A NAPPY NEW YEAR! Green parents earn free travel PAGE 6 The newspaper of Stagecoach Group Issue 73 Winter 08/09 Strong results 3 Top of the league 5 Awards aplenty 8 Bio-bus birthday 15 GREEN light for smarter working Stagecoach staff have key role in cutting carbon footprint The bus is simply Braziliant! BRITAIN’S most expensive been using the Service 250 in centre of Manchester. Stagecoach employees are at across the Group plays a part to football star stunned fans by Manchester to take his girlfriend Robinho, who plays for the heart of a major bid to reduce reduce the company’s carbon snubbing flash motors – to catch a on shopping trips. Manchester City, stumped up £6 the company’s carbon footprint. footprint and ensure that we carry Stagecoach bus! Other passengers could not for two tickets on the five-mile As part of its commitment to out our operations in an environ- Robinho, the £32 million Brazilian believe it when they saw the pair journey to the out-of-town environmental sustainability, mentally friendly manner. superstar, is reported to have board the double decker in the Trafford Shopping Centre. Stagecoach has appointed energy “We know from recent research One traveller said: “He sat consultancy Inenco to put in place that our approach to the downstairs as if it was the a three-year Group-wide Carbon environment is very important to most normal thing for a multi- Management Programme to reduce our customers and, by promoting millionaire footballer to do. the company’s carbon footprint our message of greener smarter “Word quickly went round and improve energy efficiency. travel, we can help show about who he was. Nobody quite To do this Inenco will assess passengers and staff how they can believed it and some just stared current levels of energy live greener lifestyles.” open-mouthed. consumption across every As part of the Carbon “You’d think Robinho would Stagecoach operation before Management Programme, each have a fleet of luxury motors like putting in place new processes, Stagecoach division – UK Bus, UK so many other Premier League key performance indicators, Rail, Coach Canada and Coach players. targets and initiatives to drive USA – will be monitored. Inenco “At the very least you’d expect improvement across the company. will determine the Groups’ global him to be driven by a chauffeur carbon footprint by March 2009 and or maybe, at a push, pay for a IMPORTANT will then deliver an implementation taxi. But a bus? Amazing!” plan for emissions reduction by Stagecoach’s objective to September 2009. This will include It’s one-nil for public transport as encourage people out of their cars a set of agreed carbon reduction Robinho ditches the car for the bus. and on to public transport is one of targets for each Stagecoach division. the solutions to the ever-increasing By May next year, the company challenge of climate change aims to provide information on However, the company must also its global carbon footprint to the ensure its business is operated in an Carbon Disclosure Project which environmentally friendly way. is the world’s largest corporate Initial work carried out by Inenco greenhouse gas emissions database. indicates that Stagecoach could Stagecoach has already achieve significant carbon savings undertaken several successful over the three-year period. carbon-cutting initiatives. But, to achieve the carbon The Group’s wide-ranging reduction the company is aiming environmental strategy includes for, all staff will be asked to play investment in renewable fuels and their part, whether they are part of cleaner engines, state-of-the-art large-scale environmental projects energy-efficient facilities, water or whether they are asked to make and waste recycling initiatives and small changes to their working day. offering green travel incentives to Stagecoach Group Chief businesses. Executive Brian Souter said: “This is a very important initiative for our Turn to page 13 for news on business. It is crucial that everyone more energy-saving success. New Lynch-pin City sights tours continue to grow Stagecoach North East has appointed a new Newcastle and Gateshead for five years and were for Stockport manager to oversee the continued growth of its City franchised by Stagecoach North East in early 2007. Sightseeing tours in Newcastle and Gateshead. Since taking over the brand, Stagecoach has signifi- Stagecoach’s Stockport Martin Musther will manage the operations of the cantly updated the fleet and developed the business depot at Daw Bank has open-top buses from the company’s Slatyford depot. considerably. welcomed on board Colm Having worked for Stagecoach North East for 21 Martin said: “Becoming the new City Sightseeing Lynch as its new Operations years, Martin was the ideal choice for the role. Manager is a fantastic opportunity and I am Manager. Originally a bus driver, 48-year-old Martin was thoroughly looking forward to the new challenge. Colm (25), who was born awarded a place on the company’s development “My priorities will be to continue to grow the in Dublin, started out programme and has since fulfilled the role of Duty business by focusing on key areas such as tourism, with Stagecoach only two Manager and Assistant Operations Manager at the engaging with local businesses and ensuring years ago on the Graduate Slatyford depot. we operate the services to the highest possible Martin Musther has taken the helm of Newcastle and Development Programme The City Sightseeing buses have operated across standards.” Gateshead’s City Sightseeing tours. at the Group’s Cambridge depot. He progressed through the ranks quickly and has experienced all aspects of the business, from cleaning buses and designing timetables for A year of success new services to driving buses, before becoming Assistant Operations Manager at Newcastle’s Slatyford depot last year. at emt franchise Colm said: “Although the career move seemed daunting at first, I can’t East Midlands Trains has passengers and compiled a list of the we’ve wasted no time in making a 3. Appointed a contractor to start wait to work in a busy celebrated its first birthday. top 100 achievements made in the start on improvements and planning a £20 million redevelopment of environment and get To mark the special event on first year. for a brighter future for passengers. the Etches Park depot in Derby stuck into maintaining and November 11, the Managing Director Tim Shoveller “Looking at this list, which is only 4. Sold over 60,000 megatrain.com hopefully exceeding the company handed out said: “In the relatively short period a fraction of what we have done, fares to or from London from demanding standards that free birthday cake to since the launch of the franchise makes me feel very proud and only £1 plus a 50p booking fee are in place at Stockport, in excited to anticipate what we can 5. Launched the ‘My Journeys’ terms of service provision expect in the future. personalised section of its and quality.” “We have a new and improved website – including ‘create your Mark Threapleton, timetable and £90 million still to own timetable’ Managing Director of invest in stations, trains and depots. 6. Seen the start of major Stagecoach Manchester, “This major investment, coupled improvement work by Network added: “I am confident Colm with the obvious green benefits of Rail at Derby station to install will be an asset not only to rail travel, will attract even more new lifts and rebuild the the Stagecoach Manchester people to use our services, helping platforms and canopies team, but also to the to invest in the future of the railway 7. Introduced a £79 through fare to Stockport community as a for us all.” Paris with East Midlands Trains whole.” In ten of East Midlands Trains’ and Eurostar achievements in its first year, the 8. Operated a much more reliable company has: Sunday service than prior to the Driver saves franchise – running more than 1. Seen the first refurbished East 95% of all Sunday services player’s life Midlands Train completed 9. Seen 6.7% more passengers (entire fleet being refurbished) travelling by train Quick-thinking Coach What a year! Nottingham Platform Assistants Dave Carlisle (left) and Dave Bevan 2. Operated more than 120,000 10. Filled 315 vacancies, including Canada driver Bob Jaynes did celebrate the special event. train services 132 new entrants. a hospital dash after one of his passengers suffered a serious allergic reaction on his bus. Customers in the driving seat Pier-Olivier Cotnoir, who In the pink plays for the Peterborough Since its launch 12 months ago, In terms of the overall appearance Liftlock Stars hockey team, almost 100 people have joined a of the bus, 88 per cent say vehicles came within minutes of dying passenger survey to give Stagecoach are clean, tidy and comfortable, after suffering the reaction North East vital feedback on its although litter can be a problem due to a peanut allergy. services’ performance. at certain times of the day, with The 19-year-old had The company invited people to sign discarded tickets and newspapers accidentally eaten a cookie up to the scheme in a bid to gauge the main culprits. that contained traces of customer opinion and pinpoint Stagecoach is now investigating peanuts. His reaction was so trends over a sustained period so that ways to reduce litter and has severe that his medication issues can be dealt with quickly. introduced other new measures to failed to help. After attending a training session, improve its passenger experience, Bob recognised this and took the volunteers complete a monthly such as trialling air fresheners on decisive action to go straight survey covering service reliability popular routes. Everything’s coming up rosy! Stagecoach East staff get into the spirit of Breast Cancer to the hospital as quickly and and punctuality, driver friendliness, John Conroy, Managing Director Care’s Pink Day. as safely as possible. the appearance of the bus and much of Stagecoach North East, said: It was soon realised that, more. In return, participants receive a “Using the information provided Pink set the tone for Stagecoach the pink bus to Breast Cancer Care had he not taken such rapid free monthly travel pass. by the volunteers we are able to East in October as staff raised and offered our passengers the action, the reaction could Results show that, on average, over adapt and respond to issues more money for Breast Cancer Care. opportunity to pay a little extra so have been fatal. 90% of respondents feel comfortable effectively and ensure that we Managing Director Tony Cox that the charity benefited. Bryan Cathcart, President and secure while travelling on maintain and enhance our high said: “Fortunately, Stagecoach in “In addition, the majority of of the Liftlock Stars hockey Stagecoach services, with 91 per cent standards. Warwickshire runs pink buses office staff, engineers and drivers team, said: “I commend Coach agreeing that drivers were friendly “The scheme has proved to be for the University in Coventry so were wearing pink on the day, and Canada for having excellent and helpful and 60 per cent revealing a vital resource in informing our we borrowed one of these for the donated money for the privilege.” drivers like Bob Jaynes. He is a that drivers greeted them personally decisions as to how to widen the day and staffed it with a driver Nearly £600 was raised, which credit to the company.” when they boarded and departed the appeal of our services and bus dressed in pink. was matched by Stagecoach East service. travel in general.” “We donated every fare taken on to make a total donation of £1200. 2 Winter 08/09 Praise for Bolsover bus service Two local dignitaries helped launch “Many people rely on this sort of cars being used, which is obviously a fleet of hi-tech buses for passengers service to get them into town, so it is beneficial to the environment.” in North Derbyshire at a special excellent that Stagecoach in Chester- Paul Lynch, Managing Director of event in the shadow of Bolsover field has them in mind.” Stagecoach Yorkshire, added: “The Castle. The seven new MAN/E300 buses new Castleline service is a major Mayor of Chesterfield Cllr Fred meet tough Euro IV emissions step forward for public transport in Quayle and Cllr Ken Walker, standards, marking a real move the region. The 82 and 83 routes will Chairman of Bolsover District forward for public transport in the serve passengers across the area. Council, were on hand to officially area. “The new buses highlight our unveil the new Castleline fleet, They are designed to be fully commitment to improving services which feature a unique castle- accessible to elderly passengers, throughout the region. We have themed livery. people with disabilities and families invested a significant amount of Stagecoach in Chesterfield has with young children. money towards these fantastic new invested nearly £800,000 to bring an Cllr Walker said: “I am certain vehicles, which are the latest in ultra-modern look to the area’s 82 that these buses will become an terms of emissions and passenger and 83 services. extremely popular service around accessibility. Cllr Quayle said: “The new buses the Bolsover area. “We believe the launch of the are fantastic. It is great that they are “The new buses look excellent with Castleline buses will increase designed to help elderly people or the castle-themed livery and they passenger numbers and improve Mayor of Chesterfield Cllr Fred Quayle, Cllr Ken Walker, Mayoress of Chesterfield those with young families. will help cut down on the number of our services for customers.” Shirley Boulton, Paul Lynch and Cllr Marian Stockdale launch the new fleet of buses. strong results but tough times ahead Stagecoach Group has have an impact, on the Group’s UK Commenting on the results, Mr posted strong interim results rail division in particular, over the Souter said: “We have achieved despite the gloomy economy. RESULTS FACTFILE next 12 to 18 months. In anticipation good growth in our bus and rail However, the Group expects of this, a review of rail operations operations and the overall trading Revenue from continuing Group businesses up 27% tough trading conditions in • is currently under way to identify of the Group remains in line with 2009/10, particularly affecting UK Interim dividend increased by 33% to 1.8p per ordinary share possible cost savings. our expectations for the year ending Rail, and plans are under way to • In addition, several projects are 30 April 2009. identify cost savings. • uk Bus passenger volumes up 4.1% being implemented which are “Rising consumer household bills, Revenue from the Group’s expected to have a positive impact as well as increasing environmental continuing operations increased • like-for-like UK Rail revenue growth of 8.2% on rail revenue. These include awareness, are helping drive modal by 27% for the six months ending timetable improvements at East shift to our greener, smarter and October 31, 2008, while total • Virgin Rail Group poised for significant increase in services Midlands Trains and on the Virgin good value bus and rail services. operating profit was £119.8 million. West Coast franchise, along with We are experiencing particularly Growth in revenue and operating margin in North America. Strong trading was reported • the gating of several stations, strong demand for value products including Waterloo and Sheffield. in both bus and rail. across the business and Chief • Challenging 2009/10 outlook in UK Rail Executive Brian Souter said Revenue from the Group’s North “The short to medium-term the Group was well-placed to American operations – excluding outlook for our UK Rail operations withstand the challenging global by 4.1%. The results also showed Stagecoach has a 49% shareholding, megabus.com – was up 3.4% at is challenging and, in anticipation of economic conditions. continued growth for the UK Rail also performed strongly, with $267.7 million and operating profit a further deterioration in economic Stagecoach’s UK Bus operation business which includes South Stagecoach’s share of VRG’s – excluding megabus.com – was conditions, we are taking action continues to flourish, with West Trains, East Midlands Trains, profit after tax for the six-month $38.0 million. North American now to ensure our rail businesses increased revenue of 11.8% to Sheffield Supertram and Manchester period amounting to £15.1 million, megabus.com operations reported remain competitive. £410.4 million compared to £367.1 Metrolink. Revenue was up 50.7% compared to £12.9 million the year revenue of $15.4 million. “We expect our bus businesses million in the previous year. to £486.4 million compared to the before. Earnings per share grew by 29% to continue to perform well Estimated like-for-like passenger previous year. Mr Souter said the difficult and the dividend was increased by throughout the difficult economic volumes on UK Bus were up Virgin Rail Group (VRG), in which economic conditions were likely to 33% to 1.8p per ordinary share. conditions.”

