The newsletter of Stagecoach Group Issue 119 | January 2017 STAGE ON page 4 page 6 INSIDE Pilgrims presentation | Art on the line Nominate your 2017 Stagecoach Champions The search is underway Gold, Silver and Bronze awards are presented for Categories for 2017 for the Stagecoach each category and shortlisted entrants receive a Safety Champion: awarded to employees who Champions of 2017 trophy and a cash prize. have championed good safety or excelled in dealing – so make sure you Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Martin with a specific situation or incident. nominate someone Griffiths said: “We have celebrated some fantastic you think is deserving employees and achievements through our Environment Champion: presented to individuals of a Champions Award. Champions Awards over the years. We are fortunate who have championed greener working practices Now in the eighth year of to have many amazing staff members in our team and sustainability, such as by improving energy the awards, more than 150 and I look forward to hearing about those who are efficiency, reducing the company’s carbon employees from across the Group, nominated for this year’s awards.” emissions or developing innovative ways to get have so far been honoured for their outstanding We are giving employees plenty of time to share people to switch from the car to public transport. efforts in a number of fields. with us their nominations – this year, the deadline Community Champion: recognises employees The 2017 awards will again recognise success for nominations is the end of May with an awards who have made a significant contribution to the in the following categories: Safety; Environment; ceremony to follow later in the year. local community through charitable fund-raising Community; Health; Customer Service; and Innovation. To nominate your champion, simply complete the or volunteering. Employees from across the Group’s bus and rail online survey here or download nomination form Health Champion: for employees who have done businesses in the UK and North America are invited to in the Media/FAQ section of the Group website and most to promote employee health within the Group. nominate colleagues who they believe are making a email it to [email protected]. Customer Service Champion: presented to real difference in any of these areas. You can also send it by post to: individuals who have gone the extra mile to deliver For the Customer Service category we will once more Lindsay Reid, Senior Group Communications exceptional customer service. be calling on the help of the millions of passengers Manager, Stagecoach Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, who use our bus and rail services each year, inviting Perth, PH1 5TW. Innovation Champion: for employees who can them to put forward their recommendations for their You can nominate yourself or one of your suggest the best new ideas across any area of the Stagecoach Champion. Their views and those of colleagues. Nominations close on Friday 26 May business, whether it’s the launch of a new product, our own team of employees will be considered in 2017. Look out for further updates on The Loop the introduction of a new system or a way of saving deciding the award. intranet and in future issues of On Stage. the company money.

Collecting sleigh-loads for charity Spreading festive joy DOZENS of Stagecoach Manchester drivers got into Claus outfits while operating their services in the FESTIVE travellers were presented with the the festive spirit by dressing up as Santa Claus to run up to Christmas. largest ever replica train made entirely from raise money for charity. Money raised from the fundraising will go directly presents, in Virgin Trains’ traditional annual bid Drivers from the Stockport, Ashton, Sharston, to support Prevent Breast Cancer, which undertakes to spread Christmas cheer. Middleton, Hyde Road and Wigan depots collected ground-breaking research into the prediction and Life-size replicas of the iconic Azuma and donations for Stagecoach Manchester’s charity of prevention of breast cancer, a disease which over Pendolino trains were unveiled at King’s Cross the year, Prevent Breast Cancer, by wearing Santa 50,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with and Birmingham New Street stations before each year. Christmas, with lucky passengers able to take Stagecoach Manchester Managing a present home. Director Elisabeth Tasker said: Patrick McCall, Co-Chairman for Virgin Trains, “Our drivers are more than happy to said: “We know Christmas is here when we get help spread festive cheer, while our to unveil our Virgin Christmas Train. This year passengers always give generously we’ve broken from tradition and taken it off and the younger children in particular the tracks for the first time and into stations – enjoy seeing Santa driving their bus! giving away an amazing 2,000 presents over “Hopefully we will help to put a smile the week. After finding out that people believe on people’s faces in the run up to the magic of Christmas disappears at age 18, Christmas and we’d like to thank we wanted to spread a bit of sparkle for the passengers for their generosity when two million customers expected to travel with we collect for charity, not just in us over the festive period.” Stagecoach Manchester drivers dressed as Santa Claus December, but throughout the year.” 1 Did you know? South West Trains delivered unclaimed toys from its Lost Property team to a local hospice for Christmas ON STAGE

Diversity and inclusion challenge What a REPRESENTATIVES from across Stagecoach Group were invited to The House of Commons recently to Laugh! take part in the launch of The Speaker’s Diversity Overheard on the Metro in Tyneside: & Inclusion BAME (Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic) Challenge. One teenager to another: “Why do they have The morning was spent discussing positive inventors these days? Everything has been action and initiatives to improve opportunities and invented!” management promotions for BAME employees within If you have seen or heard something funny a range of industries. The event was sponsored by – online, in the papers, on social media or just the organisation Inclusive Employers which a number The Stagecoach attendees – Satty Potiwal from South while out and about – send your contributions for of Stagecoach Group divisions already work with. West Trains, Sandra May from South West Trains, Kate Thompson and Chris Buckley from Trains the ‘What a Laugh’ section in the next edition to Group Talent Manager Kate Thompson said: “It was [email protected] a great opportunity to meet colleagues from other A spokesperson for Inclusive Employers said: “Today businesses who share a common goal of ensuring we launched the Speaker of the House of Commons equivalence of opportunity for all of our employees BAME