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Issue 87 | September 2011

onThe newsletter stage of

Stagecoach is launching a new tax-free Buy As You Earn (BAYE) share scheme for all UK employees. Under the new BAYE plan, to be administered New employee by the Building Society, all Stagecoach employees in the UK with more than three months’ continuous service will be eligible to buy Stagecoach shares each month out of their share scheme pre-tax income. Employees will be able to invest from as little as a £2 deduction per pay period Special 2 for 1 deal up to a maximum of £125 per month to buy among the best in the industry, launched with a 2 Stagecoach shares. for 1 matching of free shares from the Company And, for each whole share bought by an on the first £10 of investment especially targeted employee out of their first £10 monthly to maximise benefits available at the level investment, the employee will also be awarded affordable to the average paid employee.” two free matching shares from Stagecoach. So, Eligible UK staff will receive an Invitation for example, by investing £10 a month from Information Pack mid-September and the pre-tax income (costing only £6.80 out of net deadline for applications to the BAYE scheme is take-home pay for a basic rate tax-payer), the 14 October 2011. Interested employees should employee could receive another £20 of free read the invitation pack for details and look out shares from the Company each month under the for posters and other information at depots and BAYE. in offices across the Group. Employees can also The shares are held in trust for the employee, contact the Yorkshire Building Society on 0845 who can withdraw the shares they have 1200300 for information about the plan. purchased at any time. The free matching shares Employees who do not join the scheme at the awarded by the company can be withdrawn by launch will have further opportunities to do so in employees after three years. October and April each year. Stagecoach Group Finance Director Martin The BAYE is intended to replace the previous Griffiths said: “The Group has a long track record Sharesave SAYE scheme which matures on 1 of supporting employee participation in the October 2011. See page 2 of On Stage for Company and we think this new BAYE will be more information about the SAYE scheme. Metrolink trams Flat-out on the new sleeper coach sold in Stagecoach Group is trialling Stagecoach Group has the UK’s first budget sleeper coach completed the sale of its Metrolink service between and London, tram operation in Manchester. The offering passengers their own bed business has been sold to Ratp Dev as well as a standard seat for greater UK Limited. comfort during their journey. The sale relates only to the Manchester On the new pilot service, operated by Metrolink system and Stagecoach will market-leading budget coach provider continue to operate the Supertram network in .com, passengers will have access to as normal. a toilet, free wi-fi, on-board refreshments and a complimentary overnight pack containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, a bottle of water, an Sir Brian stretches out in the new Cash return for eye mask and a luggage label. Each berth has megabus.com sleeper coach. shareholders a reading light and curtain for extra privacy, as growing demand for our night-time megabus. well as a duvet, pillow and blanket. com journeys. The new sleeper services will Following a review of its capital The coaches have been safety certified offer extra comfort and facilities, but still at structure, Stagecoach has announced by VOSA and are fitted with CCTV. For excellent value for money prices. proposals to return approximately£340 additional safety and security, each berth is “We’ve always been at the forefront of million to its shareholders through a 4 equipped with a button to alert the driver innovative ways to make public transport more for 5 share consolidation, returning 47p in the event of an emergency. The vehicles attractive and convenient for people. We believe per each existing ordinary share. also meet Transport for London’s new Low the best way to find out if it’s a service our The Group believes this will establish Emissions Zone (LEV) requirements, which customers want is by offering them the chance a more appropriate and efficient capital come into force in the capital in January 2012. to try it out for real. Travelling direct from structure. Stagecoach Group Chief Executive, Sir city centre to city centre beats the hassle of a The proposal will be voted on at a General , said: “Travelling overnight is a red-eye flight from an airport and is a greener, Meeting on 7 October. great way to save time, and we’ve already seen smarter way to travel.”

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You what?! Network cooperation (Overheard on a bus in America.) SHEFFIELD bus passengers are trying Boy says to friend: “I only had out a groundbreaking ticketing initiative forty minutes of lectures that will allow them to get on different today and I was forty firms’ buses with the same ticket. minutes late so, yeah, and First, together it worked out.” with the Passenger Transport Executive, have signed up to the Sheffield Can you beat that? and South Rotherham Bus Partnership, Send your weird and which introduces multi-operator tickets and wonderful overheard coordinated timetables in the area. comments to Stagecoach Yorkshire Managing Director Paul lindsay.reid@ Lynch, First UK Bus Managing Director Giles stagecoachgroup. Fearnley, David Brown from SYPTE, First UK com Bus Regional Director David Alexander and Stagecoach UK Bus Managing Director Les Warneford.

