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Home , Excel (bus route), Hull Paragon Interchange, Natasha Hamilton

The newsletter of Stagecoach Group Issue 126 | March 2018

Farewell

STAGE Edition ON page 2 page 8 INSIDE Goodbye On Stage | Putting gender on the agenda Driving recruitment through wellness campaign TV PRESENTER Ferne McCann joined Stagecoach employees to celebrate International Women’s Day as part of the company’s national campaign to encourage more women into the bus industry. Ferne joined forces with the company, through an innovative employee fitness and wellbeing campaign, to help promote the extensive career options available within Stagecoach. The star – who recently gave birth to baby daughter Sunday – turned to the company’s female UK Bus staff for support during an eight-week fitness and wellbeing programme designed by her personal trainer Ellie Hopley. The home-based #DrivingFitnessTogether plan Ellie Hopley (left) and Ferne McCann with Stagecoach employees on International Women’s Day aimed to help the Stagecoach staff improve their physical and emotional health and those taking we’ve had extra support along the way and we’ve more active in different ways and looking after part have seen some fantastic results in line with been able to share our experiences. themselves better, it’s been amazing to hear their their individual aims which included weight loss, “I’ve loved hearing some of the brilliant results today feedback along the way and today.” improved fitness levels and improved confidence. and I’m also feeling really strong and fit after taking Stagecoach UK Bus Managing Director for Employees have reported losing weight, feeling part in the plan since the beginning of the year. Now and Wales Mark Threapleton said: “We know that fitter, taking part in new activities for the first we are just focusing on keeping going with it and having a diverse workforce will help us deliver an time, attending new fitness classes, seeing health continuing to feel good! even better service for our customers and we offer benefits through improved nutrition and treating “I got my bus licence after training with Stagecoach a good salary and stable career, with excellent themselves to new clothes thanks to a new-found which is something I’m really proud of. As a career, development opportunities. We have a great team confidence. bus driving has lots to offer women as well as men of hard-working male and female staff who do a The group of more than 100 Stagecoach employees so I’d encourage anyone to consider it – afterall, if I brilliant job to deliver vital bus services to millions of from a variety of job roles across the UK gathered can drive a bus, so can they!” people every day. on International Women’s Day to celebrate their The company now hopes to expand the wellness “I’d like to congratulate these particular employees results in Manchester at an event attended by Ferne programme – which requires no equipment and is for embracing the opportunity to improve their health and comedian Juliette Burton. designed to fit into busy lives – to more employees, and wellbeing and for supporting each other along Ferne said: “It’s been fantastic to meet up with the male and female. the way. We take our responsibility as an employer Stagecoach ladies again, especially on International Wellbeing coach Ellie Hopley, who devised the plan, seriously – we fully understand the importance of Women’s Day, to celebrate how positive we feel added: “These ladies have done a brilliant job over looking after the wellness of our staff and we will after taking part in our eight-week wellness the last couple of months – whether it’s taking part in continue to invest in their health in the future.” programme. Doing it as part of a group means all the sessions on the programme or just becoming

Two honours for Stagecoach at Transport Ticketing Global Awards STAGECOACH Group has picked up two top honours contactless project – one of Visa’s fastest growing at the 2018 Transport Ticketing Global Awards. transit schemes in Europe – has enabled millions The transport company won the awards for Best of Stagecoach bus customers to make contactless Smart Ticketing Project and Industry Contributor of payments, along with Apple Pay and Android Pay, on the Year at the awards in London this week. the bus. Stagecoach’s project to introduce contactless Stephanie joined Stagecoach in 2012 from Virgin payments on all of its buses across the UK won Rail Group where she was Director of Revenue Best Smart Ticketing project and was praised for its Management. She has around 20 years’ experience scope and speed of roll-out. in the transport sector and in 2017 was appointed Group Chief Digital Officer Stephanie Rivet (pictured Stagecoach Group Chief Digital Officer, leading on – the delivery of contactless and our other digital centre) was named Industry Contributor of the the delivery of the Group’s multi-million pound projects has been a real team effort, involving many Year for her role in the delivery of Stagecoach’s digital strategy. employees in many different job roles across the UK wide-reaching digital strategy. Stagecoach’s Stephanie said: “I’m delighted to win these awards Bus division and a number of external partners.” 1 Natasha gets in the driving seat... Find out more on p3. ON STAGE On Stage – A fond farewell THE TIME has come to say a fond farewell to our platform for many areas of the business, and that to On Stage over almost three decades – to see the Group On Stage Magazine after almost 30 years. is set to continue. way the company has grown since that first issue The popular staff magazine began its life in 1989. As such, this issue – number 126 – of On Stage was published is remarkable and it is all down to Issue number 1 was produced in Autumn that year will be the last. the efforts of our employees. On Stage has marked and was a 12-page black and white document, The magazine has proved popular with staff many important events in the Group’s history as giving news and updates from across the company. who have contributed hundreds of stories and well as letting us find out more about the people Since then the magazine has been an important part features. Over the years On Stage has taken many we work with. of Stagecoach’s history, helping share news, opinions different forms as you will see from some of the “Communication is more important than ever and and developments among the Group’s staff across previous issues pictured on this page. It has been it’s vital that, as a business, we move with the the UK and North America. an integral part of the Stagecoach culture and is times and embrace new technology. Our intranet, However, the arrival of the staff intranet, The Loop, thought of fondly by employees from across the The Loop, offers us another important platform means that technology has delivered a new way for business. on which to share information and encourage local and Group-wide news to be shared – already Group Chief Executive Martin Griffiths said: “We more two-way interaction and we look forward to the Loop has become an important information would like to thank everyone who has contributed making the most of that as we move forward.”