challenge. We want to enable employers n Top awards for reliability and sharing experiences with other like minded to find solutions and drive change to ensure that employers. Having The Speaker’s support for this diverse talents are attracted, recruited, retained, PASSENGERS travelling with South West Trains cause was fantastic.” developed and can fulfill their potential.” are using some of the most reliable trains in the country according to the latest industry awards. The Golden Spanner Awards highlight the most reliable train fleets and the 2016 ceremony saw South West Trains win four top awards. Have your say... The company’s Class 458’s were named runner- WE HAVE embarked on an exercise to gather up in the new generation electrical multiple unit together the views of our staff across the Group to category, while the Class 455 units, which run on the find out what they like about working for Stagecoach busy Suburban lines, won the award for the most and what they think we might be able to improve. reliable former electrical multiple unit. Our rail companies each have their own annual The Class 444’s which run on the London to employee surveys and now, for the first time, we are Weymouth / Portsmouth line were awarded for undertaking a staff survey across the UK Bus division best new generation electrical multiple unit, while as well as Group headquarters and in North America. the Class 159’s, which run from London to stations Starting very soon, our online ‘Have your say...’ west of Salisbury, were awarded the most reliable survey will be distributed to UK Bus employees and research organisation, Breaking Blue. We promise former diesel multiple unit category. staff at Group headquarters. A similar survey in North that all the answers you give will be completely Duncan Wilkins, Fleet Director for South West America will follow and the results from across the confidential and will only be seen by Breaking Blue. Trains, said: “Since we run one of the busiest Group will be collated and used to inform future We also promise to act upon the results to help meet networks in Europe, the reliability of our fleet is developments, improvements and changes. employee needs as far as we possible can. There crucial to ensure we keep the network running on We know that without our staff we couldn’t do what may be things we can’t change – or can’t change time, every day. Reliable trains mean we can be we do. That’s why we’re carrying out this survey – to quickly, but we’ll tell you how we plan to move as punctual as possible and get our passengers to find out what our employees think we do well... forward. where they need to be.” or not so well. Whether your feedback is positive or The survey will be available from January 30th so negative, let your voice be heard. keep your eyes peeled for information in your local It should only take 10 to 15 minutes to complete the area and start thinking about the feedback you’d like n Special donation survey which is being carried out by independent to give us. MEGABUS.COM US recently made a special donation as the company presented a new track chair to US Navy veteran Ken Coppage. On Veterans’ Day, megabus.com donated $1 from Supporting the Poppy Appeal every ticket sale to a veteran in need and Ken has STAGECOACH Group’s bus and rail companies South West Trains dedicated all of its stations to the now benefitted from that fundraising. He said: “I once again supported the Royal British Legion’s Royal British Legion for two weeks, giving the charity am so happy. This is great. It’s going to give me the Poppy Appeal. exclusive access to collect donations from passengers, freedom to do things.” The company will helped staff and passengers while Supertram placed large poppies on 25 trams in Coach USA Director honour and remember service personnel who lost memory of the lives lost in action. of Corporate Affairs, their lives in the line of duty. Sean Hughes, added: Stagecoach Military personnel and veterans carried out East “Ken, you of all people collections at selected stations served by East should be free, since Midlands Midlands Trains, South West Trains and Virgin unveiled a you gave me the Trains East Coast while Stagecoach bus companies remembrance freedom that I know donated to the poppy appeal to provide poppies for Poppy Bus to and enjoy.” support the all drivers who wish to wear them. appeal 2 North East goes contactless... Find out more on page 4. ON STAGE

Arrival of first new train n Group backs action THE FIRST of a £210million fleet of new trains for the government has been making to modernise against modern slavery South West Trains passengers has now arrived at our railways. Once operational these trains will STAGECOACH Group is supporting a UK Clapham ahead of final testing. make journeys more efficient and comfortable for government drive against modern slavery and The Siemens-built Class 707 Desiro City trains will passengers.” human trafficking. It follows the introduction of provide space for approximately 11,000 passengers Christian Roth, Managing Director of South West the Modern Slavery Act 2015. every weekday morning on one of Europe’s busiest Trains, added: “It is fantastic to see the first of our The Group and its bus and rail companies railways; to and from London Waterloo. new trains arrive on our network. They are a vital part recognise their responsibility to manage the A pair of five-carriage trains will start testing in the of the Waterloo and South West upgrade, which will risk to their businesses and supply chains from new year and the first trains are expected to enter provide a 30% increase in capacity for passengers these issues. passenger service in April. When the full roll-out is during the busiest times of the day.” Countries where the Group operates – including complete by November 2017, 30 trains, comprising the UK, United States and Canada – have a 150 carriages will provide space for thousands of developed culture of ethical business practice additional passengers every day. and strong labour regulation. Most of the The trains will run between London Waterloo and Group’s suppliers are based within these Windsor & Eton Riverside, including the Hounslow countries and the risk of the Group contracting Loop and Weybridge via Brentford, calling at many with organisations that engage in slavery or of the network’s busiest stations such as Clapham human trafficking is relatively low. Junction, Vauxhall, Brentford and Twickenham. However, the Group continues to take action Rail Minister Paul Maynard said: “I am pleased to see to detect and deal with these issues as well the first of this new fleet of trains arriving in the UK as providing funding to charities aiming to on schedule. They are part of the record investment The first of the new trains arrives at Clapham eliminate slavery and human trafficking.