East Midlands Driving Examiner Dave Earl was given a challenge to DRIVING THEM MAD train his Managing Director Gary Nolan, Operations Director Richard CCTV is watching Kay and Training Manager Wayne Lively in the art of Safe and Skilled Passengers travelling The team at the Control Driving for the brand new Drivers from Long Eaton station Centre works closely with CPC. are the first to benefit from Network Rail to manage As the photograph caption suggests, a new East Midlands Trains the smooth running of the Dave’s first thoughts, and possible CCTV monitoring system railway in the East Midlands choice of song, might have been trial. area. ‘There may be trouble ahead!’ If the pilot is successful, the The new CCTV system sees But, after seven hours of discussing new system could be rolled a move away from a VHS and demonstrating Safe and Skilled out to a number of other system, which simply records Driving, Dave’s thoughts and possible stations on the EMT network images for future reference, choice of song might have changed to in 2009. to a state-of-the-art digitally ‘What a difference a day makes!’ The new digital CCTV recorded system that can system provides live images be monitored live in the directly to East Midlands Control Centre. Playing it safe: Pictured, from left, are: Driving Trains’ Integrated Control This is made possible Examiner Dave Earl, Training Manager Centre in Derby, which is by the use of broadband Wayne Lively, Managing Director Gary manned round the clock. technology. Nolan and Operations Director Richard Kay. Winter 08/09 3 Stagecoach Group is one of of our management and our Britain’s top ten most admired Group’s rated in UK top ten business. companies, according to a survey of “As a Group, we have delivered Trains on time corporate reputation. Business School, the survey is a peer and community and environmental strongly on our organic growth Management Today’s annual review of corporate reputation across responsibility. strategy through a consistent focus more of the review of Britain’s top companies, 24 business sectors using responses Across all sectors, Stagecoach on innovation, strong marketing, a now in its 15th year, has placed from board-level representatives of was second for the quality of commitment to sustainable business, time in 2008 Stagecoach sixth out of more than competitors, as well as analysts and management and also received high and investment in good-value 200 businesses assessed in the City commentators. ratings for its financial soundness products and our people. East Midlands Trains’ survey. Stagecoach was ranked first in and capacity to innovate. “We are attracting more people punctuality improvement The Group also picked up the the transport sector on eight out Steven Stewart, Director of to our greener, smarter bus and rail programme is going from award for top company in the of the nine performance criteria, Corporate Communications, said: services and we will continue to strength to strength. transport sector at a gala dinner in which covered everything from “We are delighted to have been strive to improve our performance Latest figures show London. quality of management and financial recognised by our peers and other further to deliver value to our punctuality at 90.9 per cent Conducted by Nottingham soundness to quality of marketing stakeholders for the high reputation customers and shareholders.” – the best recorded since the start of the new franchise. Stagecoach Group took over the operation of the new franchise in November 2007. East Midlands Trains’ growing fleet performance improvement programme has included the launch of the Right Time Railway, an initiative to improve train punctuality and a new joint control expands in USA centre, shared with Stagecoach has expanded its with huge growth potential as Network Rail, to improve budget inter-city coach service growing numbers of people communication on the megabus.com to four new ditch their cars for high-quality, day-to-day operation of locations in North America as low-cost coach travel to beat the services. more people ditch their cars and credit crunch, rising fuel prices Tim Shoveller, Managing get on board public transport. and higher household bills.” Director for East Midlands The market-leading service, megabus.com began offering Trains, said: “It’s fantastic which is attracting 150,000 fares for as little a $1 in the to see that our initiative passengers a month, began United States in April 2006, and to improve punctuality and running to the new locations in now covers 13 US states and one reliability across the network early December and customers Canadian province, attracting is starting to pay off. can start booking now at www. commuters, students, business “We know that our megabus.com for journeys to and and leisure travellers. passengers want reliable from Albany, N.Y.; Rochester, Around two million passengers trains, and we are N.Y.; Syracuse, N.Y. and Niagara have now travelled with the determined to deliver Falls, Ontario – all with direct market-leading budget carrier in punctual trains, day in, day routes from New York. North America. out. This brings the number of The expansion came only “Through our own internal locations served by megabus. weeks after Stagecoach improvement initiative, com’s New York hub to 11 cities, announced it had placed a $60 Golden year: Leamington’s Goldline service has celebrated its first birthday. and by working closely with including Boston, Washington, million order for nearly 100 new Network Rail, passengers are Philadelphia, Baltimore, Buffalo, state-of-the-art double-decker already starting to see real N.Y. and Atlantic City, N.J. in coaches. improvements. the United States and Toronto in The new 81-seat wheelchair- HAPPY BIRTHDAY GOLDLINE! “However, we are determined to keep on Canada. accessible vehicles are equipped Leamington Spa bus service Goldline service run has proved a getting better and better, Dale Moser, President and with comfortable reclining seats Goldline, which has already been winner. and build on the solid Chief Operating Officer of with safety belts, reading lamps, commended at two separate bus Sam Dixon, Operations Manager foundations we now have in megabus.com, said: “In the power outlets, free wi-fi, and awards ceremonies, has celebrated at Leamington, said: “With Goldline, place.” current tough economic climate, toilets. its first anniversary. we have tried very hard to create budget products like megabus. megabus.com research shows With 10% growth in passenger a new type of bus service and to com are exactly what consumers that 90 per cent of customers numbers since it was launched and demonstrate to our customers that are looking for to make their have used the budget service as an increase in frequency from every we are here to serve their needs in Witchcraft dollar go further. an alternative to the car, train or ten minutes to every seven, the a very reliable and dependable way.” “We believe this is a market plane. aids cause ALL ABOARD A magical day provided a The long walk home special boost for Children in Need. THE LOVE BUS Stagecoach my wonderful colleagues Staff at Stagecoach East A groom and his bride boarded the bus Strathtay employee at Stagecoach for their Midlands Head Office raided to the get them to the church on time. Heather Donaldson generosity and support. their dressing-up boxes for After spending 44 years as a bus joined hundreds of “A special thanks to the national fund-raising company engineer, it was no surprise that nocturnal trekkers to Martyn Levett, Ken event on November 14. Stagecoach South’s Engineering Director take part in Scotland’s Clark and Kevin Culley This year, the chosen Richard Alexander and his bride Sue first everS ue Ryder Care on the night for their theme was ‘It’s Magic’, Mabey, an administrator for the same Midnight Walk. encouraging tooting and which brought out all sorts company, used buses to transport their The marathon hike honking!” of unsavoury characters to family and friends from the Chichester kicked off at the Tay Heather raised a convert the building into a registry office to their blessing held at Bridge at 10.30pm, and fantastic £750 for Sue witches’ coven for the day. their local church in Westbourne. Heather and her fellow Ryder Care. A total of £247.20 was Over 80 relatives and friends hopped fundraisers walked an Her efforts will help raised, and an additional on Stagecoach’s own 1964 ‘Queen Mary’ exhausting 10 miles. the charity continue to £250 was donated by Leyland PD3 double-deck bus and a fully Heather, who give care and support Stagecoach East Midlands. Transport of delight: Richard and Sue with restored 1971 Bristol VRT double-decker, completed the challenge to people with terminal Organisers thanked the double-deckers in their green and cream provided by an enthusiast, to make the in 2½ hours, said: “I illnesses and their everyone who contributed to Southdown Motor Company livery at Westbourne. most of their special day. would like to thank all families. the event. 4 Winter 08/09 South West Trains has launched Stagecoach Group. said: “Stagecoach is already a passenger pilot of the UK’s first Smartcard scheme takes off Further ITSO smartcard leading the way in delivering national rail smartcard. schemes have been specified for smartcard technology on its buses A number of season ticket biggest commuter rail network in London (TfL) on making TfL’s other rail franchises, including the in the UK and we are excited holders are taking part in the pilot the UK. smartcard system compatible with East Midlands franchise, which is about testing the national rail between Staines and Windsor to Equipment is being installed the national ITSO system, to allow also operated by Stagecoach. network’s first smartcard. help test and perfect the ITSO at stations across the South London to be included. The first passenger pilot scheme, “We are committed to working smartcard technology before it is West Trains network to allow Developing the first ever national which began in November, is with other transport players rolled out across the network. smartcards to be introduced rail smartcard has taken two years operating at stations between to realise the full, enormous The pilot is the first step in the gradually on a route-by-route basis. of hard work after it was specified Staines and Windsor. potential of these smartcards delivery of the smartcard system The Department for Transport as part of the new South Western Ian Dobbs, Chief Executive of throughout the South West Trains across South West Trains, the is working with Transport for franchise, which is operated by Stagecoach Group’s Rail Division, area.” Making Flying the flag for cancer cause A Stagecoach East Midlands bus has 504 patients. London had a makeover to promote the Marie Curie The charity’s community fund-raising Cancer Care charity. manager Judy Glossop said: “I am simply greener The new livery was officially launched thrilled that Lincolnshire will now have a by the charity’s patron Lady Graydon at dedicated bus for Marie Curie Cancer Care. A joint initiative between Brayford Wharf in Lincoln recently and will “This is such an imaginative way to South West Trains and Network been seen all around the Lincolnshire area on inform people about the vital work of our Rail is trialling the introduction various routes. Marie Curie nurses in Lincolnshire while of facilities for passengers to Marie Curie Cancer Care provides free encouraging people to support us in any way recycle their newspapers when nursing care to people with terminal cancer they wish.” they arrive at London Waterloo and other illnesses. There are now 52 Marie To support or find out more about the Marie every morning. Curie nurses in Lincolnshire, who provided Curie Cancer Care, contact 01476 576000 or With more and more free Caring campaign: The Marie Curie Cancer Care bus. 42,380 hours of home nursing care last year to visit www.mariecurie.org.uk papers being distributed at stations there is a real need for facilities to make recycling easier, and the three-month pilot project will see newspaper recycling bins on nine platforms. Around 75,000 issues of the Stagecoach top Metro are handed out at South West Trains stations a day, which is around 12 tonnes of paper – or the equivalent of a fully loaded Routemaster bus! Andrew Fairbank, South of the league West Trains’ Head of Stations, Stagecoach is the most ethical of its corporate governance and how strive to improve our performance includes investment in renewable said: “We are calling on all of the UK’s big five public transport the Group addresses its own sector and make our business even more fuels and cleaner engines, state-of- passengers to dispose of their groups, according to a major new issues. sustainable.” the-art energy-efficient facilities, newspapers at the designated survey. Steven Stewart, Director of Stagecoach’s commitment to a water and waste recycling initiatives recycling bins. The research, carried out by Corporate Communications, said: culture of responsible business is and offering businesses green travel “An indirect benefit, which the Observer newspaper in “Building a sustainable business, detailed in its Code of Business incentives for their employees. is not only to our passengers conjunction with Co-operative Asset based on strong governance and Conduct. As part of the company’s drive but also to the whole world, is Management, ranked Stagecoach positive relationships with our It outlines the company’s values to reduce its carbon footprint, the that less waste goes to landfill, Group in the top 10% of UK plcs. stakeholders, is central to the way around fairness, diversity and Group is currently updating its therefore reducing the adverse Stagecoach Group was placed we work – from our customers, equality, as well as its approach to climate change strategy and the new affects on the environment. 34th in the second annual Good investors, suppliers and employees safety and the environment, and the carbon management programme “The vast majority of our Companies Guide, which assesses to the wider community and the way it treats its people, customers, will put in place new processes, key passengers are responsible the performance of all the shares in global environment. local communities and other key performance indicators, targets and and help keep our trains the FTSE 350 index against a range “We firmly believe responsible stakeholders. initiatives to drive improvement and stations clean but, by of social, environmental and ethical business is good business, and The Group is continuing a major across the business. adding this facility, it can only criteria. our ethical approach can give us a drive to make its own business more Earlier this year, a Stagecoach study improve this further and help The company was awarded a commercial advantage. sustainable and attract more people of more than 4,000 consumers in the the environment at the same rating of 73.56 out of 100, based on “While we are pleased we have to travel by bus, coach, train and UK found that 62% were more likely time.” how it reports and manages its social been recognised for our achieve- tram. to travel with a company whose and environmental risks, the quality ments to date, we will continue to Stagecoach’s wide-ranging strategy ethics supported the environment.