2 Did you know? Virgin Trains leads the way in customer satisfaction and performance for long-distance operators. ON STAGE

Satisfaction with Stagecoach bus services rises to 90% SATISFACTION with Stagecoach bus services has endorsement of the hard work of our employees What a risen to 90%, according to independent research by across the UK in delivering better bus services, consumer watchdog Transport Focus. better customer service and industry-leading Laugh! Britain’s biggest bus and coach operator recorded value for money. Bus users in metro-mayor areas A tale from one of our depots: the biggest improvement in overall passenger across England, including Greater Manchester, satisfaction of any major UK operator. are backing the work we’re doing in partnership A driver called in a defect on a bus saying Customer also once again rated Stagecoach as the with other operators and transport authorities to that the brake lights were not working. best value of the major UK bus operators, for the the provide easier, more affordable and better joined Supervisor: “How do you know that?” fifth year in a row. up journeys. We are also seeing high levels of Driver: “I am standing behind the bus and they More than nine in 10 customers in Greater satisfaction with our bus services in the rest of are not on.” Manchester, Merseyside, South , Tees England as well as in Scotland and Wales. Supervisor: “Who is pressing the brake pedal?” Valley and Tyne and Wear gave the thumbs up to “We know there is still more work for us to do, but Driver: “No one.” the company’s services, while the company also we desperately need tougher action from local After fits of laughter and someone pressing the recorded high levels of satisfaction in Scotland and authorities to address the impact of car congestion. brake pedal it was found to be working fine! Wales. Congestion is damaging local air quality, slowing The results follow continued significant investment bus journey speeds, holding back our economy, If you have seen or heard something funny – online, by Stagecoach in new low emissions buses, smart and pushing up the cost of transport for local in the papers, on social media or just while out and ticketing, contactless travel and live bus tracking. people. It is also undermining the gains in bus about – send your contributions for ‘What a Laugh’ Stagecoach Managing Director for Stagecoach use that we have delivered through our continued to [email protected] UK Bus in England and Wales Mark Threapleton investment in better bus services for local said: “These independent results are a fantastic communities over many years.” n Nominate your 2018 Stagecoach Champions Natasha gets in the driving seat DON’T forget to get star Natasha Hamilton got behind the your nominations wheel of a Stagecoach bus in Liverpool as part of a in for our recruitment campaign by the local operator. Stagecoach The singer took to the driving seat at the company’s Champions of Gillmoss depot to highlight the career options the bus 2018. industry can offer working mums. The 2018 Natasha, who has four children, continues to have a awards will again successful music and theatre career and is currently recognise success touring the UK as part of Fat Friends The Musical. in the following The ‘’ singer drove a bus for the first time categories: Safety; Environment; Community; alongside Stagecoach training instructor Sue Hazel Health; Customer Service; and Innovation. who has worked with the company for 32 years. Employees from across the Group’s bus and Natasha said: “I’m so excited that I’ve just driven a rail businesses in the UK and North America are bus for the first time in my life! Obviously it’s a lot Singer Natasha Hamilton with Stagecoach Managing Director Rob Jones invited to nominate colleagues who they believe different to driving a car but once I got the hang of it are making a real difference in any of these areas. and got used to the size of the bus, I really enjoyed bus driving was a job for men, that’s absolutely not Gold, Silver and Bronze awards are presented for it and I have so much respect for the Stagecoach the case anymore. If I can do it, so can they!” each category and shortlisted entrants receive a drivers that do this day in, day out. Managing Director for Stagecoach Merseyside and trophy and a cash prize. “As a working mum, I think it’s important that women South Lancashire Rob Jones said: “We’d like to To nominate your Champion, download a who want to get back into work after having children encourage more women into our workforce and just nomination form from the FAQ section, under have the opportunity to do that – employers like let people know that there are no barriers preventing ‘Media’, at www. stagecoach.com then Stagecoach can offer a stable job, decent salary women from working in the bus industry. It’s been email the completed form to champions@ and flexibility around shifts where possible so, even brilliant having Natasha with us and the feedback I’ve stagecoachgroup.com or post to Lindsay though women might have thought in the past that had is that she was a natural behind the wheel.” Reid, Senior Group Communications Manager, Stagecoach Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth PH1 5TW. Alternatively, nominations can be made online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/2018- New deal brings wifi boost Champions VIRGIN Trains customers on the West Coast will see continue to run the West Coast franchise through You can nominate yourself or one of your a significant improvement in on-board wifi later this to at least 31 March 2019, with the option for up to colleagues. year. All 5656 Pendolino trains will undergo a refit a further one-year extension at the Department for Nominations for the 2018 Stagecoach Champions which will vastly improve the on-board equipment, Transport’s discretion. The existing franchise expires awards close on Friday 25 May 2018. Look out and allow free wifi to be extended to all Pendolino on 31 March 2018 and the new contract will bridge for updates on the awards and the shortlisted customers. the gap between the existing franchise and the new nominees on The Loop. The £7.5m investment is part of a new deal agreed West Coast Partnership which is due to start on with the Government, which will see Virgin Trains 1 April 2019. 