Recognising success n Stagecoach special train THE SUCCESSFUL completion of Stagecoach’s four- raises £10,000 year bus engineering apprentice programme was THE MENTAL Health Foundation was given a recognised at a presentation ceremony recently. Christmas boost thanks to Direct Rail Services, A total of 35 apprentices who have completed their The Railway Magazine and Virgin Trains. The mechanical, electrical and body apprenticeships three joined forces in September to run a special were in attendance. train from Chester with proceeds destined for Their certificates were presented by Adrian Havlin, the charity. Group Technical Engineer, who praised their success With staff donating their time for free, ‘The The UK Bus apprentices who have completed their while engineering directors and managers also Independent Yorkshireman’ proved a big hit apprenticeships attended to show their support. with enthusiasts, with close to 300 customers enjoying the day out to Scarborough via Stafford, Manchester and York behind two Class 37 locomotives. Keeping passengers connected The final figure raised, £10,000 has been split between The Mental Health Foundation and FREE wifi is now available on a further 180 South Icomera has seen free wifi installed on trains Direct Rail Services’ community fund which West Trains carriages, helping tens of thousands which serve numerous stations including Windsor, supports a number of local good causes around more passengers stay connected while travelling on Weybridge and the Hounslow Loop. The improved the UK. one of the UK’s busiest railways. connectivity for passengers makes it easier to This brings the total amount of money raised The joint project between South West Trains and work, check the latest news and keep in touch with from the annual charity charter, which first friends and family. ran in 2014, to just over £60k. Previous Adam Piddington, beneficiaries have included the Royal British Customer Service Director Legion and the Great North and North West Air for South West Trains, Ambulances Services. said: “We now provide “We all have ups and downs and we can all wifi to well over half improve our ability to cope with what life throws of our services on the at us,” explained Simarjeet Kaur of Virgin Trains. network which is great “One in four adults is likely to have a mental for passengers and health problem in any year. That’s why our shows our commitment partnership with the Mental Health Foundation to continuously improving is something we are proud of and have been the service and facilities working hard to raise money to support the we offer passengers on fantastic work they do.” one of Europe’s busiest One of the Class 458/5 trains which now have wifi installed railways.” 3 Did you know? provided more than 25,000 extra seats on trains to the ON STAGE n Movie magic North East goes contactless FESTIVE films lit up Stagecoach Manchester’s STAGECOACH bus passengers in the north east of Hazel Grove Park & Ride recently, as the company England can now pay for their travel using state-of- raised £2,400 for local charity, Prevent Breast the-art contactless technology. Cancer, with a festive themed drive-in cinema event. They are amongst the first bus passengers in More than 1,100 local people pulled into the bus the country outside London to benefit from the Park & Ride site at Hazel Grove to watch three new system, which allows customers to pay with festive classics; The Santa Clause, Home Alone contactless credit or debit cards as well as Apple Pay and The Muppet’s Christmas Carol. and Android Pay. Nikki Barraclough, Executive Director at Prevent Contactless is now live on all Stagecoach buses Breast Cancer, said: “We’re thrilled to have raised across the North East and Oxfordshire. such an impressive sum through this event and Steve Walker, Managing Director at Stagecoach we’d like to sincerely thank all those who came North East, said “The introduction of contactless out to show their support and catch a festive film.” is yet another demonstration of the practical improvements bus operators are making for passengers. This is a new fast, easy and secure way Stagecoach Operations Director Colin Newbury (left) for customers to pay for bus travel and complements launches the technology with Councillor Michael Mordey the many other technology solutions we have introduced recently. to-day activities. Transport is a key part of people’s “More of our customers are using contactless cards lives and this is another great reason for people to to pay for coffee, sandwiches and many other day- choose greener and smarter bus travel.” Being cyber aware HOW can you protect yourself from cybercrime whilst you’re out and about? It starts with #thinkrandom When was the last time you used your child or partner’s name as an online password, or shared n your password with someone else? If this sounds Pilgrims presentation familiar, you’re not alone. The latest government STAFF at Stagecoach South East have presented stats, from Ipsos MORI, reveal that only 35% of local company charity Pilgrims Hospices with a Britons are following the Government’s latest advice cheque for £3,066.23. to use strong passwords made up of three random The money was raised by selling limited edition words. The stats also revealed that 27% of people Cyber Security Centre, a part of GCHQ – one of the East Kent Centenary merchandise during the year have shared their passwords with