The newsletter of Issue 102 | March 2014 ON STAGE INSIDE Gearing up for Gleneagles page 2 | Jim’s a superhero page 7 Helping the UK to weather the storms STAGECOACH Group waded in to help storm-hit communities in the south-west of following the wettest winter in 250 years.

A new integrated coach-rail service discounted fares on key routes in now provides a seamless link Devon. between London and the West “Daily life is a real struggle for Country using a combination of families in the areas worst hit by the rail services and severe weather,” said Martin Griffiths, .com coaches. Stagecoach Group Chief Executive. This has added significant extra “We appreciate that transport is public transport capacity to keep absolutely vital. The priority is for communities in Devon and Cornwall everyone across the public transport connected while one of the main sector to pull together to keep Britain railway lines is closed following the moving and make sure communities Work to repair one of the largest storm-triggered landslips at Botley. collapse of the sea wall and damage remain open for business.” to the track at Dawlish. Stagecoach, which operates around while rail services remain disrupted. a day to repair the track damage Stagecoach also increased capacity 330 buses across the south-west of Employees at the South West Trains- and all Alliance staff – including on its megabus.com services to England, has also extended the travel Network Rail Alliance have worked those in the control room, customer Cornwall by 50% from around 400 zones covered by its multi-journey tirelessly to deal with the impact of information, commercial, stakeholder seats a day to nearly 600. tickets to include areas affected by rail the storms which caused hundreds of and timetable planning teams – The moves followed a package of disruption and is accepting First Great trees to fall across the network and have worked non-stop to minimise measures on Stagecoach’s local bus Western rail tickets on its bus journeys triggered flooding and landslips. disruption and make sure customers network in the south-west to deliver between Dawlish and Teignmouth Engineers have worked 24 hours have the latest information. Record-breaking business boost for British industry

A RECORD-BREAKING Stagecoach investment of more than £100 million has brought a major boost for British manufacturing. The Group placed orders for almost 570 vehicles for the financial year 2014-15, benefiting communities across England, Scotland and . A £65 million investment in new carriages will benefit thousands of peak-time passengers. The investment in new, greener vehicles also includes a £21million fleet of hybrid electric buses for London and new coaches for the company's expanding megabus.com budget More room for commuters travel service in the UK and Europe. NEW train carriages are adding extra capacity to South West Trains’ services. This is the largest set of orders ever placed by Stagecoach and A total of 108 of the new carriages will be introduced over the next 12 months, with the first is also understood to be the biggest placed by any bus operator 10-car train rolled out to the London Waterloo to Windsor line from mid March. in Britain. The £65 million investment will add more capacity for an extra 23,000 peak-time passengers It takes Stagecoach Group's total orders of new buses and every day. coaches for its regional bus operations in the UK to around £545 Christian Roth, Fleet Director for the South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance, said: “These million in last seven years. carriages will provide significant improvements for passengers on some of our busiest services. The Group has also ordered more than £100 million worth of “We will be able to lengthen many peak trains from eight carriages to ten, providing extra space new vehicles for its London bus operations since buying the for our commuters.” business in 2010. Did you know? has launched its official Twitter account at @stagecoachNE ON STAGE

