AquaBus New alliance Meet the Sightseeing ready to forged for megabus.com tours' bumper set sail rail bid A-Team launch

The newspaper of Stagecoach Group Issue 66 Spring 07

By Steven Stewart

tagecoach Group has been Sselected as the preferred bidder to operate and maintain the Manchester Metrolink tram Metrolink bid network. The announcement from Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) will see Stagecoach Metrolink taking over the 37km system and the associated infrastructure. The contract will run for 10 years and is expected to begin within the next three months. right on track It will include managing a number of special projects sponsored by GMPTE to improve the trams and infrastructure to benefit passengers. Stagecoach Metrolink will also be Stagecoach Group out in front for 10-year tram contract responsible for operating tram services on the new lines to Oldham, Rochdale, Droylsden and Chorlton. Nearly 20 million passengers travel every year on the network, which generates an annual turnover of around £22million. ”We will build on our operational expertise to deliver a first-class service to passengers in Manchester.”

Ian Dobbs

Stagecoach already operates Supertram, a 29km tram system in Sheffield, incorpo- rating three routes in the city. Ian Dobbs, Chief Executive of Stagecoach Group’s Rail Division, said: “We are delighted to have been selected as preferred bidder to run Manchester’s Metrolink network, one of the UK’s premier light rail systems. “Stagecoach operates the tram system in Sheffield, where we are now carrying a record 13 million passengers a year, and we will build on our operational expertise to deliver a first-class service to passengers in Growing places: Plans are in place to tempt more people on to the tram in Manchester. Manchester in partnership with GMPTE. “We have developed an excellent the most successful light rail systems in the Metrolink network. • Altrincham - Manchester Piccadilly Chorlton in South Manchester. reputation for delivering high-quality bus UK. We attracted several high calibre bids “Stagecoach already has significant Rail Station It also has plans to take Metrolink into services in Manchester over the past decade, from experienced European companies for experience of operating a major UK tram • Bury - Manchester Piccadilly Rail Oldham and Rochdale town centres as well and we are already working hard on our the contracts to operate and maintain the system in Sheffield and I look forward to Station as to Ashton-under-Lyne, East Didsbury plans to improve Metrolink’s quality of Metrolink system. working with the company to provide first • Eccles - Manchester Piccadilly Rail and Manchester Airport . service to customers and attract more people “The bids have been rigorously evaluated class services for Metrolink passengers.” Station When the Metrolink expansion is to the tram.” to make sure that we get value for money Metrolink operates four routes: Last year, GMPTA secured £538 million complete, the network will cover nearly 60 GMPTE’s Interim Chief Executive, – and that the new operator can continue • Altrincham - Manchester City Centre to extend the Metrolink network to Oldham miles making it the biggest light rail system David Leather, added: “Metrolink is one of to provide a high quality service on the - Bury and Rochdale, Droylsden in Tameside, and in the UK. Door-to-door service Pledge to passengers for rural communities as new rail era dawns Aberdeenshire Council’s successful A2B dial-a-bus fleet has expanded with the launch of two services in partnership with Stagecoach Bluebird, creating four new driving South West Trains promises a decade of improvements jobs. These are provided via two new assengers using the UK’s low-floor minibuses funded by Nestrans, the transport partnership Pbiggest commuter rail Need to know for Aberdeen City and Shire. network have been promised a The new dial-a-bus service package of improvements over • South West Trains, the UK’s replaces a Stagecoach Bluebird biggest commuter rail franchise, the next decade with the start runs nearly 1,700 trains a day. timetabled service in the evening and of the new South West Trains now provides a door-to-door service • The South Western franchise to rural communities. franchise. combines two existing franchises: It provides direct transport for Stagecoach Group has operated South South West Trains and Island Line. journeys that may not have been West Trains since it ran the first privatised It includes services from London possible under the regular bus service. train in 1996 and was awarded a new 10-year Waterloo to Woking, Basingstoke, This allows users to book door-to- franchise by the Department for Transport Southampton, Portsmouth, Exeter, door journeys by phone and is open last September. Reading, Bournemouth, Weymouth, to everyone, including households The last decade has seen major changes Guildford and Salisbury, with the not on the existing bus route. on the South West Trains network, including Island Line operating between Trips can be booked up to replacing slam door trains with a £1 billion Ryde and Shanklin on the Isle of one week in advance. Fares are order of high-tech Desiro trains and radically Wight. comparable with the current bus overhauling the timetable, which has helped • The new 10-year franchise started service, and Aberdeenshire Connect transform performance. on February 4, with the last three through-tickets are available for Further improvements are planned for the years conditional upon preset those travelling onwards to or from next 10 years, including: performance criteria being met. Aberdeen. • The refurbishment of 14 major stations Stock answer: Further improvements are planned over the next 10 years. Councillor Alison McInnes said: • At least £20million of car park “The introduction of the new low- investments ”We have progressed every station will be repainted at a cost of South West Trains but for the rail industry floor minibuses will benefit residents • Installing ticket barriers at a further 13 £9million. as a whole. We have to find an answer to of all ages and levels of mobility. The stations steadily and are now giving A further 13 stations will have ticket this within our existing infrastructure, which new demand-responsive transport • The introduction of Smartcard ticket passengers some of the barriers installed, with Aldershot, Andover, is why we have reshuffled our rolling stock services demonstrate the benefits technology, compatible with Oyster in Bournemouth, Eastleigh, Fareham, Haslemere, to provide longer trains on routes where of partnership working between the London area. highest performance levels Portsmouth Harbour, Raynes Park, Salisbury, possible to offer more passengers a seat. Stagecoach Bluebird, Nestrans and St Margarets, Southampton Airport Parkway, “We have progressed steadily through the council.” Stewart Palmer, South West Trains they have ever had. We must Whitton and Winchester all set to benefit. the years and are now giving passengers Charlie Mullen, Managing Managing Director, said: “These are exciting some of the highest performance levels they Director of Stagecoach Bluebird, times for both South West Trains and our continue to build on our Other highlights of the franchise have ever had. We must continue to build added: “Stagecoach is delighted passengers. They have got a lot to look successes.” include: on our successes. This is the most complex to be working as a partner with forward to and we are going to have to work franchise anywhere on the UK rail network, Aberdeenshire Council in these harder than ever to make sure we achieve the • A significant increase in capacity, with but we are up to the challenge and are ready improved services, and is confident goals set. Stewart Palmer 21% more mainline peak seats and a to deliver.” that the accessible vehicles will prove “We are under no illusions about the 20% increase in peak suburban capacity The new franchise also incorporates popular and improve travel opportu- challenges we face. Over the next 10 years, we • A promise to retain the presence of a Island Line on the Isle of Wight. It operates nities considerably.” will have to pay the Government more than Trains network will be a major part of the guard on every service over the eastern side of the island. It has 8.5 £1 billion but, with more ticket barriers, more next 10 years. • Installation of a further 160 self-service miles of track, which is predominantly single ticket machines and the extension of bargain Around £40million will be spent on ticket vending machines to reduce ticket line, and serves eight stations between Ryde ticket schemes such as megatrain.com, we core station improvements, including better office queues. Pier Head and Shanklin. Fleet upgrade are opening up a lot more opportunities to subways, lighting, waiting rooms, booking halls, The Smartcard technology that will be generate and collect revenue.” toilets, shelters, seats and CCTV cameras on Stewart added: “Capacity is going to be a introduced across mainland stations will also at the double Improving stations on the South West every mainland station and train. Additionally, major issue over the next decade, not just for be extended to Island Line. in New York Contacts