UK Bus management Decision time on Sharesave scheme options appointments your SAYE shares OPTION 1 Stagecoach has announced the The Stagecoach SAYE Sharesave To exercise their option to buy Stagecoach appointment of two new Managing scheme, launched in October 2008, Group plc shares at £2.51775 per share Directors for regional companies in its is due to mature on 1 October 2011, to receive a Share Certificate. Employees UK Bus division. giving thousands of Stagecoach have until 21 March 2012 to return their The new appointments follow a structural employees an important decision to Maturity Instruction Form to Yorkshire change within the UK Bus division's make. Building Society in order to take up this operations in the North-west of . The Staff who have been saving into the option. former operations scheme for the past three years will now form part of two new regional OPTION 2 have to select one of three options. companies: and North , There are also some very important To withdraw their savings and tax-free and and South Lancashire. dates for Sharesave scheme employees to bonus to receive a guaranteed cash refund. Elisabeth Tasker, currently Operations remember. Staff choosing this option must return their Director with , is Each member of the scheme will Maturity Instruction Form to Yorkshire appointed Managing Director of Stagecoach receive a personal letter to their home Building Society by 31 March 2012. Merseyside and South Lancashire. She has address with further information about responsibility for depots in , Preston the three options. OPTION 3 and . In addition, as the market share price of To exercise their option to buy their Nigel Winter is promoted from Operations the Group has been trading close to the Stagecoach Group plc shares at £2.51775 Director, , to Managing Option Price recently, each participating per share and receive a cash amount Director Stagecoach Cumbria and North employee will also receive a personal by immediately selling them. To take Lancashire, with responsibility for the , illustration giving them key facts about advantage of a reduced dealing cost of West Cumbria, , Barrow and Lancaster their own personal savings contract to £15, staff must return their Maturity depots. help them make an informed decision. Instruction Form, as well as the Stagecoach has also confirmed the following Staff who have further queries after they Stocktrade Sale Request Form, to positions: have received the information that will be Yorkshire Building Society by Paul Southgate, formerly Managing posted to them should contact Yorkshire 5 October 2011. Director Stagecoach North West, becomes Building Society on 0845 1200 300, Commercial Manager, Stagecoach UK Bus. quoting their Sharesave account number. Les Burton, Operations Director, , will become Operations Director Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire. Kendal’s mini bus Paul Lee will continue as Engineering Darren Syverson, a coach builder Director for both of the Stagecoach at Stagecoach North West’s Kendal companies in the North-west. Garage has built a unique publicity Les Warneford, Managing Director of platform to help promote the Depot’s Stagecoach UK Bus, said: "These new Central Lakes 599 service, in the form appointments demonstrate the strength of of a scaled down Open-Top Bus. management talent we have across the division. The bus, nicknamed “Daz”, was in place at I would like to congratulate Elisabeth and Daz – and key locations on the open-top route during Nigel on their deserved promotions and wish mini-Daz – with the summer, between Bowness Pier and them every success in their new roles." their ‘parent’ bus. Grasmere.