Five pupil poets from Kent are to Big night for long-serving staff have their winning work displayed THEY’RE POETS AND THEY KNOW IT on Stagecoach buses in the region. Forty Stagecoach Manchester staff – who Stagecoach in East Kent sponsored together have clocked up over 1,025 years the Canterbury Festival’s Schools’ of service to the company – attended a Poetry competition for the sixth year long service awards evening at the city’s and agreed to place a selection from Radisson Edwardian hotel. the winners inside the buses for Mark Threapleton, Managing Director the enjoyment and interest of their at Stagecoach Manchester, said: “I am passengers. delighted to express my genuine apprecia- The five winners were selected from tion and congratulations to all our staff nearly 1,000 poems based on this who achieved their long service for their year’s theme ‘Emotions’. commitment to the company. At the presentation held at the “We are very proud to have so many City’s Dominican Priory, Tom Bridge, loyal and long-serving staff. Their Stagecoach’s Operations Manager Tom Bridge with the five winners (from left) Josephine Brissy-Haynes, Sophie Parker, dedication to the job has helped establish in Canterbury, said the company Emma Hudson, Izabella Carmen and Eavan Goodman. and maintain our good name in the region. was delighted to support the festival “Everyone at the awards had at least 20 poetry competition that is promoted “We are pleased to be able to let the “We know from feedback given to years’ service and three also received an Congratulations! Over a millennium throughout the region’s schools and work of the selected winners reach a drivers that our customers enjoy the award for more than 40 years, which is no of service is celebrated by again display some of the favourites wider audience on our buses,” said creative and often thought-provoking mean feat in any job.” Stagecoach Manchester staff. for the enjoyment of their passengers. Tom. writing.” Winter 08/09 5 A round-Britain bus tour has miles in total. raised £2000 for Macmillan Cancer Stagecoach paid for the rented van Kick start for Support. the group used for the journey, while Fitting tribute to Trina The charity event was organised in megabus donated the fuel. football club memory of Stagecoach employee Trina The marathon team members have King who died last year, aged just 27, said a huge thank you to Brian Souter, Young sports fans from following a brave battle with cancer. Ian Laing at megabus, John Gould Manchester’s Moss Side have Trina’s husband Andrew King and at Stagecoach in South Wales, Mark formed their own football her brother Rod Teague took to the Tunstall, Ops Manager at Cwmbran, club, thanks to support from road with megabus drivers Gareth Micky Fitzgerald in Liverpool and Stagecoach. Evans and Pete Morgan on a whistle- everyone up and down the country Stagecoach Manchester stop tour of all 17 of Stagecoach’s who supported the challenge. stepped in to support the regional HQs, collecting donations as Special thanks also go to Amanda Hideaway Youth project, which they went. Kirtley at Broadacre House, Carlisle. aims to solve social conflict The epic sponsored drive began at Anyone who’d like to boost the between two groups of youths Land’s End and went all the way to appeal total is welcome to donate who live on opposite sides of the John o’ Groats and then back to Land’s online at www.justgiving.com/ In fond memory: Fundraisers Andrew King, Road Teague, Gareth Evans and Princess Road depot in Moss End again in just three days – 2835 megabusmarathon Pete Morgan with megabus Route Manager Ian Laing. Side. The company donated £1,000, which enabled the team to jet off to Barcelona to take part in a football tournament organised by International Sport and Leisure. GETTING ON BOARD On the back of their success this summer, Hideaway FC has gone on to join the first division of the Chesman League, the Cheshire and Manchester Sunday WITH REAL NAPPIES League An innovative eco-partnership is car, offering savings of around £700 Mark Threapleton, Managing offering free travel to new parents a year. Director of Stagecoach using real nappies for their babies. Brian Souter, Stagecoach Group Manchester, said: “We are Chief Executive, said: “Climate delighted to be supporting a Stagecoach is offering a week’s free change is an issue that is of real fantastic initiative and share the bus travel to encourage new parents concern to our customers and local vision that football can play an to sign up to the Perth and Kinross authorities face tough new environ- important part in improving the Real Nappy Network (PKRNN). mental targets on landfill, air quality lives of young men in inner city PKRNN, a partnership between and recycling. areas. local parents, Perth and Kinross “Stagecoach has invested £7.75 “We hope that the project will Council and healthcare profession- million in new buses for the region strengthen community cohesion, als, provides information, advice and over the past year, with child- as well as giving these young men support about washable nappies. friendly low floors, plenty of space hope for the future. We wish Parents and carers wishing to give for shopping and high-frequency them all the best for the rest of real nappies a go can hire a full kit services that make catching the bus the season.” of nappies and accessories to try at hassle-free. Pete Thomason, young men’s home on their own baby. “This is a perfect partnership. Real project worker at the Hideaway This lets them see just how easy nappies and sustainable bus travel Youth project, added: “This will they are to use and can help with Nappy-go-lucky: Brian Souter pins his hopes on Stagecoach’s real nappy promotion. are both better for the environment. help bring young people together, deciding which system to buy. “They can also save families strengthening community spirit. Some 8 million disposable nappies the carbon footprint of disposables, Meanwhile, a typical five-mile hundreds of pounds a year which, in “The lads had a fantastic trip are thrown away in the UK every day which are believed to take hundreds trip to work by car emits more than the current economic climate, is a real to Spain this summer. It was an with 90% going to landfill – a total of of years to decompose. 2kg of CO2 compared to 1.5g if you incentive for people to go green.” experience they will remember 3 billion nappies every year. And, as well as the huge take the bus, which can result in Sue Terras, Project Officer for for the rest of their lives.“ One baby will use a tonne of nappies each year and will be in environmental benefit, using significant CO2 savings over a year. PKRNN, said: “Having a baby is an nappies for an average of two-and-a- home-laundered nappies could save A recent Stagecoach survey showed important time in life and we want half years. parents around £500 on the cost of that bus travel in Perth can be up to to make it easy for families to make New names Real nappies have around half keeping a baby in disposables. 69% cheaper than commuting by green choices.” on the line STAFF GO THAT EXTRA MILE FOR CHARITY Passengers are enjoying Coaching hockey faster journey times and more Bus workers got on their bikes to raise funds for available seats thanks to East charity. Coach Canada has teamed up with the Midlands Trains’ new, improved Stagecoach North East employees cycled 1,540 International Ice Hockey Federation to bring the Sheffield to London timetable. miles in aid of the Chris Lucas Trust. 2009 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship to And two key business trains Alan Appleby, Storekeeper at Stagecoach North the ice in Ottawa, Ontario, from December 17 to have new names – The Sheffield East’s Walkergate depot, biked for 165 miles. January 5. Continental and The South He was joined on his travels by a handful of Ten squads will be vying for the title in this Yorkshireman – thanks to engineers from the depot and, between them, world-class event, which will be broadcast over suggestions submitted by staff they raised £1,056 for the charitable trust. many networks across the globe. and passengers. Stagecoach North East then topped up this The teams consist of Team Canada (the Commercial Director David figure, bringing the grand total to £1,500. four-time defending world junior champions), Horne said: “We received over The Chris Lucas Trust was named in memory USA, Russia, Kazakhstan, Germany, Czech 150 suggestions, reflecting the of a Newcastle teenager, and helps improve the Republic, Finland, Sweden, Latvia and Slovakia. pride people have in the region lives of children and young adults affected by The Coach Canada event team will include 22 and the importance of this link cancer. drivers, dispatch and operations staff and on-site we provide to the capital. It also funds scientific research into Saddle up! Paul Callahan demonstrates his cycling management, operating 10 motor coaches, media “I believe the new names will rhabdomyosarcoma, the aggressive form of the proficiency to Stagecoach colleagues at Walkergate shuttles and operations vehicles for the duration be well received by staff and disease that Chris suffered from. and Lynn Lucas from the Chris Lucas Trust. of the tournament. passengers alike, and we hope to Speaking on behalf of the group, Alan said: Special thanks have gone to these workers, who see lots of business customers “This is the third year running that I have cycled “It would be great for more of the staff at have graciously given up their holiday time to travelling with us on them to for charity and it’s been great to have a few more Walkergate to join in next year as it’s good fun, represent Coach Canada to the world and help London.” of the lads from the engineering department a great way to keep fit and most of all you get to make the event a great success. biking alongside me. help the local community.” 6 Winter 08/09 CHRISTMAS SPIRIT IN A SHOEBOX EMT cleans up Generous staff at Perth head office Maldova and India. donated a pile of presents to those less Over the past five years, Blythswood Passengers travelling with East fortunate this Christmas. has delivered more than 500,000 shoe Midlands Trains can expect to see Once again this year, Stagecoach boxes to people in need. cleaner, fresher trains out and supported the Blythswood Shoe Box This year, staff donated a variety of about very soon. Appeal which sends shoe boxes full of items including clothes, toys, toiletries, The company recently took goodies to underprivileged children books and sweets which made their way delivery of a state-of-the-art and adults in Romania, Serbia, across the world to help ensure a brighter Hydromaster cleaning machine to Bulgaria, Albania, Hungary, Ukraine, Christmas for dozens of people. From Perth with love: Head office staff sent Christmas shoeboxes to the needy. help clean carpets and seat covers of trains used to operate its local services. The new machine will be used at the company’s Eastcroft Depot in Nottingham where around 28 trains are cleaned, refuelled and Green investment inspected every night ahead of a busy day in service in the East Midlands. The Hydromaster also uses fewer chemicals so it is more in guided busway environmentally friendly and its modern diesel generator is more Stagecoach has placed a £3 will be able to attract current car economic to run. million order for new state-of- users to a significantly greener, Dave Penney, Depot Manager for the-art vehicles to operate on smarter travel option.” East Midlands Trains at Eastcroft the longest and greenest guided Commissioned by Cambridge- Depot, said: ”Before we had the busway in the world. shire County Council, the 25km Hydromaster we had to take all the The new fleet of 20 vehicles, (16 mile) guided busway will seat covers off and send them away which will run on 100% biofuel provide a frequent, reliable, to be cleaned. produced from recycled food sustainable and attractive public “Now we can use this machine waste, will go into service on the transport alternative for people to clean in situ – so it’s quicker and Cambridgeshire Guided Busway driving along the busy A14 cheaper. The results are amazing – when it opens in April 2009. between St Ives and Cambridge. it can even remove tar and chewing All of the new specially The scheme, which will cost a gum!” branded vehicles will be total of £116.2m, is being built equipped with leather seats, as part of plans by the council air chill or air conditioning, to put in place facilities to meet Surf-boarding on the bus: Cllr Lynne Stagg (left) and Andrew Dyer launch Southsea’s real-time information, and wi-fi the needs of thousands of new Tickets please new buses. to enable passengers to access residents, with more than 47,000 email and the web on the move. new houses expected to be built East Midlands Trains has unveiled The buses will produce up to in the Cambridge area by 2016. six new ticket vending machines SURF’S UP FOR POPULAR BUS ROUTE 80% less carbon emissions than Stagecoach has seen huge (TVMs) at St. Pancras International Southsea passengers are fresh, identifiable image for the vehicles using conventional growth in the number of station. greeting new buses with a wave buses that have the very latest diesel. Single-decker vehicles people using its bus network in The machines allow passengers of enthusiasm. emission reduction technology to will meet Euro 5 emissions Cambridge over the past seven to buy tickets on-line and collect at As rain driven by gale-force Euro 5 standards. standards, while double-deckers years. the station or to purchase tickets winds lashed the town’s seafront, Slogans ‘Surf to Town, City will feature Euro 4 engines. Passenger numbers have directly from the machine at the Cllr Lynne Stagg, Cabinet and Sea’ and ‘Surf and Save’ – Les Warneford, Managing grown by over 100%, more than time of travel. A total of 45 TVMs Member for Traffic and Trans- emphasising the savings that Director of Stagecoach UK Bus, double the rate in London, on will be installed across the route. portation, Portsmouth City can be made by using the bus said: “This is a major investment the citi network. Jake Kelly, Director of Customer Council and Andrew Dyer, network as well as benefiting the by Stagecoach in a project that Around £11 million has been Service, said: “We know passengers Regional Managing Director environment – feature heavily on we believe will bring significant invested by Stagecoach in 100 want choice in how and when they for Stagecoach, braved the the new livery. economic, transport and new vehicles for the Cambridge buy their ticket. elements to launch 18 new Enviro Andrew Dyer said: “We carry environmental benefits to the bus network in the past seven “The machines are modern, quick 300 single-deck, low-emission, over 40,000 passengers per Cambridgeshire region. years. and easy to use, and are available to easy-access buses for the popular week on the service and we are “The Cambridgeshire Guided Bus use has been boosted passengers throughout the day.” Southsea, Portsmouth and confident that even more growth Busway will improve access to by a strong partnership with Havant to Leigh Park Route 23. can be achieved as more people jobs, education, healthcare and Cambridgeshire County Council The vehicles, requiring an realise that bus travel can save shopping for local people. and other local organisations investment of more than £2 them money when compared “By using 100% biofuel and and businesses, which has What rubbish! million from Stagecoach, have to the cost of motoring and equipping the vehicles with included the introduction been branded ‘The Surf’ for a parking.” hi-spec features such as leather of important bus priority Sheffield Supertram is over- seats and wi-fi, we believe we measures. hauling its waste management structure and the way it disposes of rubbish. Shock donation for Magpas In an effort to cut Supertram’s carbon footprint and allow more Stagecoach Cambridgeshire used in Needingworth and was recycling of rubbish to take place, a gave emergency medical charity presented to Magpas Needingworth waste management and recycling Magpas an early Christmas Community First Responder Dulcie area has been created. present by presenting one of their Capper. A compactor which crushes waste Community First Responder Groups She said: “The defibrillator is an and then seals it in a six-tonne with an automatic defibrillator. essential part of our medical kit and container is being installed. The defibrillator is a life-saving can be the difference between life The container should only need piece of equipment that and death.” emptying once every three or four automatically reads a patient’s heart Andy Campbell, Managing weeks which will be a reduction and knows when to shock in cases of Director of Stagecoach Cambridge, of 16 journeys in and out of the cardiac arrest. added: “We are delighted to be plant per month, thus reducing the It is a vital piece of apparatus that able to help the charity. Their company’s carbon footprint. has allowed the charity to train Community First Responders Once the recycling bay is up non-medical volunteers to make do wonderful work helping to and running, staff will also be a real difference in their own local save lives in the local community encouraged to separate plastic community. and Stagecoach is committed to Stagecoach Cambridge Managing Director Andy Campbell presents Magpas bottles and cans wherever possible. The new defibrillator will be supporting local good causes.” Community First Responder Dulcie Capper with the defibrillator. Winter 08/09 7 Transport Awards yield high praise for Scots services STAGECOACH LEADS THE WAY