others. most important actions people can take to protect while other other fundraising events for Pilgrims Whether you’re using the internet at home or themselves from cybercrime. Online users can take Hospices have included Dover drivers taking part connecting to the free wifi onboard many of our inspiration from anything that interests them – from in the Benidorm or Bust Rally (raising £2,750), and buses or trains, cybercrime is a growing national favourite cities to foods or hobbies. providing a free shuttle bus to a fireworks display, issue and a weak password can allow hackers to Thinking random is the best way to keep secure which raised £750 from a bucket collection. use your email to gain access to all of your personal online with a strong password. The most important accounts, leaving you vulnerable to identity theft accounts are your email, social media and online and fraud. That’s why the Stagecoach Group is banking accounts, so do aim to use strong, separate supporting the Cyber Aware campaign to urge our passwords for each of these. travellers to make sure they’re doing enough to To find out more about how to stay secure protect themselves from cybercrime. online and how we can help our customers The good news is being more cyber secure doesn’t to do so visit cyberaware.gov.uk or follow the need to be time consuming or complex. Using conversation on Twitter @cyberawaregov three random words to make a password strong Look out for more top tips about cyber security and memorable is – according to the National at @Stagecoachgroup and @cyberawaregov.

Top tips at roadshow while St John Ambulance medics provided vital life REPRESENTATIVES from St John Ambulance and saving tips to passengers. (BTP) joined forces with Phil White, Rail Community Officer for South West South West Trains’ Rail Community Officers to hold Trains, said: “It’s great to work alongside our a number of emergency services roadshows across industry partners from the emergency services South East Managing Director Philip Norwell the network. and be able to help give practical crime prevention presented Deborah Kellond, Pilgrims Hospices Community Fundraising Manager, with the cheque. BTP officers gave expert crime prevention advice advice and medical tips to passengers.” 4 Inspiring passengers with art... Find out more on page 6. ON STAGE n Get on your bike for n PICTURE THIS Transaid challenge THIS edition’s Picture This winner was taken by STAGECOACH supports international transport Chris Brownhill who works for Stagecoach charity Transaid in a number of ways in their Yorkshire. It shows the bus – now on the Isle of Wight work to improve access to health care, access to – which featured in the Spice Girls: The Movie film livelihoods and road safety across Africa and the around 20 years ago. Congratulations to Chris who developing world. will shortly receive his prize of £50 in M&S vouchers. Transaid’s next European cycling challenge, If you have any good photos for Picture This please London to Paris, has now been launched and send them to Lindsay Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach is scheduled for 22–25 September 2017. This Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW, or email promises to be a challenging 240 mile ride across it to [email protected] the English and French countryside, raising valuable funds for Transaid’s programmes. If anyone would like to join the challenge, or if you are interested in finding out more please get it touch with [email protected] to request a Santa’s vintage registration pack. bus tour SANTA joined Stagecoach West and took the n Vintage Routemaster on a tour around , Long service Cheltenham and Swindon. EMPLOYEES from across Hampshire, Surrey and The bus featured a temporary grotto for Santa which West Sussex have been recognised for their loyal youngsters visited to meet Santa and get a gift. Local service and commitment to passenger transport drivers purchased over 550 brand new presents for at a special ceremony. children aged under seven years old, all of which Over 20 staff members have clocked up an will be wrapped and handed out, with the proceeds impressive 764 years of long service between of the entry £2.50 donation going to the Pied Piper them. children’s charity. Stagecoach South Managing Director Edward Rachel Geliamassi, Operations Director for Hodgson said: “Our Long Service Awards gives us Stagecoach West, said: “This is the second year a wonderful opportunity to recognise those people in a row that we have transformed our Vintage who have dedicated many years of service.” Routemaster into Santa’s Grotto. We are so excited to take it on another tour of local towns that we operate in, and that we are able to support such a fantastic The Santa team with the special festive bus charity whilst doing so.” n Major milestone for Virgin Trains THE NUMBER of Virgin Trains passengers travelling between Edinburgh and London on the A Mayor-y East Coast mainline has surpassed one million a year for the first time. Christmas for The operator said it had seen 8% growth on the route in the 12 months. The rise has been attributed to timetable and Canterbury customer service improvements which have led to an increase in the number of passengers STAGECOACH South East’s annual Christmas bus to choosing train over plane. promote the Lord Mayor of Canterbury’s Christmas David Horne, Virgin Trains Managing Director Gift Fund