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Birthday celebrations

STAGECOACH Bluebird has celebrated the first birthday of its award-winning Jet 727 bus route. The route, which runs between the city centre and Airport, was recently awarded the prestigious title of Best Bus Service at the 2011 Scottish Transport Awards. Managing Director Andrew Jarvis said: “Since the launch of the JET 727 route back in August 2010 we have been delighted by the number of customers choosing to travel with us.” Andy Campbell (left) receives the award Aberdeen Airport Managing Direct Derek Provan from Michael Pragnell, Chairman of Cancer (left) and Stagecoach Bluebird Managing Director Research UK. Andrew Jarvis celebrate Jet 727’s birthday. Caring company Coastal yomp helps heroes Managing Director Andy Campbell picked up EX-SERVICEMAN Frank Roberts has Coast Path, trekking from Minehead, Somerset, the Corporate Community Supporter gone more than the extra mile to help to Swanage in Dorset, and his hard-earned of the Year award on behalf of the injured comrades. sponsorship money will go to the Heroes’ company at the Cancer Research UK The employee completed Haven appeal in Swanage and the Baton Trust. National Flame of Hope Awards. a gruelling 633-mile sponsored walk, raising Frank, who used to serve with the 11th The honour was given for the company’s around £3000 for injured service people and Signals Regiment of the Royal Corps of Signals support of Cancer Research over the past five their families. based at Blandford, is now a Station Manager at years, including promotions on Park & Ride Frank spent five weeks on the South West Windsor. services, painting buses pink in Cambridge, Peterborough and Bedford and staff taking part in fundraising activities in aid of the Early bath for charity. Ardrossan staff Stagecoach Ardrossan staff The fit recently took part in the local Tin Bath Championship to raise money for Cash controller for Kids. An open-top bus ferried contestants to the sea WINCHESTER front while the Stagecoach bath – piloted by controller Trevor MSP Stuart McMillan and supported by Miss Kimber got on his Miss with Malky Duncan from Scotland Jennifer Roech – unfortunately had an bike to raise cash for a Ardrossan Depot. early collision and had to be abandoned! great cause. Trevor made almost £500 for the British Angels Heart Foundation by taking part in the charity’s SIXTEEN staff raised more than £1860 forC ancer 35-mile Around the Research after completing the Race for Life together at Clumber Park near Harbours Bike Ride in Worksop – all wearing their East Midlands Angels T-shirts. Hampshire.

Fresh look for trains SIX East Midlands Trains are the latest to receive a major makeover as part of a £30 million refurbishment programme. The seven-car Meridian trains, all running on the Sheffield to London route, now boast new-look interiors with luxury leather seats in First Class and new carpets and seat covers throughout, as well as extra luggage room and a new space for buggies.

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Safe delivery: Keith Manchester gets smarter Emmery and Sharon Eve TRANSPORT Minister Norman Baker kept their visited Manchester to launch Stagecoach’s cool when a innovative smartcard scheme. baby made an The introduction of StagecoachSmart travel cards in unscheduled arrival. Manchester makes it the largest city outside London with a live commercial smartcard scheme on buses using the Government’s preferred ITSO technology. Room for one The scheme, which has since been launched in East Kent and East Sussex, allows passengers to store their more on top! travel on an electronic card instead of using paper tickets, making hassle-free automatic payments. A bus Norman Baker said: “This will make bus travel doubled as a delivery room when a simpler and more attractive, cut carbon and encourage woman gave birth to a baby boy on more people onto buses. board. Transport Minister Norman Baker (left) “I want to see this rolled out to all modes of public Driver Keith Emmery was on his last run of launches the StagecoachSmart scheme with transport.” Manchester Managing Director Chris Bowles. the day when the lady went into labour. Alerted to the woman’s plight by fellow passenger Sharon Eve, the wife of another Stagecoach London bus driver, he stopped, Thumbs-up for Citylink Gold called for emergency help and ushered 20 SCOTS motorists are ditching their cars to travel by Citylink Gold’s luxury express passengers off the bus. coach service, new research has revealed. “It really took me by surprise. It all happened The service operates six services a day on two routes linking Glasgow with Aberdeen and Inverness, so quickly,” said Keith, who’s been driving buses attracting more than 130,000 passengers in just 12 months. for 25 years. And the latest research found more than a third of these used to travel by car, while “It was all very calm and was quite exciting another 31% had previously gone by rail. in a way. The lady who delivered the baby, Mrs The survey also revealed 94% of all customers said Citylink Gold offered value for money, while Eve, deserves all the credit. She did an amazing nine out of 10 were ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with its punctuality. job. “Citylink Gold has really taken off and has been particularly popular with commuters and business “We wrapped the baby in a cardigan. He was travellers, who love the fast journey times, at-seat refreshments and competitive fares,” said Scottish quite tiny. They’re all calling me ‘baby man’ at Citylink Managing Director Bob Montgomery. work now!” “Instead of the stress and rising cost of going by car, people are being attracted by the convenient, An ambulance arrived a few minutes after the stress-free journey and free wi-fi, which means they can relax or can catch up on work on the coach.” baby was born and safely carried mother and baby to hospital. Transport for London’s Managing Director Biggest busway beats the queues of Surface Transport Leon Daniels said: “Mr Emmery and Mrs Eve both did an outstanding STAGECOACH is running services A Stagecoach job of helping deliver this new arrival.” on the world’s longest busway after the bus in successful opening of the multi-million- training on pound public transport link. the record- Buses’ Open triumph The revolutionary new link offers a reliable, fast breaking busway. A TEAM of 80 drivers and support staff and frequent service seven days a week between from Stagecoach bus depots across the Huntingdon, St Ives and Cambridge, giving locals country carried over 30,000 people to and a high-quality alternative to the long queues from the Sandwich Open Golf Champion- and uncertain journey times on the notoriously Campbell, Managing Director for Stagecoach in ship. congested A14. Cambridge. A total of 55 buses were used to offer a daily Stagecoach, one of two operators providing “We believe that our luxury buses, with free park-and-ride service for the event and an services on The Busway, is using a £3m fleet of wi-fi internet access, will encourage more people additional three buses offered a shuttle from the 20 luxury buses fitted with small rubber guide out of their cars and on to the route. I am pleased railway station. wheels. to see so many people trying out the new system, “The Busway is a visionary project,” said Andy which provides a quick and smooth journey.”