3 Raising vital funds for youngsters... Find out more on p5. ON STAGE n Valentines surprise Tribute to emergency services ROMFORD NOTTINGHAMSHIRE Fire and driver Annabel Rescue Service and British Monteiro Transport Police Nottingham got a special have been honoured at a Valentines special train-naming ceremony surprise when by East Midlands Trains. her boyfriend Following a serious fire at proposed to , East her while she Midlands Trains has fitted one was on shift on of its High Speed Trains (HST) Annabel’s big proposal 14 February. power cars with two special Fortunately, nameplates to honour the Annabel said yes and customers reported that it two organisations. Thought was one of the nicest things they have witnessed to be the only power car in on their journey. All at Romford send best wishes the whole country to carry two nameplates, the to the station, we remain truly grateful for all the to the happy couple. power car 43467* is used to carry thousands of support from the emergency services, our partners customers every day between Nottingham and and the local community during extremely London. challenging circumstances. n £1,500 for Teenage The name plates were officially unveiled by “In recognition of the valued work of the Councillor Brian Grocock, Chair of the Fire British Transport Police in Nottingham, and Cancer Trust Authority, Chief Constable Paul Crowther from Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, BUS drivers at Stagecoach’s Gillmoss depot have British Transport Police and Jake Kelly, Managing the team at East Midlands Trains has made a joined forces to support the Teenage Cancer Trust Director of East Midlands Trains (pictured). unanimous decision to name one of the power Unit at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. Jake said: “As we recover from the impact of the cars of our High Speed Trains after these two Drivers from across Merseyside donated part fire at Nottingham and start to repair the damage organisations at a special naming ceremony.” of their salary, raising £750 in the process. The donation was match-funded by the management team at Stagecoach ensuring a total of £1,500 was handed over to the charity. New bus driver apprenticeship scheme Billy McIntyre from Childwall, a Stagecoach STAGECOACH has launched a new Bus Driver driving, excellent customer service and a key driver of over eight years, was at the hospital on Apprenticeship scheme across parts of England. focus on safety. behalf of the bus operator to meet some of the The company is piloting the new scheme in the North Stagecoach Managing Director for England and team from Teenage Cancer Trust and see the unit East and Yorkshire, with 23 new recruits initially Wales Mark Threapleton said: “The Passenger first-hand. Billy’s wife, Mary, has worked at the benefitting from the new programme. It is hoped that Transport Driver Apprenticeship provides a hospital as a ward clerk for the last four years more than 150 apprentices will be recruited over the fantastic opportunity to learn all the skills required and has helped hundreds of patients throughout next year in these areas. to become a competent, confident and safe bus her time. The apprenticeship – announced during this year’s driver, whilst being fully supported. He said: “I’ve been bowled over by the National Apprenticeship Week – is being delivered by “As with anything worthwhile, there are outstanding work that goes on here. I know training provider Interserve Learning & Employment challenges to be faced. We are working closely first-hand that what these doctors and nurses along with Stagecoach. with Interserve Learning and Employment, do on a daily basis is nothing short of incredible. Stagecoach’s existing bus driver training module has combining our passenger transport industry This is our way of saying thank you to everything been enhanced and extended, within the framework experience with their proven apprenticeship that you do.” of the Apprentice Levy arrangements, using a knowledge and experience. combination of practical training and off-the-job “Working together we have explored ways learning over a period of 12 months. to make the scheme as advantageous to our The Bus Driver Apprenticeship will provide business as it is to the learner. We are now excited more comprehensive training, complementing to be in a position to deliver the scheme on a pilot Stagecoach’s high standards around high quality basis and look forward to evaluating its success.”

Clothing drive at Kerrville STAFF at Kerrville Bus Company donated clothes to a deserving group of young people during the company’s annual clothing drive. The target age group is 12–21 years of age including teenagers in foster care, teenagers that have aged out of foster care, homeless young people or otherwise deserving teenagers. The company predicts that it will help over 500 Stagecoach employees visit the Teenage Cancer Trust deserving young people this year by providing them after their fundraising complete outfits and accessories free of charge. 4 Did you know? Contactless payments are now available on Stagecoach bus services in Wales. ON STAGE

Raising vital funds for youngsters n RIDE STAFF from Stagecoach West have helped make And employees were delighted to recently present MEGABUS.COM US has unveiled a new free life a little easier for deserving youngsters at a the £3,298 they collected from generous members onboard entertainment system, Megabus RIDE children’s charity. of the public to the James Hopkins Trust at its which allows customers to enjoy a wide selection The team raised funds by singing carols when they centre in North Upton Lane, Gloucester. of movies and television shows while onboard toured the region on a specially decorated bus just Sarah James, Head of Fundraising at James the bus. before Christmas and bus drivers dressed up as Hopkins Trust, said: “We are overwhelmed that the The app was previously piloted in California Santa during their shifts to receive donations from thoughtful, committed team from Stagecoach West and has now been rolled out across the US and customers. has changed our world this year.” Canada. Megabus RIDE has already helped travel add to the journeys of thousands of customers.

