVVHQJHUQXPEHUVKDYHJURZQE\ visited Stagecoach staff at Lincoln Depot, along “the 1” route, Ms Merron said she since then and around 11,000 people now spending time chatting to drivers, fitters, Freedom on the buses: Paul Southgate was pleased that Lincolnshire was setting a travel on the route each week. cleaners, and trainee drivers. She then got with Keith Ferrin, KCC Cabinet Member for JRRGH[DPSOHXVLQJLQQRYDWLYHEXVVHUYLFH Stagecoach East Midlands Managing behind the wheel of a training bus to very Transport, Cllr John Simmonds, and some of planning, design, and investment to achieve Director Gary Nolan stressed that competently drive under instruction on the target audience. significant growth in bus use. passenger growth was not limited to the VRPHPDQRHXYULQJH[HUFLVHVLQWKH\DUG Summer 07 7 Coach USA helps Open go with Embracing t a swing Coach USA played a key role in making last month's 2007 US Open Golf Championships at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania a great success. More than 300,000 spectators flocked to the Oakmont Country Club to watch some of the world's top golfers compete IRURQHRI WKHVSRUW VPDMRUWURSKLHV And Coach USA's Lenzner Tours was central to the transport system put air revolutio in place for the event, providing vans and transit vehicles for the parking lot shuttles. 4UBHFDPBDIXFMDPNFT&OHMBOEhTOFXTNPLJOHCBO BOE Lenzner Tours also supplied coaches IRUQXPHURXVPDMRUEXVLQHVVHVLQFOXGLQJ %D\HU&RUSRUDWLRQ:HVWLQJKRXVH(OHFWULF FODPVSBHFTJUTPXOTNPLFSTUPTUVCPVUUIFJSIBCJU Company, US Steel Corporation and $OFRD ,QF WR WUDQVSRUW H[HFXWLYHV DQG By Fiona Andrews, employees to the event. Smokefree England Campaign Charles Lenzner, President/General Manager of Coach USA - Lenzner Tours of Pittsburgh, said: “When large national s the smoke clears across events like this are held in our area, Athe UK, Stagecoach is we are honoured to provide the quality playing its part in creating a transportation service required to make it cleaner, healthier country. DPHPRUDEOHH[SHULHQFHµ July 1 saw the much-anticipated England-wide smoking ban take effect. The legislation will protect Happy hikers Stagecoach’s passengers and employees from the effects of second-hand serious medical conditions including death syndrome and asthma. factories and pubs. in the pink smoke, which can cause a range of heart disease, lung cancer, sudden infant And it will increase the benefits And all businesses will have to: of smokefree places for people 'LVSOD\FRPSOLDQWQRVPRNLQJ &RQJUDWXODWLRQVJRWR%U\QPDZUGHSRW trying to quit smoking. signs at each entrance to their employees who recently took part in ,UHODQG 6FRWODQG DQG :DOHV premises and in work vehicles. the annual ‘Pretty in Pink’ walk to raise have already introduced smokefree 7DNHUHDVRQDEOHVWHSVWRPDNH PRQH\IRU%UHDVW&DQFHU5HVHDUFK legislation, and studies have staff, visitors and customers A great day out was had by all on the shown there has been a massive aware of the legal requirement 12-mile trek and together they raised the improvement in the air quality of to keep premises and work fantastic sum of £800. enclosed public places and marked vehicles. The happy hikers who took part improvement in the health of bar (QVXUHWKDWQRRQHVPRNHVLQ were: James Wood, Nick Morton, Mark workers in particular. smokefree premises and work Murphy, Gareth Rolph, Steve Parry, ,Q (QJODQG WKH QHZ OHJLVODWLRQ vehicles. Jason Clay, Andrew Cahill, David James, will cover virtually all enclosed Ann Hopes,Paul Price, Mark Rogers, and substantially enclosed public Those who do not comply with Cheryl Startup, Mal Edwards, Joan places and workplaces, including the new legislation may be liable to Edwards and David Carter. public transport, shops, offices, a fine or prosecution. True gent puts Now is the perfect time to go Smokefree yourself customer With Stagecoach and the rest of the country going safety first Smokefree, now is the HOW TO QUIT perfect chance for smokers A caring bus driver has been applauded to try to beat their addiction for going out of his way to help a vul- to the little white sticks. nerable passenger. Stopping smoking is the #FQSFQBSFE 6XNKMLW .DXUD ZKR ZRUNV IRU greatest single step you can )LUVW DQG IRUHPRVW GRQ·W WU\ Stagecoach East, took decisive action take to improve your health. immediately - giving up requires p after a young woman realised she’d Everyone knows the health Set yourself a quit date sometime in boarded the wrong bus following an risks of the habit and the like after your birthday or the end of evening out. reasons to quit far outweigh %\SODQQLQJIRUDQGEXLOGLQJWRZDUGV Realising he couldn’t leave the the effort involved in suc- you have time to plan practical ways to teenager alone in an unfamiliar area, he cessfully quitting. quitting and it’ll also be a chance to get called depot control and made a detour 8QVXUSULVLQJO\ idea of not being a smoker. Also ask to allow the girl to get home safely. of smokers would actually and family for their support can really h 6XNKLMW VDLG ´:H DOZD\V SXW WKH like to quit if they could safety and comfort of our customers but, like anything else, to ILUVW DQG , FRXOGQ·W OHDYH WKH JLUO DOO be successful you need to alone.” put time and effort into the #FQBUJFOU -DPHV )UHHPDQ 0DQDJLQJ 'LUHFWRU attempt and make sure you Withdrawal symptoms are often th RI 6WDJHFRDFK (DVW DGGHG ´)HHGEDFN get the right support and relapses. They are caused by nicot from our customers is essential, and we encouragement. WKHERG\DQGFDQEHGLIIHUHQWIRUHY always like to hear how we can do things Stopping smoking may kind to yourself - there is no need to g differently. be one of the most difficult a period of “cold turkey”, there’s plen ´,W·VKHDUWZDUPLQJWRKHDUVWRULHVRI tasks that you set yourself help available. To find out what help RXUGULYHUVGRLQJVRPHWKLQJH[WUDVSHFLDO and you will need to learn you can phone the NHS Smoking H IRURXUFXVWRPHUVDQG6XNKMLWVKRXOGEH new habits and coping 0800 169 0 169 or visit gosmokefree.c congratulated for all his efforts.” strategies.