The big race Stagecoach once again provided thousands of motor racing fans with transport to the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. The event was a success thanks to the many Stagecoach East Kent & East Sussex drivers and staff who again helped show that Managing Director Phil Medlicott Stagecoach is among the best when it comes to gets into the Open spirit with the Stagecoach vehicles ready to take providing transport for global events. help of Hastings driver Chris Prince. spectators to Silverstone.

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The new WIN A Brompton Bicycle Picture of £50 dock at VOUCHER Guildford Station. the Season THIS edition’s winning Picture of the Season was taken by Katie Loudon who works at Stagecoach Cyclists help Group headquarters in Perth. It shows a vintage bus, built in 1943, themselves on its way to Perth Races. Congratulations to Katie who will SOUTH West Trains has launched shortly receive her prize of £50 of the UK’s first ‘self-service’ Brompton M&S vouchers. Bicycle rental scheme with the intro- If you think you have a picture duction of an innovative bike dock at that captures one of the four seasons, Guildford Station. please send your image to Lindsay The project marks the latest stage of a Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach Group, long-running partnership between South 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 West Trains and folding bike manufacturer 5TW, or email it to lindsay.reid@ Brompton Bicycle which offers bikes for hire stagecoachgroup.com to South West Trains season ticket-holders and the general public. Passengers at Guildford station are the first in the country to be offered one of the 80 Brompton bikes for rent through the self- Go globetrotting from Leicester service dock scheme. Phil Dominey, Stakeholder Manager for THE WORLD’S your oyster if you South West Trains, said: “We believe this travel from Leicester Station. will make it easier for people to cycle to East Midlands Trains has launched a new or from Guildford station. It is another step international travel desk, giving passengers to encourage more passengers to think of the chance to buy rail tickets for Europe and alternatives to the car.” many other global destinations. Trainseurope sells Eurostar tickets, as well as tickets to and within most European countries, Information including Ireland, Portugal and Greece, plus the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and innovation Lithuania. RAIL passengers are better More adventurous travellers can even book informed, thanks to new features at Launching Leicester’s new Trainseurope rail travel in the USA, Canada, Australia, New East Midlands Trains stations in three travel desk are, from left: Wayne Kyte, East Zealand, Japan, India, South Africa, Egypt counties. Midlands Trains; Vic Allen, Managing Director, and Russia, including travel on some of the Ten stations in , Trainseurope, and Gareth Leslie and Mark luxurious train services such as the Rocky and have new Bennett from East Midlands Trains. Mountaineer from Vancouver. Customer Information Screens. “We know how important it is for rail travellers to have easy access to fast and accurate information about their train service,” Sterling service at Southhampton said Rob Mason, Customer Information SOUTH West Trains’ Customer Service Centre at Southampton has been Manager for East Midlands Trains. awarded the prestigious ServiceMark accreditation by the Institute of Customer “The installation of these new screens, Service. which use the latest digital technology, will The award followed a two-day assessment which was the culmination of six months of hard make a big difference to our passengers.” work by all members of the customer service team, and congratulations go to all of them.