n Supporting National Apprenticeship Week STAGECOACH South helped local community interest company Shaping Portsmouth Driver Christopher Johns with one of the youngsters at the James Hopkins Trust celebrating National Apprenticeship Week and take to the road. The company provided a bus to help Shaping Portsmouth visit schools and central points Boost for Lincoln customers in the city to raise awareness of the great opportunities for apprenticeships in the city. THE final stages of a £2 million improvement scheme Edward Hodgson, Managing Director of at Lincoln Central train station are now underway. Stagecoach South, said: “We’re delighted to be Working in partnership to boost the local community supporting such a great campaign. Every year and improve customer satisfaction, Lincoln Central Stagecoach takes on a number of engineering Revival has already delivered a new cycle hub, apprentices and they are a vital part of the refurbished roof, station forecourt and car park business. It’s essential that we support the next entrance. The work now taking place includes the generation to further their career ambitions and restoration of the Grade II listed building, reopening develop them into skilled individuals. Locally, the original archways, restoring the original ground we have taken on 33 apprentices over the past floor sash windows and repairs to the original 15 years”. brickwork. In addition, the 1.8million customers who use Lincoln Lincoln Central Railway Station Central per year will be able to enjoy a new waiting room, modern toilets and baby changing facilities, New ticket gates will also be installed in a new coffee shop, newsstand and a microbrewery when location to help improve the flow of customers to the work is finished this summer. and from their trains. In the spirit at Durham Station THE former ladies first-class waiting room at Durham Chris Cunningham, General Manager for Virgin Trains station has been transformed into an aptly-named East Coast, said: “We’re proud to be playing a part alehouse with the help of Virgin Trains. in celebrating the long history of Durham station The Waiting Room, located on Platform 2, opened its here today at the opening of The Waiting Room. doors after undergoing extensive renovation work Virgin Trains is committed to promoting history and including restoring many original features. Virgin heritage, and we’re thrilled with the transformation Keshia Stewart, organiser of the event with Trains helped to bring the building, dating back to of this space into a beautiful alehouse and a fantastic representatives from Shaping Portsmouth, The Royal Navy and Stagecoach who provided the bus for the 1872, back to its former glory. place for customers to relax.” tour across the city of Portsmouth 5 Buses still offer better value travel... Find out more on p7. ON STAGE n Modern Tram of the Year Health initiative A SHEFFIELD Supertram vehicle – tram ‘399 202’ Midlands is offering employees – has been voted modern tram of the year at and their families and friends access to vital health ‘British Trams Online Tram of the Year 2017’. screening information, including the opportunity Voting took place for approximately six weeks for males over the age of 65 to be screened for from the start of December 2017 until mid- abdominal aortic aneurysms, a potentially fatal January 2018, when the lucky winners were condition. announced this week. Michelle Hargreaves, Managing Director of East The Sheffield tram – which has been called Theo Midlands, lost her dad to an abdominal aortic after the Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity aneurism in 2003. She “jumped at the chance” to mascot – received 54% of the vote. When first offer her colleagues and their family and friends the entering operations on the network, it ran a opportunity to attend a simple ultrasound scan which special service in September 2017 and raised a can check for the condition. fantastic £1,100 for the Children’s charity. The company is working with the AAA screening Managing Director Michelle Hargreaves programme to hold sessions with their staff about the importance of attending these appointments and mother to say she thought my father may have had a n Even easier to hop on to provide screening. heart attack and could I make my way to hospital. Michelle said: “My father being aged 65 and my There Michelle received the devastating news her board with Seatfrog mother 60, they anticipated many years of travelling dad had passed away from an abdominal aortic TRAIN travellers now have more ways to upgrade and making the most of the time they had together. aneurysm. He had no symptoms and there was no to First Class on Virgin Trains’ East Coast services My father telephoned to thank me for a wonderful warning. Michelle said: “We were shocked because with the launch of exciting new features from weekend and they would speak to me later in the he had not been ill, he just complained of backache, Seatfrog. day. About 15 minutes later, I took a call from my but put it down to his age.” The app, which emerged last year as a brand-new disruptor to the travel industry, has revealed a host of benefits including being able to upgrade as a group to make customers’ journeys even better. Driving education As of 19 March 2018, customers can enjoy a CHILDREN at King Offa Primary Academy in Bexhill series of updates to the app including group found out what it’s like to be a bus driver as they got bidding, email forwarding and an ‘upgrade now’ to explore one of Stagecoach’s brand new ‘Wave’ feature. buses during a school visit. Suzanne Donnelly, Commercial Director at Bus driver Phil Laker showed the youngsters around Virgin Trains on the East Coast, said: “We have a his bus and talked to them about what it was like to strong record of innovating for the benefit of our be a bus driver. He also handed out goodie bags for customers and, since partnering with Seatfrog the children to take home. last year to launch the global-first app exclusively The ‘Wave’ decorated double decker is part of a fleet to our passengers, we’ve been delighted of 12 buses costing £2.5 million used on the coastal with customers’ feedback. This exciting new route between Hastings, Bexhill and Eastbourne. development from Seatfrog means there are now Deputy Headteacher Ryan Laker said: “They even more affordable ways for passengers to enjoy absolutely loved the new bus and asked lots of the comfort and luxury of our First Class offer.” questions about a bus driver’s day, the routes they drive and the people they see.” n Raising cash for kids EMPLOYEES from Stagecoach East Scotland joined in the fundraising fun for local radio South Wales employee Curtis Lee station Tay FM’s 500 Faces campaign for Cash for Kids. East Scotland sponsored the campaign and a Curtis is on cue number of employees from the bus company signed up, raising more than £5k during the STAGECOACH in South Wales has sponsored local course of the year. employee as he participates in a televised pool Cash for Kids is a charity which helps change competition. the lives of children who are disabled, Curtis Lee, a bodyman from Blackwood depot is disadvantaged or suffering from abuse or participating in the IPA Freesports Champion Cup neglect in local communities across the UK. (International Professional Pool Association). Most recently, the charity helped bring Curtis started his apprenticeship in 2008 and Christmas to millions of deprived children, worked for Stagecoach in South Wales for ten donating gifts to kids in danger of waking up years this September. Children from King Offa Primary Academy explore a new to no presents on Christmas morning. The company wishes him every success in the competition. ‘Wave’ bus with Stagecoach Bus driver Phil Laker (right) and teacher Rebecca Winchester (left) 6 Did you know? Virgin Trains has launched the first ever train driver apprenticeship. GREEN SCENE

n Parking payments by phone EAST Midlands Trains customers can now pay for their parking with their mobile phone at 29 car parks across the network. The investment is being delivered at existing East Midlands Trains pay and display car parks where customers currently need to buy a ticket A line up of the new West Scotland buses and display it in their car before boarding their train. This improvement means customers won’t need to make sure they have the cash or change New vehicles for Stagecoach West Scotland to pay for their parking – making it even easier STAGECOACH West Scotland recently launched 27 life story and the conversations I have earwigged on to travel by train. new vehicles on its popular Service 11 route which over the years would make yer hair curl, more than operates between Ardrossan and Kilmarnock. once I’ve missed my stop because I just had to hear The new E400 double decker vehicles represent the end of a story. I wish all the staff and passengers n Improving air quality a £5.6million investment and provide a modern many happy hours on board.” upgrade to customers travelling on the route. Humza Yousaf, Minister for Transport and the Islands, STAGECOACH has called for buses to be put at the Tom Bridge, Managing Director Stagecoach West said: “I’m encouraged to see bus operators investing heart of the UK’s clean air strategy, as part of a Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to be launching in newer buses, not only to reduce emissions, but national campaign to clean Britain’s air. these new vehicles on our Service 11 route. It is also as they provide a better offer to their customers. The campaign is being spearheaded by Greener hoped that this investment in new vehicles will With enhanced convenience through wifi and USB Journeys, the sustainable transport group, which encourage more people to travel by bus which charging points, I hope more people will choose to has warned that plans to tackle air pollution could help to reduce congestion on our roads travel by bus across North and East Ayrshire. must put clean, diesel buses front and centre to and have an environmental benefit for the local “When considering how to improve air quality across successfully reduce pollution and congestion. community.” Scotland, buses should not be seen as the problem. Stagecoach’s UK Bus Policy Director Liz Esnouf Jane McCarry, star of BBC hit comedy Still Game, They are part of the solution to this challenge. showed her support for the campaign on board a helped launch the vehicles and said: “I have yet By investing in a modern fleet, with substantially modern bus at the UK Bus Summit in Westminster. to travel on a bus and not start up a conversation lower emissions than earlier models, Stagecoach is The campaign has been bolstered by an open with someone. You never know who you are going supporting the Scottish Government’s vision for our letter to Government, in which Greener Journeys to meet! I always end up with at least one person’s air quality to be the best in Europe.” has warned that current guidance for councils on CAZs needs more decisive action to encourage a shift towards buses and other cleaner modes of transport. Defibrillators in depots Local authorities have until next month to publish AUTOMATIC defibrillators have been introduced into draft plans for tackling pollution in their areas depots at Stagecoach Yorkshire. and it is widely expected that many will penalise The machines do not require any training and give buses while sparing private cars and vans from the user audio and visual instructions on how to use any penalties. the machine safely. In the event of a cardiac arrest, Liz Esnouf said: “Buses are the lifeblood of automatic shocks can then be issued by the machine communities and have a crucial role to play as to try and help save lives. we fight air pollution in our towns and cities. I Matt Davies, Managing Director at Stagecoach am delighted to show my support for this vital Yorkshire, said: “After requests from our staff, I am campaign and to add to the many voices calling for happy to be able to introduce defibrillators to our buses to be part of the solution to poor air quality.” depots and, whilst I hope that we will not need them, they may prove to be essential in maintaining the health and wellbeing of all our employees.”