8 Summer 07 Crackdown clears station Weymouth rail station is a quieter place, thanks to a clampdown on anti-social behaviour. 6RXWK :HVW 7UDLQV DQG WKH %ULWLVK 7UDQVSRUW 3ROLFH %73 ODXQFKHG WKH RSHUDWLRQ DIWHU D string of complaints over youths gathering, often in large groups, and intimidating passengers. ,Q D FRQFHUWHG DWWHPSW WR FRPEDW WKHVH LQFLGHQWV MRLQW SDWUROV ZHUH LQFUHDVHG DQG the youths were not allowed to gather in any numbers anywhere around the station. The police wrote letters to parents of some of the youngsters, clearly spelling out the consequences of any further misbehaviour. As the initiative continued, the youths were warned that their behaviour was unwelcome, and they that they were committing a number of offences for which they could be prosecuted. Paul Denton, South West Trains’ Crime 5HGXFWLRQ 0DQDJHU VDLG ´7KLV MRLQW operation was a great success in showing offenders that we will not tolerate anti-social behaviour at our stations. “We want our stations to be welcoming to visitors and this operation sends out a clear message that we will seek to deal with offenders in the strongest possible manner.” %73 6RXWK :HVW 4XDGUDQW ,QVSHFWRU Mick Morriss added: “The area had been blighted by problematic youngsters causing low-level disorder on stations. We have made numerous patrols of the stations affected, following complaints from other commuters. ´%73 DQG ORFDO SROLFH KDYH KDG VXFFHVV in having dispersal orders imposed, which has effectively banned troublesome youths from congregating in the town centre and at railway stations. “As a result of ongoing patrols we have made numerous arrests for low-level disorder and several drug matters. ´%\ UHPRYLQJ WKHVH W\SHV RI SHRSOH IURP the railway network we hope that it will allow commuters to travel in a safe and trouble-free environment.” A decade of progress A new book charts the ten-year success story of Virgin Trains. ‘Virgin Trains, A Decade of Progress’ is the first publication to narrate the story of the company from 1997 to the present day. The official launch of the book was marked by the naming of Pendolino 390 012 as “A Decade of Progress” at Wolverhampton VWDWLRQ E\ DXWKRU -RKQ %DOPIRUWK·V WZRDQG a-half-year-old granddaughter Penelope. John, a retired railwayman and lifelong (FUIFMQ :PVEPOUIBWFUPHP transport enthusiast, lives in nearby \ WR VWRS The NHS offers a range of services Halesowen and was formerly Deputy Chair preparation. that can help would-be-quitters to stop JUBMPOF of the Rail Passengers Committee for the The NHS also offers an interactive the future, smoking for good. You can call the NHS Midlands in which he became the lead cessation support programme, Together. This f a holiday. Smoking Helpline or visit www.gosmokefree. spokesman on Virgin Trains and Network helps smokers to quit by providing advice at key D TXLW GDWH co.uk to find the option that’s right for you. You Rail issues. He currently chairs TravelWatch stages of the giving up process through a range o cope with could visit your free local NHS Stop Smoking Midlands West. RI FRPPXQLFDWLRQ PHWKRGV LQFOXGLQJ HPDLO WH[W used to the Service for group or one-to-one sessions with 7KHERRNLV-RKQ%DOPIRUWK·VLQGHSHQGHQW messages, mailings and phone calls. king friends trained Stop Smoking Advisers who can help assessment of the progress made by the help. you through the trials of beating the dreaded company in its 10 years of train operation on weed in a step-by-step programme. Local Stop two of the UK’s most important rail arteries. Smoking services, or your GP, can also provide 3BJTFNPOFZGPSB All royalties from the book, which has advice about using Nicotine Replacement EHHQ SURGXFHG E\ ,DQ $OODQ 3XEOLVKLQJ DUH 7KHUDS\ 157 =\EDQ RU &KDPSL[ WR HPPEDBVTF going to the Railway Children charity. he cause of prevent withdrawal symptoms from getting the ,I \RX QHHG WKDW H[WUD LQFHQWLYH WR GLWFK WKH 5SFBUZPVSTFMG Virgin Trains General Manager for tine leaving better of you. There are several different NRT cigarettes, why not do it for a good cause and Quitting doesn’t need to be a chore - con- Wolverhampton Sean Allsop said: “We must YHU\RQH %H options, including chewing gum, patches, or raise money for a charity of your choice? You can gratulate yourself each day you stay quit and applaud John for his single-mindedness and go through lozenges. Smokers are up to four times more now quit online and get your friends and family to put the money saved towards a special treat. The GHGLFDWLRQ LQ FUHDWLQJ DQ H[WUHPHO\ ZHOO nty of free likely to quit successfully if they use their local sponsor your quit attempt. Simply log on to www. cash can soon build up, and you may surprise researched history of our company. He has is available NHS Stop Smoking Service together with MXVWJLYLQJFRPVPRNHIUHH DQG UHJLVWHU yourself as to how much further your pay packet not flinched from dealing with the difficult Helpline on Nicotine Replacement Therapy than relying on goes. A 20-a-day smoker could afford a £210 issues and in that respect has created a co.uk. willpower alone. GLJLWDO FDPHUD DIWHU MXVW VL[ ZHHNV most readable account that will enthral the reader.”

Summer 07 9 Smart solution £1 bus to help rescue hostages A Stagecoach bus is helping the police to save problems such as damage to our vehicles and abuse for senior lives. to our drivers. Northamptonshire officers training colleagues ´%\SURYLGLQJWKLVEXVZHKRSHWRUHLQIRUFHWKH in hostage negotiation skills are using a Stagecoach XQLTXHSDUWQHUVKLSZHFXUUHQWO\HQMR\µ travellers East bus, sold to them for a nominal £1 fee. $FWLQJ 6HUJHDQW 'DYH %HUU\ 2SHUDWLRQDO Local authorities in Scotland and Adam Rideout, Marketing Manager of Training, Northamptonshire Police, said: “We’re (QJODQG KDYH VLJQHG XS WR %ULWDLQ·V Stagecoach East, said: “We have worked closely very grateful to Stagecoach for generously giving ILUVWWD[LVPDUWFDUGV\VWHPIRURYHUV with Northamptonshire Police before to combat us this bus. who qualify for concessionary travel. ´,W ZLOO HQDEOH XV WR SUDFWLVH D YDULHW\ RI Dumfries and Galloway Council Stagecoach to the rescue: Adam Rideout hands over the specialist skills and will be a really useful and and Milton Keynes Council are the keys to Acting Sergeant Dave Berry. interesting resource for our trainers.” first two local authorities to adopt the new hi-tech system developed by Stagecoach Group subsidiary National Transport Tokens (NTT). The new system, called COPS (Concessionary Operators’ Payment Route 49 goes from Scheme), uses on-board electronic terminals to read personalised smartcards issued to users by the local authority. Smartcards are issued with an agreed concessionary value and have a photograph to ensure only those who strength to strength qualify for the scheme are authorised to travel. Local authorities can set D PD[LPXP DPRXQW FKDUJHG SHU MRXUQH\ DQG ORVW RU VWROHQ FDUGV FDQ &OWJSPCVTFTBOEUJNFUBCMFJNQSPWFNFOUTCPPTU5SBOT8JMUT&YQSFTT be discontinued, safeguarding against fraudulent claims. popular Stagecoach West bus service has received extra Electronic information from the Ainvestment and new vehicles as part of a long-term terminals, which cost only £100 per improvement plan. unit, is downloaded on to “collection 7KH 7UDQV:LOWV ([SUHVV URXWH UXQV system is vital so that people in Wiltshire cards”. They are then posted direct to VL[GD\VDZHHNIURP6ZLQGRQWR7URZEULGJH can take full advantage of all the leisure and NTT for reimbursement to transport via Devizes and Avebury and as far as Devizes employment opportunities available to them. operators. from Swindon on Sundays. ´,DPGHOLJKWHGWKDWRXUSDUWQHUVKLSZLWK NTT distributes the cards directly Stagecoach West has introduced three Stagecoach has led to this investment – but it to users, delivering administration QHZ (QYLUR GRXEOHGHFNHU EXVHV WR doesn’t end there. cost savings of up to £20,000 to each serve the route. The £500,000 investment ´2YHU WKH QH[W ILYH \HDUV WKH FRXQW\ local authority. offers passengers easy access downstairs and FRXQFLO DQG 6WDJHFRDFK ZLOO MRLQWO\ SURPRWH grandstand views upstairs. WKHEHQHILWVRI WKH7UDQV:LOWV([SUHVVVHUYLFH Excellent The timetable has been boosted with an This starts in the summer with a new family earlier first bus from Swindon and a later last ticket and advertising to show people the Unused concessions can be bus from Trowbridge as part of the recent wonderful range of destinations served by returned to the council at the end of service