once again proved a big hit. on the East Coast route, said: “We’ve set out The charity helps people living in the Canterbury ambitious plans to take on airlines by investing community who may be elderly, vulnerable or facing in our services and we’re delighted to see that hardship. strategy bearing fruit. The bus was launched by the Lord Mayor of “The growth in rail travel we’re announcing Canterbury Councillor George Metcalfe alongside today shows that the improvements we’ve Stagecoach’s Managing Director Philip Norwell. made have been popular with customers, who Cllr Metcalfe said: “We’re really grateful to are voting with their feet. That’s good news for Stagecoach for continuing to help us promote the passengers, good news for the environment and Lord Mayor of Canterbury’s Christmas Gift Fund. good for the long-term growth of rail between Once again they have emblazoned one of their buses Scotland and England.” to advertise the ‘Open Air Carols’ in Rose Square on Philip Norwell, Stagecoach South East Managing Director, Christmas Eve with the Archbishop of Canterbury.” and the Lord Mayor of Canterbury Cllr George Metcalfe with the Christmas bus 5 Did you know? Staff at Perth headquarters donated money to charity and signed a communal Christmas card rather than sending individual cards GREEN SCENE

On your bike n Top cycle awards CYCLISTS at Woking can now enjoy significantly STAGECOACH’S rail companies came out top at improved facilities following the completion of a the annual National Cycle Rail Awards held this second new cycle hub at the station, as part of a week, scooping first place and commendations in £475,000 investment programme. a number of categories. The new hub was officially opened by Transport East Midlands Trains won first prize for Best Minister Andrew Jones, Jacqueline Starr, Managing Customer Service for going the extra mile in Director of Customer Experience for the Rail Delivery their commitment to extend cycle facilities. Group and Alistair Wright, Head of Station Property East Midlands Trains also picked up the highly for South West Trains. prestigious Operator of the Year, with South West The new facility adds to the existing cycle hub at Trains securing the runner-up spot. Woking and provides 250 extra bike spaces, free to South West Trains was also highly commended in use cycle maintenance equipment, fully enclosed the Operator of the Year award for the number of shelter providing all weather protection, 24/7 CCTV cycle facilities that have been added across the for additional security and a real time information network for the benefit of customers. Transport Minister Andrew Jones (front centre) opens the Also, from South West Trains, cycle champion display screen. new cycle facility at Woking Transport Minister Andrew Jones said: “We want Ross Kempson from Brockenhurst Cycle to make cycling part of everyday life. By the end of Cyclists using Teddington and Ewell West stations Experience was highly recommended for his hard next year we will have spent almost £30 million on are also now benefitting from many of the same work and commitment. Steve Smith from South trebling the number of cycling spaces at railway new facilities including 128 cycle parking spaces West Trains also won a prize for photo of the year stations since 2010. These facilities will help give at Teddington and 112 spaces at Ewell West, along – two children on bikes outside the brand new commuters the incentive to leave their cars at home, with free to use cycle maintenance equipment, cycle hub at Winchester station. jump on their bikes, use sustainable transport and fully enclosed storage, 24/7 CCTV and a real time Tim Shoveller, Managing Director for Stagecoach enjoy the health benefits.” information display screen. Rail, said: “The hard work over the past year has really paid off and we have managed to deliver better cycling facilities and make it even easier for Going for gold our customers to cycle to work or for leisure.” STAGECOACH South has invested £4.5million in 18 n Art on the line new vehicles for its popular Stagecoach Gold Route SOUTH West Trains recently unveiled two specially 1 from Aldershot to Farnborough and Camberley. commissioned, scenic artworks reproduced as The latest vehicles are double deck buses and train ‘wraps’. include e-leather seating, free wifi and USB charge Created from original paintings by two South West points. There is also a new look interior creating a artists, the first wrap depicts the timeless beauty lighter and improved ambience to further improve of the New Forest, while the second presents a the travelling experience. dramatic and conceptual view of Durdle Door, Edward Hodgson, Managing Director for an iconic part of Dorset’s breath-taking Jurassic Stagecoach South, said: “We continue to coastline. significantly invest in our fleet to improve our South West Trains invited local artists to respond service and customer experience. New buses in to a simple brief – ‘to inspire passengers with the “These ‘next generation’ buses will enhance natural beauty of the region’. Artists submitted connectivity, comfort and sustainability for their ideas and it is hoped the pastoral scenes customers – signifying our solid commitment Manchester by selected artists, Caz Scott and Martin Davey, to delivering an unbeatable, eco-friendly travel BUS passengers in Manchester will benefit from will inspire regular commuters and locals alike to experience.” 