Gray Line New York Sightseeing has Editor: Steven Stewart, On Stage, Stagecoach Group, Stagecoach South Helen Martin 01243 536161 been undertaking a major upgrade of 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth PH1 5TW. Stagecoach South West Mark Whittle 01392 889747 its fleet of 74 double-decker buses, Tel: +44 (0)1738 442111, Fax: +44 (0)1738 443076 National Transport Tokens Sajda Khan 01254 680180 beginning with 13 new environmen- www.stagecoachgroup.com tally friendly vehicles. The investment, valued at $6.5m, If you have a story for On Stage, please get in touch with your UK Rail will make the company the largest local contact below: South West Trains Lisa Davies 0207 620 5892 fleet operator of clean air double- Stagecoach Group Steven Stewart 01738 642040 Island Line Stephen Wade 01983 812591 deckers in the US. UK Bus Stagecoach Supertram Julia Shaw 0114 2759888 Following the introduction of 40 new Trident open toppers six years Stagecoach East Scotland Lisa Henry 01383 516454 North America ago, the new TransBus Enviro500 Stagecoach West Scotland Allan Henry 01292 613515 Coach USA Dale Moser 001 201 225 7575 open-top buses have begun operating Stagecoach North East Jodine Milne 0191 566 0236 Coach Canada Jim Devlin 001 705 748 1170 throughout Manhattan. Stagecoach North West Colin Nicholson 01772 255752 The triple-axle clean-air Enviros Stagecoach Manchester Karen Coventry 0161 276 2727 have 82 seats – 53 on the upper deck Stagecoach Merseyside 07711 950 019 and 29 in the air-conditioned lower Clare Tresnan On Stage is published four times a year. Advertising connected directly or deck. Stagecoach East Midlands Phil Cartwright 01246 222018 indirectly with Stagecoach is accepted. Charitable adverts will be included Stagecoach Oxfordshire 01865 405511 The new vehicles are wider to Chris Child without charge, otherwise rates on request. provide extra space for passengers Stagecoach in Warwickshire Adam Rideout 01604 662283 On Stage is distributed free to Stagecoach staff. Public subscriptions are and two wheelchairs can be Stagecoach East Adam Rideout 01604 662283 available at £12 for one year or £20 for two years. Cheque payable to accommodated with access by a ramp Stagecoach Cambridgeshire Ed Cameron 01223 423578 Stagecoach Group plc at the editorial address. The Editor is unable to enter at the front entrance. into individual correspondence concerning the affairs of The Stagecoach Stagecoach West 07753 775 193 A three-camera CCTV system Nathan Williams Group. ensures passenger safety, providing Stagecoach Wales Nathan Williams 07753 775 193 coverage of the top deck, the centre Stagecoach South East Helen Martin 01243 536161 Designed by The BIG Partnership Group Limited, Scotland. exit and the area behind the bus. 2 Spring 07 Bobbies jump Splash Tours to launch New York’s first land and water visitor experience on board bus that floats and a A boat that can navigate to get back the Big Apple’s streets… on the beat it’s not your average ho- Love-a-duck! hum tourist trip. It’s better with a bobby on board… and Miles better than the famous now the boys in blue can travel free in ‘duck’ (DUKW) boat design from Northamptonshire. the Second World War, New York Stagecoach East is supporting the Splash Tours is set to launch the local police’s new initiative – Safer half-boat, half-bus amphibious Community Teams (SCTs) – by allowing vehicle, offering New York City’s police officers, special constables and first ever land and water visitor Is it a bus police community support officers experience. (PCSO) to travel free of charge on all While traditional duck boats its routes. operate in a number of other cities The police introduced SCTs to help – including Boston, Philadelphia, deliver the Government agenda for Seattle and Atlanta – Splash Tours, Neighbourhood Policing Teams. operated by Coach USA and The main aim of the initiative is Gray Line New York Sightseeing, or a boat? to work closely with local authority offers something just that little bit partners and members of the public to special. address crime and antisocial behaviour The new AquaBus fleet, built in which affects local communities. the USA to meet rigid safety and When asked to provide free travel environmental standards, has been on the services Stagecoach East was designed to evoke the memory of very happy to assist, as it helps the local Henry Hudson’s famous ship, The community and also gives people using Half Moon. the services the added security knowing that police officers are travelling on the ”Splash Tours will buses too. The support provided by Stagecoach be the best, the will enable all the officers to travel on the services which operate in their area, most unique, the helping them cover their beats more effectively as some are over a large most exciting way to area. experience the city by Stagecoach East Managing Director James Freeman said: “When we received land and sea – all in the the request to support Northamptonshire police we were very happy to oblige in same vehicle.” any way we could. “Being a former special constable I understand the benefits access to Tom Lewis public transport gives to officers and how it can help them help the local community. Starting in Times Square, on “Not only does it assist the officers, the east side of Broadway between it also gives our passengers additional 47th and 48th Streets, the route security when travelling on our services navigates the streets of Manhattan and compliments the security already to the waters of the Hudson River. used on some of our buses.” At the edge of the Hudson, the distinctive craft enters the AquaBus Theater for an exhilarating multi- Fitting the bill: The AquaBus boats are causing a splash in New York City. media experience, simulating Henry Extra seats Hudson’s journey, complete with On each Splash Tour, the captain New York Sightseeing, said: “New We’d like to hear from you if you the sights and sounds – and rushing and first mate dress in period costumes Yorkers and people from around the have been involved in a novel project wind – of an Atlantic sea voyage. and conduct a fun NYC treasure hunt world who visit the Big Apple expect help ease aimed at boosting passengers. Then the AquaBus splashes into on board. the best, and New York Splash Tours the Hudson River for an explorer’s The total trip time is approxi- will be the best, the most unique, the Your On Stage contact is listed strike misery eye view of the New York skyline, mately one hour and each vehicle most exciting way to experience the on p2. something Henry Hudson never can accommodate 47 passengers (or city by land and sea – all in the same Hundreds of extra bus and coach seats saw. After returning to land, the should that be shipmates?) plus two vehicle.” A tale were provided by Stagecoach in early AquaBus travels back to Times crew members. The land and water experience to tell? March to help rail passengers hit by Square. Tom Lewis, President of Gray Line operates from April to December. strike action. Industrial action by signal workers in Scotland caused significant disruption to the rail network. Stagecoach organised 1,200 extra coach seats for the inter-city coach network in Scotland, provided by Scottish Citylink and the leading budget operator megabus.com. More than 20 additional coaches were on standby in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Perth to react to extra demand as a result of cancelled rail services. Stagecoach also organised additional standby capacity on bus services in Fife, the North-east, Highlands and Ayrshire. Robert Andrew, Managing Director of Stagecoach Scotland, said: “We are a major provider of bus and coach services in Scotland and we worked hard to ensure rail passengers had access to alternative transport on a number of key routes, particularly at peak times.” Spring 07 3 Traffic light labelling signals new train of thought

Traffic light labelling has been intro- duced by Virgin Trains on its range of retail sandwiches. It is the first UK train operator to adopt Food Standards Agency guidance. New recipes have also been created to provide sandwiches making for healthier eating and the new labeling will give customers clear nutritional information on content. Virgin Trains’ Contracts Partnership Manager Jill Dyal said: Team approach: GNER is joining Stagecoach and Virgin in their bid for the flagship East Coast franchise. “We are always looking for opportu- nities to give our customers clearer and more detailed information, and this is why we are adopting the food labelling guidelines. “The new traffic light system Companies join forces provides clear and open nutritional information, which helps our customers make informed choices about their onboard purchases.” The new labelling and change to healthier eating recipes follows to strengthen rail bid the introduction of Fairtrade hot drinks onboard all Virgin Trains. Over the last year, Fairtrade hot drinks, sugar, pepper and chocolate GNER welcomed on board in new alliance for East Coast franchise have been made available on board Virgin’s CrossCountry and West tagecaoch and the Virgin ”The management developing our bid for what is one of added: "GNER has always sought to Coast services. S Group have teamed up with the UK's flagship franchises and we look provide excellent service and value for capability within the GNER forward to working with the GNER team money, which is an ethos we share with GNER in their East Coast rail on our joint plans. our partners. Language bid. team, combined with the “The management capability within the “This is a great opportunity to work The Stagecaoch-Virgin 50/50 joint strong track-record of GNER team, combined with the strong with Virgin and Stagecoach to take no barrier venture, inter city - railways limited (ICR) track-record of Stagecoach and Virgin performance on this flagship route to an now has even more muscle in the pitch for Stagecoach and Virgin, in delivering high-quality rail services to even higher level. on the bus the franchise. will allow us to submit an passengers across the country, will allow “We are determined to work with Under terms agreed with the board us to submit an innovative and compelling stakeholders who rely on the East Coast of GNER Holdings Limited, GNER will innovative and bid. franchise by meeting their aspirations for A first has been scored in have a 10% stake in the new franchise “Virgin and Stagecoach have jointly frequent, fast, accessible and good quality Warwickshire with the issuing of holding company at the time of signing compelling bid.” bid for the ICEC franchise before and we services in the future.” Stagecoach’s first multi-lingual a new franchise agreement if the ICR bid understand the need to expand the capacity The agreement between Virgin information leaflet. is successful. It was produced after feedback Brian Souter of the railway to improve customer service Holdings Limited, Stagecoach Group Virgin and Stagecoach will jointly retain in the future. plc and GNER Holdings Limited has from passengers who found it the remaining 90% shareholding as part of “We look forward to building on the been approved by the Department for difficult to understand the leaflets the new commercial agreement between In a joint statement, Stagecoach excellent progress made by GNER in Transport. Final bids for the ICEC in English. the parties. The bid vehicle itself remains Group Chief Executive Brian Souter and managing the railway since privatisation.” franchise are due to be submitted in June As a result, the new leaflet the same as the one which pre-qualified Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson said: Commenting on the agreement, Bob and the decision by government will be was also printed in Urdu, Hindi for the franchise. "We now have an even stronger team Mackenzie, Chairman of GNER Holdings, made in late summer. and Punjabi. It contained several important pieces of information, including an introduction to where the route serves, how to catch the There’s a cheery service, how frequently it runs and useful contact details. Marketing Manager Adam bunch in Corby Rideout said: “We’ve received some really positive feedback since dis- When staff in Corby heard about an 80-year-old neighbour tributing the leaflet and we hope being robbed in her own home, they were horrified and it has helped people to understand wanted to do something to help lift her day. how easy it is to use the bus, no So Stagecoach East staff members Laura Wymant matter what their language may and Maureen Robinson decided to start a collection, be.” asking all drivers and other staff members to make a small Stagecoach in Warwickshire donation. is now considering introducing In all they managed to raise £25 and decided to buy additional leaflets for other routes her a bouquet of flowers and box of chocolates to help and services. cheer her up. Both Laura and Maureen went to see the pensioner to If you have interesting news present her with the flowers, something which came as a about a vintage bus at work in complete shock to her. the community, then we’d like to Depot manager John Drew said: “When we heard what hear about it. had happened we were all very shocked, and Laura and Maureen instantly decided they wanted to do something to Your On Stage contact is listed help cheer her up. on p2. “Everyone got involved and made a donation and the gifts helped put a smile back on her face. A tale Heart of the community: Driver Laura Wymat (left) and cleaning supervisor Maureen Robinson show just how wide “It was a really lovely idea and demonstrates the to tell? the community spirit is at the Corby depot. community spirit which is present in the Corby depot.” 4 Spring 07 Network break-up plan creates wave of protest

Fury as Competition Commission calls for dismantling of Scotland’s inter-city services