improvements. URXWH the financial year and the system also Passenger numbers have grown by more ´,W·V MXVW RQH H[DPSOH RI WKH FRXQW\ allows detailed analysis of concession than 50 per cent in the last few years, and the council’s commitment to improving public spend to help set future budgets. service receives around £85,000 in funding transport in Wiltshire.” NTT Managing Director Malcolm support from the local council each year. ,DQ 0DQQLQJ 0DQDJLQJ 'LUHFWRU RI Daughtrey said: “This innovation Phil Groocock, Wiltshire County Council Stagecoach West, said: “We are very pleased ensures there is no discrimination %XV1HWZRUN0DQDJHUVDLG´7KHURXWHVHUYHV ZLWK WKH VXFFHVV RI WKH 7UDQV:LOWV ([SUHVV against concessionary passengers who key destinations for commuters, shoppers and so far and hope to see hundreds of thousands GRQ·W KDYH DFFHVV WR EXV VHUYLFHV ,W WRXULVWV,QWKHODVWIRXU\HDUVZHKDYHZRUNHG more passengers use it over the coming years. LVDQH[FHOOHQWERRVWWRPRELOLW\DQG hard with Stagecoach to increase use of the )URPQRZRQ6WDJHFRDFK:HVWWLFNHWVFDQEH VRFLDOLQFOXVLRQDQGLVH[WUHPHO\HDV\ service through measures such as improved ERXJKWRQDOOMRXUQH\VDQG2$3VDUHDEOHWR to use. publicity, newer and more reliable low-floor travel free on the service all day. As part of “The new smartcard system is vehicles and continued improvements to bus our commitment to offering a better service DOVR D PDMRU VWHS IRUZDUG IRU ORFDO stop infrastructure. ZH SODQ WR VLJQ D 4XDOLW\ %XV 3DUWQHUVKLS authorities, providing a simple, cost- “The investment by Stagecoach is proof of ZLWK :LOWVKLUH &RXQW\ &RXQFLO IRU URXWH effective, reliable and secure method the success of that effort and we hope it will This will set out how we can create a superior of delivering concessionary travel to continue to go from strength to strength.” H[SHULHQFHIRUFXVWRPHUV local people. )OHXU GH 5KH3KLOLSH :LOWVKLUH &RXQW\ “New buses and additional funding mean “We believe there is a huge Council cabinet member for environment, WKDWWKH7UDQV:LOWV([SUHVVLVVHWWRRIIHUDQ SRWHQWLDO WR H[SDQG WKH EHQHILWV RI transport and economic development, said: even better service in the months and years this smartcard technology across the “An efficient and effective public transport to come.” Ian Manning and Fleur de Rhe-Philipe get another new vehicle on the road. country, particularly with the introduction of the national concessionary travel scheme in England from A politician’s pulling power was put to the test in Lincoln, with around 115,000 passenger 2008.” at an unusual bus launch in Lincoln. MRXUQH\V HYHU\ ZHHN DQG 0HJDULGHUV $URXQG WD[L RSHUDWRUV DUH MP’s in it for the long haul! /LQFROQ 03 *LOOLDQ 0HUURQ MRLQHG DQG'D\ULGHUVEHLQJVROGHDFKPRQWKµ currently registered to accept payment 6WDJHFRDFK (DVW 0LGODQGV /LQFROQ %XVLQHVV 7KH/LQFROQ%,*%XV'HDOLVWKHIRXUWK XVLQJ 177 DQG WKLV LV H[SHFWHG WR ,PSURYHPHQW *URXS /LQFROQ %,* DQG commuter plan in the city – similar arrange- LQFUHDVH WR DURXQG LQ WKH QH[W Lincoln Chamber of Commerce to highlight ments are already in place with Siemens, two to three years. a new initiative offering annual bus tickets to Lincolnshire County Council, and Hyder 7KLVLVLQDGGLWLRQWRH[LVWLQJOLQNV city centre employees by working together %XVLQHVV6HUYLFHV with many bus and rail operators who to pull a single decker along the picturesque City centre retailers and businesses can have used transport tokens for many %UD\IRUG:KDUI EX\EXVDQQXDOWLFNHWVWKURXJK/LQFROQ%,* years. Dave Skepper, Stagecoach East Midlands and then sell them on to employees – in Commercial Director, said a strong theme some cases with an employer subsidy – to If you have interesting news of the Government's transport plans was encourage more bus use. about a vintage bus at work in HQFRXUDJLQJ NH\ VWDNHKROGHUV WR MRLQWO\ Dave continued: “Running better bus the community, then we’d like to improve and promote bus services while services and getting passenger growth is a bit hear about it. achieving passenger growth. like pulling a bus – it takes teamwork. +HVDLG´/LQFROQLVDQH[FHOOHQWH[DPSOH “Combining the knowledge, enterprise Your On Stage contact is listed of the success of this approach, with strong and investment of the bus operators, with on p2. relationships between Stagecoach, the city WKH UHVRXUFHV DQG SROLF\ H[SHUWLVH RI WKH and county councils, and the business local authorities and the promotional and A tale community. commercial flair of local retailers and to tell? Heave! Gillian Merron MP joins Stagecoach staff and local businesspeople to haul a single-decker along ´:RUNLQJ WRJHWKHU ZH·YH GHOLYHUHG businesses we can really get results – and Brayford Wharf. year on year passenger growth on bus services Lincolnshire is proving it!” 10 Summer 07 3DVVHQJHU QXPEHUV DUH XS MRXUQH\ WLPHV London market is also increasing. are down and trains are more likely to run ‘Red Revolution’ proves popular Meanwhile, more trains are running on Cathedral on time. time. During a recent four-week period, These are the words of Edward Leigh timekeeping performance across all Virgin MP, Chairman of the Committee of Public :HVW &RDVW VHUYLFHV ZDV H[DFWO\ SHUFHQW refurbishment Accounts, speaking recently on the publication while reliability was 98.3 percent. of the Committee’s report on the modernisa- Journey times are also being driven down, funds continue tion of the West Coast Main Line. ZLWKWKH3HQGROLQRWUDLQVDEOHWRH[SORLWWKH Virgin West Coast Managing Director, new 125mph line speed between London, the &KDUOHV%HOFKHUZHOFRPHG0U/HLJK·VSUDLVH Midlands and the North West. to roll in for better services. )URPWKHVWDUWRI 9LUJLQ7UDLQVZLOO 7KHSURMHFWWRUHGHYHORS3RUWVPRXWK He said: “The combination of our tilting be running 32 percent more train services on Cathedral’s community building is Pendolino trains and customer service, West Coast, providing more than ten million well on track, thanks to a donation of alongside Network Rail’s route upgrade, is H[WUDVHDWVHYHU\\HDU7KHQXPEHURI 6XQGD\ £1,000 from South West Trains. DOUHDG\ D ZLQQLQJ IRUPXOD ,W KDV DWWUDFWHG services will double to cope with booming The overall redevelopment aims to SHUFHQWPRUHSDVVHQJHUVD\HDULQMXVW demand. bring the facilities in Cathedral House months. Weekday frequencies will be improved XS WR GDWH GHYHORSLQJ DQG H[WHQGLQJ “Looking to the future, our Virgin High from two to three trains an hour between music and education in the community, )UHTXHQF\ WLPHWDEOH ZLOO RIIHU PRUH WKDQ /RQGRQ %LUPLQJKDP DQG 0DQFKHVWHU DQG as well as creating first-class visitor PLOOLRQ H[WUD VHDWV D \HDU D SHUFHQW hourly services will run between London and facilities for members of the congrega- increase in daily train services from January Glasgow. Journey times on all routes will be tion, tourists and audiences at concerts 2009.” Full tilt: Virgin West Coast is accelerating ahead with plans to carry many more passengers. improved. and arts events. The ‘Red Revolution’ improved timetable As part of the package to carry more The redevelopment will 20 million in the 12 months to the end of on the West Coast route emit 76 percent less of tilting Pendolino services was introduced passengers, Network Rail will invest a total also conserve and restore the March 2007. CO2 than the same trip by car or plane. LQ6HSWHPEHU of £90m on car parking, spread across 17 fabric of the medieval church. More and more customers are giving up Two thirds of travellers on the Manchester ,Q WKH WZRDQGDKDOI \HDUV VLQFH WKHQ sites along the West Coast Main Line. These Mark Dunn, South West Trains’ Area short-haul airline travel in favour of the train, WR/RQGRQPDUNHW²XSIURPMXVWRQHWKLUG DQQXDO SDVVHQJHU MRXUQH\V KDYH LQFUHDVHG improvements are planned to boost the total Manager for Portsmouth, said: “As a citing the environment as one of the principal LQ ² QRZ FKRRVH UDLO QRW DLU DQG E\SHUFHQW²IURPPLOOLRQLQWKH QXPEHU RI FDU SDUNLQJ VSDFHV E\ VRPH company which serves the community, reasons for doing so. The Pendolino trains Virgin West Coast’s share of the Glasgow to months before Red Revolution to around SHUFHQWIURPWR it’s important that we get involved LQ FRPPXQLW\ SURMHFWV :KHQ WKH Development Trust approached us UHJDUGLQJ WKHLU SURMHFW ZH ZHUH RQO\ Forth hovercraft too happy to lend a helping hand.” Kids go behind the scenes at takes to the water Corby depot tagecoach is venturing Forth, with a trial hovercraft service Corby kids have been treated to an Slinking Fife and Edinburgh taking to the