Buses still offer better value travel A NEW national study has shown that consumers multi-journey weekly tickets, which offer unlimited can get better value for money by taking the bus travel for an average of just over £2 per day across instead of commuting by car. the UK. The research carried out by Stagecoach showed Across the country, the average cost of a weekly that people who use the bus to commute are on Megarider ticket – which can be used anytime within average £1,200 per year better off than those the local Stagecoach area over a seven day period – travelling to work by car. is less than £15. The research was revealed as Stagecoach The study showed that bus travel costs are around launches a nationwide campaign to highlight the 57% cheaper than the same commute by car, saving Stagecoach Policy Director Liz Esnouf gets behind value and flexibility offered through the company’s passengers an average of around £110 a month. the campaign 7 Making time to talk... Find out more on page 9. ON STAGE n Santa spreads n PICTURE THIS fundraising cheer THIS edition’s ‘Picture This’ winner was taken by BUS drivers from across the North East have raised Stagecoach North Scotland driver Andrew Gunn. £22,000 for charity by spreading some Christmas It shows a Thurso-based Volvo B7 outside cheer as they drove their buses during the run up Dunbeath Castle. Congratulations to Andrew who to Christmas for their annual fundraising campaign. will receive a £50 M&S voucher. During December, Stagecoach North East bus drivers from depots in Newcastle, South Shields, A huge thanks to everyone who has submitted Sunderland, Hartlepool and Teesside swapped their photos over the years - it has been a pleasure to uniforms for festive costumes, bringing a smile to see them and do please keep taking them! the faces of young and old passengers alike and encouraging them to dig deep for their chosen charities. The total was shared between nine charities – The long walk Royal British Legion, Tiny Lives, Caring for Kian, Children North East, Great North Air Ambulance STAGECOACH East Scotland staff have raised around Service, Stray Aid, CLIC Sargent, TOMA Fund and £2,000 for charity by hitting the road – but not on a St Benedict’s Hospice. bus. The team of eight employees from the training To help boost the collections, staff handed out gifts school walked around the perimeter of Loch Leven including sweets and festive novelties, with the bus for the stillbirth and neonatal death charity SANDS, company contributing to the fundraising total. collectively walking 115 miles. The charity is close to the heart of many employees Working together at Stagecoach East Scotland, especially Ashley and SHEFFIELD bus companies have reaffirmed Michael Skinner, who both work at Stagecoach their commitment to improving bus travel and East Scotland. Their daughter Leigha was tragically positioning the bus as the primary choice for local stillborn in March 2013. commutes. Paul Thomas, Managing Director, said: “We’re “Buses for Sheffield” – a continuation of the extremely proud of our team of walkers and we all successful work that has already been completed applaud their efforts. We hope the money raised will under the Sheffield Bus Partnership – has launched help SANDS in the crucial work they do day-to-day, to help unify all Sheffield bus services under one helping families like Ashley and Michael deal with the brand identity. Made up of Sheffield’s bus service loss of a child.” providers, the common goal is to provide efficient, Hannah Powell and David Gibson from the Great North Air Ambulance Service receive a cheque for accessible and reliable bus services for the city. £2,000 from Teesside bus drivers Geordie Richardson Buses for Sheffield hopes to encourage bus travel and Carol Peers by making information easier to understand, as all bus service information will be under one brand. Speaking about the launch, the partners from Buses n 10-year celebration for Sheffield, said: “Everyone involved in Buses for Sheffield believes that there is room to improve bus RESIDENTS from Hull joined in a family fun day travel across the city. We want to make bus travel to celebrate 10 years since the opening of the in Sheffield more efficient, accessible and Stagecoach East Scotland staff at Loch Leven for their . dependable for all.” charity walk Stagecoach East Midlands, , TransPennine Express and East Yorkshire Motor Services provided travellers and local residents with the chance to travel on open Learning on the go top buses, operate ticket machines, check out STUDENTS with special education needs boarded the buses from the past and future, and take part bus in Barnsley for an ‘extremely valuable’ learning in competitions for the chance to win prizes at experience with Stagecoach Yorkshire. the event. Pupils at Darton College who are learning how to Children drew special birthday cards for the travel by bus were paid a visit by a local Stagecoach transport hub in a competition that was won driver Joel Musgreave and Kirstan Norman from by Elise Houghton, aged 10 from Brough, who the Customer Service Team to help them develop received family tickets to Reel Cinema, Dinostar important life skills, including communication and and bus travel vouchers. travel. Stagecoach also provided the school with The students from Darton College Everyone who attended the event was entered a cash tray, maps, fare books and a driver’s hi-vis Joanna Robinson, Learning Support Assistant at into a prize draw to win family days out to a host jacket and tie for future use so the pupils can Darton College, said: “Thank you very much to of attractions across Hull, including the Escape continue to practice using the bus, including asking Stagecoach Yorkshire for coming along and helping Rooms, cinema tickets, bowling and a meal out. the driver for their ticket, stating their destination, our students with this training – it’s been an and saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. extremely valuable experience for our learners.” 8 Showcasing poetry talent... Find out more on p10. ON STAGE