53 new double-decker buses after Stagecoach invested £9 million in the new fleet. explore the natural beauty of the region by train. The orders mean the local company has invested Emma Wiles, Head of Marketing for South West £122 million in customer improvements over the Trains, said: “It’s very exciting to see these last ten years. carriages displaying such beautiful images of the Stagecoach Manchester Managing Director scenery on our network.” Elisabeth Tasker said: “We continue to lessen the impact public transport has on the environment both through noise pollution and our carbon footprint and the new vehicles represent our on-going commitment to making sure we are as environmentally friendly as possible, while remaining the most affordable mode of travel for both commuters and the wider public across Greater Manchester.” Artist Caz Scott pictured with the train bearing Edward Hodgson with one of the new Gold vehicles her artwork 6 Santa spotted in the South East... Find out more on p9. ON STAGE

LETTERS OF PRAISE n Railway fundraisers THE RAILWAY Children charity was presented with If you or one of your colleagues has received a letter of praise from a a cheque for £1,350 by fundraisers from the 125 customer, please email a copy to [email protected] Group, the (Nottingham) or post it to Lindsay Reid, Senior Group Communications Manager, and East Midlands Trains. Stagecoach Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW. We will publish The money was raised at a special event that took as many as possible. place at the Great Central Railway () The below email was sent to Graeme Leslie, Stagecoach North Scotland Operations Director. where a visiting East Midlands Trains HST ran throughout the day to mark its 40th anniversary. Dear Graeme, Darren Ward, Head of Drivers for East Midlands Trains, said: “Our HSTs remain a firm favourite A belated note from Forres: with many people, and along with the rest of the On 15/11/2016 I was on a No.10 to Inverness. We left passenger rushed up to the driver who, amazingly got industry we wanted to celebrate their heritage GrantPark/Forres ca. 08:45. A lady got on at Nairn Bus out of the bus, walked to the other side of the road, and at the same time raise some valuable funds Station and sat beside me. When we reached the stop said a word to the lady on the curb to reassure her for one of our favourite charities.” near the filling station the lady beside me spotted and then stepped carefully into the traffic, put up both an elderly lady she knew (Margaret) trying to cross arms to bring the traffic from both directions to a halt the A96 to catch the bus. The lady on the road was and accompanied the lady safely across the A96 to tentatively trying to get across before the bus pulled the bus. Twenty seconds later we were on our way. out from the stop. I said, ‘Go and ask the driver to wait GOLD STAR OF THE MONTH DRIVER! till she gets across...’ – the traffic was unrelenting and no one was letting her cross safely. So the Name and address supplied

The below email was sent to Stagecoach Manchester: Cheque presentation to Railway Children at Hi, . I am currently sat on the 600 to Leigh. I have not been is polite and makes sure they get to a seat before on a bus for a while but felt I had to let you know just he sets off. how good your driver is. n On track with Santa He is a real credit to you. It is a really smooth ride – no sudden braking, hard EAST Midlands Trains ran its first ever Santa Train Name and address supplied acceleration etc. Every time a passenger gets on he in to celebrate Christmas. Following the success of previous Santa Train services in Nottingham and elsewhere on the East Midlands Trains network, Norwich train driver Festive fundraiser School trip Anthony Stevens thought it would be a good idea to replicate the concept a little closer to home. STAFF at Stagecoach South West’s Plymouth depot NINETY children aged 5 and 6 were from Whitestone Around 50 children from Harford Manor School, got into the Christmas spirit by supporting St Luke’s Infant School were transported by Stagecoach on which specialises in educating children with Hospice Plymouth ‘Festive Friday’ fun day. an educational trip to Nuneaton Art Gallery and autism and other learning difficulties, boarded the Drivers made donations to don their best Christmas Museum. festive Santa Train with teachers and parents. It jumpers for the day – with some even dressing up Mr. Martyn Yeo, a teacher at the school, said “Our trip was decorated with tinsel and carols were played as Santa and snowmen. had two main purposes, firstly at the Art Gallery we throughout the train. Driver Dave Tokley commented: “We’ve always got participated in hands-on sessions learning about the Father Christmas handed out gifts to the children a fundraising tin for St Luke’s at the depot but this famous 19th Century local author George Eliot and as the train pulled in to Ely station while there was year thought it would be fun to get more involved secondly, the children had the real life experience of on-board festive food and drink for the school and hopefully raise a smile.” using public transport, buying their own tickets and children and their parents. Volunteer elves and getting to understand the value of money. It was the reindeers were also on hand to assist Father first time a lot of them had been on a bus.” Christmas to ensure that everything ran smoothly.