Stagecoach has been recognised for the high quality of its bus operations at the 2008 Scottish Transport Awards. Recently retired Stagecoach East Scotland Engineering Director Sandy Brydon picked AT the 2008 UK BUS AWARDS up the award for Outstanding Contribution to Local Transport. For the second year in a row, Stagecoach came Stagecoach was shortlisted for Public out on top with the highest number of honours Transport Operator of the Year for its at the 2008 UK Bus Awards. Fife and Bluebird operations and both The company scooped three top awards at the companies were commended for their 13th annual London ceremony, winning the Bus achievements and commitment to in the Countryside and Young Manager of the passenger growth in their respective areas. Year categories. Stagecoach in Fife is one of the largest bus Stagecoach co-founder and Chief Executive operators in Scotland and has been praised Brian Souter was also given a special recognition for the continual investment and innovation award for services to the bus industry. in a range of projects, including the Accepting his award, Mr Souter said: “This introduction of an entirely carbon-neutral is a real honour and I feel very humbled and network between Fife and Edinburgh, which privileged to be considered for this award. has attracted more passengers to bus travel. “It’s great to be part of this industry and I’m Over the past year, Stagecoach Bluebird privileged to have been able to make a career out has invested £5.5 million in 39 new fully of something that was a hobby and that I really accessible low-floor buses and coaches. enjoy.” The investment has made bus travel across Stagecoach North West Operations Manager the Aberdeenshire, Moray, Buchan and CPT President Giles Fearnley and Dr David Quarmby congratulate Brian Souter on his award. Rob Jones won the Young Manager of the Inverness areas an accessible and affordable travel choice for many more people, contrib- uting to a 7% increase in passenger numbers Alan’s a double winner over the last two years. Recognition for top UK bus apprentices Stagecoach was also highly commended Stagecoach’s top UK Bus for the Airdirect747 service, which operates apprentices were recognised at the been Fife and Edinburgh Airport. The company’s fourth annual Apprentice of service was shortlisted in the Excellence in the Year Awards. Marketing and Travel Planning category. Nine engineering apprentices Several marketing and promotional were awarded for their outstanding campaigns have been implemented since performance at a ceremony in the launch of the Airdirect747 service in Manchester. February 2006 and the service has seen The winners received individual continual passenger growth ever since. trophies and tools supplied by event sponsors Alexander Dennis Ltd, Optare Group, Roadcrew and Teng Tools. Third-year apprentice Lloyd Thomas Second-year Apprentice of the Year Ricky Hatton Weeks after winning the South West Trains Daniel’s leading from Stagecoach South Wales became (left), third-year winner Lloyd Thomas and first- Customer Service Employee of 2008 title, Alan the first Stagecoach apprentice to be year winner Ben Coghlan with their trophies. Hopgood did it again, winning the Outstanding the field in named Apprentice of the Year three Customer Service category at this year’s Railstaff times in a row. Stagecoach in Warwickshire. Awards. Lloyd picked up his latest title ahead The first-year Apprentice of the Year professionalism The awards, held at the ICC in Birmingham in of Jamie Bateson from Stagecoach was Ben Coghlan from Stagecoach November, saw Alan up against people from across South West North West and Stephen Hitchin from Manchester, who pipped David Simpson the industry. Trains was bursting Alan, pictured above, scooped the honour and with pride when was applauded for his commitment to delivering Sheffield’s Supertram was Daniel Opoku from a quality service at all times and always remaining honoured at the 2008 Light Rail Mortlake station Refreshing prize for Supertram cheerful and positive whatever he is faced with. Awards for an innovative vehicle triumphed at the Seven other members of the South West Trains refurbishment project. National Customer team were finalists and joined Alan on the night. The Stagecoach company picked Service Awards. They were: up the Project of the Year award In the Customer Carl Fisher at Kingston station – for its ‘Refresh’ scheme – a £3 Service Profes- Newcomer of the Year million upgrade programme run in sional of the Year Paul Little at Richmond station – partnership with South Yorkshire category, Daniel Rail Person of the Year Passenger Transport Executive Opoku shone brighter than the other nine Kevin Ward at Wimbledon depot – (SYPTE). finalists and scooped the honour for the Depot Staff of the Year The Refresh project aims to enhance frontline workforce category. Richard Mackman at Wimbledon station – the travel experience for tram users. Daniel has been the smiling, friendly face Rail Safety Person of the Year Not only do the improvements at Mortlake for over 12 years and ensures Elizabeth Wright at Ash Vale station – provide a better level of customer that anyone travelling from the station Station Staff of the Year comfort and security, but facilities leaves knowing he has done the best he can Alan Bowers at Richmond station – have also been upgraded to assist for them. Rail Person of the Year mobility-impaired passengers. Ian Johnston, South West Trains Customer Dave Smith at Fratton depot – Stagecoach Supertram Maintenance Sheffield Supertrams have been spruced up in a successful refurbishment programme. Service Director, said: “I am extremely Depot Staff of the Year. Ltd is the only UK light rail company proud that Daniel has been recognised for to attempt and successfully carry out a rail industry for its design, innovation, the fantastic customer service he delivers Managing Director of South West Trains, Stewart refresh on-site, with staff undertaking speed, quality and value for money. day in, day out. Daniel truly is part of the Palmer, said: “Alan and our other finalists are shining the majority of the work. Andy Morris, Managing Director community as everyone knows him and examples of customer service, working to the The project has been widely praised of Stagecoach Light Rail, said: nothing is too much trouble for him when it highest standards day in, day out.” by all sections of the tram and light “Customer reaction to our tram comes to looking after his customers. “