Unveiling the Modern look for Honiton new-look Honiton Station are, from HONITON train station has a fresh new look, thanks to a £1.4 left: Andy Pitt, million refurbishment programme. South West Trains The seven-month joint project by South West Trains, the Department for Managing Director; Transport, Devon County Council and Network Rail has given passengers a Councillor Stuart more welcoming station environment. Hughes of Devon They’re enjoying a more spacious booking hall and ticket office, plus a new County Council ramp, retail unit and waiting shelter. and Honiton Mayor “I am sure local residents will take pride in the new look of their train station Councillor Vernon Whitlock. for years to come,” said South West Trains Managing Director Andy Pitt.

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Magnificent seven Spotlight on… Stagecoach Manchester Green Team

THE STAGECOACH Manchester Green Team was established to help improve the company’s environmental performance, and they have done a great job. For the year to April 2011, Manchester has recycled 93% of its total waste while reducing its total energy usage by 19%, saving 380 metric tonnes of carbon. This has been achieved by introducing energy-saving measures such as motion sensors for lights and push-button taps, and investing in more efficient lighting and heating. Waste is separated in-house and managed by a specialist recycling company to ensure Stagecoach’s carbon footprint is reduced further.

Councillor Vera Jenkins, Mayor of County Borough Council, launches the cleaner, greener, buses, joined by Stagecoach Fuel front-runners Managing Director John Gould (left) and William Graham, Regional Assembly Member STAGECOACH is leading the way in for South East . eco-friendly fuel after becoming the first UK bus company to mix its own biofuel A £750,000 investment has given on-site. Welsh passengers access to cleaner and Kilmarnock depot’s new bio-blender will allow greener buses. some 100 buses in the west of Scotland to run on Stagecoach in recently launched the cleaner, greener fuel. seven new low-floor, single-deck Enviro 200 While most of the Group’s 8100-strong bus fleet buses. uses a mixture of 5% biofuel and 95% standard The vehicles boast the latest in clean engine diesel, the new equipment will enable Kilmarnock technology, meeting Euro V emissions standards vehicles to run on a greener mix of up to 40% and helping to cut carbon emissions, reducing biofuel and 60% standard diesel. Kilmarnock depot’s bio-blender allows the environmental impact of the service. The bio-blender has a computerised control unit 100 buses to run on greener fuel. “We believe that this enhancement will which allows trained Stagecoach staff to set the deliver a much-needed boost for bus provision blend of fuel required, as this can change according in South Wales, and also play a vital role in to the air temperature. “The installation of this bio-blender means the sustaining the environment,” said John Gould, Les Warneford, Managing Director of rest of the vehicles at the depot can now run on up Managing Director of Wales. Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “We have had great to 40% biofuel, making it one of the greenest bus success in Kilmarnock with the bio-buses which fleets in the country.” have helped us reduce our own carbon footprint Stagecoach has invested £75,000 in the new Commitment and attract more people on to greener transport. technology, working closely with Argent Energy. commended Highlands in a hurry STAGECOACH Group’s commitment A £1.5 MILLION investment has allowed six new coaches to operate on the fastest to sustainability was public transport link between Inverness and Caithness in the Scottish Highlands. recognised at the Steve Walker, Managing Director of Stagecoach in the Highlands, said: “We are delighted to be inaugural 2011 making what is one of the biggest investments in public transport in the Highlands for many years.” BusinessGreen Leaders Awards. The Group was highly commended in the main Company of the Year category, while its Chief Executive Sir Brian Souter, who has been the driving force behind the Group’s environmental strategy, was also a shortlisted finalist in the Leader of the Year category. Steven Stewart, Stagecoach Group Director of Communications, said: “This latest recognition for the work we are doing in trying to become a more sustainable business is a tribute to the actions of our people right across the business, including the thousands of bus drivers and train staff who serve our customers every day.”