massive cross-party consensus has called on the Competition ACommission to rethink its controversial proposals to break up Scotland’s inter-city coach network. Politicians, transport experts and passenger uncertainty for coach passengers and diverted groups have written to the Commission hundreds of thousands of pounds of opposing its plans to force the Stagecoach- valuable investment away from the Scottish Scottish Citylink joint venture to divest some coach network. of its lifeline services. “We stand by the pledge we made to put More than 60 MPs, MSPs, local authorities, our passengers first. Scots have made their regional transport partnerships, councillors, voice heard loud and clear. It is time the passenger groups, trade unions and members Competition Commission listened.” of the public have expressed almost universal Despite the uncertainty and huge cost anger and concern over the proposals. of the Commission’s ongoing inquiry, the Dunfermline and Fife West MP Willie joint venture has pressed ahead with plans to Rennie has put down a House of Commons invest £6.5million in a new fleet of 15-metre early day motion expressing “profound coaches for Scotland, with the first vehicles concern” at the Commission's proposals. coming on stream this month. More than 20 MSPs have also signed a Passengers have responded positively to Scottish Parliament motion by Dunfermline the improvements under the joint venture, East MSP Helen Eadie, which says the with the number of people on the Saltire Commission's plan presents a "serious Cross services up 41% compared to 2006. conflict" with Scottish Executive transport Mr Wileman added: “This investment policy. is firm evidence of our good faith and The scale of the opposition was revealed putting the interests of our customers first. after the consultation period on the plans But future growth is being put at risk by the closed. Commission’s perverse proposals. The Competition Commission plans to “For our customers’ sake, we hope the force the Stagecoach-Scottish Citylink joint Commission’s final decision puts passengers’ venture to sell off some Saltire Cross services, practical transport needs before the economic which link Aberdeen, Glasgow, Inverness and theory found in university textbooks.” Edinburgh. Submissions have been made by the But Tom Wileman, Managing Director of following individuals and organisations: Lifeline services: Tom Wileman says the joint venture stands by its pledge to put passengers first. the Stagecoach-Scottish Citylink joint venture, said: “It is clear that in every part of Scotland MPs and MSPs Trade unions • Queensferry Community Council Transport operators and specialists there is universal opposition and anger to the • Brian Adam MSP • TGWU (Aberdeen) • Cllr Alan Livingstone (Perth • David Begg, former Chair of forced sale of part of the joint venture. • Fergus Ewing MSP • TGWU (Dundee) and Kinross Council, Chair of Commission for Integrated Transport “This issue has united the political parties • Murdo Fraser MSP Tactran) • Transport Edinburgh Ltd in Scotland and there is a consensus among • Helen Eadie MSP Passenger groups • Cllr Tony Martin (Fife Council) • Chartered Institute of Logistics a whole range of transport experts and • Maureen Watt MSP • Bus Users UK • Cllr Ron Lyon (Highland and Transport the public that the Commission has got it • Nora Radcliffe MSP • John Elliot, Convenor of Public Council) • CPT Scotland wrong. • Nicola Sturgeon MSP Transport Users’ Committee • Quality in Transport “As many of the responses make clear, • Margaret Mitchell MSP Private individuals • Polish Transport Holdings the proposals also run counter to the Scottish • Stewart Stevenson MSP Local authorities • Donald MacRae • Alan Howes, consultant with Executive’s transport policy. The Commission • Christine May MSP • Aberdeenshire Council • Warren Mitchell Colin Buchanan should listen to the people of Scotland • Bill Aitken MSP • Aberdeen City Council • Tony Maxwell • Fairline Coaches and put the interests of passengers first by • Brian Donohoe MP • Highland Council • Gareth Charman abandoning these proposals. • Malcolm Bruce MP • Perth and Kinross Council • Graeme Smith “Nearly six months ago, the joint venture • Danny Alexander MP • Fife Council • John Sinclair Other organisations gave the Commission a wide range of under- • Willie Rennie MP • Stirling Council • James Inglis • Highlands and Islands Airports takings on fares and service levels that would • Bruce Crawford MSP • Moray Council • Raymond Taylor Ltd have ensured passengers continue to enjoy • Richard Lochhead MSP • Dumfries and Galloway Council • Alisdair Goodall • Angus Transport Forum high-quality, value for money inter-city coach • John MacDougall MP • Cllr Davie McLachlan (South • Neil Gellatly, Transport Officer • Aberdeen Friends of the Earth travel on a comprehensive stable network. • John Scott MSP Lanarkshire Council, vice Chair for Dundee City Council • Highlands and Islands Enterprise The Commission has admitted that these of SPT) • Stewart Dick • Cairngorm National Park undertakings would have been acceptable Regional Transport Partnerships • Cllr Bob Wynd (Highland • David Scotney Authority to it. • Hitrans Council, Chair of Inverness and “But, despite this, the Commission has • Tactran East Highlands Local Economic chosen to go down a path that has cost • Nestrans Forum) taxpayers around £1million, caused huge Fife children reflect on safety message

More youngsters in Fife were ‘seen and safe’ activities and excursions. As well as being an important issue. It is crucial that support is over the winter thanks to Stagecoach in Fife. excellent road safety wear, they highlight the provided to emphasise safety initiatives within High visibility reflective waistcoats were fact the children are part of a group. our local schools”. donated to three pre-school groups to be used The Cupar-based Ferryfield Playgroup Gill Brown, administrator for the pre- when the children are taking part in outdoor and Triangle Under Fives Group, along with school groups, said: “We thank Stagecoach Newport Playgroup of Newport-on-Tay, have for its support in providing the waistcoats and Time to reflect: Sarah Anderson (back row, centre), thanked Stagecoach for its support. enabling the groups to achieve the highest Marketing Assistant Stagecoach East Scotland & Doug Fleming, Stagecoach East Scotland standards of safety possible. Bluebird, pictured with playgroup representatives and Managing Director, said: “We are pleased to “Be seen, be safe is an important lesson the highly visible youngsters. provide these waistcoats, which highlight such for young children to learn.”

Spring 07 5 A grand Ticket buying enters new era with one-stop shop

Virgin Trains is leading the railway industry which simplifies the process and enables exact train for one leg of a return journey, available and how easy it really is to book, way to with its new website designed to make passengers to identify and purchase the best are now able to mix and match ticket types particularly online with our new website and searching and buying the cheapest possible rail fare available quickly. and buy a Saver Half Return (at half the search engine. We believe Virgin Trains is celebrate ticket far simpler. Virgin Trains is also announcing a major price of a Saver Return) for either the leading the industry, providing a fast, simple The site provides customers with a one- campaign to make fares more transparent outward or return leg of the journey. This and easy-to-navigate process for identifying bus travel stop-shop from enquiry through to ticket and raise awareness of the value for money money-saving facility is available for website and purchasing the best possible fare.” purchase. Already over 60,000 Virgin Trains of rail travel. The new search engine and bookings only. The simplification of the Virgin Trains There were a thousand good reasons customers have bought tickets through the simpler, more user-friendly website will There is still a perception that rail website has been praised by Passenger to celebrate 100 years of bus travel in new improved website. present rail passengers with the cheapest fares are expensive and a recent survey by Focus Chief Executive Anthony Smith. the Aldershot area. Searching for, and identifying, the advance purchase – or walk-up – fares watchdog Passenger Focus revealed that He said: “There are some great deals And they came in the form of two cheapest available tickets for a rail journey available for their chosen journey. No longer only 58% of rail passengers using Virgin on fares out there, but many passengers are cheques for £500, presented recently has long been a bone of contention for are all fares shown, irrespective of whether Trains services felt they were getting value telling us that the current ticketing system to the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice in many passengers. they are available or not. for money. is too complicated to navigate. There is a Farnham. However, Virgin Trains, in which In a separate development, passengers Commercial Director Graham Leech clear need to simplify the way tickets are The money was handed over Stagecoach has a 49% share, has tackled who are unable to buy a Virgin Advance said: “We’re undertaking a number of sold to help passengers take advantage of by Stagecoach Hants & Surrey this issue head on by developing and ticket for both the outward and return legs activities in the next six months to show the cheaper tickets. Any move to simplify Operations Manager Jim Mortimore implementing a brand new search engine of their journey, or unable to specify an people how to find the best value tickets websites is a step in the right direction.” and Aldershot & District Bus Interest Group Chairman Phil Jacob. The donation was the result of historic bus and garage open day, held in Aldershot last summer to commemorate the centenary of the £55m order keeps very first motor omnibus service in the area. The event saw more than 60 veteran buses descending on Aldershot to give free trips over historic bus routes in and around the town. Many of these were survivors from UK on the move the Aldershot & District fleet running in the area during the 1950s and ‘60s. Stagecoach’s open day was held Provincial operations to benefit from 440 new state-of-the-art vehicles at its Halimote Road Bus Garage, home of Aldershot’s buses since 1914. rders have been placed for more than 440 new vehicles for South West Trains allowed the main OStagecoach’s UK bus division as the company continues to Aldershot railway station car park – terminus point of the very first bus generate strong passenger growth. service in 1906 – to be used free of The £55million investment will manufacturer Optare, the first of which charge for the day as the main centre benefit customers in Stagecoach’s growing will be delivered in May 2007. Fitted with of operations. provincial UK bus operations and brings hi-tech MAN exhaust gas re-circulation Several thousand people attended the Group’s total spend on new buses for (EGR) four-cylinder engines, the Euro the event, with the £1000 raised from 2007-08 to nearly £65million. 4-compliant buses will be among the most the sale of programmes and other Passenger numbers at Stagecoach’s bus environmentally friendly in Stagecoach’s fund-raising activities. operations have grown year-on-year by fleet. around 6%. Stagecoach – UK Bus Operator of the The growth is as a result of a major year two years’ running – has expanded Folkestone ongoing telemarketing campaign, a package its successful telemarketing unit in Perth, of innovative initiatives in partnership which is aimed at attracting new users to with local authorities, and new journeys bus travel. More than 50 direct marketing journeys under concessionary fares schemes. projects have been undertaken in the past Les Warneford, Managing Director two years, covering around half a million back in time of Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “Britain is potential customers, picking up a range of getting back on board the bus. This latest business awards and contribution to rising Folkestone Bus Station held a vintage investment will allow us to manage that passenger growth (see page 12). bus day on Easter Monday so residents growth and further improve our quality of Prospective passengers are asked about and enthusiasts would be able to enjoy service to passengers. their current travel choices, their satisfac- free rides on a variety of buses from “Our market-leading innovation, tion with existing bus services and offered the ‘50s through to the ‘80s. highly successful telemarketing strategy seven days’ free travel to encourage them Jeremy Cooper, Commercial and strong partnerships with transport to use the bus. The innovative approach In safe hands: Alan Keen presents Paul Denton with Feltham’s certificate. Manager at Stagecoach in Kent, said authorities in metropolitan and shire has resulted in conversion rates of more that as last year’s celebration of the county areas are a winning package. than 20% at Stagecoach bus operations 90th year of the formation of the East “Buses are a key part of the solution to across the UK. Kent Road Car Company proved so the growing problem of traffic congestion Feltham proudly retains popular, the decision was made to dip in our towns and cities, and we believe into another day of nostalgia. there is a huge opportunity to attract more The new fleet… Enthusiasts brought their privately and more people out of their cars and on secure station status owned buses and added to the to public transport in the future.” • 175 Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 occasion by dressing in the uniforms Vehicle manufacturers Alexander double-deckers (ADL E400 chassis) Feltham station has been re-accredited combat crime. worn by drivers and conductors from Dennis, Optare, MAN, Plaxton, Scania • 25 Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 under the Secure Stations Scheme with “The station still has a long way to that era. and Volvo will supply the latest Stagecoach double-deckers (Scania 230UD chassis) the local MP making a visit to present go but the staff realise this and they A selection of historic buses that orders. They include 127 single-deckers, • 18 Alexander Dennis Enviro 300 single- staff with the certificate. are working towards creating a safer used to ply the highways and by-ways 200 double-deckers, 75 midi-buses, 17 deckers (ADL E300 chassis – 12metre) Working in partnership with the environment for all those who come of East Kent provided free travel from minibuses and 25 coaches. The fleet of • 95 Alexander Dennis Enviro 300 British Transport Police, South West and go through Feltham station.” the bus station to Cheriton and Hythe new vehicles will be delivered between single-deckers (MAN 18.240 chassis Trains had to ensure that the Middlesex Paul Denton, Crime Reduction to link with the Romney Hythe & May 2007 and the end of April 2008. – 12metre) station passed rigorous analysis set down Manager at South West Trains, added: Dymchurch Railway, and to the Battle All of the new vehicles run on low- • 5 Alexander Dennis Enviro 300 by the Department for Transport. “We are very grateful to the MP for of Britain Museum at Hawkinge. sulphur diesel, and are equipped with single-deckers (MAN 18.240 chassis This brings the number of South coming to present this award – it is a modern heating and ventilation. The – 12.8metre) West Trains’ stations that have been fantastic recognition of the hard work If you have interesting news buses also incorporate low floor access • 25 Alexander Dennis Enviro 200 midi- accredited under this scheme to a total that is going into reducing crime and about buses at work in the for parents with young children, people buses (ADL E200 chassis – 10.9metre) of 51. deterring vandalism.” community, then we’d like to hear with disabilities and elderly passengers, • 50 Alexander Dennis Enviro 200 Mr Keen, MP for Feltham and The Secure Station scheme was about it. and many feature a special ‘kneeling’ midi-buses (MAN 14.240 chassis Heston, said: “I was pleased to con- launched in 1998 to encourage stations mechanism to help boarding from – 10.9metre) gratulate staff at the station because the to improve security for both passengers Your On Stage contact is listed the pavement. All coaches are fitted • 11 Optare Solo mini-buses (8.5metre) re-accreditation shows their dedication and staff. To date, South West Trains on p2. with special lifts to assist boarding for • 6 Optare Solo mini-buses (9.5metre) and determination. and Network Rail have invested over wheelchair users. • 25 Plaxton Profile Volvo B7R coaches “Feltham station is a great asset to £4 million installing a combination of A tale The announcement comes only a few • 9 Scania OmniLink single-deckers the area and I welcome the initiatives help points and CCTV cameras across to tell? months after Stagecoach placed a £9million (13.7metre) that the station is implementing to the network. order for 100 buses from Leeds-based 6 Spring 07 Guide dogs hop aboard Minister marks start at no charge