8 Winter 08/09 STAGECOACH LEADS THE WAY

AT the 2008 UK BUS AWARDS Top of the class: Award-winning apprentice James Belfield. Year award after judges agreed he had added Bus apprentice significant value to the future of the company. After receiving his award, Rob said: “I’m comes out on top delighted and amazed to have won and I’d like to thank everyone that I work with for all their Stagecoach UK Bus apprentice James hard work throughout the past year.” Belfield has won a prestigious national Stagecoach in Oxfordshire won the Bus in the award. Countryside award after achieving passenger Manchester apprentice James (21) was growth of over a third in the past year on its named the 2008 winner of the Transport Route 20 service. Engineering and Maintenance category The judges also awarded Stagecoach two at the GoSkills Passenger Transport runners-up places at the awards. Apprenticeship Awards ceremony in Stagecoach West Scotland was runner-up in the London. Express Coach Operator of the Year category for The win means that Stagecoach its X76/X77 express network, while Stagecoach apprentices have won the same award for Yorkshire was a close second in the Integration three consecutive years. Award for its Supertram bus link in Sheffield. This year James was joined on the In total, Stagecoach had 14 shortlisted entries in awards shortlist by two other Stagecoach the competition’s 19 categories this year. apprentices – Kendal based Jamie Bateson (21) and Graham Evans (22) from the Swindon depot. The awards – covering the rail, aviation and Recognition for top UK bus apprentices Stagecoach West Scotland staff celebrate their Bus Operator Innovation award at the Route One Awards. coach and bus industries – are organised from Stagecoach Strathtay/Perth and by GoSkills, the Sector Skills Council for Darren Watson from Stagecoach West Employees take route one to success Passenger Transport. Scotland to the title. Les Warneford, Managing Director of The second-year award went to Ricky Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “I would like to THREE top honours went to Stagecoach at to run on 100% recycled biodiesel. congratulate James on his win. This award is Hatton from East London Bus Group one of the bus and coach industry’s premier Meanwhile, Stagecoach Manchester who finished ahead of Matthew Glaister credit to his personal commitment and also awards events. Managing Director Mark Threapleton won reflects the high standard of training and from Stagecoach North West and A total of 15 awards were presented by the night’s Special Award for the valuable Robert McCulloch from Stagecoach development we provide for our employees. routeone Editor Mike Morgan, comedian contribution he has made to the wider “Our apprentices are the future of North East. Jimmy Tarbuck and individual sponsors industry over the past 12 months. Dorothy Hermiston, Deputy Training Stagecoach and it’s extremely encouraging at the fourth annual awards ceremony to Les Warneford, Managing Director of to see the high standard of work being and Development manager at recognise excellence within bus and coach Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “A commitment Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “To secure a produced in all our depots across the industry. to excellence, innovation, sustainability and country. Second-year Apprentice of the Year Ricky Hatton place as a Stagecoach apprentice is a Picking up the Large Operator of the customer service are at the heart of our (left), third-year winner Lloyd Thomas and first- great achievement in itself but these “To have such quality within our ranks Year award, Stagecoach Cambridge and approach to delivering bus services to our bodes well, not only for the future of year winner Ben Coghlan with their trophies. nine winners have excelled themselves Peterborough was praised by the judges passengers. throughout the past year and thoroughly Stagecoach, but for the passengers who for constantly seeking and exploiting new “We are delighted to have received these travel on our buses.” Stagecoach in Warwickshire. deserve their awards. initiatives to maintain an already impressive awards which recognise the quality of our The first-year Apprentice of the Year “Stagecoach’s apprentice programme Winning apprentice James added: “It is a record of growth. services and our people who ensure we great honour to win this award and I would was Ben Coghlan from Stagecoach is one of the most comprehensive and Stagecoach West Scotland’s BioBus deliver a first-class bus service. I would like Manchester, who pipped David Simpson challenging in the bus industry.” like to thank my mentors and engineering project came out on top as Innovation of to congratulate all three winners on their colleagues at Stockport and Princess Road the Year after trialling the UK’s first vehicles well deserved recognition.” depots in Manchester for the support they Refreshing prize for Supertram have given me.” Diversity and growth bring top honours megabus.com goes Stagecoach Yorkshire is celebrating a the company.” journey of achievement following recent Stagecoach was also highly commended awards success. in the Business Growth Award category at that extra mile Stagecoach scooped the Diverse Barnsley Business Awards. Megabus.com in North America has Workplace Award, sponsored by Barnsley It follows a major review of services which been named as the 2008 winner of Budget Work & Skills Board, at the prestigious resulted in passenger journeys increasing Travel Magazine’s Extra Mile Award. Barnsley Business Awards 2008 in November. by more than half a million during the year The market-leading megabus.com service The award recognises a strong sense from May 2007, including adult fare paying – which offers fares from as little as $1 – was of community within the company and passenger journeys rising by five per cent. honoured for having done the most in the Stagecoach’s recruitment strategy, which past year to make travel easier or more encourages diversity among its 1,200 Just the ticket! affordable. employees. Stagecoach’s The judges praised megabus.com for Sue Hayes, Operations Director for Sue Hayes “giving travellers an inexpensive alternative Stagecoach Yorkshire, said: “Our employees picks up to driving or flying just when they Sheffield Supertrams have been spruced up in a successful refurbishment programme. are great ambassadors for our organisation. the Diverse needed it most – and for simultaneously “Working at Stagecoach gets in people’s Workplace revolutionising the way people think about rail industry for its design, innovation, refresh programme has been excellent blood because it’s a company with really Award from bus travel, with innovations such as free wi-fi, speed, quality and value for money. and has contributed to the continuing strong family values. Phil Coppard, video screens, headsets and seatbelts”. Andy Morris, Managing Director success of the tram network “There’s a real sense of comradeship and Chief Executive The Budget Travel Magazine editors said: of Stagecoach Light Rail, said: which now carries up to 15 million that’s something which is hard to find.W e of Barnsley “Megabus.com didn’t start a trend – it “Customer reaction to our tram passengers a year.” have multiple generations working within Council. reinvented bus travel for a new generation.”

Winter 08/09 9 New buses get GET SMART WITH to the heart of the matter

Two new Optare Solo TICKET MACHINES easy-access minibuses Stagecoach is on target Manager for Stagecoach Group, said: have been introduced to a to install new smartcard ticket “These new ticket machines will have re-branded route between machines on all of its buses in long-lasting benefits for passengers Tangmere, Boxgrove, St Scotland by spring 2009. and the industry once smartcard Richard’s Hospital and The company has already fitted technology is introduced across the Chichester. some 1500 high-tech ERG TP5000 country.” Stagecoach has improved ticket machines in its Scottish buses, Gordon Hanning, Head of the bus service in with around 400 left to deploy. Concessionary Travel and Integrated partnership with West And, so far, the machines have Ticketing Unit at Transport Scotland, Sussex County Council and been used in well over two million said: “Transport Scotland has been The Grange, a new homes concessionary travel journeys. working with bus operators and development by Bellway Currently, the use of smartcards in ticketing suppliers to ensure the Southern Counties at Scotland is limited to concessionary roll-out of the Electronic Ticketing Westhampnett. travel card-holders. Machines on buses across Scotland At the launch of the new The new machines require is implemented as smoothly as ‘Hearts’ buses , Cllr Mike concessionary travel passengers to possible. Hall, West Sussex County show their National Entitlement Card “We anticipate the bulk of the entire Councillor for Chichester to the driver while placing their card Scottish bus fleet will be equipped North, and Andrew Jarvis, on the new readers. with Electronic Ticketing Machines Operations Director of They make concession travel by the spring and we are pleased Stagecoach, issued timetable recording more accurate and operators such as Stagecoach are on information and discount reduce the likelihood of fraudulent target to achieve this.” vouchers to Bellway’s Sales behaviour, as well as making life The programme of work in Adviser Annette Devey for easier for passengers. Scotland is part of a UK-wide distribution to the new The implementation of the scheme Stagecoach initiative to work in residents at The Grange. is being managed and funded by partnership with local authorities to It’s hoped the new buses Transport Scotland, an agency of the install ITSO certified machines on all will encourage more Scottish Government, and it’s the 7200 Stagecoach buses. people to travel into the first time the technology has been The project is part of the heart of Chichester by bus introduced in an entire country rather introduction of national and reduce emissions and than a city. concessionary travel schemes using That’s smart! Pensioner Anne Robertson uses the new smartcard ticket machines with congestion at peak times. George Connell, Programme smartcards across the UK. the help of driver David James. Marathon rowers race to the coast in exhausting charity challenge

A team of South West Trains and Network Rail at Waterloo – the challenge, said: “Thanks and Network Rail employees puffing and panting their way to to everyone who supported us raised a tremendous £8,752 their target. preparing for the event, taking for BBC’s Children in Need The 30-strong team rowed the part in the rowing and donating by rowing from London to 108 miles from the capital to on the day. Bournemouth – without leaving the popular seaside resort on a “Passengers and railway Waterloo station. rowing machine between 8am employees were most generous The ‘Row the Route Challenge’ and 8pm – and they reached and blew away our £5,000 target saw a mix of employees – ‘Bournemouth’ with just 12 by donating on our Just Giving including drivers, guards, minutes to spare! website www.justgiving.com/ station, operations and office Guildford Driver Manager Bill waterloo and putting money in Sticking their oar in: A rowing machine marathon earned thousands for Children in Need. staff from South West Trains Humphrys, who helped organise our collection buckets.” John gets on his bike ALL TIED UP FOR CHARITY Manchester bus staff tied up for the charity. for Children in Need a tidy sum for Children in Need. George Franks and Marie Workers at the Princess Road Lavelle from Stagecoach Bus driver John Burton raised more than Depot shelled out donations for Princess Road are pictured £650 for Children in Need by taking part in the privilege of wearing their showing off their worthy sponsored cycle ride. own ties for the day, raising £100 donation. John, who works at the Herne Bay depot, cycled the popular Triangle bus route that runs between Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable. Almost daily, John takes passengers on the very same 24-mile route but, to raise cash, he decided to cycle the route as many times as possible in one day. John (24), from Canterbury, thanked everyone who sponsored him for their generous donations.

John Burton hits the road for his cycling challenge.