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Gwen’s still on On the road top form OCTOGENARIAN Gwen to fitness Zanzottera is notching up her 19th season as YORKSHIRE driver Russell Craft a Stratford City swapped the bus lane for the hallowed Sightseeing tour turf of Football Club to guide. improve his health and fitness. The enthusiastic Russell was the first Stagecoach driver to 81-year-old has sign up to the Fit Reds Scheme which aims treated countless to inspire overweight or inactive men over passengers to tours the age of 35 to lead a healthier, more active of Stratford’s famous lifestyle. landmarks aboard Gwen Zanzottera. And it’s really paid off for the 46-year-old open-top Stagecoach buses. father of four, who revealed: “I have lost a Russell (right) with Barnsley FC’s Community Gwen is a proud holder of the Blue stone in weight. Health Office Darren England. Badge – the most prestigious guiding “It was really hard work but losing weight badge in the country. and exercising has reduced my blood pressure, helped change my attitude to healthy living.” which I’m delighted about. Russell’s fitness drive has also inspired him to “I feel so much better and Fit Reds has take up badminton, boxercise and swimming. Ideas advanced at retreat IDEAS were top of the agenda when Coach USA Tour Managers gathered Tony Simmons (left) and Craig for a two-day June Sales and Marketing Woodall get on board. Retreat in Pennsylvania recently. Colleagues met to exchange ideas and New team in the explore new internet and promotional initiatives to increase sales and promote tour driving seat packages to new markets, and the event was A NEW management team hailed a great success. is steering ’ Leamington Spa and Stratford depots. Craig Woodall has been appointed Bikes and boards Assistant Operations Manager, joining on the bus Tony Simmons who took up an earlier appointment as Operations Manager in SURF’S up in North Devon, thanks charge of the two depots. to a new Stagecoach service for Both are looking forward to their new watersports and cycling fans. partnership. The Surf and Cycle service was launched after public consultation, with the double- decker being fitted with racks to carry surfboards and cycles. Coach USA staff at their ‘ideas retreat’. Amanda at the start of her Painting the city pink cycling challenge. ELEVEN Cambridge staff were ‘in the pink’ as they pulled on their running On her bike shoes for charity. The colourful crew joined 7000 other ladies Stagecoach North West who ran the Race for Life through the streets employee Amanda Kirtley raised more of Cambridge. than £2000 for the Hospice at Home The team raised over £1500 for Cancer charity after completing a Coast to Research and Stagecoach East also donated Coast Cycling Challenge. £3000 to the charity. Cambridge Race for Life runners with the specially branded bus. Amanda finished the 142-mile cycle, Meanwhile, the company also rebranded a including a 2-mile vertical climb, and has bus with breast cancer awareness branding to Campbell said: “It was a fun day and for a more fund-raising challenges planned for help boost the campaign even further. good cause, and I’m very proud of the efforts the future. Stagecoach East Managing Director Andy made to make this day the success that it was.”

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Nuneaton Inspector Matt Begg. Matt’s one in a million The youngsters with a Stagecoach London bus. Bus inspector Matt Begg has lots of little fans who think he is ‘one in a million.’ Brownies on the buses Matt, inspector at Nuneaton depot, pulled out all the stops when he welcomed 30 Philip Wilson, a schedule compiler with Stagecoach London who doubles as an five and six-year-olds from Wheelwright Assistant Beaver Scout Leader, recently borrowed a bus for the meetings of the 7th Lane Primary School on board the 9.25am Welling Beaver Scouts and 8th Welling Brownies. Matrix 55/56 Nuneaton to Coventry With some Cub Scouts, Guides and Rainbows joining in as well, over 70 boys and girls found service for their first outing on a bus as part out about bus driving, how buses serve the community and how to be safe and considerate when of a school project. travelling. Megabus.com expansion Bus driver of Stagecoach has expanded its megabus.com network in the United the year States and Canada to operate out A total of 33 Stagecoach drivers of Omaha, Memphis, St Louis and – the most from any of the large Boston. transport groups – have made it into The expansion brings to 64 the total the Bus Driver of the Year finals to number of locations covered in North be held in . Eighteen of America from the company’s six key hubs. Stagecoach’s regional bus companies As part of the latest expansion, Omaha will be represented at the event. residents can now travel to Chicago; Des One of those to make it is Steve Moines, Iowa; and Iowa City, Iowa, and a O’Flaherty, who triumphed in the regional new route has been established between Manchester heats. Steve will be joined in Memphis and St Louis, offering one daily the finals by Manchester runners-up Dimitri Manchester heat winner Steve O’Flaherty departure. Potapcik and Stephen Monks. (left) with Manchester Managing Director Dale Moser, President and Chief Operating Good luck to all in Blackpool. Chris Bowles. Officer of megabus.com in North America, said: “Our latest expansion will bring great value travel to even more locations across North America. People are continuing to Staff keep turn to megabus.com for affordable travel and to make their dollar go further." on running Walk on by Two members of staff from Mansfield Depot recently took part in Two Swindon bus drivers have their local Race for Life events to raise undertaken a 184-mile trek in aid of money for Cancer Research UK. charity. Sharon McKay completed her race in Michael Mullan and Mick Iles completed Nottingham along with her 75-year-old the Thames Walk, which saw them walk the mother-in-law, while Helen White, who has entire length of the Thames path, from the previously participated in Race for Life events, Thames Barrier in London to the river’s ran the 5km course at Clumber Park. source near Kemble in Gloucestershire, to raise cash for Prospect Hospice. Sharon and Helen, who took part in the Race for Life.