Guide dogs need to be trained to use public transport to help make buses of new guided busway as accessible as possible for visually- impaired passengers. Stagecoach supports the development of future guide dogs and a reminder has World’s biggest scheme on target to help cut traffic congestion gone out to all staff about letting guide dog trainers and puppy walkers travel free on all local services from the Highlands ransport Secretary Douglas Alexander has of Scotland to south-west England. T officially marked the start of construction of the Young guide dog pups spend most Cambridgeshire Guided Busway. of their first year with puppy walker volunteers, who teach basic obedience When completed in 2009, it will run every 10 minutes, with real-time and get them used to a home environment be the longest dedicated guided bus information at bus stops. A new and the noise and bustle of towns, which route in the world. bridleway and cycle route will run includes taking them on buses, trains Stagecoach is one of three alongside the busway. and taxis. operators which have signed the deal In 2001, the Cambridge to As a partner of the Guide Dogs for to run services on Huntingdon the Blind Association, in 2205 Stagecoach the busway. ”At a time when we are Multi- launched its travel-free initiative, which is One section Modal Study available to 200 trainers and 1100 puppy of the new trying to tackle congestion recommended walkers. £116.2million that a guided bus Les Warneford, Managing Director route will run and promote more system be put in of Stagecoach UK Bus, reminds staff along the site of place between that puppy walker volunteers have special a disused railway environmentally friendly Huntingdon and ID cards allowing them to travel free with between St Ives travel, this development aims Cambridge to the guide dogs. and Cambridge. help alleviate “Our frontline drivers are crucial in A second to give people better public congestion making the scheme work smoothly and, section will run along the A14 with new employees joining all the time, from Cambridge transport choices.” corridor. we wanted to make sure all our staff were railway station to The scheme aware of this excellent initiative,” he said. Trumpington park has been designed and ride site. Douglas Alexander to improve the Work will also reliability of Track record be undertaken to journey times by Parking perk: Dan presents Janet with her car park permit. ease the movement of the buses public transport and improve air through the centre of Cambridge. quality, with a reduction in C02 commended Mr Alexander said: “This emissions resulting mainly from investment clearly signals modal switch from car to bus. at rail awards Lucky motorist wins the Government’s continuing Cambridgeshire Guided Busway commitment to support and promote will serve Northstowe, a proposed Stagecoach Group has received national free station parking the economy of Cambridgeshire. new town of 8,000 homes on the recognition for its rail and tram services “Also, at a time when we are northern section of the guideway at the 2006 HSBC Rail Business Awards. trying to tackle congestion and and Arbury Park, also to the north megatrain.com and Supertram, the One lucky passenger has walked on a passenger’s face in the morning promote more environmentally of Cambridge, which includes 900 Group’s light rail operation in Sheffield, away with a one-month permit for and I hope the pass comes in handy. friendly travel, this development new houses and 18,000m square of were both commended at the prestigious Guildford station’s newly-expanded The extra spaces we have provided aims to give people better public business space. awards. car park. here at Guildford are going to bring transport choices.” To the south, there is a proposed Judges shortlisted megatrain.com, The work, which took less than immediate and long-term benefit to By using disused railway routes development of 2300 houses at which has attracted more than 200,000 two months to complete, has provided our passengers.” the buses will not have to compete Clay Farm as well as expansion at bookings since its launch in autumn 2005, an extra 44 spaces and Janet Edwards The work at Guildford is one of with other traffic to use existing Addenbrookes hospital. in the Rail Marketing Campaign of the was chosen at random as she drove a number of schemes South West road space. However, the vehicles While the Government will Year category. into the completed car park on the Trains is delivering as part of a will run on normal roads through provide 80% of the cost of the Supertram and Atkins’s refurbishment morning of March 5. £20million car park expansion plan Cambridge city centre and between scheme, Cambridgeshire County of the tram fleet on the 28km network in Dan Lucas, Duty Station Manager, to provide improved facilities and Huntingdon and St Ives, meaning Council will be responsible for Sheffield was shortlisted for Rolling Stock who presented Janet with her pass, more than 2,000 extra spaces across journey times will be affected by any providing the remaining funds and Excellence of the Year. said: “It’s always nice to put a smile its network. congestion. will pay any increase in cost above Services along the busway will £116.2million. Liverpool link beats the plane

Virgin Trains is investing over £400,000 in in the 12 months to October 2006 Virgin’s value for money tickets and more frequent Liverpool and Merseyside this year as soaring Pendolinos were consistently on time more services. numbers of passengers on the fast Virgin often than VLM’s flights between Liverpool “We appreciate airline competition which Pendolino rail link to London puts airline and London. Throughout the year 92.3% of gives a benchmark against which passengers travel to flight. Virgin’s services arrived on time compared can measure the superiority of the train in In the week that air carrier VLM reduced to just 80.5% of VLM’s flights*. At the terms of comfort, ease of station access its service between Liverpool and London same time passenger numbers on the Virgin and on board facilities. The train really does to just two return flights a day, Virgin Trains, Pendolino service increased by 11% against provide the most valuable travel time.” 49% of which is owned by Stagecaoch, a 26.2% fall in those flying between the two Virgin Trains is supporting current began discussions with Network Rail about cities. improvement works at the Liverpool’s main the possible introduction of extra peak hour Virgin’s improved punctuality has Lime Street station. The company is also trains on the Liverpool-London route. increased the number of passengers using all committed to providing a new First Class Taking off: The Liverpool link is leaving the plane in its wake The two extra trains take the number Virgin’s West Coast services. Numbers have Lounge for its passengers at the station and of return services between Liverpool and increased by 39% from 14 million to 19.4 is working closely with Merseytravel and and retail area will be moved and upgraded, Trains’ business, a general manager for the London to 16 a day on weekdays – more million since Virgin took over the franchise Network Rail. and access improved for mobility impaired area has been appointed. Gary Iddon (32) than 7,000 seats a day. in March 1997. Major improvement work began at customers. has headed up Virgin Trains' resources With 50-seater Fokker aircraft, VLM Virgin West Coast Managing Director Runcorn station in March, reflecting the Station staff will benefit from improved organisation for the last seven years. offers just 100 seats a day in each direction Charles Belcher said: “This is a clear sign importance of the station to business and facilities, while new cladding will enhance the *Airline punctuality is based the most recent - less than 1.5 percent of the total rail/air that rail is making a major difference on leisure travellers. A First Class Lounge and exterior of the station building. figures available from Civil Aviation Authority. capacity on the route. these key routes. More and more people are Standard waiting area will be provided, Recognising the importance of the On time is 0-15 minutes late according to the Civil According to the Civil Aviation Authority, taking advantage of reduced journey times, served by a new buffet. The booking office Liverpool area to the success of Virgin Aviation Authority airline industry standard.

Spring 07 7 Inside the megabus.com network Changing faces Budget tra Changes in the management at Control Manager Macsood Carrie, megabus.com recently have included Kirsty Little, Customer Care Manager, Ian Laing, who is now Network and Julie Gwynne, megabus.com Manager, ably assisted by Perth Manager, Warwickshire. The team that loves it when a plan comes together better… an

New 15-metre coaches can carry as many passenge Above

and beyond

Road worthy: Jane Brown, who came to the rescue of two stranded passengers, receives her A-Team award from Network Manager Ian Laing.

Giving credit where credit is due is and comfortable, despite the fact the thinking behind megabus.com’s that it happened in the middle of prestigious A-Team awards, which the night. have made a welcome return. George truly deserves this award Special badges are presented to – he did such a good job that not members of the megabus.com team one complaint was received by the who are judged to have gone the Customer Care team in Perth. extra mile in one way or another. Finally, Perth Controller Bill Two awards were recently made Wabnik was nominated by Macsood by Network Manager Ian Laing. Carrie (also known to all as Sooty) The first was to Jane Brown, from for his hard work and dedication in Rugby depot, who transported two Perth Control. stranded passengers to Glasgow Bill’s calm and cool approach Tomorrow's transport: The new megabus.com Plaxton by car after they had missed a over a very busy festive period was Panthers are the longest coaches on the road in the UK. connection and was appreciated much appreciated and ensured that so much that she was offered the network operated as smoothly ritain’s longest coaches Designed to carry as many passengers accessible and have a special lift for breakfast on her arrival in the as possible. Bhave taken to the road as 13 fully-loaded cars and three metres wheelchair passengers. They have a city! Any member of staff can be (10ft) longer than a traditional coach, special rear-steering tag axle for greater The second award was presented nominated for an A-Team badge following an £11million the first of the vehicles was delivered to manoeuvrability and also feature envi- to George Smith, from Dunfermline, if their manager thinks they have investment by Stagecoach Stagecoach’s headquarters in Perth mid- ronmentally-friendly Euro IV engines who, after breaking down on the given that bit extra. Group. February. with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) Southbound M20, went out his way Nominations should be sent to Manufacturers Volvo and Plaxton are All of the new 65-seat vehicles, the technology. to ensure his passengers were safe [email protected] supplying 45 state-of-the-art 15-metre first of their kind to be manufactured in Passengers in Aberdeen, Dundee, (50ft) coaches for the market-leading the UK, will be on the road by the end Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Perth budget travel service megabus.com of May 2007. are among the first to travel on the new Inside the megabus.com network and inter-city coach operator Scottish Fitted with seatbelts, air-condition- coaches. The new vehicles will also be used Citylink. ing and toilets, the coaches are fully on routes linking London, Manchester,

8 Spring 07 avel is now Inside the megabus.com network Smooth nd bigger operator ers as 13 fully-loaded cars What’s the buzz about this bus?