10 Winter 08/09 Bus service off to a flying start An innovative Quality Bus routes and providing flexible ticketing Cabinet Member for Transport and Partnership has delivered a 9% arrangements. Highways, said: “I am delighted to increase in passengers using a new An analysis of patronage shows that be able to announce that the quality network of bus services in North there are now around 110,000 journeys enhancements we are delivering Nottinghamshire. a month being taken on the network. with Stagecoach East Midlands are In May 2007, Nottinghamshire In an extension of the North Notts encouraging more people to travel by County Council offered a new Quality Bus Partnership, Stagecoach bus across North Nottinghamshire. contract to run key bus services launched Retford Bus About Town This is an important part of our between Worksop, Retford, and Robin in January 2008, using cascaded policy to reduce the impact of traffic Hood Airport near Doncaster with low-floor Dennis Darts, which congestion and pollution.” brand new buses provided by the provide better connections with the Stagecoach East Midlands Managing authority. new Primary Care Centre in the town. Director Gary Nolan added: “By Stagecoach East Midlands Now carrying around 13,500 improving the quality and comfort responded with an alternative bid, passengers a month, the new services of bus services, and providing easy which saw a package of quality have seen a year-on-year rise of 15%. access through the use of low-floor improvements to commercial bus Councillor Stella Smedley, vehicles, we are offering a real High-flier: Robin Hood Airport is just one of the destinations on the popular new bus services running adjacent to the new Nottinghamshire County Council’s alternative to using the car.” network in Nottinghamshire. South West Trains scoops solar power is top Community Rail Award just the ticket South West Trains and its Community Rail partners were named as the Overall Winner Bus passengers in Manchester the stop it will make a big at the 2008 Community Rail are finding it quicker and easier difference to journey times. Awards in September. to get their tickets, thanks “Passengers can use credit The awards, held in Plymouth, to new solar-powered ticket and debit cards to buy their recognise the best projects from machines. tickets at these machines, so across the country and have The new on-street machines they will make it easier all traditionally been dominated by – the first of their kind in the round.” northern operators. country – have been installed by GMPTE’s Interim Service This year, however, the Greater Manchester Passenger Delivery Director, Michael work of South West Trains, its Transport Executive (GMPTE) Renshaw, added: “The community rail partners Isle and Stagecoach Manchester as machines at Piccadilly are the of Wight, Lymington Line, part of a 12-month trial. latest in a series of machines the Three Rivers and station Councillor Keith Whitmore, which also include sites in adoption groups, secured victory Vice Chair of Greater Manchester Longsight and Levenshulme. for the South. Passenger Transport Authority, “We are always keen to The judges said: “Recognising said: “We want to provide investigate new ways to make just one winner is not an easy passengers with a first-class public transport journeys easier task. public transport system and and more efficient, and it will “However, one train operator, this trial will help us find out if be interesting to see the results its three CRPs and a growing this technology is something we of this trial.” band of station adopters has should look at more fully in the The new machines have the come from nowhere to challenge future. Ticket to ride: Mark Threapleton (left), Michael Renshaw (centre) and Councillor Keith latest chip-and-pin security the dominance of the North of “The machines aim to reduce Whitmore try out one of the new machines. technology for card payments. England in the CRP stakes.” the time it takes people to get on Passengers will be able to In addition to the overall their bus, as they will already Director of Stagecoach “For example, around nine buy Stagecoach’s Dayrider award, the South West Trains have their tickets. I hope that Manchester, said: “We have million passengers a year use and Megarider tickets from contingent took three first passengers will give them a go chosen some of the busiest bus the 192 route so that’s a lot of the machines, plus System places, three second places and a so we can test them properly and stops in Manchester City Centre tickets. One DaySaver tickets for those third place. see what people think.” and local centres along the A6 so “If people can buy their tickets needing to use two or more Mark Threapleton, Managing that we can test the system fully. at machines while waiting at operators’ services.

A bus and its driver have ITV’s drama series ‘Wire in the an additional 1.2 million made a big impression in a TV Blood’. passengers on board its services Small screen appearance commercial for Warburton’s This time around, Don was over the last twelve months. filmed in Newcastle city centre. filmed driving through the Don said: “I thoroughly Stagecoach North East driver city in a bus advertising the enjoyed my day on location for Stagecoach TV stars Don Robertson (61) is no Warburton Ice Show on the side and was pleased to be given the stranger to screen stardom. of the vehicle. opportunity by Stagecoach to be Throughout his 33 years as a The bus used in the involved in the project. driver for the company, he has commercial was one of the “There wasn’t too much appeared in a number of high- company’s new Enviro 400 driving to be done, but when profile TV shows and adverts vehicles. I was behind the wheel I had along with a Stagecoach bus. Stagecoach invested £6.8 to follow some very specific He made two appearances million in new Enviro buses instructions to make sure that on ‘Byker Grove’ and was also for Newcastle at the end of the camera caught the bus at the involved in filming scenes for 2007 and they have made a big right angle. impact not only on the crew “Whether you’ll be able to from Warburton’s but also make me out in the final cut I Star attraction: The Stagecoach bus upon the people of the city, as don’t know, but it’s a nice story filmed for the TV commercial. the company has welcomed to tell either way!” Winter 08/09 11 megabus.com, the market- The free seats can be booked Lincolnshire leading budget inter-city coach 100,000 seat megabus giveaway now via the website for travel service, is giving away 100,000 between January 14 and March 18. Christmas is free seats on its services in North 100,000 customers the chance to com in the United States, said: Customers who book free seats America to help consumers beat reserve a seat for free. “Americans are doing all they can will not only be saving money – the credit crunch. According to a recent report, 64% to stretch their dollar in the current they will also be doing their bit for on the slide Around 150,000 passengers a of Americans are cutting back on economy and these free tickets are the environment. month are snapping up bargain their travel budget and looking for megabus.com’s way of helping. Since launching service in April Stagecoach East Midlands travel, with fares from just $1 ways to save money. “Megabus.com is rapidly 2006, megabus.com has become helped spread some Christmas available via the Internet. Dale Moser, President and Chief becoming the value-for-money one of the most environmentally cheer by sponsoring Lincoln’s Now megabus.com is giving Operating Officer of megabus. choice for quality travel.” friendly ways to travel. Christmas Ice Rink throughout the festive season. The rink was built outdoors in Lincoln’s City Square, and was open from late November until after the Christmas and New Year holidays. ECO-SCHEME HAS Along with the annual Lincoln Christmas Market, the temporary rink proved to be a big attraction to encourage people into the city centre throughout the holiday season. A LOT OF BOTTLE Dave Skepper, Commercial STAGECOACH and Aberdeenshire Brian Souter, Stagecoach Group Director at Stagecoach East Council have launched Scotland’s Chief Executive, said: “Climate Midlands, said: “Our passenger first reverse vending recycling change is a major issue for our numbers in Lincoln are initiative, offering discounted bus customers and we are delighted to continuing to grow, especially travel in return for used drinks cans work with Aberdeenshire Council since we enhanced the number and plastic bottles. and the Reverse Vending Corporation of evening and Sunday bus A hi-tech reverse vending recycling on an innovative project that is a first services in partnership with machine has been introduced at for Scotland. Lincolnshire County Council. Ellon Park and Ride facility, which is “This is a really exciting green “Our sponsorship of the Ice used by 123,500 people every year, partnership that can help local Rink, along with Lincs FM and allowing commuters to recycle their people turn their waste into cheaper the Lincolnshire Echo, is a waste and get cheaper sustainable bus travel, saving landfill and Stephen Hall, Chief Executive of the Reverse Vending Corporation, joins Councillor John very visible demonstration of travel. helping consumers cut their carbon Loveday and Stagecoach Chief Executive Brian Souter to launch the new initiative. our commitment to the local The new machine will accept footprint.” community. plastic drinks bottles and drinks Stagecoach operates around 200 to launch Scotland’s first reverse It uses advanced barcode “We also provided free cans and it is hoped the innovative buses across Aberdeenshire. Services vending machine. technology to identify, sort, collect transport to and from the green partnership will reduce landfill run every 20 minutes from Ellon Park “This complements the existing and recycle steel and aluminium rink in the daytime for local and encourage more people to take and Ride, operated in partnership range of recycling services that the drinks cans, as well as plastic drinks schools.” greener public transport. with Aberdeenshire Council, and Council offers and will allow us to bottles. In return, the machine auto- Consumers will receive a the facility helps save thousands review how this kind of machine matically prints a ticket with a point Stagecoach green point for every item of tonnes in carbon emissions could be used in other locations.” for every item recycled. Fast ferry trial recycled at the facility, which they that would otherwise have been The hi-tech reVend FR 600 machine, The recycled material will be can then redeem for discounted bus produced by car trips. which has a capacity to hold over collected and sorted by local group hailed success travel and other offers. Councillor Peter Argyle, Infra- 2,000 items at a time, is supplied by Ellon Can-do, which is part of A total of 50 green points entitles the structure Services Committee the Reverse Vending Corporation, the Aberdeenshire Council’s Social Work Stagecoach’s fast ferry holder to a 20p bus travel voucher, Chairman, Aberdeenshire Council, leading UK distributor and operator service and runs projects and a day pilot in the south west of while 100 points equals a 50p said: “We are delighted to be part of advanced reverse vending centre for adults with learning dif- England proved to be a huge discount voucher. of this partnership with Stagecoach recycling technology. ficulties. success, with almost 30,000 passengers using the service during the four-week trial period. Golden anniversary for ‘The Circular’ Supporting The £200,000 Bayfast-brand- ed ferry operated across A Hull bus service is This year, the service was Torbay between Torquay celebrating half a century of re-vamped to become more sports star and Brixham in Devon and service while continuing to accessible, more frequent and provided up to 15 quarter- look to the future. easier to understand. of the future hour return trips a day. Unlike most local services So, as it celebrates its Golden This offered a significant which operate directly to Anniversary, the Circular Sheffield Supertram improvement to journey the city centre, the Circular 10/11 moves into a new era, has stepped in to help one times between the two provides links between the serving the demands of the of the country’s top medal locations and proved to be main large estates on one bus 21st-century city. prospects for the 2012 London extremely popular with ride. Paralympics. commuter and leisure In various forms, the service Paul Morfitt, Commercial Assistant, Javelin thrower Hollie Arnold passengers. has existed for 50 years, Hull, with Vyking FM presenters Paul lives in Grimsby and trains at the A survey has shown that having first been introduced Foster (left) and Monkey Boy, celebrate Sheffield Institute of Sport twice eight out of ten passengers in 1958. 50 years of The Circular in Hull. a week. would be likely to use it again. As Hollie’s mum does not Market research also shows drive, they commute by train that those surveyed rated from Grimsby, and then take the overall standard of the Raiding the wardrobe Supertram from Meadowhall to journey as ‘very good’ and the Institute of Sport. gave all aspects of the service Drivers from Stagecoach in variety of outfits including a sailor, Hollie is an arm amputee and is a mark of 8 or above out of Oxfordshire’s Witney Depot gangster, jailbird and onion seller. currently the number one junior 10, including comfort, safety, helped raise money for Children in Passengers generously donated in the world in her category. cost, frequency and location Need by coming to work wearing £781.50, and Witney Bus Manager SheffieldS upertram has of departure points. fancy dress. Trevor Bayliss said: “It was an offered Hollie and Jill free travel And, of those who used the Passengers were greeted by a extremely successful day and the for the next year to help Hollie fast ferry, 47% said they would drivers enjoyed it as much as the realise her dream of competing normally have made the Nautical but nice: Gerry Fletcher from passengers. in London 2012 and becoming a journey by car or motorcycle. Witney Depot, resplendent in his sailor’s “We are so pleased to be able to champion in her sport. outfit. support such a worthwhile cause.” 12 Winter 08/09 Passengers bus DEPOT MAKES flock to new bus services