LETTER OF PRAISE n Big win for Pheobe STAGECOACH in Oxfordshire recently announced The letters and emails we have received over the years show what the winner of its annual student giveaway. Phoebe a fantastic job our team of employees does, whether it’s delivering Jacobson (20), who is in her final year studying excellent customer service or doing something special for someone Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Oxford within the local community. Keep up the great work! University, was the lucky recipient of the Oxford Tube annual pass prize after redeeming her The below email was sent to Stagecoach Group HQ. vouching on board the Oxford Tube. My husband and myself travelled on the above some sort of a reward or recognition – what a Phoebe said: “I am so pleased to win! The Oxford service today and what a journey it was. From when wonderful employee and he certainly went the extra Tube is a great service that has been invaluable we left Stirling driving conditions were atrocious mile. Everyone left the bus very happy. He apologised to me during my years at Oxford, allowing me to with cars sliding into lanes. The bus driver, who I am for arriving 30 minutes late but there were shouts of travel affordably and comfortably between my sure you will be able to trace from the information well done from passengers. home and university during term time.” above, was amazing – he was so calm and kept us Karen Coventry, Stagecoach in Oxfordshire, all informed of the journey. He definitely deserves Name supplied Business Development Manager, said: “We’re delighted that Phoebe will be able to use the prize to travel between home and her place of study. Putting gender on the agenda We look forward to seeing her on board soon!” n STAGECOACH South East Senator visit put gender on the agenda US Senator Deb Fisher who serves on the Senate by celebrating its female Commerce and Transportation Committee recently workforce as part of this visited megabus.com HQ and the Elizabeth depot year’s International Women’s for a tour and a briefing on transportation. Day campaign. Stagecoach employs 192 female staff in the South East and Operations Director Joanne Howe said: “For us International Women’s Day is not just a celebration of our female staff, it’s also Photo: Girl power! bus drivers from the Herne Bay driving team with assistant operations manager Shelley Newman (second from left) about empowering women to realise their ambitions. At Stagecoach we have a We want all our people to feel valued and included range of careers open to anyone with advancement and able to contribute fully according to their opportunities to match their skills and objectives. capabilities.” n South East Managing Director stands down Making Time to Talk STAGECOACH South East Managing Director Philip Norwell has left the business after 43 STAGECOACH East Midlands gave residents from years’ service in the bus industry. Grimsby the opportunity to learn more about mental Philip began his career at the National Bus health issues at a Time to Talk event in the town. Company subsidiary Eastern Counties in Comedian Juliette Burton, who has struggled herself in 1974, working for a number with mental health, spoke at the event at Riverhead, of years as a driver and worker director until which was arranged by Stagecoach East Midlands the company was taken over by Stagecoach. as part of their work to support well-being. Philip became Marketing Officer for Stagecoach Staff from Volunteer Action Cambridge in 1997 before becoming Commercial and NAViGO provided people with information and Director in 2002. He was appointed Managing signposting towards support for those concerned Director of Stagecoach South East in 2013. and unsure about how to get help with mental health Stagecoach UK Bus Managing Director for issues. A Stagecoach bus also acted as a quiet space England and Wales Mark Threapleton said: where teas and coffees were served. “I would like to thank Philip for the sterling Guests at the Time to Talk event On the same day, Stagecoach East Midlands work he has done over many years to deliver Managing Director Michelle Hargreaves also signed and support. Councilor Jane Hyldon King, portfolio improvements for bus passengers across the a Time to Change pledge at the Grimsby Depot. The holder for Health, Wellbeing & Adult Social Care east and south in particular. pledge commits Stagecoach, as an employer, to at North East Lincolnshire Council, was there for “He has made a valuable contribution to the ensure that its workforce has access to information the signing. business and we wish him well in the future.” 9 In memory of Andrew... Find out more on p11. ON STAGE n Downing Street visit A NEWCASTLE bus inspector was able to stand on the doorstep of one of the most famous homes in the UK when he was invited to the Prime Minister’s office in recognition of his involvement in community sport. Ian Mills, a revenue and audit supervisor at Stagecoach North East, was invited to 10 Downing Street in his role as the Vice Chairman of Lloyd Macey the British Busen Judo Association (BBJA). Ian said: “We were invited for a visit and photo shoot because of the work we and all the other staff do, teaching Judo to children and adults SOUTH Wales driver Richard Brookes, from Porth throughout the northeast.” depot, bumped into X Factor finalist Lloyd Macey recently. The singer was travelling on Stagecoach’s Gold 132 service for a TV documentary. We certainly hope his journey with us also had the X Factor! Showcasing poetry talent A GROUP of talented young writers from deliver Young Writers’ City. The project introduces Newcastle have had their poems – inspired by the young people to creative writing and makes Stagecoach’s Ian Mills (left), Steve Makin, Chair of the iconic city – published on 200 Stagecoach North provision for those who find a talent or interest to British Busen Judo Association and some young judo East buses for all the passengers to enjoy. continue to express themselves creatively. players at 10 Downing Street Students from Excelsior Academy in Newcastle Stagecoach North East was delighted to be produced a series of thoughtful, evocative and involved with the project and display the works of striking poems inspired by being a young person the gifted young poets for its customers to enjoy on n Boosting confidence in their home city as part of their involvement their travels. STAGECOACH Manchester Driver Joanne Morgan in the Young Writers’ City project, with the local Malcolm Bell, Operations