With its rear-mounted horizontal engine, the Volvo B12B permits a low floor height and offers unsurpassed flex- ibility and comfort. Based on Volvo’s new TX product Seasonal calm: Perth Controller Bill Wabnik (right) receives his A-Team badge for keeping cool platform for intercity buses and tourist coaches, it integrates and calm over the festive period. new technology and electronics that contribute to greater operating reliability, higher availability and lower total costs.

Economical and flexible The frame is a precision-welded box- In safe section construction of stainless steel hands with a flat upper face. It offers virtually unlimited potential for designing the bus to suit individual needs and considerably simplifies the bodybuilding process. At the same time, it forms a structure with high corrosion resistance, a long service life and minimal maintenance needs.

A pleasant trip With the Volvo B12B, every journey is quick, safe and comfort- able. The entry step is low and convenient, and it can be lowered still further with the kneeling function. The powerful new 12-litre engine produces high torque throughout the rev band and offers exceptional driveability. You can change gears smoothly with the new manual gearbox, or let one of the automatic transmissions do the job for you. Air suspension and independent front sus- pension ensure a high level of comfort. Night watchman: Ian presents an A-Team award to George Smith, who kept his passengers happy Low environmental impact during a night time breakdown. The vehicle is approved according to Euro 3 which means that emission levels are low. There is also a choice between three alternative methods of exhaust gas treatment. The Volvo Exhaust Filter reduces emissions of hydrocarbons, Webmaster extrordinaire carbon monoxide and particulates by between 80 and 90% megabus.com now has its own on the South Coast before moving to and requires the use of low-sulphur diesel fuel (< 50 ppm). Website Administrator, reflecting the Stockport, is responsible for ensuring Care for the environment also encompasses other aspects of growth in the service. that the website, for both customers the Volvo B12B. For example the use of environmentally Danny Bentham, who worked and staff, is up to date and running hazardous chemicals have been reduced in accordance with with megabus.com in London and smoothly. Volvo’s chemical-product blacklists, and both manufacture and assembly of the main components take place in factories that are certified according to ISO 14001.

High reliability A new uniform electronic system monitors all the electronically controlled components and contributes significantly to high reli- Cyberspacecontrol ability. The driver receives continuous information about the bus’s functions, and is alerted if something unexpected occurs. The operator and mechanic can monitor in detail just how the bus has been driven. And when it comes to fuel consumption, you’ll be surprised at just how much power can be had from every drop of diesel fuel.

Newcastle, Preston, Sheffield, Cwmbran, Cardiff, Plymouth, Exeter and Bristol. ”This new investment will provide a Brian Souter, Stagecoach Group Chief Executive, said: “This new investment further step-change in the quality of will provide a further step-change in the quality of service for inter-city coach service for inter-city coach customers in the UK. “We believe it will help attract more Man with the mouse: New web administrator Danny Bentham. people from cars and low-cost airlines customers in the UK.” and on to coaches. They offer excellent convenience and value for money, and are Brian Souter Inside the megabus.com network the greener way to travel.”

Spring 07 9 Campaign calls on public Free Wi-Fi service to cash in and go green tempts passengers Go greener, go cheaper – that’s the message in the latest marketing campaign for Pendolino trains. The £3.5 million campaign is part of a year-long plan to encourage Customers attracted by email and web access on the move more travellers to book on Virgin Trains to help reduce carbon emissions – and save money. assengers have switched Pendolino trains are at least four Pfrom the train to Need to know times less polluting than cars or Stagecoach’s Oxford Tube planes, emitting at least 76% less CO2, and also return 17 per cent of service to London after the • Oxford Tube was launched in electricity used back to the National company offered customers 1987 with a 30-minute frequency Grid every time they brake – enough free email and web access and since 1993 has run 24- to provide power for 11,825 homes hours-a-day. It runs every day as part of a trial of Wi-Fi of the year, including Christmas for a year. technology. There’s also the fact that every Day. Around 4,500 users registered for weekday 50,000 bargain fares are the service during the three-month trial, available across the Virgin Trains • Annual passenger volumes have which saw all 25 state-of-the-art vehicles network. grown from 230,000 in 1987 to in the Oxford Tube fleet equipped with The ‘Go Greener, Go Cheaper’ nearly 2million today. Wi-Fi technology supplied by Moovera advertising includes television, Networks. press, radio, outdoor, online and • On average a passenger boards Research by Oxford Tube has revealed direct marketing. the Oxford Tube every 20 that a number of commuters have Craig Inglis, Virgin Trains’ seconds. transferred from the railways and from Sales and Marketing Director, the rival Oxford Espress coach operator said: “This campaign shows the • The Oxford Tube fleet of due to the popularity of the free Wi-Fi UK’s consumers that not only can coaches travels the equivalent service. they make huge money savings by of nearly three times around The trial was such a massive success travelling with Virgin Trains, they the globe every week! – with more than 16,000 online sessions can also significantly reduce their and an average duration of 42 minutes carbon footprints. This serves yet – that the service was made permanent. another blow to car and domestic Oxford Tube is also improving its air travel in this country.” timetable with the introduction of two Key service: Laptop users are lapping up Oxford Tube's Wi-Fi offer. extra morning peak journeys to meet the increased demand. passengers a day to travel on the service of users who have taken advantage of the Time to get Brian Souter, Chief Executive of ”With the Oxford Tube Wi-Fi to London. service over the last three months clearly Stagecoach Group, said: “Many of our The 81-seat double-decker coaches are demonstrates its popularity. passengers on Oxford Tube are commuters and built-in GPS tracking, fully wheelchair-accessible with low-floors “With the Oxford Tube Wi-Fi and built- wild about and students, and we have had a huge and air-conditioning. Featuring reclining in GPS tracking, Stagecoach has pioneered amount of positive feedback about the Stagecoach has pioneered seats, generous leg room, seatbelts, toilets a new class of in-vehicle communications. Trust deal Wi-Fi service. and powerpoints for laptops and mobile It’s a terrific way to further differentiate the “It puts Stagecoach at the forefront of a new class of in-vehicle phones, they are also equipped with service from others.” offering next-generation on-board services CCTV technology for additional passenger Oxford Tube services run up to every for coach customers and we are delighted communications. It’s a security. 10 minutes between Oxford and London it is helping win new passengers to Oxford Stagecoach’s trial of the Wi-Fi – stopping at Lewknor, Hillingdon, Tube.” terrific way to further technology also included the first major Shepherds Bush, Notting Hill, Marble Oxford Tube, which runs a 24-hour differentiate the service deployment of Moovera’s moovTrac Arch and Victoria. service every day of the year with coaches vehicle tracking system. It gives Stagecoach A secure e-commerce website, www. leaving up to every 10 minutes at peak from others.” a real-time at-a-glance view of its fleet and oxfordtube.com, allows customers to book times, is Europe’s most frequent express precise locations of individual vehicles on single, return and period tickets online service. the road via the web. as well as access timetable and service The entire fleet was replaced two years Jim Baker Jim Baker, founder and Chief Executive information. ago at a cost of £8million – the UK’s of Moovera Networks, said: “We’re Oxford Tube also supplies biggest investment in new vehicles on a delighted that the Wi-Fi trial has been complementary breakfast and newspapers single route – allowing more than 6,000 such a great success. The sheer number on its early morning commuter services. County keen to keep Wise move: Keeper Cali Bebbington with April the polecat and Jeremy with Oakley the tawny owl. commuters connected If you’re wild about nature in Canterbury, then you’re wild about the bus. It’s now easier than ever to make the right Council branded low floor, easy A free visitors’ scheme by the connection in Northamptonshire. accessible buses with a dedicated team Wildwood Trust near Herne Bay has Stagecoach East has introduced a of drivers. The route serves Market been launched for children, students or new and improved route 18 – now Harborough, Braybrooke, Desborough, seniors travelling to its 40-acre wildlife called Connect 18. Rothwell, Kipton Fields and Kettering. sanctuary by bus. The official launch took place at Stagecoach East Managing Director And Stagecoach in East Kent The Rowell Charter Inn in Rothwell James Freeman said: “The development Commercial Manager Jeremy Cooper and was attended by local dignitaries of Connect 18 comes as part of our was invited to meet some of the tamer and councillors. continued commitment to improving creatures hand reared by the Trust when Following an initial introduction, passenger transport accessibility and the innovative scheme was unveiled. the service officially slipped into gear comfort from Northamptonshire’s He said: “It’s definitely a ‘wise’ with the cutting of a ribbon and a town and villages. move to catch the bus to not only take trip on one of the new buses around “It follows the popular Route advantage of the free entry scheme but Rothwell. 19, which was launched last year, to reduce traffic and pollution that has an Connect 18 now runs an exclusive and enables more people to travel Impressive connections: James Freeman at the official launch with local councillors and some adverse effect on our wildlife.” fleet of Northamptonshire County comfortably around the county.” eager passengers.