An improved network of bus services in Warwickshire ENERGY SAVINGS has proved so popular that passenger numbers have Stagecoach North East has commended grown by 11.5% in less than staff at its Slatyford depot for the significant six months. achievements it has made in becoming more Flower power all the way The Matrix service – energy efficient. launched in June with £1.8 The company has launched a new ‘green million pounds’ worth of programme’ and Stagecoach will invest £350,000 new low-floor buses and in the initiative over the next five years. customised livery – runs on Staff at Slatyford feel passionately about the revised routes meeting the scheme and, since its official launch in April, needs of the commuters they have reduced gas usage at the depot by an and social travellers in and impressive 25 per cent. around Nuneaton, Bedworth The depots were due to begin implementing and Coventry. the new measures from December, when new Helen Hines, Operations monitoring systems were to be fitted, but Manager for Stagecoach in Slatyford began making simple changes at the Nuneaton, said: “We carried first opportunity. out detailed analysis of our They introduced end-of-day checks to make sure customers’ needs before we all lights and equipment are switched off, as well introduced the new service. as cutting needless use of heating and lighting. Far out! Operations Director Andrew Jarvis, Marketing Manager Helen Martin, Marketing Officer Steve “We are delighted with the The company is investing £31,000 on measures Thorpe, Managing Director Andrew Dyer and Operations Manager Rob Vince get into the swing of the sixties. response we have had and to reduce the company’s carbon dioxide the increase in passenger emissions by 300 tonnes, cut energy consumption Psychedelic images of the sixties from Aldwick and Sylvia Hillier from Lavant. numbers as this shows us we by eight per cent and reduce material wastage by reappeared on the roads of West Sussex as Sylvia was just 5 in 1953 when she travelled have got it right. five per cent. Stagecoach launched its enhanced No 60 route alone, under the care of the conductor, between “At a time when everyone It also aims to have 70 per cent of its workforce between Chichester and Midhurst. Rose Green and Midhurst and continues to use is feeling the pinch, signed up to the green programme as individuals, Whilst the buses may not quite be flower the service. improving bus services and learning ways to be more energy efficient at work powered, the company hopes that, by doubling Andrew Dyer, the Regional Managing providing affordable, clean, and at home. the frequency of buses between Chichester Director for Stagecoach, is confident that the green public transport A communications and incentive scheme will and Bognor from every 30 minutes to every 15 new livery on the 60 route buses will catch the where customers want it reward individual depots for their achievements. minutes, more people will consider reducing eye. makes a real difference, Delighted with progress so far, John Conroy, their carbon footprint and travel costs by using He said: “With our slogans ‘Saving Money is opening up bus services Managing Director of Stagecoach North East, the already popular route. Always In Fashion’ and ‘Be Groovy – Be Green’ to more people in said: “As a transport provider we believe we have To launch the improved service, passengers our message is very colourful but clear. Warwickshire.” a responsibility to be environmentally sound and who used the service in the sixties were invited “We have also ensured that all the single operate a sustainable network on every level. to join the management team who were in and double-deck buses will be comfortable, “I hope that the team in Slatyford continue to fancy dress for the occasion. with low-floor access making travel easier for apply their efforts to make the scheme an even Chichester residents Christine Richardson and passengers with shopping and for parents with On the move greater success and would like to thank them for Karin Davies attended with Norma McLachlan baby buggies.” their hard work and commitment so far.” East Midlands Trains has opened the first of two new head office buildings. Stagecoach North West paid tribute The premises in Waterfront to its long-serving employees and retirees Long-serving staff honoured House on Station Street, Times are at a special dinner at the North Lakes near Nottingham railway Hotel, Penrith, Cumbria in October. station, will be home to some In all, 17 staff from Barrow, Chorley, changing of the company’s senior team Kendal, Morecambe, Preston, West including customer service During November, Cumbria and Head Office were present and customer relations. East Midlands Trains on the evening, boasting a total of 384 The company is also hired an adapted years’ service between them. opening new offices on Stagecoach bus to host Pictured at the event are (back row, Pride Park in Derby its ‘Times are Changing’ from left): Mark Lewis, Kendal Driving where operations, safety, roadshows, which toured Instructor – 20 years’ service; Susan engineering, commercial, 13 locations across its Hazell, Chorley Instructor/Driver – 21 major projects and finance network. years; Andrew Turner, Preston Inspector will be located. Nearly 1,000 employees – 20 years; Richard Martin, West Cumbria Service Quality Inspector – 21 years; Managing Director. Managing Director Tim popped into the Operations Manager – 21 years; Allan Thomas Dennett, Preston Driver – 21 Front row (from left): Ray Jones, Shoveller said: “To be roadshows to have Lavery, West Cumbria Driver – 21 years; years; Dawood Omer, Preston Driver Barrow Driver – 21 years; Andrew effective as a management an informal chat with William Hughes, Retired West Cumbria – 20 years; John Coates, Morecambe Gaskell, Kendal Driver – 25 years; Ann team it’s very important for managers and directors Fitter – 32 years. Driver – 21 years; George Jones, Retired Bell, West Cumbria Vehicle Cleaner – us to be spread across our and ask any questions Middle row (from left): Christopher West Cumbria Driver – 33 years; Dennis 22 years; John Dixon, West Cumbria route as much as possible. they had about the new Bowles, North West Managing Director; Nicholson, West Cumbria Driver Mover Cleaner – 22 years; Cyril Beattie, “For this reason, I was timetable and other Graham Thorneycroft, Head Office – 22 years; Les Warneford, UK Bus West Cumbria Driver – 21 years. elements of the business. keen to have not one but Refreshments were several head office buildings. provided, along with We now have a significant promotional goods and Apprentices step up management presence at the opportunity to enter Derby, Nottingham and The first 19 apprentices Lancaster recently. a prize draw to win £250 Leicester. to complete the industry- The presentations were worth of high street “I want my team to renowned four-year made at the Lancaster shopping vouchers. be more visible to both Stagecoach UK Bus House Hotel by Les The feedback from passengers and staff. These Apprentice Programme Warneford, Managing employees was very new facilities will make that received their certificates Director, Stagecoach UK positive. much more possible.” at a special ceremony in Bus. Winter 08/09 13 When a road closure for gas pipe At the end of the week, a banner repairs left a section of route 39 in Praise for ‘shuttle bus lady’ appeared on one of the stops Portsmouth without service for a expressing thanks to the ‘shuttle Coach Canada week, Stagecoach laid on a shuttle Portsmouth depot kept incon- Simon started the week and, bus lady’. bus to link the housing estate venienced customers sweet when when Marion took over, grateful No complaints about the closure helps along with the main bus route. they ran the extra minibus by locals started bringing her were received, so it just goes Husband-and-wife driver team chatting to customers and helping sweets, biscuits and pieces of to show how far a smile and Simon and Marion Jarrett from with shopping and buggies. fruit. friendly attitude can take you. the Way Coach Canada has raised thousands of dollars for charity for the fifth year running. Lyn Morrow of Coach Canada organises fund-raising spring £20 million depot and autumn outings, with all money collected going to the local United Way campaign. This year, the spring trip was to the Ottawa Tulip Festival upgrade for EMT while the autumn outing was Christmas shopping in East Midlands Trains has awarded employer, providing a professional warehouses and malls in and the contract to carry out the £20 place of work that our staff can be around the Toronto area. million upgrade to its Derby Etches proud of. Together, they raised Park Depot to C Spencer Limited. “Twenty million pounds is a large $3,528.42, bringing the total The work, which started in sum of money and I am convinced raised over five years to a November, will see the construction that our passengers will see much- wonderful $19,367.93. of two new train maintenance sheds improved services as a direct result. Special thanks go to Bob which will be predominantly used “At the moment the team at Etches Jayne, Vince Farrell and Ron to maintain the company’s Meridian Park does a fantastic job in organising Hoath who gave up their day fleet. the resources available to them to to drive, as well as to Coach At the same time, a major upgrade provide us with a reliable service. Canada for donating the bus. of the existing engine shed will “Building an additional Lyn’s team also holds take place. This will improve the maintenance shed and improving the raffles, barbecues, garage efficiency of the depot in maintaining existing facilities obviously increases sales, parking and Jean Day the rest of the East Midlands Trains our capacity for carrying out this campaigns throughout the fleet and provide much better staff work. year, which have raised facilities. East Midlands Trains Managing Director, Tim Shoveller (left) and Charlie Spencer, Chairman “I’m sure we will see increased fleet $5,966.81 this year alone. Since the start of its franchise in and Joint Managing Director of C Spencer Limited, mark the start of the improvement project. reliability as a result of this project, Coach Canada was awarded November 2007, work on improving helping us to deliver a right time the prestigious Cornerstone the general environment of the depot passengers across our network and maintenance facility. railway.” Award from the United at Etches Park has been taking place. also for staff based here in Derby. “This will not only provide us with A further contract is to be awarded Way for its dedication East Midlands Trains Managing “The planned improvements more capacity to maintain and care on the back of the main contract for and donations to its local Director Tim Shoveller said: will give us the ability to provide for our whole fleet more efficiently, the new fuelling and inspection point campaign. “This will bring huge benefits for a self-sufficient engineering and but also reflects that we are a good in December 2008.