water this month. insider’s view of a busy bus base. Staff at Corby depot recently A two-week trial service is set to carry ´7KH)RUWKHVWXDU\LVDQXQGHUXVHG hosted a group of 15 children from SDVVHQJHUVDFURVVWKH)LUWKRI )RUWKIURP resource and we are looking forward Rowley Primary School. The eight and Kirkcaldy to Portobello, between July 16 to giving people a chance to see the nine-year-olds were shown round by and 28. benefits this technology could bring to local driver Laura Wyman and Depot The hi-tech130-passenger hovercraft the region’s communities, economy and Manager John Drew. will provide 22 services a day – 11 in each public transport system. They learned a variety of facts, direction – with convenient peak-time ´,WLVFUXFLDOZHKDYHDZLGHUDQJHRI covering everything from the garages services and integrated bus links to public transport options to cope with the where the buses are serviced and stored accommodate commuters looking to LQFUHDVLQJ IORZ RI SHRSOH EHWZHHQ )LIH to how Stagecoach puts passengers’ DYRLG FRQJHVWLRQ RQ WKH )RUWK 5RDG and the Edinburgh area.” fare money to good use. %ULGJH $ PHWUH %+7 KRYHUFUDIW ² There were also key lessons on the The £300,000 trial will cover part of PDQXIDFWXUHG E\ ,VOH RI :LJKWEDVHG consequences of vandalism to buses. WKHSHULRGRI WKH)RUWK%ULGJHFORVXUH Hoverwork Limited and incorporating giving commuters a further public the latest diesel engine technology – will -RKQ'UHZVDLG´:HUHDOO\HQMR\HG transport alternative to the train in be used for the trial. KDYLQJWKHFKLOGUHQYLVLW,WZDVDJRRG way for them to learn about public DGGLWLRQWRH[LVWLQJUHJXODUEXVVHUYLFHV The crossing time will be around transport and it’s something which we %ULDQ 6RXWHU 6WDJHFRDFK *URXS 20 minutes and the craft, with normal would like to do more often with other &KLHI ([HFXWLYHVDLG´:HDUHGHOLJKWHG operating speeds of some 35 knots, will Floating on air: It takes just 20 minutes to cross the Forth by hovercraft. local schools.” that - after a huge amount of work, as be able to run in waves of up to two well as strong support from statutory metres. )XOO WLPHWDEOH IDUHV DQG EXV OLQN two-craft operation would cost around organisations and the local community Passengers will be able to travel for information is available on the web at £2 million a year, with some 9,000 - we are now able to get a hovercraft on WKHVDPHSULFHDVH[LVWLQJEXVIDUHVZLWK www.stagecoachbus.com/fife/forthfast. SDVVHQJHUVDZHHN²XSWRD\HDU the water. UHWXUQWLFNHWVIURP Stagecoach estimates that running a – using the service. ‘Plane relief’ as complaint Caring drivers help is rejected Virgin Trains has seized on the Ryder’s on the storm Advertising Standards Authority’s UHMHFWLRQRI (DV\MHW·VFRPSODLQWDJDLQVW %XVGULYHUVKDYHKHOSHGUHVFXHDVWRUP IRU WKH %HGIRUG 'HSRW VDLG ´6XH LWV DGYHUWLVLQJ DQG ZLOO QRZ H[WHQG ravaged hospice. Ryder Care is a vital resource for the its Plane Relief Plus campaign to After hearing about storm damage community and helping with the repairs encourage air travellers to ditch the to Sue Ryder Care’s St John’s Hospice, was something that both Stagecoach and plane for the train. %HGIRUGEXVGULYHUVGHFLGHGWRERRVWLWV our drivers felt was a very worthwhile The fresh campaign taking on the appeal for repair funds. cause.” DLUOLQHV FRPHV DIWHU WKH $6$ UHMHFWHG Led by drivers Paul Upshaw and 3DXOD 3ULHVWOH\ WKH )XQGUDLVLQJ (DV\MHW·VFRPSODLQWWKDW9LUJLQ7UDLQV· Vince Malandra, they raised £275, which Manager at St. John’s Hospice, added: ‘Go Greener, Go Cheaper’ advertise- was then matched by Stagecoach East to “We would like to thank all the ment contained misleading statements produce a grand total of £550. employees who donated money and and unqualified calculation of Zoe Paget, Operations Manager Stagecoach for matching it. comparative carbon emissions of trains “The Hospice relies on donations for and planes. the day-to-day running of its specialist Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Vince Malandra and Assistant Operations services and the funds received mean %UDQVRQVDLG´$9LUJLQWUDLQLVFOHDUO\ manager Dave Davies hand over the welcome that essential repair and improvement way ahead of short-haul commercial donation. works can now be carried out.” aircraft on carbon emissions.” Summer 07 11 ‘Destination Weymouth’ as world champ launches new train A world champion sailor helped fly the sporting venue. Association ‘Sail for Gold’ Regatta and the QHWZRUN,W VSRSXODUZLWKVRPDQ\SHRSOH flag for Weymouth at the launch of a new Richard won a Gold medal at the Volvo H[WUHPHO\SRSXODU:H\PRXWK&DUQLYDO from holidaymakers and tourists to the train. Barnsley and beyond until her retiral in April of this year. During her time with the company, Chris assisted the insurers, and latterly bNJMMJPOJOWFTUNFOUTQFMMTNBKPSJNQSPWFNFOUTGPS:PSLTIJSFOFUXPSL PSV Claims, in collating information regarding incidents and investigating tagecoach Yorkshire passengers are benefiting from wide- claims. reaching improvements to the area’s bus services. She worked in PSV Claims from 1993 S The new moves are part of an with the standard of service we have until her retirement after a satellite office on-going modernisation programme been providing. was opened in Preston. which has seen Stagecoach Yorkshire “We acknowledge that our bus 7KLVRIILFHFORVHGLQDQGZKLOH invest more than £2.2 million on 22 services have, on occasions, been Chris officially remained on the PSV new vehicles. unreliable and on certain services have payroll, she reverted to her previous role Many passengers who use Stagecoach been poor in quality and we want to put with Stagecoach Ribble and Stagecoach buses in South and West Yorkshire will this right. North West. see vast improvements to a range of “We have listened to all of these &KULVLVSLFWXUHGHQMR\LQJDWKDQN\RX services including more frequent buses, comments and, as a result, have launched meal laid on by her colleagues from PSV more services in some areas and new our new-look services.” Claims. low-floor easy-access buses on other He added: “Stagecoach Yorkshire is routes. committed to delivering a reliable, clean Stagecoach bought Yorkshire and affordable service to passengers Discount Traction in December 2005, and has and has delivered this by simplifying PDGHWKHFKDQJHVDIWHUDPDMRUUHYLHZ bus routes, refining timetables and of services. continuing to improve vehicle presenta- delight This took into account feedback tion and quality. from key stakeholders, including the “Passengers should find a huge at the 3DVVHQJHU 7UDQVSRUW ([HFXWLYHV LQ improvement in our services, but we South and West Yorkshire, customers, will continue to strive to make these double staff and councillors. services even better over time.” Stagecoach has been operating the The changes to Stagecoach services Passengers wishing to reach the Kent new-look bus network in the region co-incided with the opening of DQG(DVW6XVVH[5DLOZD\E\EXVFDQQRZ since May. %DUQVOH\·V QHZ PLOOLRQ WUDQVSRUW buy discounted tickets from Stagecoach The changes cover services in interchange. drivers. 6KHIILHOG %DUQVOH\ WKH 'HDUQH 9DOOH\ To mark the occasion, local dignitaries ,W·V KRSHG WKH SDUWQHUVKLS EHWZHHQ Rotherham, Doncaster, Wakefield, DQG0D\RURI %DUQVOH\&RXQFLOORU/HQ the famous steam railway and Stagecoach Pontefract and Huddersfield. There are 3LFNHQ ZHUH JLYHQ D 9,3 ULGH WR WKH will encourage more people to leave D QXPEHU RI QHZ URXWHV H[WHQGHG RIILFLDORSHQLQJRI WKH,QWHUFKDQJHLQD their cars behind and use the buses routes, and timetable changes to improve Stagecoach Yorkshire open-top bus and which operate directly from Hastings, reliability and improved frequency on a newly-branded route 11 bus. Hawkhurst and Ashhurst. some services. 7KH SHRSOH RI %DUQVOH\ ZHUH DOVR East Kent’s Commercial Manager Paul Lynch, Managing Director of invited to the unique viewing, where Jeremy Cooper said: “We are pleased to Stagecoach Yorkshire, said: “We are Stagecoach staff were on hand to be able to support the Kent and East doing this because customers have told answer questions and hand out leaflets 6XVVH[ 5DLOZD\ ZLWK WKLV MRLQW WLFNHW Up, up, and away! Barnsley Mayor Len Picken helps launch a vastly-improved bus service in Yorkshire. us that, at times, they weren’t satisfied about their new bus network. scheme. With regular bus services, we are confident that we can attract more people to use both modern and historic public transport on the same day.” Pity the fool who messes with The AR Team!