Manager at Stagecoach from Sharston Depot has been helping out Guide bus operator invited to showcase the works North East’s Slatyford depot in Newcastle, said: Dogs for the Blind and Transport for Greater on posters across its entire fleet of buses in “The poems reflect the thoughts and feelings of Manchester with some guide dog training. Newcastle. the young people living in this city and to be able to New guide dog Olaf, a cross Labrador Retriever Since September 2015, New Writing North has showcase their creative talents to the community is puppy, was struggling with his nerves getting on worked in partnership with Excelsior Academy to something that we were very keen to support.” and off buses so Joanne worked with Olaf and his trainer to build his confidence with great results. Big launch for new service A HOST of guests took part in a recent ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the Coach Indiana Airport Supersaver. General Manager David Beaton, Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas and members of the Chamber of Commerce kicked off the start of the new service from Valparaiso Guests at the inaugural Super People Awards to both Chicago airports. Super people award SUPERTRAM and Stagecoach Yorkshire recently joined forces to hold their first ever joint Super People Award Ceremony. The evening celebrated staff from both companies with a variety of awards including long service, retirement and outstanding contributions. The evening was hosted by Tim Bilby, Managing Director at Supertram, and Matt Davies, Managing Director and Stagecoach Yorkshire. Special guests included Margaret Kay from Stagecoach Group and Driver Joanne Morgan (centre) has been leading Mark Threapleton, UK Bus Managing Director, England the way with the training and Wales, who presented the awards to winners. Attendees at the ribbon cutting ceremony 10 THE PEOPLE PAGE ON STAGE n Marking long service GETTING TO KNOW YOU... CURRENT and former Bedford employees recently came together for their annual dinner celebrating Lindsay Durward, PA to Martin Griffiths, Chief Executive their time spent in the industry. and Steven Stewart, Communications Director The 27-strong group were celebrating a total of more than 850 years on the buses. ■■What do you ■■ Favourite holiday destination? like most about Invergarry, Scotland. We go to a chalet every your job? year. If we get the weather, it is a great place to The challenge of explore, cycle and walk. I can also recommend Martin’s diary! the Invergarry Hotel for amazing dinners! Once running ■■ Most embarrassing moment? smoothly it is very Loose tooth moments! I have lost/found my gratifying. I also crown in people’s pints (while working behind love organising a bar), in the cinema (all my friends on hands events. The and knees after the film searching for it), on the thing I like about flumes at the local swimming pool, and flushed Stagecoach is down the loo the day before travelling to Canada wherever you are on holiday – my dentist is my hero! in the UK, there is always an office of great ■■ Favourite music? people not far away for anything you might My favourite song is Thunderstuck by ACDC, but Employees Peter Ward (35 years service) and need. my taste varies – anything from ABBA (except David Melen (51 years service) were among those ■■ What do you like least about your job? Dancing Queen!) to the Sex Pistols. celebrating their time in the industry Unformatted spreadsheets and the flow ■■ Person you would most like to have dinner of never-ending emails! with? ■■ Favourite Food? Alive: Other than my family and friends, Blondie, n Driving diversity Sweeties! I have a very sweet tooth. ABBA in the 70’s. Dead: A young Steve McQueen. ■■ Least favourite food? ■■ First thing you would do if you won £1m? STAGECOACH Merseyside, Cheshire and South Liver and kidneys. I like EVERYTHING else! Hand my notice in (sorry Martin!) but would make Lancashire is driving change across its depots and ■■ What are you most proud of? sure someone amazing was in place before working to develop a more diverse and sustainable Walking and camping from West t to East Coast leaving! I’d help make sure family and friends workforce. Linking in with International Women’s Scotland twice (in different years) without were comfortable and buy small houses in many Day, the company celebrated the team members giving up. Also running two half marathons. places around the world! who are playing a part in driving positive change across the business, including Tracie Clugston, a driver at the company’s Chorley depot. At the age of 36, Tracie quit her job as a youth worker to become a driver for Stagecoach. At the In memory time, the Bolton-born woman was one of only two female bus drivers working at their Chorley depot. of Andrew Fast forward 14 years and almost a quarter of bus drivers with Stagecoach working in Chorley are STAGECOACH East Midlands has now women. presented a cheque for £500 to the As a member of Stagecoach’s national women’s British Heart Foundation in honour committee, Tracie is working to encourage even of one of their bus drivers. more women to enter the industry. Andrew Taylor (46) from Grimsby, She added: “There really has never been a better tragically passed away in time for women to become bus drivers. We are December from a sudden heart given first-class training from the outset with the attack. opportunity to learn more skills as we go.” Nearly 200 employees at the Stagecoach East Midlands Grimsby Depot contributed to a collection organised by Yvonne Gallagher, Branch Secretary for Unite at Grimsby depot, in a bid to raise money for Andrew’s wife Stagecoach hands over a cheque to the British Heart Foundation Rosemarie to provide her with some financial stability at such a tragic time. and support at this very difficult time. Rosemarie said: “The sudden loss of Andrew came “I am delighted that Stagecoach has chosen to as a complete shock to us all. It was not something support the British Heart Foundation with this Andrew or I expected as he had shown no signs of donation and future fund raising events, which illness. I would like to sincerely thank everyone at provide valuable research and help to prevent many the Stagecoach Grimsby Depot for their kindness more lives being lost due to heart conditions.” 11