10 Spring 07 Chicago hub Integrated megasite services five more cities

There’s a new sensation widens budget deals blowing though the Windy City – megabus.com in the US just got bigger. April 2 brought the expansion of its intercity, Passengers attracted from car and airlines to green travel option express bus service to five additional cities and is now he UK’s first integrated available to and from Ann Tbudget coach and rail Arbor, Mich.; Columbus, Ohio; online booking service Kansas City, Mo.; Louisville, Ky. and Pittsburgh – all with has been launched by direct routes from Chicago. Stagecoach – making low- With the addition of these cost travel accessible to five cities, megabus.com will millions of Brits. have services available from Customers using the market- its hub in Chicago to a total leading megabus.com and megatrain. of 13 cities. This includes the com budget travel sites can now previously serviced cities of access both coach and rail options Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, in one easy search. Indianapolis, Milwaukee, The online retailing system gives Minneapolis, St. Louis and visitors to the new consolidated Toledo, Ohio. website access to a total of 530 daily “As before, passengers departures to around 50 locations who book travel far enough across the UK from just £1. in advance can secure tickets Customers can now search the for as low as $1,” said Brian new site for travel to their destination Souter, Chief Executive of and will be given both rail and coach Stagecoach Group. “Other options where they are available. customers will pay better than competitive fares via the internet.” ”This latest innovation will Booking for megabus. make access to low-cost com travel is done online, coach and rail travel even with the website providing information on routes and easier for millions of people arrival and departure times. It every year.” allows passengers to quickly book their travel and purchase Brian Souter tickets from the comfort of their home, office or wireless handheld device. Brian Souter, Stagecoach Group Chief Executive, said: “This latest Quids in: The integrated 'mega' sites make coach and rail travel even easier. innovation will make access to low- cost coach and rail travel even easier in the future. trains are the ‘greener’ way to travel.” has clocked up more than 200,000 peak fares on offer on the South West for millions of people every year. “We are all now far more conscious megabus.com connects more passenger bookings. Around two million Trains and Virgin CrossCountry rail “megabus.com and megatrain. of the environmental impact of our than 30 destinations across the UK people have visited the megatrain.com franchises, covering around 20 desti- com have transformed inter-city transport choices and an increasing and carries more than two million website since the service went live in nations across the UK. travel in the UK and we believe number of our passengers are choosing passengers a year. autumn 2005. Both megatrain.com and megabus. the new integrated online booking our services rather than the car or Stagecoach Group’s innovative Up to 1,000 customers a day are com have won a number of national service can stimulate further growth airlines because they know coaches and budget rail initiative, megatrain.com, taking advantage of the bargain off- awards for innovation. Airport bus takes off with 50,000 passengers Refurbished

Fife’s airport bus has notched up an mentally friendly engines and CCTV to SWT stock incredible 50,000 passenger list in its give added security for passengers. first year of operation. Doug Fleming, Managing Director ready to roll The Airdirect 747 operates from Stagecoach East Scotland, said: “We Inverkeithing rail station via Ferrytoll are very pleased that the number of South West Trains has taken delivery of Park & Ride to Edinburgh Airport, people choosing to use the Airdirect the last of eight Class 159/1 trains, newly and also serves the Royal Bank of 747 service continues to increase. refurbished by Wabtec Rail in Doncaster. Scotland headquarters at Gogarburn at “Following the success of other The eight three car trains have replaced peak times on weekdays. Kickstart projects in the UK, it was nine two-car Class 170s, to provide extra The service offers convenient and our joint aim to improve the transport capacity on the busy West of England fast transport to the airport, with links to Edinburgh Airport.The figures route. journey times from 30 minutes. The have proved that the new route has Design work is now under way to install first service leaves Inverkeithing at 0445 been a popular option for travellers and Passenger Information Systems (on-board and the last departs at 2315. commuters alike and we hope this will information screens and audible announ- Airdirect 747 was launched in continue over the coming years.” cements) and CCTV on the trains. February 2006 under a three-year Fife Council’s Transport & Work will now start on refurbishing Kickstart scheme. Stagecoach, the Environment spokesperson, Councillor 11 two-car Class 158s, also provided Scottish Executive and Fife Council Jim Philp, added: “Reaching almost by Porterbrook, which will also operate together devised the route to provide 50,000 passengers in the first year through the West of England. Fife and North East Scotland with a shows that this Airdirect 747 service Mac Mackintosh, Engineering new, direct, public transport service to is proving its worth and is a valuable Director, said: “It’s great to see the final Edinburgh Airport. public transport option for people Class 159/1 arriving at our depot in The partners jointly committed travelling to the Airport. We hope to Salisbury. £972,000 to the service, which benefits continue to explore new opportuni- “This is a fantastic refurbishment from three new state-of-the-art, low ties with Stagecoach to improve the offering passengers improved facilities Runway success: The Airdirect 747 that has soared away in its first year. floor buses that have the latest environ- service.” and a more reliable train. Spring 07 11 Operator launches Keeping lines open personal timetables South West Trains’ passengers can with the customer now create their own timetable. The service was launched on the South West Trains’ website in June 2006 and since then has proved to Telemarketing team just keeps notching up the successes be a real hit with passengers with over 160,000 individual timetables created so far. t’s good to talk, according to ‘Create your timetable’ allows Ithat old adage, and Stagecoach passengers to build a personalised has certainly been keeping the itinerary. communication channels open. All they need to do is log on Five years ago, the telemarketing to the South West Trains website, team in Perth was set up to talk directly choose their departure and arrival with people living wherever Stagecoach stations and the day and time they operated across the country. want to travel. And that team has proved successful on It only takes a few seconds for a number of fronts. the timetable to be created and then When speaking to someone who uses there’s the option to download it or the buses, it provides a sharp insight have it sent to an email address. into what he or she thinks of the service Ian Johnston, South West provided. On top of that, the team Trains’ Customer Service Director, has been hitting well above the Direct said: “Whether you’re a commuter Marketing Association’s (DMA) average or an off-peak traveller, this service for convincing non-customers to try out is something which can benefit Stagecoach services. everyone. Having initially focused on telemarket- “I am really pleased with the ing, the team has also branched out into success of this and some of the direct mail, inbound telephone campaigns comments we have received back (where the customer phones in), fulfilment from passengers describe it as (sending out information packs) and print ‘a great idea’ and ‘an excellent management. feature’.” Since launching in April 2002, there have been:

Voyager train • 67 direct marketing projects (just over one project every month on Stagecoach calling: The telemarketing team is the talk of the business. average) steams into • communication with over 460,000 DMA’s Telemarketing category on 2004, Public Transport Executive (GMPTE), customers and potential customers and the team was a finalist in both the Wiltshire County Council and Trent Barton. ”Our tailored approach railway gala • 30,000 survey questionnaires 2005 National Business Awards and the We will also be working in partnership has been recognised as a completed National Business Awards for Scotland. with Northamptonshire County Council, A Virgin CrossCountry Voyager • 230,000 travel vouchers issued, Neil Mackinnon, Data & Market amongst others, over the coming year.” means to gauge customer train has contrasted the latest in helping grow bus operations. Analyst, said: “Our tailored approach has West Country rail travel with the been recognised as a means to gauge If you have been involved in a satisfaction and promote past glory of steam. Stagecoach’s marketing approach is customer satisfaction from existing users project aimed at growing passenger the bus as an alternative The Voyager ran from Bristol unique amongst the transport industry on one hand and promote the bus as an numbers, then we’d like to hear to Bishops Lydeard on the West and the success of the team is not only alternative mode of transport to car users about it. mode of transport to car Somerset Railway during two Spring illustrated by how well it performs against on the other. Your On Stage contact is listed Steam Gala weekends in March. DMA benchmarks, but also by the award “We are keen to grow the public on p2. users.” The state-of-the-art Voyager left nominations picked up along the way. transport business and our partners are Bristol Temple Meads and called at These include a special commendation also interested. A tale Weston-super-Mare and Taunton in 2004, the runner-up spot in the 2005 “To date we have completed projects in to tell? Neil Mackinnon before connecting with an historic UK Bus Awards, a bronze award in the partnership with the Greater Manchester steam train at Bishops Lydeard for journeys to Minehead. Five-a-side Passengers' feedback challenge shapes service’s future