,I \RXKDYHDMREWRGRDQGQRERG\HOVHFDQ which, in previous years, has been known to demands placed upon it. do it, call the AR Team! many as Credit Control. Lisa and her team can be contacted at Hilary takes This small department within Stagecoach Anybody who owes money to Stagecoach the SSC in Manchester. was created in Manchester during 2002. is invoiced by the AR team, which also Sometimes, however, invoices are raised lead at Crufts ,W ERDVWV D VSHFLDOLVW WHDP WKDW JRHV collects the money. but the recipients choose to disappear and about its business without any fuss. So successful has the department been stay out of the limelight. One woman and her dog lapped up a %XW ZKHQ WKH FRPSDQ\ QHHGV WR UDLVH over the past few years that collections Much like the A team, our AR team spectacular success at Crufts 2007. invoices and collect cash, the AR Team KDYHVKRZQDLPSURYHPHQWZKLOHWKH continues to amend its strategies to improve The AR Team hard at work at its Manchester base. +LODU\ %RZGHQ ZKR ZRUNV IRU really comes into its own department has halved in size. its chances of succeeding when others Stagecoach in South Wales and West, ,Q WKH ¶$· WHDP SHRSOH QHHGLQJ KHOS The improvements have been achieved might fail. ensure that the likelihood of finding elusive WRRN KHU î\HDUROG -DFN 5XVVHOO %XV\ had to go searching for Hannibal Smith, through the introduction of more automated Having succeeded in improving personal debtors is now greater than it has %X]]EHH WR UG SODFH LQ WKH (XNDQEXD %$ %DUDFXV )DFHPDQ DQG +RZOLQJ 0DG billing mechanisms, notably the Accounts commercial debt collection, attention has ever been. Circular Knockout. Murdock. Luckily, it’s not so tricky to get 5HFHLYDEOH,QYRLFLQJ6\VWHP $5,6 recently been focused on the debt from Once located, improved collection The successful duo competed in front assistance from the AR Team. This has been rolled out to appropriate drivers who have left the company, plus techniques will start to reduce overdue of 6,000 spectators at the world’s most The elite team is led by Lisa Dey and VWDII DQG PDQDJHPHQW LQ DOO WKH 8. %XV other personal debt outstanding to the personal debt from an already low base prestigious dog show, and this was the first Caroline Moston, ably supported by a team operating companies and Supertram, company. level. WLPH%X]]KDGTXDOLILHGIRUWKHNQRFNRXW RI ILYH)RUWXQDWHO\QRQHLVKRZOLQJPDG preventing the need for re-keying, increasing The implementation of new strategies So, if you need them and you know stage. although the team has its moments! accuracy and improving the speed in which alongside the development of new partner- where to find them, we have already hired ‘AR’ stands for Accounts Receivable the Shared Service Centre (SSC) can react to ships with third-party support providers will the ‘AR’ team! 12 Summer 07 Newcastle has the X factor

A popular Newcastle bus service of their cars and onto public transport. UHDFKHG D PDMRU PLOHVWRQH LQ MXVW RQH $VXUYH\FDUULHGRXWE\1H[XVODWHODVW year of operation. \HDUVKRZHGDPRGDOVKLIWRI IURP 7KH ; ZHOFRPHG SDVVHQJHU car to bus from those passengers using number 500,000 in May. WKH; /DXQFKHG LQ 0D\ WKH ; Stagecoach celebrated the half-mil- LV *RYHUQPHQWVXSSRUWHG E\ 1H[XV OLRQ PLOHVWRQH E\ KDQGLQJ RXW IUHH through the national Kickstart scheme WLFNHWVWROXFN\; and locally operated by Stagecoach North East. If you have been involved in a The service provides frequent links project aimed at growing passenger EHWZHHQ .LQJVWRQ 3DUN .HQWRQ %DU numbers, then we’d like to hear Cowgate and central Newcastle upon about it. 7\QH,WZDVGHYHORSHGWRHDVHFRQJHVWHG Your On Stage contact is listed routes within these areas, as well as to on p2. provide vital links to employment and A true retail facilities. A tale John Fraser, Stagecoach in Newcastle Assistant Operations Manager, is pictured with dedicated ,PSRUWDQWO\ WKH VHUYLFH LV DOVR to tell? McKnight of X47 drivers. showing a vital move by residents out the road! Alan McKnight has decided to call it DGD\DIWHUDOPRVW\HDUVRI VHUYLFH to the passenger transport industry in South Manchester. Mark goes the extra Alan (pictured above) started work for Manchester Corporation as a parcels boy on July 31, 1961, delivering parcels by handcart from the West Didsbury office. Two years later he became a mile for passengers conductor at Parrs Wood depot, his ILUVW GXW\ EHLQJ RQ D [[ /H\ODQG PD2, using a five-barrel Ultimate ticket machine. He also worked on 4PVUI8FTU5SBJOTHVBSEHJWFOIJHIQSBJTFBUQSFTUJHJPVTHBMBFWFOU Crossleys, Leyland PD1s and Royal Tigers. ,Q WKH ODWWHU SDUW RI KH ournemouth-based guard Mark Hill was named as the cream became a conventional driver which Bof South West Trains’ customer service crop at its annual saw him covering Princess Road and Recognition Gala in April. Northenden routes as well as those Winners from South West Trains’ ,W LV YHU\ IODWWHULQJ WR KDYH P\ ZRUN RI KLVRZQGHSRW,QKHEHFDPH 6HUYLFH([FHOOHQFHFRPSHWLWLRQLQ recognised by South West Trains’ DQ 202 GULYHU ZKHQ VHUYLFH WR all gathered at the Royal Horseguards management but it’s the compliments Gatley was converted to one-man Hotel in London to crown the overall from my passengers that mean the operation. winner for 2006. most. $ODQ PRYHG WR %LUFKILHOGV 5RDG Head of Guards Stella Morris ´,VHHSOHQW\RI IDPLOLDUIDFHVZKHQ when Parrs Wood closed in April 1971 nominated Mark for consistently going ,·PZRUNLQJWKHWUDLQVDQGZHDOONQRZ and then to Hyde Road at deregulation WKH H[WUD PLOH HVSHFLDOO\ LQ GLIILFXOW each other on first-name terms which ZKHQ%LUFKILHOGV5RDGDOVRFORVHG circumstances. means a lot to me. Alan’s last day of service with Stella said: “On one occasion a busy “We get such a wide variety of people Stagecoach Manchester was May 5, train was trapped for three hours. Mark using our trains, from pensioners taking 2007. He is well known to many remained calm and pro-active and kept a trip to the seaside or a group of lads enthusiasts as he has a sales stand and passengers informed. RQDVWDJQLJKWDQG,HQMR\PL[LQJZLWK travels around the various rallies. “He turned what could have been WKHVH SHRSOH DQG MXVW JLYLQJ WKHP WKH an ugly incident into one that saw EHVWVHUYLFH,FDQµ passengers at Waterloo when leaving the The winner of South West Trains’ Bra-vura service shaking his hand and thanking “Teamworks” award – the award given in him for his efforts.” recognition of superb teamwork across Mark, who lives in Southampton, the company – went to the London performance had already won the South West Trains Waterloo station team who, with the help Employee of the Month award three of their colleagues at Clapham Junction, Mark Hill, left, being presented with his certificate by James Burt. at Arbroath times. VXFFHVVIXOO\ LPSOHPHQWHG QHZ WLFNHW +HVDLG´,ZDVUHDOO\FKXIIHGWRZLQ vending machines at its hub station. some of the many employees we have were Charlotte Palmer, a Recruitment Stagecoach Strathtay staff at Arbroath WKH6HUYLFH([FHOOHQFH$ZDUGIRU -DPHV %XUW 6RXWK :HVW 7UDLQV who go above and beyond the call of &RRUGLQDWRU EDVHG LQ %DVLQJVWRNH depot got togged up in their fancy ,W ZDV D JUHDW QLJKW IRU PH DQG WKH Operations Director hosted the event. duty to give great customer service. They 5RE *LEEV%DUWRQ D &RPPHUFLDO T-shirts and bras to raise money for guards team. He said: “The finalists have done a great DUH D IDQWDVWLF H[DPSOH RI KRZ WR JLYH Guard from Weymouth and Helen %UHDVW&DQFHU5HVHDUFK “The shield has taken pride of place MRE DQG WKLV ZDV RXU FKDQFH WR VD\ D top-notch service day in, day out.” Goodson, a Commercial Guard based in The startlingly-dressed drivers on the sideboard in my conservatory. VSHFLDOWKDQN\RXWRWKHP7KH\DUHMXVW Other finalists who attended the event %RXUQHPRXWK and depot staff spent a day collecting almost £1500 for the charity. And these donations were added to the sponsorship money earned Mini Dart hits the bullseye E\ GHSRW VWDII 7ULVK %DOELUQLH DQG Joanne McDonald, who took part in Daventry Darts buses are now accessible to everyone. Edinburgh’s charity Moonwalk last The increasingly-popular network had its final month. low-floor vehicle introduced earlier this year. This means all buses are fully accessible and easy for everyone to use. This latest edition is a ‘Solo’ bus, which will be known as the ‘Mini Dart’, and completes the transfor- mation of buses in and around Daventry. Managing Director for Stagecoach East, James )UHHPDQVDLG´:HKDYHLQYHVWHGKHDYLO\LQWKH'DUWV network in the past three months and this is the final SLHFHZKLFKPDNHV6WDJHFRDFKEXVHVLQWKHWRZQ accessible.” Bra-vissimo! Breast Cancer campaigners Trish Balbirnie (left), Dave Mackay and Joanne The Mayor of Daventry helps launch the new low-floor network. McDonald.