n High inspection standards 76 ENGINEERS have been trained since the start of bespoke pilot course Freight Transport Association/ Stagecoach Inspection Training in April. There is a 96% success rate for those who have completed the course which demonstrates the quality and professionalism of Stagecoach’s engineers to ensure vehicles are inspected to the Some of the children with their parents, along with highest standards. Ian Campbell, Operations Manager at the Stagecoach Some of the drivers taking part in the festive event Nuneaton Depot, (left) and teacher Martyn Yeo (right) 7 Did you know? South West Trains’ Christmas Jumper days raised more than £600 for charity ON STAGE n Toys are us Spaced out at Farnham GENEROUS staff at Worksop depot donated a RAIL customers are benefitting from a new heap of children’s toys in response to a local radio and improved car park at Farnham station, station appeal. The campaign aimed to ensure with 178 additional car parking spaces. that every child in the local area had a present to Improved security, extra CCTV cameras, open at Christmas. new Help Points, segregated walkways and improved lighting all also feature in the new car park. Alistair Wright, Head of Station Property for West Trains, said: “We’re delighted to open the expanded station car park at Farnham station. The improvement works will deliver benefits for our customers – it’s already been a great success with many The Worksop team with their toy donations customers using the additional capacity since it has opened.” n Fairy Godparents reporting for duty! In the pit THE VIRGIN Trains East Coast Peterborough ENGINEERING apprentices Kurt Chilvers and Jake station team has become ‘Fairy Godparents’ Collins had a top experience recently as they joined for Anna’s Hope, a local charity set up to help an engineering team at the British Truck Racing children with brain tumours. Grand Prix at Brands Hatch. Anna’s mum Carol runs the charity, named The experience was part of the prize for third after her daughter, who died from a tumour at year winners at the Stagecoach Apprentice of the age three. Anna loved fairies, which is why the Year – Kurt and Jake spent the weekend with the charity is themed around fairies. pit crew of the Team Oliver who are sponsored by To help raise money and awareness for the Stagecoach supplier Juratek. cause, three station employees dressed up as Kurt, from Stagecoach London, attended with his fairies and the team also arranged a VIP cab Manager Doug Rutter and Jake, from Stagecoach ride for Carol. South East, went along with his mentor Peter Kurt Chilvers works with the pit crew at the event Chamberlain. n Santa cake STAFF at Perth Phil’s in the pink headquarters were delighted to receive MIDLANDS driver Phil Tate had his hair dyed a festive present Flamingo Pink to raise funds for a fire-damaged from solicitors boarding school for 350 orphaned and vulnerable Backhouse Jones in girls in Katale, northern Kenya. the shape of a Santa Phil heard about the destruction of the school cake (pictured) and dormitory through his wife’s friend who does which was sent to voluntary work in Katale. He said: “Recently one of PSV Claims. our women drivers, Katie Louise Brown, came to work with pink hair and I said I would dye my hair pink to help raise money for the school.” n Pedal power at Lincoln Phil hopes to raise around £300 and donations can be made at: Phil Tate with fellow driver Katie Louise Brown, who THERE are now significantly improved facilities https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/porpoi inspired his hair transformation for cyclists at Lincoln Station following the completion of a new cycle hub, as part of a major investment to deliver extra cycling spaces across the East Midlands Trains network. The cycle hub Doing their bit environment for heathers and various insects/birds. is accessible from the short stay car park and Maggie Banasiak, Projects Communication provide 192 two-tiered cycle spaces, enclosed SOUTH West Trains’ Station Property and Stations Manager on the Station Property Team, storage and 24-hour CCTV. teams recently spent the day with the Royal Society commented: “It was a great day with a lot of Andy Bishop, professional cyclist and Team GB for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). sunshine and some good team chats. Nothing triathlete, said: “This is a fantastic facility to have The employees met at Farnham Heath and helped brings people together as well as hard work! My and I’ll be looking forward to using it myself.” RSPB wardens to clear vegetation. muscles were really aching the next day and I can This type of work is necessary to restore natural bet I wasn’t the only one.” 8 New MD for Merseyside and South Lancashire... Find out more on p10. ON STAGE n Fright night in Ashford Loyal service awards SOUTH East staff from Ashford depot enjoyed a spot of dressing up at Halloween. STAGECOACH North Scotland presented eight Macduff depot, were both rewarded for over five The drivers donned their best fancy dress outfits employees with commemorative long service decades service. to brighten up the day for customers. awards in recognition of their hard work and Managing Director of Stagecoach North Scotland dedication to celebrate their careers. Mark Whitelocks said: “The company is very Two members of staff were recognised for an fortunate and is delighted to have such dedicated impressive 50 years service. Les Clark, who works and experienced staff. I would like to thank them across the business, and Ian Rodger, from the for their commitment over the years.”