in Liverpool So, what do you think? That’s the question are due for renewal. passengers have been asked who have tried Features on the bus include greater Stagecoach Merseyside is hosting out a new double decker demo. leg room, more comfortable seats, less this year's National Passenger Stagecoach East asked customers on disturbance by people as they get on Transport Sports Association the X5 whether the demonstration bus was and off, and space inside the vehicle for five-a-side football competition at a good addition to the route. luggage. Powerleague in Liverpool. The popular service runs between Stagecoach East Managing Director The event kicks off on Sunday, Oxford and Cambridge via Bedford every James Freeman said: “We always want to June 10, and for full details, including 30 minutes, seven days a week, and is improve the service we offer our passengers costs and rules, please contact: used by thousands of people right across and introducing double decker coaches/ Mike Coates NPTSA Football Bedfordshire. buses is something we are considering, but Secretary on (01562) 710048 or The upgraded double decker bus was it will very much depend on the feedback e-mail [email protected] or introduced on a trial basis to gain feedback we receive from the people that know Ron Ellingham on (07767) 428685 from passengers to see what type of best. or e-mail [email protected] vehicle they would like when the coaches “The kind of questions we are asking Teams are also required for next include how important it is to have a season's NPTSA 11-a-side compe- toilet on the service? Is it an advantage to titions. Further details are available Question time: Zoe Paget, Operations Manager allow the carriage of bikes and whether from Mike or Ron. Stagecoach Bedford, with the questionnaires passengers enjoy having an upstairs or about the double decker service. not?” 12 Spring 07 Operators join forces Boost for on re-branded route Highland and Islands Bus operators Stagecoach and Wilts & Dorset which runs every half hour, will prove the have joined forces to re-launch the bus route most advantageous and sustainable option between Salisbury and Andover. for people who need a reliable, comfortable bus users They have re-branded their vehicles to and convenient link between Salisbury and promote the special Activ8 ticket that will be Andover via Tidworth. Services in the Highlands and issued and accepted by both companies. “We hope that the joint ticket offered by Islands are becoming even more With the support of Wiltshire County Activ8 will encourage more people to consider accessible with £1 million in grants Council and Hampshire County Council, an catching a bus a serious alternative to using the helping buy 23 new low-floored extensive marketing campaign has been rolled car,” said Alex. buses. out to win new customers on to Activ8. Tidworth’s Deputy Garrison Commander, Ross-shire and Moray are the At the launch, held at the Tidworth Leisure Colonel Richard Aubrey–Fletcher, praised the latest areas to be given a boost Centre, Alex Carter, Managing Director of latest initiative supported by the Route 8 with funding from HITRANS, the Wilts & Dorset and Andrew Dyer, Managing Quality Bus Partnership between both bus Highlands and Islands regional Director of Stagecoach South, promoted the companies, the local authorities and The transport partnership, to help Joint operation: The official launch of the Activ8 which is aimed at making moiré people leave their new service by displaying a giant ticket. Ministry of Defence, as good public transport Stagecoach provide 11 low-floored car at home. Both companies believe that Activ8, is vital to army personnel and their families. buses. Ranald Robertson, HITRANS Transport Development Officer, said: "By 2015 all buses must be accessible by law. This funding helps kick-start the process for bus operators, enabling them to buy new buses more quickly. From underdog "One of our main aims is to make public transport more accessible for everyone in the Highlands and Islands and this is a great step in that direction." Charlie Mullen, Managing Director of Stagecoach Bluebird, added: "This initiative demonstrates to rail’s top dog the strong partnership between HITRANS and Stagecoach, and has allowed investment in new vehicles to be considerably advanced." Virgin Trains celebrates 10th birthday as passenger numbers soar In Easter Ross, the buses will operate services in local communities as well those to and from Inverness. irgin Trains has led Britain’s ”Everyone has worked Virgin Trains has given away 10,000 free In Moray, the vehicles will provide Vcharge in becoming the tickets through its website. At the forefront extra capacity on a popular local really hard to improve Customers have been enticed back to rail service, which has had increased use fastest-growing railway in following the introduction of two new train of innovation since smaller low-floor buses were Europe, according to new our service and we are fleets and a vastly improved timetable. In the last 10 years, Virgin Trains has been introduced several years ago. figures. proud that our customers The number of Virgin CrossCountry at the forefront of innovation within the As Virgin Trains celebrates its 10th weekday services has been increased to run UK’s rail network. birthday, it announced that the number of now rely on us to deliver half-hourly from Birmingham to Newcastle, Virgin was the first to offer a dedicated No butts… journeys made on its routes has risen by a Reading, Manchester and Bristol and hourly full internet booking service, and also staggering 61.5%, outstripping the national them to their destination to Edinburgh, Carlisle and Plymouth. introduced Virgin Value advanced average of 40 per cent. on time and in comfort.” The Virgin West Coast timetable has purchase fares to give more customers a it’s a ban The two Virgin Trains franchises – also been improved with the Manchester- better deal. Since July 2004, more relaxed Virgin West Coast and Virgin CrossCountry London service revamped to run every booking conditions have helped increase on smoking – have seen some of the biggest increases 30 minutes. In the last three years, Virgin’s the number of these tickets sold by 40 in passenger numbers in Europe, with new Chris Gibb share of the London-Manchester air/rail per cent. Staff in Warwickshire are stubbing trains, faster and more frequent services and market has risen dramatically from 38 per Virgin Trains also recently launched out ahead of the smoking ban in innovative ticketing all attracting millions cent to 61 per cent. heavily discounted Print@home tickets on England in July. more passengers. birthday, Managing Director Chris Gibb The Voyager and Pendolino fleets the Birmingham-London and Manchester- Managing Director Phil In the last 12 months more than 42 said: “We’ve taken a route that had ageing have revolutionised train travel across the London routes. These are discounted Medlicott took the decision to make million journeys have been made with trains, infrequent services and long journey network and have slashed journey times. tickets that are printed at home for use on all Stagecoach premises smoke-free Virgin Trains – 16 million more than when times and turned it into a modern, high- The Pendolino trains on Virgin West Coast pre-specified services. areas from March after successful the company began in 1997. speed service with brand new trains and a decelerate using regenerative braking, The latest independent Passenger discussions with the trade union. Virgin CrossCountry has seen massive turn-up and go timetable. which returns power to the National Grid, Focus survey shows overall customer satis- Designated locations for have growth of 75% since 1997, with passenger “Everyone at Virgin Trains has worked providing enough electricity to power faction at 90 per cent on Virgin West Coast been agreed at the depots in Rugby, numbers up from 12 million to 21 million, really hard to improve our service and we 13,750 homes for a year. In a further – the best of all high-speed, long distance Nuneaton, Stratford and Leamington while on Virgin West Coast passenger are proud that our customers now rely on environmental initiative, Virgin Trains is operators. For attitude and helpfulness of for smokers, but smoking is no numbers are up 39% from 14 million to us to deliver them to their destination on now working with its partners to develop a staff to customers Virgin CrossCountry longer allowed indoors or anywhere 19.4 million. time and in comfort.” biofuel for use with the Voyager trains on came top with 82 %. else on Stagecoach premises and On Virgin CrossCountry’s 10th As a birthday thank you to customers, Virgin CrossCountry. staff have been given advice and information on how to quit. Marketing manager Adam Rideout said: “The general feeling is that the Summer treat with a 99 no smoking policy is a good thing. We hope by introducing the policy Summer is on the way and it’s time to enjoy he said. early we can help our employees a 99! “We tried putting more double-deckers before the countrywide ban.” Not the ice cream treat but the improved on the route, but decided to make this very Route 99 between Hastings and Eastbourne. attractive improvement to our service. If you have an interesting story It has replaced the popular, long “A big improvement in the frequency about your operations, then we’d established 710 service but is now more like this will make a day out to Bexhill or like to hear about it. frequent and with more flexibility during rush Eastbourne by bus a much more relaxed hour traffic. experience, with more choice for our Your On Stage contact is listed Stagecoach South East Operations customers and less pressure to hurry back for on p2. Manager Paul Harding says that the enhanced a particular bus.” service has been created to cope with the The new timetable also offers bus demand. users improved connections, enabling A tale “With the availability of free travel to the customers using Explorer Tickets and Sussex to tell? Ice to see you: Paul Harding with the service that can't be licked. over 60s, the route was becoming very busy,” Countrywide Cards to travel further in a day. Spring 07 13 ‘Fare play’ to operators Bumper weekend start with £200m upgrade on to open-top franchise rail tickets

Train operators have completed Locals flock to sample free trips on Newcastle’s City Sightseeing tour a £200million pound investment programme to transform the way people buy rail tickets. tagecoach North East Passengers on South West Trains, Shas launched the newly Virgin and other UK rail routes will franchised City Sightseeing now have greater flexibility and operation in Newcastle/ improved convenience purchasing tickets. Gateshead. Having bought the franchise from The programme includes City Sightseeing parent company replacing 10,000 ticket issuing Ensign, Stagecoach kicked off the terminals, new self-service machines season with a brand new set of tour and new on-train ticket retailing vehicles, converted from existing systems, all offering the security of Sunderland-based Leyland Olympians. Chip and PIN card payment. The service was launched with a These new machines also provide VIP tour for representatives from the the platform for the introduction of region’s tourist industry, including new ways of buying tickets such as Tourism Tyne and Wear, NGI and The smartcards, mobile and e-tickets. Sage. At the event, Managing Director Information provision is also John Conroy surprised guests with the much clearer, more accurate and announcement that the service would faster to access. run for free for the first weekend, as In addition, the range of a welcome gesture from the new tour products the machines are able operator. to offer is greater, and meet the As a result, passenger numbers hit railway’s obligations under the a record high over the weekend, with Disability Discrimination Act. over 600 passengers a day boarding A free launch: John Conroy sees off the City Sightseeing tours with Helen Fussell (right), Marketing Manager with The Sage, and Emma Hallington, Tourism The previous systems provided the service. Tyne and Wear. excellent service over the 20-year Operations Manager Peter Dean life-cycle, issuing in the order of stated: “This is the first time I have John Conroy added: “A large awareness of the service among those the service whenever they wish for a 10-billion rail tickets. seen the tour so full. Some customers number of people who visit local living locally, and invite them to see full day. The new developments will had to wait for the next service due to tourist attractions actually live in the all of the fantastic tourist destinations Stagecoach also hopes to open up complement other established alter- the number of people on the buses!” North East. We wanted to increase there are along the route in Newcastle the service into the private hire market, natives to the ticket office, such as and Gateshead. allowing organisations to book a bus the popular Ticket on Departure “The service is ideal for this for a fixed time, for their excusive use. machines that has seen usage grow purpose, as passengers can use their by 30% in the last year. ticket to hop on and off all day to get Recognising that technology and about the city.” Need to know the way passengers want to purchase The City Sightseeing-branded tours their tickets are changing, train City Sightseeing is owned by have been in the region since 2003 and operating companies have invested Ensignbus, based in Purfleet, and run the fleet has always been run out of the substantially in implementing the by Peter Newman and his sons Ross Stagecoach depot in Slatyford. new retail terminals to provide and Steve. The service runs seasonally and high street-style retailing across the The first City Sightseeing tour was comprises two tours, both beginning national rail network. in Seville in 1998. at Central Station. Sights on the tour This investment allows The firm took off after Ensign include: Baltic, St. James’ Park, The for the future application of bought back London Pride City Sage, Gateshead, The Biscuit Factory, emerging technology such as Sightseeing in 2000 and started to Gateshead Millennium Bridge and smartcards, mobile ticketing and invest heavily in brand extension and Eldon Square. e-ticketing. These systems will growth strategies. Tickets are priced at £7 for adults improve passenger convenience Further info from www.ensignbus. and £3.50 for children and are issued and flexibility, allow for increasing co.uk and www.city-sightseeing.co.uk Northern exposure: The brightly-coloured City Sightseeing service, which now comes under on a 24-hour 'hop-on hop-off' basis, capacity and improve the envi- Stagecoach’s wing. meaning passengers are free to use ronmental footprint of ticketing by reducing the reliance on paper tickets. Rail Minister Tom Harris said: “Passengers want to be able to First class service for train commuters buy the right tickets, quickly and easily. I commend operators on If you need to catch a train… then catch the network efficiently. responding to that need with the bus. “The training went so well we were this investment – good progress That’s the message to daily commuters even told our drivers were some of the has been made. I encourage the on the move from Corby to Kettering best people they had had through the industry to go further in developing railway station. training programme!” the innovative ticketing systems that Earlier this year, Stagecoach East took The X1 operates a seven-day service, the rail network deserves.” on the link bus route, offering passengers which runs for nearly 20 hours a day Antony Lain, CEO of Rail a new look and service, and things couldn’t Monday to Saturday, with a slightly reduced Settlement Plan at the Association be going better. service on Sunday. of Train Operating Companies The service, renamed the X1, has a As well as serving the railway station, (ATOC), added: “It’s out with the dedicated team of drivers, all of whom the X1 also stops at Kettering Hospital old and in with the new on Britain’s were sent to the Midland Mainline Training – a halt which has proved to be incredibly railways. Academy prior to the re-launch of the popular as it’s perfect for visiting hours “We are making major improve- route. This was to make sure they had and all the buses used on the service are ments to the way people can buy a strong understanding of the service low floor. rail tickets. This is further evidence offered by the railway and their new role. James added: “Since taking over the X1 of the substantial commitment train James Freeman, Stagecoach East service our drivers have already received operating companies are making Managing Director, said: “Our drivers were positive feedback from passengers. on behalf of passengers, to deliver all asked to attend the academy to ensure “They have commented on the reliable, convenient and simple they had a good understanding of what vehicles and staff, saying both are a big ticketing.” Midland Mainline do so they can complete improvement.” All linked up: The official launch of the X1 which is proving a big hit with passengers. 14 Spring 07 HERE & THERE Nuneaton completes management team