Summer 07 13 Stagecoach Company scores in soccer stand sponsorship posts strong A new sponsorship deal has kicked off a confident that both parties will work closely valuable partnership between Stagecoach West together to ensure that the most is made of DQG&KHOWHQKDP7RZQ)RRWEDOO&OXE the sponsorship. results )URPWKHVWDUWRI WKLV\HDU·VQHZVHDVRQ “There are some interesting plans ahead the Main Stand at Cheltenham’s Whaddon ZKLFKLQYROYHKLJKSURILOHDQGH[FLWLQJFRP- Stagecoach Group has posted a strong set Road home will be known as ‘The Stagecoach petitions for supporters, and we are keen to of full-year results as more people get on Stand’. GHYHORSIXUWKHUSURMHFWVZLWK6WDJHFRDFK:HVW board its bus and train services. The partnership covers a three-year, in the near future.” Revenue from the Group’s continuing five-figure deal for the stand, which accom- ,DQ 0DQQLQJ 0DQDJLQJ 'LUHFWRU RI RSHUDWLRQVVKRWXSE\QHDUO\IRUWKH modates 1000 seated spectators and includes 6WDJHFRDFK :HVW VDLG ´:H DUH H[WUHPHO\ months ended 30 April 2007. WKH)DPLO\6WDQGSOXVFRUSRUDWHDQGGLUHFWRUV· H[FLWHG E\ WKLV IDQWDVWLF SDUWQHUVKLS *URXSSURILWEHIRUHWD[DWLRQ H[FOXGLQJ seating areas. opportunity. LQWDQJLEOH DVVHW H[SHQVHV DQG H[FHSWLRQDO The main Stagecoach Stand sign was “Like ourselves, Cheltenham Town items) increased from £133.0m to unveiled in April, and further signage will be )RRWEDOO&OXELVDIRFDOSRLQWRI WKHFRPPXQLW\ £161.3m. in place in time for the start of the 07/08 and it is my belief that the two brands align Stagecoach, which has been named UK season. WKHPVHOYHVH[WUHPHO\ZHOO %XV2SHUDWRURI WKHManchester Metrolink tram network. ODXQFKRI LWVMXVWJR«LQLWLDWLYHLQ7RUIDHQ Valleys, with Stagecoach investing %RWK RSHUDWLQJ SURILW DQG PDUJLQV and Newport – more people than ever in in similar schemes in Caerphilly, were up in the Group’s North American the South East Wales Valleys are leaving Merthyr Tydfil, Aberdare and the operations where growth has continued their cars at home and taking the bus. Rhondda with outstanding results. in sightseeing, charter, contract, commuter %\WKHHQGRI $SULORYHU ´,W LV LPSHUDWLYH WKDW HYHU\RQH and scheduled services. megabus.com, the SDVVHQJHUMRXUQH\VKDGEHHQPDGHRQWKH with an interest in the future company’s budget inter-city coach service, ; MXVWJR« EXVHV EHWZHHQ %ODHQDYRQ success of public transport in KDV DOVR VHHQ IXUWKHU H[SDQVLRQ LQ 1RUWK and Newport. :DOHV FRQWLQXHV WR H[SORUH QHZ America. 7KDW·V DQ LPSUHVVLYH LQFUHDVH and innovative ways to encourage Stagecoach also reported continued since the frequency was enhanced and more people onto public transport. revenue growth on Virgin Rail Group’s West new buses were introduced in November Public transport not only has a vital Coast and CrossCountry rail franchises, last year. role to play in sustaining the local with the train winning further market share John Gould, Managing Director of economy and environment, but also from the airlines. Stagecoach in South Wales, said: “As the in boosting local communities and Commenting on the results, Stagecoach passenger growth numbers show, our social inclusion.” &KLHI ([HFXWLYH %ULDQ 6RXWHU VDLG LQYHVWPHQWLQWKH;VHUYLFHLVPDNLQJ Go for it! Richard Davies, Commercial Director for Stagecoach South Wales and Lynne Neagle, 7KH ; VHUYLFH RSHUDWHV IURP ´6WDJHFRDFKKDVDFKLHYHGDQRWKHUH[FHOOHQW a real difference to people in South East Assembly Member for Torfaen aboard the successful X24 service. %ODHQDYRQ WR 1HZSRUW YLD 9DUWHJ operational and financial performance, Wales.” Hill, Pontypool and Cwmbran and is delivering strongly on our growth strategy Stagecoach’s £1.3m investment in the As part of the investment, Stagecoach Additionally, the increased frequency one of the main bus routes serving for the UK and North America, and ; VHUYLFH LV SDUW RI D 6RXWK :DOHV ERXJKW QHZ ORZIORRU EXVHV ZKLFK of buses to every 10 minutes Monday both Torfaen and Newport, carrying SURYLGLQJIXUWKHUH[FHOOHQWUHWXUQVIRURXU campaign to encourage more people to all have step-free entrances, providing to Saturday (daytimes) to and from RYHUSDVVHQJHUVSHU\HDU,Q shareholders. travel by bus, and is one of the biggest easy access to all customers, including 1HZSRUW PHDQV WKDW SHRSOH FDQ MXVW 2005 it was identified as the fastest “The platform for our success has investments in public transport in the shoppers, parents with pushchairs or turn up to travel on the service with growing bus route in Wales and the been strong partnerships, market-lead- area. those with mobility difficulties. the confidence that there will be a bus third fastest in the UK. ing innovation and targeted investment. Combined with bolt-on purchases in RXU H[LVWLQJ PDUNHWV ZH KDYH DWWUDFWHG significant numbers of new passengers to our public transport services. “We have strengthened our position as a The bus that thinks it’s a tram! leading rail operator over the past year with ,V LW D EXV" ,V LW D WUDP" 1R LW·V The vehicles are fitted with GPRS satellite new contract wins in both trains and trams. SupertramLink! tracking to enable close monitoring and will be 2XUH[FHOOHQWSDUWQHUVKLSVZLWKVWDNHKROG- The brand new bus service from driven by a group regular of drivers. ers across our UK bus operations have Stagecoach provides a direct connection Supertram commercial manager Julia produced consistent organic growth. from Stocksbridge to the Supertram at Shaw said: “We’re keen to welcome new ´,Q 1RUWK $PHULFD ZH KDYH DFKLHYHG Middlewood. customers on board as part of our on-going further growth in scheduled services and Running every 10 minutes, Monday to commitment to providing good quality local, leisure markets, with the launch of new Saturday, the SupertramLink service connects integrated transport links. SURGXFWVDQGWKHH[SDQVLRQRI RXUEXGJHW Stocksbridge, Deepcar, Wharncliffe Side and “Having launched the Stagecoach bus and inter-city coach service, megabus.com. Oughtibridge to Middlewood Park and Ride. WUDPQHWZRUNMXVWRYHUD\HDUDJRZHDUHNHHQ ´, DP SOHDVHG WR UHSRUW WKDW ZH KDYH Customers can buy a Stagecoach weekly to continue our commitment to identifying made a strong start to trading in the new (megarider £9.50) or day ticket (dayrider new route opportunities and encouraging ILQDQFLDO\HDULQOLQHZLWKRXUH[SHFWDWLRQV £2.70) for unlimited use on bus and tram. modal shift.” DQG ZH DUH H[FLWHG E\ WKH SRWHQWLDO IRU SupertramLink will be operated by As well as directly connecting with future growth.” Supertram with five brand new 27-seater, Supertram, the SupertramLink provides a Stagecoach Group Chairman Robert low-floor Optare Solo buses. regular local service, giving residents the