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Graham’s still – Gary Campion going strong The quickfire round Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire KETTERING up to touch the busman Graham very famous Anfield Who are you? sign and slipped and Coe could well be Gary Campion, Inspector at on the way to setting fell down the stairs Preston Depot. instead. a record in the What do you like most about your bus industry after Dream job? job? To be involved with reaching 50 years’ I enjoy working with the public. service. the Olympics. Graham Coe. What do you like least about your Currently a part-time Favourite animal? job? Tiger. wages clerk, Graham (67) Sometimes letting them down. has held various positions at the Kettering TV show? Most like to be stuck in a lift with? Favourite Kenny Dalglish. depot of Stagecoach over the years. Crime Scene Investigation (CSI). Operations Manager Brian Hadden Biggest achievement? The Quickfire Round features in every explained: “Although he has had a number Being involved in the introduction of the of different jobs, we pull Graham’s leg that edition of On Stage and we want to hear Citi Network in Preston. from as many staff as possible. he still has the same seat – and the same Worst job? pencil! To suggest the next participant, email Sprout planter on a farm in . [email protected] “The industry is indebted to servants like Most embarrassing moment? Graham who still does two days a week On a visit to Liverpool FC, I reached with us.” We’re making Simon gets on board SIMON Davies has joined the engineering the grade team at Stagecoach’s Portsmouth bus depot as MORE and more graduates are Assistant Engineering Manager. seeking to forge their careers with Simon, who began his career as a trainee coach Stagecoach. builder in 1983, has worked for Stagecoach since 1990. This year, the Group saw a record number Tony Probert, Engineering Manager at Portsmouth, of 654 applicants for its UK Bus graduate said: “Simon's dedication and passion for the quality of management programme. the vehicles has ensured him this promotion. Stagecoach UK Bus Managing Director Les “I have no doubt that he will make an excellent Warneford said: “Our graduate programme manager". has already helped us develop some excellent Simon Davies has worked his way from trainee coach builder young managers and we believe that the to Assistant Engineering Manager at Portsmouth. scheme has a crucial role to play in the continued success of our business.” Michael shifts CONTACTS down a gear Editor: Lindsay Reid, On Stage, NORTH East driver Michael Stagecoach Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Ferguson has handed back his keys Perth, PH1 5TW after 46 years with Stagecoach. Michael had an exceptional work Email: record, receiving a 32-year safe driving [email protected] award last year, and was a very well-liked www.stagecoach.com member of staff. He now plans to relax in his Michael Ferguson (centre) is thanked for his service by If you have a story for On Stage, retirement, enjoying gardening and please contact Lindsay Reid as above. North East Managing Director John Conroy (left) and spending time with his grandchildren. Regional Director Robert Andrew. The copy deadline for the next edition of On Stage will be Friday, John says farewell 7 October, LONG-SERVING driver John Payne has retired from Dumfries Depot, 2011. marking the end of a transport career spanning nearly 40 years. John began his career with Southend Borough Transport in 1962 and joined Stagecoach in Dumfries in 2003. John was a valued member of staff and everyone at the depot wishes him well.

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