Some of the Ashford employees in their costumes n Movember fundraising EASTBOURNE controller Richard Pells and 16 other members of staff at Eastbourne depot took part in ‘Movember’ this year to raise money for St Wilfrid’s Hospice, Eastbourne where Richard’s wife Mira is being treated for a very rare tumour. Richard has raised £140 which the Group The long serving North Scotland staff at their celebratory dinner Charitable Committee has matched to give a total of £280. Cross border boost VIRGIN Trains has bolstered weekend services connectivity between Scotland and the North East connecting Edinburgh and Newcastle following a of England is to be welcomed as the East Coast surge in passengers crossing the border. main line is a key transport corridor supporting Six new departures between the cities have been economic growth between and within the regions.” added in the latest boost to the East Coast timetable. David Horne, Virgin Trains’ Managing Director on They include later services from Edinburgh on Friday the East Coast route, added: “We know that there’s Some of the Eastbourne team with their Movember and Saturday evenings and three new trains connecting particularly strong demand at weekends so we’re moustaches England and the Scottish capital on Sundays. delighted to be able to provide more services than The boost was welcomed by Scotland’s Transport ever for people travelling between Scotland and Minister Humza Yousaf who said: “This increased England.” n Santa bus in town SANTA swapped his sleigh and driving a special Santa Christmas bus around town thanks to Stagecoach South East. Raising Awareness Campaign Driver Brian Newton collected money for local charity Children with Cancer Fund while dressed STAGECOACH South East has been helping to raise as Santa as well as distributing goodwill and awareness of pancreatic cancer with posters on goodies to anyone that boarded his bus. local buses. Brian, who’s worked The posters promote the Pancreatic Cancer for Stagecoach in Research Fund which works to improve the future Eastbourne for the of pancreatic cancer diagnosis and treatment. last three years, said: Local Fundraising Co-ordinator for the Pancreatic “As a bus driver Cancer Research Fund, Yasmin Bailey, whose I’ve got a great husband Ken sadly died three years ago from the opportunity to help illness, said: “It is so important to continue to raise raise funds for charity the awareness of pancreatic cancer whenever because I get to meet possible and I’d like to thank Stagecoach for their Santa bus driver Brian people all day long.” tremendous support.” Yasmin Bailey with one of the posters displayed that Newton was displayed on buses 9 THE PEOPLE PAGE ON STAGE n Rob takes the helm GETTING TO KNOW YOU... Rob Jones has been appointed Harriet Johnston, Deputy Marketing Manager at South West Trains Managing Director ■■ Who are you? ■■ What are you most proud of? of Stagecoach Harriet Johnston, Deputy My daughter. Merseyside and Marketing Manager at ■■ Favourite holiday destination? South Lancashire, South West Trains. New York at Christmas. after a promotion ■■ What do you like ■■ Most embarrassing moment? from his previous most about your job? In my previous job I went to speak to the role of Operations The people I work with. Managing Partner and mid conversation Director at the realised I had odd shoes on... business. ■■ What do you like least about your job? ■■ Favourite Music? Previous Stagecoach Merseyside and South Deadline stress when there are lots of assets Happy to dance to anything! Lancashire Managing Director Elisabeth to sign off. ■■ Person you would most like to have dinner Tasker is now Managing Director, Stagecoach ■■ Favourite Food? with? Manchester. I have a really bad sweet tooth – pick and mix David Attenborough. Rob began his career in the bus industry is my weakness. ■■ First thing you would do if you won £1m? 26 years ago as a cleaner with a local bus ■■ Least favourite food? Scream. company aged just 15 and has held a number Lemongrass is the most disgusting flavour in of management positions with Stagecoach. In the world! 2010, he joined Stagecoach West Scotland as Operations Director and in 2012, he took on the role of General Manager of one of Stagecoach’s ‘Getting To Know You’ features in every edition of On Stage and we want to hear from as many staff depots during the London Olympic Games. Rob as possible. To suggest the next participant, email [email protected] was appointed Operations Director, Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire in 2013. Robert Montgomery, Stagecoach UK Bus Managing Director, said: “Rob’s experience over 26 years in the transport industry, and, in Ambassador role particular, as an Operations Director for the past six years, will stand him in good stead to take for Gary on this role.” Regional UK Bus Director Gary Nolan has taken on Rob said: “I am delighted to be taking on this the role of Ambassador for The Omnibus Society role at a company I have thoroughly enjoyed Midland Branch during its 70th year. being part of for the past few years. We have The OS was founded in 1929 and is a widely a great team of employees and I look forward respected nationwide organisation offering to working with them, and our local partners, comprehensive facilities and activities for anyone to continue delivering high-quality, affordable with a serious interest in the rapidly changing bus bus travel and excellent customer service for and coach industry. the millions of people that rely on our services Gary will be the Society’s Keynote Speaker for 2017 every year.” and Stagecoach Midlands is supporting the main event during the year in April which is held at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, followed by visits n Bye bye Barry! Gary Nolan, Regional Director, Midlands and Wales to the current and new Leamington depots. South West Trains driver Barry Clarke has driven his last train after 41 years of service. Barry was joined by his friends and wife who travelled on the service that was his final journey Community spirit and colleagues wish him a happy retirement. Gloucester Operations Manager James Williams has been named ‘Community Champion’ at the 2016 Heart of Gloucestershire Awards. n Contacts James won the accolade for the commitment he gives to delivering many community volunteer Editor: Lindsay Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach projects as well as charity fundraising through Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW the Santa bus tours around Gloucestershire and Email: [email protected] his work with the Gloucester City Safe project. If you have a story for On Stage, please contact James was also a winner in the Community Lindsay Reid as above. The copy deadline for category at last year’s Stagecoach Champions the next edition of On Stage will be Friday 10 Awards. February 2017. James (second from right) is pictured with his award 10