An internal development programme GULYHU 5D\ %HGIRUG SLFWXUHG ULJKW has welcomed three more Stagecoach VDLG ´, VDZ WKH DGYHUW IRU WKH FRXUVH East employees. DQG OLNHG WKH IDFW WKDW , FRXOG PL[ The aim of the programme is to help GULYLQJ ZLWK PDQDJHPHQW , KDYH ORWV produce managers of the future with 12 RI PDQDJHPHQWH[SHULHQFHDQGIHOWWKDW places available for the whole country. ZLWK WKH ULJKW GLUHFWLRQ , FRXOG UHDOO\ Trainees are guided through all areas make a difference.” of the business, from recruitment and 0DQDJLQJ 'LUHFWRU -DPHV )UHHPDQ finance to cleaning the buses. added: “Stagecoach East has had 7KH\DOVRVKDGRZH[LVWLQJPDQDJHUV some very strong people apply for the to get a good understanding of what development course and every single management means within Stagecoach. one should go on to be a great asset to One of the successful candidates, Stagecoach.” Hannah skates Bridget marks into Yorkshire half-century Cool customer Hannah Thompson of service has skated into place as Stagecoach Yorkshire’s new Marketing Manager. Having previously worked as 0DUNHWLQJ 0DQDJHU IRU ,FH 6KHIILHOG ² 6KHIILHOG ,QWHUQDWLRQDO 9HQXHV· Ron’s in the running for extra-special award skating rink – she decided to hang up her skates and turn her attention A dedicated South West Trains worker to putting the number of people always puts his customers first. using Stagecoach buses on an upward %XW LW·V KRSHG WKDW KH·OO EH WKH RQH curve. taking top priority in this year’s National A graduate of Sheffield Hallam 7UDQVSRUW$ZDUGV·)URQWOLQH(PSOR\HHRI University, Hannah (pictured above) the Year competition. VDLG´7KLVLVDUHDOO\H[FLWLQJWLPHIRU South West Trains is delighted that Ron Stagecoach Yorkshire. &R[VWDWLRQVXSHUYLVRUDW7KDPHV'LWWRQ “Having launched Stagecoach in made the short-list for the prestigious Sheffield last year, and now introducing honour. DEUDQGQHZQHWZRUNLQWKH%DUQVOH\ Ron has been part of the South West area, there are so many opportunities 7UDLQVWHDPIRURYHUVL[\HDUV+HVWDUWHG to encourage people to leave their cars his career at Raynes Park, then moved to at home and take the bus instead. Worcester Park and Motspur Park before “A main part of my role will be a short spell at Wimbledon. to communicate the benefits of bus And, much to the delight of his A special celebration has marked a travel and show what Stagecoach has passengers, Ron finally found his home at Stagecoach employee’s remarkable career. to offer the people of Yorkshire.” Thames Ditton station. %ULGJHW +DUULV MRLQHG WKH +DVWLQJV $QGUHZ)DLUEDQN6RXWK:HVW7UDLQV· Tramway Company on June 6, 1957, as a +HDG RI 6WDWLRQV VDLG ´, DP H[WUHPHO\ -XQLRU&OHUN)LIW\\HDUVODWHU%ULGJHWZDV proud that Ron has been recognised for Perth staff able to look back on many changes. the fantastic customer service he delivers Hastings Tramway became Maidstone day in, day out. and District then Hastings and District pick up the “Nothing is too much trouble for Ron is pictured, left, with South West Trains’ MD Stewart Palmer, when he was named South West until 1989 when it was acquired by him when it comes to looking after his Trains’ Customer Service Employee of the Year for 2006. Stagecoach. During this time, trolley customers.” plaudits buses gave way to motor buses and Regular passengers travelling from fantastic customer service, and one of the “Congratulations must go to Ron for conductors were dropped in favour of Perth drivers and office staff have Thames Ditton see the station as a home comments revealed: “Ron always goes out getting this far and we will be keeping solo driver operations. been on the receiving end of some from home. of his way to be helpful and courteous.” our fingers crossed that he is scoops this 'HVSLWHDOOWKHVHFKDQJHV%ULGJHWKDV ZDUP SUDLVH IRU WKHLU H[FHOOHQW UHOD- The booking hall area has become a Another passenger said: “Ron always award.” stayed with the team at the depot. And tionship with the public. local community centre where customers offers accurate advice and information.” 5RQ&R[DQG0DWWKHZ:LQQLH6RXWK now, as a Senior Administration Clerk at One woman, who has used can sit, read a magazine, have a chat and Managing Director Stewart Palmer said: West Trains’ Area Manager, will be at the the age of 67, she still works part-time Perth services for years, wrote to PD\EH KDYH D JR RQ RQH RI WKH MLJVDZV ´5RQ &R[ LV FOHDUO\ ORYHG E\ SDVVHQJHUV Grosvenor Park Lane Hotel in London on KDQGOLQJ DOO LQVXUDQFH FODLPV IRU WKH VL[ the company to commend the office which Ron provides in the waiting room. travelling from Thames Ditton and really Tuesday, July 17, to hear the winner of this depots in the south east. staff for their efficiency in providing Passengers always remark on Ron’s does deliver a first-class service every day. prestigious award announced. Paul Southgate, Stagecoach’s Regional information and ticket sales, while the Managing Director, and fellow managers drivers were also complimented on WKUHZ D VXUSULVH FHOHEUDWLRQ H[DFWO\ their helpfulness. \HDUV DIWHU %ULGJHW EHJDQ KHU FDUHHU The customer also took the time to H[SUHVVLQJ WKHLU SHUVRQDO WKDQNV IRU KHU H[SUHVVKHUJUDWLWXGHWRWKHVWDII DQG Val counts up four decades of work dedication and support to bus operations said it had been a pleasure dealing with in Hastings. the company. When Val Everard began working for Stagecoach “We are very pleased to celebrate East in 1967, little did she know she would still this achievement and are delighted that EHWKHUH\HDUVODWHU %ULGJHWLQWHQGVWRVWD\ZLWKXVIRUDIHZ Val began as a wage clerk in the Wellingborough more years,” said Paul Southgate, who Top award is office, where her duties included ensuring that brought her personal record file that all the wages were paid on time, helping with FRQWDLQHG KHU RULJLQDO MRE DSSOLFDWLRQ Devon sent general office duties and lending a hand in the form. travel shop. %ULGJHW SLFWXUHG DERYH ZLWK WKH Stagecoach Devon has been hailed as ,Q VKH PRYHG WR WKH .HWWHULQJ GHSRW 50-year-old form, revealed: “My mother a top trainer. where she has remained ever since. She soon XUJHGPHWRDSSO\,KDGDQLQWHUYLHZEXW The accolade of ‘Train to Gain took over the position of cashier and now UHWXUQHGWRKHUVD\LQJWKDW,GLGQRWZDQW Large Employer of the Year’ was counts the cash for the Kettering and Corby to work with lots of older, grey-haired given in recognition of the hard work depots. people! put in by Devon’s training team and ,QKHU\HDUVRI VHUYLFH9DO SLFWXUHGOHIW ´)RUWXQDWHO\ WKH PDQDJHU DW WKH those who received NVQ qualifica- has only ever taken time off through maternity WLPHZURWHWRPHDVNLQJZK\,KDGQRW tions last year. leave. UHVSRQGHG WR WKHLU MRE RIIHU H[SODLQLQJ The award was handed out at the 2SHUDWLRQV0DQDJHU%ULDQ+DGGHQVDLG´9DO KH NQHZ , ZRXOG HQMR\ ZRUNLQJ ZLWK South West Skills Awards Gala dinner has been integral part of the team in Kettering them. in April. IRUPDQ\\HDUVDQGKDVGRQHDQDPD]LQJMREµ “He was absolutely right!”