Two graduates of Stagecoach’s pres- tigious staff development course have been appointed to complete the management team at Warwickshire’s Nuneaton depot. Mark Crannis is now Operations Manager and Jayson Smith is the Assistant Operations Manager. Mark, who has been at the depot since last December, joined Stagecoach Andrew – looking forward to the challenges as a driver in Swindon in 2001. He ahead. quickly progressed up the career ladder, becoming the Depot Supervisor in Cheltenham in 2003, followed by a Driver Andrew promotion to Depot Controller. He then took the Assistant Operations Manager position in Aldershot in 2005. Matt – committed to a career in the bus leaves the cab It was while at Aldershot that he began industry. the staff development course, which for a new role prepares people for management roles within Stagecoach and accepts only 12 Stagecoach East’s Kettering depot has people a year from the entire group. Matt’s career welcomed a new addition to the manage- Jayson Smith, who also completed ment team. the staff development programme, New team at the top: Jayson Smith (left) and Mark Crannis. eases into Andrew Pike (56) has been appointed joined Stagecoach as a driver in 2001 Assistant Operations Manager and is and was originally based in Morecambe, development programme. It’s a tough challenges at the Nuneaton depot and looking forward to the challenges ahead. quickly becoming a Driver Trainer process to get through but well worth it’s great to be working with Jayson as a higher gear This is his first managerial role within Relief Inspector. it and definitely prepared me well for we were in the same training group. Stagecoach, but before he became a bus Asked about the course and his any situations which may occur in “We have a good understanding of A man who learned his trade in the bus driver he was the manager of a chain of new position, Jayson said: “I’m very operations.” each other and this makes for a strong industry at the sharp end by training as a shops. proud to have been selected for the Mark added: “I’m really enjoying the team for Nuneaton.” driver is climbing the career ladder. Since becoming a driver, Andrew has Matt Cooper (26) has been appointed clocked up 25 years as a coach driver, Assistant Operations Manager at visiting towns all over Europe and held Stagecoach East’s Northampton depot. positions including Vehicle Liaison Officer Loyalty and dedication honoured He succeeds Andrew Sherrington, a for two years and was Chairman of the placement student from Aston University, Bedford Trade Union for three years. who has returned to his final year of Andrew said: “The challenges have been studies. what I expected and I feel I have the right Andrew filled the role throughout the skills and experience to do a great job. summer following the promotion of Max “From being a driver, I understand both Jones to Pricing and Analysis Manager at sides and will be able to give an informed Stagecoach East’s head office. decision when dealing with different Now he has been succeeded by situations.” Matt, a graduate of the University of Northampton where he studied human relations. He was originally taken on as a New Director management trainee by Julian Peddle, Managing Director of MK Metro. After a takes up post year at MK Metro’s head office, he moved to Northampton to set up – and look Jason Bush has after – a new unit to operate tenders in been appointed the local area. Engineering James Freeman, Stagecoach East Director with Managing Director, said: “Matt decided Stagecoach in early on to make his career in the bus East Kent & industry. Hastings. “He learned about the job at the sharp He joined end by training as a driver and, over the the East Kent Jason Bush – overseeing years, has worked in this role for a number Bus Co as an a team of 130. Loyal service: The dedicated staff at Fife and Bluebird pictured at their long service awards held recently at the Dean Park Hotel, Kirkcaldy. of operators.” apprentice in 1983 and, after the acquisition of the company by Stagecoach in 1992, Jason was one of the first to join the personal development program. Change of scenery as Jason is one of the few who has both operations and engineering manager Paul switches depot experience, gained at Chichester and Winchester. He was moved to cover the A desire for a change of scenery has seen Warwickshire’s depot gain maintenance operation for Dover and a new engineering manager. Folkestone from his previous post as Paul Morgan (54) has more than 27 years’ experience in the Engineering Manager in Aldershot prior bus industry, but he was ready for a change, hence the move to to his appointment as Director. Leamington. Paul Southgate, Managing Director His 21-strong engineering team looks after all the buses in the for Stagecoach, said: “Jason has proved Leamington area, as well as all the Unibuses, ensuring they are his capability within engineering and maintained efficiently. operational management. His experience Paul said: “We have a superb engineering team here which is will benefit the six depots that provide the focused on ensuring all the buses are above the standards required regular servicing to our fleet.” and works hard to ensure this happens.” Based at the regional head office in Paul began as a mechanic and has worked his way up through the Canterbury, Jason will oversee a team of ranks. He lives in Birmingham and is married with two children. 130 engineers, electricians, fitters, cleaners Engineering Director Mike Bishop said: “Paul has been a great and administration personnel at those addition to the management team here at Leamington and has depots that provide routine maintenance brought with him a wealth of experience and knowledge which will and repair to the fleet of 320 buses. be well used within the depot.” Experienced hands: Paul who now heads a 21-strong engineering team at Leamington. Spring 07 15 Tyne and Tees show their generous sides

Bumper donations to charity from drivers’ collections Cheque this out: Staff from Tyne and Wear in a celebratory mood.

yneside and Teesside pulled Macmillan comes to £375 so just from this Hospital children’s ward. Tout all the stops to send a one collection we can make a difference to at Stockton Acting Operations Manager Tommy least five people’s lives.” Blacker said: “Once again, the drivers bumper Christmas present to One driver, John Bell, was responsible for and passengers of Darlington have done charity. all of the money raised at the Stagecoach a grand job in collecting money for Stagecoach North East drivers reached Newcastle on Teesside depot, an astounding £1000. this worthy local cause. I would like to record levels in their annual collections, with John, who has been driving for 29 years, extend thanks to everyone who donated more than £13,000 going to local causes. Slatyford driver Eddie Lowther has been said: “The passengers have been unbelievably and I am grateful to the drivers and other All of the drivers went to work in fancy helping with the Newcastle collections for generous. I waited until the bus was quite staff who gave their time to make this dress in the run-up to Christmas and asked many years, along with his wife, Carole, who full and then made an announcement telling possible.” Stagecoach customers to donate to their works as a nurse on the intensive care unit. passengers that if they would like to make collection tins. Once the collections have been made, the a donation when alighting, that there was a Generous passengers raised a total of money is used to buy presents and essential collection tin at the front. Nearly everyone South Shields £6,785 during December with Stagecoach items for wards at Newcastle General, which put something in, I’m amazed at how kind- then matching this to bring the total amount the drivers deliver to the children in time for hearted everyone has been.” The efforts of one driver raised an to £13,570. Christmas. amazing £561 for the children’s ward at The initiative covered the whole of The drivers at Stagecoach also provide South Tyneside Hospital. the company’s operating area, including Easter eggs and selection boxes for the Darlington Calum Train dressed as Santa in the Newcastle, Sunderland, South Shields, children’s wards at other times of the year three weeks before Christmas. Darlington and Stockton. and have previously bought a ventilator for The Darlington collection was carried Assistant Operations Manager Stagecoach North East Managing the paediatric intensive care unit. out in conjunction with the Cinderella Stephen Todd said: “This is phenomenal Director John Conroy said: “The generosity Eddie said: “Over the last 20 or so years pantomime in the town. for one person to collect. Once again, of our passengers in the North East is we have had a lot of bus drivers who have The money raised by Stagecoach Shields’ passengers dug deep and admirable. Looking up: The Teesside team after its bumper been unfortunate to have one of their family passengers will be added to the total collected showed their generosity on board. “Through their contributions we have effort. in the unit as a patient. It is great to be able from theatre-goers, to be presented in one Thanks to everyone who helped make been able to help many worthy local causes to help put something back.” lump sum to the Darlington Memorial this happen.” and I would like to express our gratitude for take this opportunity to say thanks to our each and every penny handed over. I would passengers,” said Ray Green, one of the col- Depot Total Charity Amount added by Stagecoach Total also like to thank the drivers who gave their lecting drivers. time and effort to help realise this initiative. Macmillan Cancer Support spokesper- Slatyford 1776.84 Newcastle General Children's Ward 1776.84 3553.68 “Many used their own time and money son Elvi Soria added: “It has been said that for outfits and props and we are extremely Sunderland people are some of the most 1000 Newcastle Society for Blind People 1000 2000 proud of everyone’s efforts.” generous in the country. Collections like this Walkergate 1449.11 RVI Baby Care Unit 1449.11 2898.22 just go to prove that point. Sunderland 371.47 Macmillan 371.47 742.94 “The money that is given makes a huge Sunderland difference to the lives of people living with South Shields 561.62 South Tyneside Children's Ward 561.62 1123.24 cancer, especially when you consider the Darlington 626 Darlington Memorial Hospital Children's Ward 626 1252 All of the drivers were quick to praise the hidden costs that come with being ill, such generosity of the people of Sunderland. as travel costs to hospital and adjustments to Stockton 1000 Butterwick House Children's Hospital 1000 2000 “Without them we wouldn’t have been living arrangements. £6785.04 £13570.08 able to raise any of it, so we’d just like to “The average grant given out by Santa swaps his sleigh for the bus

Sleigh no more: As far as Santa is concerned, the sleigh is passé… there’s less fuss Santa Phil with the bus. Sharp swaps As part of Perth Salvation Army Corps’ festive fund-raising, reindeer power Stagecoach ran a vintage bus around the city with Father Christmas for horsepower on board to greet passengers. aboard the Drivers Brian Johnson and Eddie Muirie were responsible for vintage bus. Santa’s transport, while the bus conductor was Alan Codie. Chic Robertson spent the period collecting donations at the bus terminus and Phil Sharp completed the team as the man-in-red under the beard. Corps blimey: Captain Gordon Tucker from the Salvation Army accepts the A representative from the Perth Salvation Army Corps said: “A cheque for £697 from William Green, revenue inspector for Stagecoach, Perth. total of £697 was collected by the team for which we give grateful Looking on are, from left, Captain Carole Tucker, Chic Robertson of Stagecoach, thanks.” and Harry Cooper, Salvation Army Community Manager. 16 Spring 07