Ray goes back Extended services provide to his roots bus boost in the west Ray Pepper has taken the For the first time ever, residents ceremony at the Town Hall in reins as Workshop Manager at living in Wheatpieces near Tewkesbury. Stagecoach Manchester’s new Tewkesbury have a direct bus link Ian Manning, Managing Director Ashton depot. to Cheltenham as well as a more of Stagecoach West, said: “We Ray (58) has a long history frequent link to Tewkesbury Town believe that the enhancement of with Stagecoach Manchester. Centre. Routes 41 and 42 will deliver a He started his career as an In conjunction with Gloucestershire much-needed boost to bus provision apprentice electrician in 1966 County Council, Stagecoach is in the area, opening up more areas at the Stalybridge depot, before providing a half-hourly service from of Tewkesbury and Cheltenham to progressing to Workshop Wheatpieces to Cheltenham and a those travelling by bus. Manager at the Stockport depot 15-minute service from the Estate to “These changes to both routes will at Daw Bank. Tewkesbury Town Centre. serve as an environmental benefit He’s now returning to his roots, To mark the start of the extended as well, meaning residents who as the new Ashton site is only bus services, Ian Manning, Managing previously drove to Tewkesbury and 500 yards from where he began Director of Stagecoach West, and Cheltenham now have the greener his apprenticeship. representatives of Gloucestershire option of travelling on a Stagecoach Best in the west: Ian Manning MD Stagecoach West (right) and Councillor “I am looking forward to a new County Council attended a launch bus.” Stan Waddington launch the improved service. challenge and developing my role at the new Ashton depot,” said Ray, who celebrated 40 years of service earlier this year. SID’S NEW CHALLENGE Mark Threapleton, Managing Director of Stagecoach Bedford bus driver Sid Lovitt may volunteered his services to the driving career very much, but now Manchester said: “We are be hanging up his driving gloves town’s Keech Cottage Hospice as a I am turning my attention to the looking forward to the official after 35 years’ service, but he plans to fundraiser during his retirement. financial needs of Keech Cottage opening of the new depot and take on new challenges straight away. Sid has already established an Hospice. providing a reliable service for Sixty-five-year-old Sid – who has impressive fund-raising record by “It is a very worthy cause and residents in the area. been a bus driver in Bedford since gathering in sponsorship money much in need of fund raising help. I “Ray has been an asset, 1971 when the town’s bus service of over £1500 for having his head am hoping to maintain contact with not only to the Stagecoach was run by United Counties – has shaved. all my wonderful passengers and, Manchester team for many The sum was matched by if they can dip their hands in their years, but also the Ashton Stagecoach so that Sid was able to pockets when they see me out and community as a whole.” Sid Lovitt presents Nicki Rowley of Keech donate a total of £3000 to the hospice. about on hospice fund-raising events, Cottage Hospice with £3,000 Sid said: “I have enjoyed my bus that would be marvellous.” 14 Winter 08/09 Warwickshire Merseyside banks on new technology Bus passengers in Liverpool are to be the first locations across Liverpool to make small-value welcomes in the UK to use a bank card to make on-board payments quickly. payment for travel. The PayPass feature can also be used elsewhere Stagecoach, MasterCard and The Royal Bank in the UK or overseas, anywhere MasterCard Steven as MD of Scotland (RBS) announced recently that a PayPass or Maestro PayPass cards are accepted. Stagecoach UK Bus has one-year trial would see the major roll-out of the Leigh Clapham, General Manager, Developed announced the appointment technology in the second quarter of 2009. Markets, MasterCard Europe, said: “Through of a new Managing Director It will feature on some 200 buses in our major successes in transit programmes for its Warwickshire business. Merseyside, allowing passengers to make from New York to Taiwan, we understand that Steven Burd joins fast, convenient and safe payments simply by consumers demand fast payment of transport Stagecoach Warwickshire tapping their card on a dedicated reader. fares to speed up their journey, while being from Blackpool Transport MasterCard® PayPass™ and Maestro® given the ability to select from all fare options where he has been Managing PayPass™ allows holders to make payments available. Director since 2002. under the value of £10 and will be a direct “By working closely with Stagecoach, who are He began his career alternative to cash, saving customers fumbling equally passionate about making customers’ for cumbersome coins or waiting for change. lives easier, we can help Liverpool to become the Slam dunk: Tony Cox, Managing Director, takes on the in the bus industry as a tea-time trial with Dave Slinn and Richard Worth. National Bus Company It’s the first use of contactless bankcard UK’s newest contactless city next year.” management trainee in 1980 payments on public transport in the UK and the Ron Kalifa, Managing Director, Global and subsequently worked first significant extension of the ‘Tap & Go™’ Merchant Services and Commercial Cards, Dunking great fun in South Wales, United way to pay outside London for members of the RBS, added: “RBS has been at the forefront of Counties, Eastern Counties, general public. the move to contactless payments. It was an Staff at Stagecoach in Northampton recently Southern National, Eastern Tom Wileman, Regional Director of Stagecoach RBS card that made the UK’s first contactless raised £500 in the Macmillan Cancer Care ‘World’s National and Thamesway. Merseyside, said: “This new state-of-the-art payment in McDonald’s during August last Largest Coffee Morning’, making it even more From 1992 to 1994, Steven system will make bus travel faster and more year. fun by baking cakes and holding a biscuit dunking was Operations Director of convenient for thousands of people in Liverpool “This year, we launched a PayPass pilot to offer competition. Stagecoach Cumberland, every day and help attract car users to more contactless payments in a number of London The best dunker was electrician Alan Coulman, then Commercial Director sustainable public transport.” black cabs. Now we are looking to build on who managed to dunk a chocolate digestive in his of Arriva North East, until he Cardholders will also be able to use the the investment already made to take transport tea for 39.71 seconds without it breaking. joined Blackpool Transport, PayPass functionality in several shopping applications one step further.” where he has managed and developed a successful and respected company. Les Warneford, Managing Director, Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “Steven brings with HAPPY BIO-BIRTHDAY him extensive knowledge, experience and a successful record, and I am pleased to welcome him back to FOR oil-driven BUS Stagecoach.” Steven succeeds Phil A ground-breaking Bio-bus Service 1 route, which runs from Medlicott, who has taken project celebrated its first birthday Stewarton to Darvel via Kilmarnock, up the position of Managing in style with a school visit and a to allow them to recycle their used Director of Stagecoach’s special recycling day. cooking oil in return for discounted Kent and Hastings business. With help from East Ayrshire bus travel. Council, Stagecoach West Scotland In a year, more than 30 tonnes of invited local people to bring old used cooking oil have been taken Bakers rise to batteries, mobile phones, ink to East Ayrshire Council’s recycling cartridges and other items along to plant at Western Road, a 100% the occasion the bus station for recycling to help increase on the volume normally celebrate a year of the Bio-bus and recycled at the facility. Staff at Perth headquarters do their bit for the environment. Local schools and other groups enjoyed a delicious feast of home In the last year, eight vehicles have taken a keen interest in the baking and helped raise money in Kilmarnock have been run on Bio-bus project, and senior managers for charity in the process. 100% biodiesel manufactured from from Stagecoach have worked The card, jewellery and home used cooking oil and other food closely with local primary and baking sale raised £122.25 industry by-products, which are secondary schools along the route to Green-letter day: Stagecoach West Scotland Managing Director Sam Greer and which was then matched by the from sustainable sources that do not explain the project to pupils as part Operations Manager Sarah Longair celebrate the Bio-bus project’s first birthday with company to give a grand total of involve the destruction of natural of their environmental studies. pupils from Kilmaurs Primary. £244.50. habitats. A competition to draw the Bio-bus, The cash was handed over This cleaner fuel project has cut which was held in Kilmaurs Primary Sam Greer, Managing Director of playground. Sarah Longair said: to Perth charity Splash C02 emissions from the buses by School, resulted in such good Stagecoach West Scotland, and “We are thrilled at the reaction of the which operates a playscheme 80%, removing over 1,000 tonnes of artwork that Stagecoach decided to Operations Director Sarah Longair pupils who have done some amazing for children with complex carbon from the atmosphere. use the drawings as adverts on the visited Kilmaurs Primary and, drawings of the Bio-bus – so good, in disabilities. Stagecoach issued 5,000 free rear of the vehicles. as a birthday treat, brought the fact, that we have used them in our containers to householders on the On the project’s first birthday, bright green Bio-bus into the school marketing!”

South West Trains has assessors were “totally satisfied” retained its Investors in People South West Trains continues to invest in its people that South West Trains continues accreditation following a review. to meet the requirements of the In September 2005, South Travelling around the network therefore, more challenging to values, goals and objectives and Investors in People National West Trains was the first train also gave the assessors the chance achieve. the way in which they personally Standard and described this as an operating company to gain to see the company in action. Moreover, the current franchise, contribute to a safe and efficient “impressive achievement”. Investor in People (IiP) accredita- The Investors in People which started in February 2007, is service. HR Director Andrew Welsby tion for the whole Group, and the standard is about the continuous very different from the previous The assessors found that South said: “This clearly recognises company has recently undertaken improvement of organisations by one and South West Trains has West Trains “had established the high priority we place on its first post-recognition review. adopting a framework of good made considerable changes to excellent processes and practices our people and our people Three assessors visited South and best practice that helps them its organisation to meet the new to plan, develop and deliver its management processes. West Trains for two weeks achieve success. obligations. business and support the people “Despite the changing economic and held interviews with 256 Since the original IiP Despite this, the assessors in the company to achieve its climate, we are still focused on employees from a wide variety of recognition, the Standard has found the staff had a very good ‘right time’ railway objectives”. supporting our people to do a roles at 12 different sites. been made more robust and, understanding of company The review report stated that the first-class job.” Winter 08/09 15 ARTHUR AIMING

FOR UPGRADES Kayleigh Hayes. East Midlands Trains has appointed met some of the team that will be working Arthur Pretorius to the role of Head of with me and I believe that together we can Kayleigh gets on board Stations. make improvements that will benefit our Stagecoach Yorkshire has announced a Arthur, who joined East Midlands Trains on passengers. new appointment to its marketing team. November 3, will be responsible for overall “East Midlands Trains will be investing £90 Kayleigh Hayes (23) has landed the role management of all 87 of the company’s rail million in improvements during its franchise of Marketing Assistant after graduating stations across the East Midlands and South and approximately £5 million of that will be from Newcastle University with a degree in Yorkshire. spent on stations. Marketing and Management. His job immediately prior to joining East “This money will be used to make The appointment follows an increase in bus Midlands Trains was working for another improvements to customer information use for Stagecoach, with passenger numbers rail company, Southern, where he was systems, passenger facilities and generally rising during the past 12 months. responsible for managing Brighton and update some of the stations on our route. Kayleigh, who lives in Castleford, West Eastbourne driver and guard depots. “We also see the opening of two new Yorkshire, said: “It’s great to have a job that His previous career has also included stations next year at Corby and East I really enjoy and one I want to build my roles in station management and he has Midlands Parkway so there is lots to be done career on. worked at some of the busiest stations in the but also lots to look forward to. “Stagecoach is growing all the time and country, including London Victoria, Clapham “My priority will be to deliver a safe and that includes our marketing team and Junction, Gatwick and Brighton. consistent rail service to our customers and campaigns. I want to help the team continue Arthur said: “I am very excited about my ensure that we deliver on our franchise to improve and carry on our success.” new role as Head of Stations. I have already commitments.” Arthur Pretorius. A great catch PICTURE OF THE SEASON Stagecoach in Dover sponsored the This edition’s winning son of an employee to allow him to attend Picture of the Season a Continental fishing competition. was taken by Jacek Cleaner Paula Taylor asked Operations Sobocinski from Stagecoach Manager Paul Clark if the company would Cambridge. sponsor her son Robbie to compete in the Net gain: Paul Clark (left) with Robbie Taylor and It shows passengers – at the his mum Paula at the Dover depot. Youth World Angling Championships at foot of a rainbow – boarding Castledefells, Spain. a Stagecoach bus at the new The company agreed and Paul presented At the competition, the England team Emmanuel Street bus stop 18-year-old Robbie with a cheque for £250 came second while Robbie finished in Cambridge. to help cover his travel expenses. seventh in the world. Congratulations to Jacek, who will shortly receive If you’d like to contribute to On Stage, please take note of these important deadlines: his prize of £50 of M&S EDITION COPY TO BE SUBMITTED BY ON STAGE PUBLISHED vouchers. If you think you have a Spring 09 First week, March 09 First week, April 09 picture that captures one of Summer 09 First week, June 09 First week, July 09 the four seasons, please send Autumn 09 First week, September 09 First week, October 09 your image to the editor at Winter 09/10 First week, December 09 First week, January 10 the address below.

Contacts Editor: Lindsay Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach Group, Stagecoach South Helen Martin 01243 536161 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth PH1 5TW. Stagecoach South West Janet Wafer 01392 889271 Tel: +44 (0)1738 442111, Fax: +44 (0)1738 443076 Stagecoach Yorkshire Hannah Thompson 01226 202555 www.stagecoachgroup.com National Transport Tokens Sajda Khan 01254 680180 If you have a story for On Stage, please get in touch with your local contact below: UK Rail South West Trains Lisa Basham 0207 620 5892 Stagecoach Group Lindsay Reid 01738 642019 Island Line Andy Naylor 01983 862492 EAST MIDLAND TRAINS Anna Richardson 01332 262010 UK Bus Stagecoach Supertram Julia Shaw 0114 2759888 Stagecoach East Scotland Sarah Anderson 01383 516455 Stagecoach METROLINK Cheryl Hubbard 0161 2058665 Stagecoach West Scotland Allan Henry 01292 613515 Stagecoach North East Jodine Milne 0191 566 0236 North America Stagecoach North West Colin Nicholson 01772 255752 Coach USA Dale Moser 001 201 225 7575 Stagecoach Manchester Karen Coventry 0161 276 2727 Coach Canada Jim Devlin 001 705 748 1170 Stagecoach Merseyside Clare Tresnan 07711 950 019 Stagecoach East Midlands Louise Wright 01522 522255 On Stage is published four times a year. Advertising connected directly or Stagecoach Oxfordshire Chris Child 01865 405511 indirectly with Stagecoach is accepted. Charitable adverts will be included without charge, otherwise rates on request. Stagecoach in Warwickshire Adam Rideout 01604 662283 On Stage is distributed free to Stagecoach staff. Public subscriptions Stagecoach East Adam Rideout 01604 662283 are available at £12 for one year or £20 for two years. Cheque payable Stagecoach Cambridgeshire Ed Cameron 01223 423578 to Stagecoach Group plc at the editorial address. The Editor is unable Stagecoach West Nathan Williams 07753 775 193 to enter into individual correspondence concerning the affairs of The Stagecoach Wales Nathan Williams 07753 775 193 Stagecoach Group. Stagecoach South East Helen Martin 01243 536161 Designed by The BIG Partnership Group Limited, Scotland.

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