Summer 07 15 New Operations Commercial Manager for break for Leamington Yorkshire bus boss Slap-up celebration for NVQ candidates 5XSHUW &R[ KDV EHHQ SURPRWHG WR D WRS SRVW DW %DUQVOH\EDVHG Stagecoach Yorkshire. NVQ candidates celebrated their academic After completing a degree in success with a special presentation evening transport management from Swansea DWWKHKRPHRI ([HWHU&LW\)& 8QLYHUVLW\ LQ 5XSHUW MRLQHG Successful Stagecoach students from the Stagecoach on the management 'HYRQRSHUDWLQJDUHDHQMR\HGDQHYHQLQJRI training scheme. music, dancing and delicious food. ,QLWLDOO\ ZRUNLQJ LQ &DPEULGJH And the highlight of the event came on operations and engineering, he when Richard Stevens, Operations moved to the East Midlands in Director, Stagecoach in Devon, and 2002 and then to Hull as Assistant Dorothy Hermiston, Deputy Training and Operations Manager the following Warwickshire’s Leamington depot recently Development Manager for Stagecoach UK year. ZHOFRPHG6DP'L[RQDVLWVQHZ2SHUDWLRQV %XVSUHVHQWHGWKHPZLWKWKHLUDZDUGV Rupert previously worked with Manager. 194V ZHQW WR -RKQ %DNHU %ULDQ Stagecoach West at Gloucester, and Sam, who relocated from Kent to take %HOODP\0LFKDHO%ORRGZRUWK.HQQHWK&OD\ KLV QHZ MRE ZLOO VHH KLP WDNH WKH up the position, is looking forward to all the Neil Clements, Stephen Coombes, Margaret role of Commercial Director for challenges which lie ahead and so far has Cooper, Alan Courtney, Peter Dulson, Hazel Stagecoach Yorkshire. found everyone to be very welcoming. )U\%ULDQ)XU]HU&KULVWRSKHU+DUG\-DPHV +H VDLG ´, DP GHOLJKWHG WR EH Sam (pictured above) started her Hayes, Kathryn Cooper, Paul Humphries, moving to Stagecoach Yorkshire at Stagecoach career as a driver in 1998, after Thomas Kirkpatrick, Lynne Malyon, Gail VXFKDQH[FLWLQJWLPH7KHFRPSDQ\ seeing an advert on the rear of a bus. Maunder, Paul Maunder, Kenneth Millet, Pictured, from left, are: Assessor Tony Giles, Operations Director Richard Stevens, NVQ Co-ordinator is entering a new era and making She quickly progressed up the career Graham Parsons, Donna Watts, Clare Peter McIver, Deputy Training and Development Manager Dorothy Hermiston, and Assessors Richard great efforts to give the travelling ladder, becoming a controller in 2000. :LOVRQ3DXO:LQVRUDQG$OH[:LQWHU Eaton and Rob Garfield-Smith. public a bus service that is efficient Shortly afterwards she was asked to and reliable.” cover her depot’s Assistant Operations Manager’s position for three months, and it was during this time that she decided to pursue a career in management. Over two centuries on the road ´:KHQ , WHPSRUDULO\ WRRN XS WKH $VVLVWDQW 2SHUDWLRQV 0DQDJHU SRVLWLRQ , More than 230 years of service to Stagecoach was celebrated at a GLVFRYHUHG WKDW LW ZDV VRPHWKLQJ , UHDOO\ special dinner in Cumbria. HQMR\HGDQGZDVJRRGDWµVDLG6DP Stagecoach North West paid tribute to its long-serving ´,ZDVDFFHSWHGRQWRWKHLQWHUQDOVWDII employees and retirees at the North Lakes Hotel, Penrith. development programme. Centre of attention were seven staff from Chorley, Preston and ´$IWHUWKHFRXUVHILQLVKHG,JDLQHGP\ :HVW&XPEULDZKRVHXQEURNHQVHUYLFHWRWDOOHG\HDUV first full-time managerial position and have 3LFWXUHG EDFNIURPOHIW DUH&KULVWRSKHU%RZOHV1RUWK:HVW never looked back. 0DQDJLQJ'LUHFWRU%ULDQ5RVH&RPPHUFLDO2IILFHUZLWK\HDUV· “Leamington is one of the friendliest VHUYLFH5LFKDUG5RELQVRQUHWLUHG:HVW&XPEULD'ULYHUZLWK GHSRWV,·YHHYHUEHHQWRµ \HDUV·VHUYLFH%DUU\%ODNHOH\UHWLUHG3UHVWRQ'ULYHUZLWK\HDUV· Sam will be working closely with service; Geoffrey John, retired West Cumbria Driver with 37 years’ $VVLVWDQW2SHUDWLRQV0DQDJHU6XUM%KXOODU VHUYLFHDQG/HV:DUQHIRUG8.%XV0DQDJLQJ'LUHFWRU who was on the internal training programme )URQW IURP OHIW DUH 7KRPDV %DOO UHWLUHG :HVW &XPEULD at the same time as Sam. Driver with 25 years’ service; Ralph Rigby, Chorley Driver with She has one daughter and has recently 25 years’ service and Mohmed Panchbhaya, Preston Driver with married her long-term partner who she met 30 years’ service. On the way up: Rupert Cox is Stagecoach whilst training with Stagecoach. Yorkshire’s new Commercial Director. Dream ticket transports bus fan to cloud nine Drivers dress up .. and down!

The London Routemaster bus has all and a Stagecoach employee was able to and was delighted to discover one – now but disappeared from the streets of make his dream come true during a owned by Stagecoach at Gloucester – at the city. UHFHQWUDOO\RI ROGEXVHVLQ%ULVWRO WKH%ULVWROUDOO\ %XW WKH ZRUOGUHQRZQHG ZRUNKRUVH Stuart fell in love with the He was even more thrilled with still has a place in Stuart Dallison’s heart, Routemaster as a schoolboy in London, the friendly welcome he received from Stagecoach employee Derek White, who showed him round the vehicle and even granted Stuart his lifetime’s dream of sitting behind the wheel of a Routemaster. ,Q D WKDQN \RX OHWWHU WR &KLHI ([HFXWLYH %ULDQ 6RXWHU 6WXDUW VDLG “Derek could not have been kinder and showed me how to make a dignified HQWUDQFHDQGH[LW ´0\ZLIHZDWFKHGDV,WXUQHGLQWRD ER\DJDLQ,ZDVRQFORXGQLQHµ The future’s orange! Portsmouth SAMS appeal organisers model some of the daft get-ups worn to Derek even went to the trouble of raise cash for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. e-mailing Stuart pictures of his happy H[SHULHQFH %XV GULYHUV GLWFKHG WKHLU XQLIRUPV WR UDLVH of encouraging what would normally be a $QG6WXDUWDGGHG´,Q'HUHN:KLWH cash for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. disciplinary offence you have an outstanding employee who Drivers from the Winchester, ´%XW ZH DUH YHU\ LPSUHVVHG WKDW RXU is a credit to you and the Stagecoach Portsmouth, Chichester and Worthing drivers are so determined to raise funds for business. Well done to you all.” depots were sponsored to wear outlandish such a worthy cause and hope to help them costumes, or dress down in casual clothes, raise as much money as possible for this and A dream come true. Stagecoach helped to support SAMS – Stagecoach against other events planned this year.” Stuart Dallison fulfil his boyhood ambition of Multiple Sclerosis. The SAMS fundraising campaign sitting behind the wheel of a Routemaster Andrew Dyer, Stagecoach’s Regional started when a former driver’s wife from bus. Managing Director, said: “We hate the idea Portsmouth was diagnosed with MS.

16 Summer 07