Eddie’s still smiling after 53 years What a PASSENGERS and staff at have said goodbye to one of Leicester station’s best-known Laugh! faces. A bus driver in Australia posted Edmond Isaac MBE (75) has hung up his whistle and on Facebook this conversation that he baton and retired after 53 years of service. overheard while driving his bus. Known as Eddie to friends and colleagues, he first Child: “Mum, is that police car coming for us?” retired when he was 65 but wasn’t ready to give up Mother: “No, why?” the job he loved at Leicester station. Ten years on, he Child: “Because you told the bus driver I’m has now decided to take a well-earned break. three and I’m really four!” Eddie joined the railway in 1961 in London dealing If you have seen or heard something funny – online, with parcels before transferring to London Road in in the papers, on social media or just while out and Leicester shortly afterwards. He was responsible about – send your contributions for the ‘What a for the on and off loading and sorting of parcels at Edmond Isaac MBE never missed a day’s service at Leicester Station. Laugh’ section in the next edition to lindsay.reid@ Leicester until the early 1980s when he was promoted stagecoachgroup.com to Leading Railman and has dealt with assisting “I'm proud to say I've never missed a day's service in passengers and dispatching trains ever since. the 45 years I've worked on the station. It's my second Eddie said: “One thing I love about Leicester is the home and my customers make me so happy. n Festival of fun people. I've been here for over 60 years and the only “I've never had a bad day in Leicester, which is why I time I've ever left the city was to collect my MBE from believe 'happiness within' is the secret to good health. EAST Midlands Trains sponsored Dave’s Leicester the Queen. Keep happy, keep smiling.” Comedy Festival for the second year running, and a special ‘First Class’ performance took place at the train station for the first time ever. Also as part of the festival, a photography exhibition In the driving seat for Ryder Cup was on display at the front of the station and a range STAGECOACH is teeing up for Gleneagles after being However, vehicles will also be provided by of station announcements were made by famous appointed transport operator for the 2014 Ryder Cup Stagecoach’s regional bus companies across the UK. comedian Hardeep Singh Kohli. in September. Robert Montgomery, Managing Director of The company will provide a fleet of 150 double- Stagecoach UK Bus, described the Ryder Cup role as n Fresh investment in decker buses to and from Ryder Cup Park and Ride ‘a great honour’. sites at Perth, Stirling and Kinross during the week He continued: “Stagecoach has wide-ranging tram network of the event. experience of providing transport services for major “It is a huge operation to transport in the sporting events including the 2012 London WORK to renew ’s tram network region of 45,000 people to and from the Olympics, the 2010 Ryder cup in Wales, through a major programme of essential rail golf course every day during the week the British Grand Prix at Silverstone replacement works is set to resume. of The 2014 Ryder Cup,” said Richard over a number of years and many Network owner South Passenger Hills, Europe’s Ryder Cup Director. more. Transport Executive (SYPTE) and tram operator “We are delighted that Stagecoach, “We will be calling on the significant Stagecoach Supertram are funding the project, a company with its roots firmly in resources of our regional companies with the majority of work being undertaken Scotland, will facilitate these transfers within our UK Bus division to help during the next four years at an estimated and ensure the smooth arrival and ensure the success of the operation and capital cost of £32 million. departure of the spectators at Gleneagles.” we look forward to enhancing the experience The first stage of the project was completed The majority of the operation will be managed for the spectators who play such an important in 2013 and saw almost 5,000 metres of rail by Scotland, based in Kirkcaldy. role in the event.” replaced between Spring Lane and Park Grange Croft tram stops. The next stage of the works will see VolkerRail continue to replace worn Terry goes the extra mile out sections of tram track across the whole of the network. The work is A POPULAR North East bus driver has earned a Service to the expected to continue until September. Community Award following commendations from members of the Supertram Managing Director Margaret Kay public in Newcastle. said: “During the works over the next few Terry Rooke has worked at the city’s Walkergate depot for 36 years and months, the majority of our services across many passengers have written letters praising his polite and positive the network will run as normal, however some manner. sections of the system will be affected, with As a result, Stagecoach North East has awarded Terry the prestigious buses replacing trams at times. Service to the Community Award, which recognises those who go ‘above “This will cause short-term disruption for some and beyond’ in their role. customers but we will be doing everything we “Terry is an asset to the team, and an inspiration to all of our drivers,” can to minimise the impact of the works on our said David , Walkergate depot Operations Manager. passengers.” “His experience, positive outlook and work ethic mean he provides Driver Terry Rooke shows off his Service an excellent service for those on his buses – so much so that people to the Community certificate. actually took time out of their day to let us know what they think of him.” 2 ‘Eternal gratitude’ from happy passenger ... find out more on page 5. ON STAGE

Superbowl touchdown for Coach USA COACH USA was selected as one of the official transportation providers for the 2014 National Football League’s Superbowl Championship Game. More than 450 charters were operated in the operation, which was led by Coach USA’s Bus Company supported by its , Dillon’s Bus Service and Olympia Bus services. Coach USA partner DATTCO Bus Company also took part. Scott Sprengel, General Manager Suburban Bus said: “It was an excellent team effort and was considered a success by our primary customer Gameday Management. “The entire Suburban Bus staff worked countless hours crossing over and sharing Coach USA provided transport for the 2014 Superbowl. responsibilities to pull this off.” East Coast franchise bid STAGECOACH Group’s prequalification submission said: “Stagecoach and our partners Virgin have for the InterCity East Coast rail franchise with its played a leading role in transforming rail travel in partner Virgin Group has been shortlisted to receive Britain over the past two decades. an Invitation to Tender by the Department for “We have a strong record of introducing new Transport (DfT). trains, maximising the benefit of infrastructure The InterCity East Coast franchise provides frequent improvements and attracting growing numbers of services connecting London with Yorkshire, the passengers to the railway. Simon Tramalloni, Operations Manager for Stagecoach, North East and Scotland. “InterCity East Coast is a key part of the UK’s rail with Tracy Skinner, Executive Director at Fontwell Park It is expected to run for around eight to nine years, network and we have already started consulting Racecourse. with the provision for an extension of up to two with stakeholders along the route to understand years at the discretion of the DfT. An announcement their aspirations for the franchise. n And they’re off! about the successful bidder is expected in autumn “We believe our private-sector expertise can deliver PUNTERS are on to a winner at Fontwell Park 2014, with the contract expected to start in February a better service to customers and an attractive deal Racecourse thanks to a new shuttle bus service. 2015. for the taxpayer. We look forward to submitting an are providing the free service Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Martin Griffiths innovative and competitive bid in due course.” from Barnham Train Station to and from Fontwell Park for every race meeting in 2014, so race-goers Golden honour for Paul can avoid the hassle of driving and parking. Operations Manager Simon Tramalloni said: “We EAST Midlands Trains employee Paul Williams, who was hope everyone has a great day out at the races, and highlighted as an ‘unsung hero’ by his colleagues recently, won they could even have an extra bet with the money the award for Outstanding Individual Operator at the industry’s they save by taking the bus!” Golden Whistle Awards. The Driver Instructor has helped to successfully deliver a number of projects within East Midlands Trains, including supporting the development of new on-train software to help with fault-finding. He also worked on the Nottingham re-signalling project and, Paul receives his award from Fiona Tordoff, for the past four years, helped Network Rail develop a line- Chief Executive of the Institute of Rail speed improvement scheme, bringing faster journey times for Operators. passengers. Tax-free share plan gets even better STAGECOACH Group’s award-winning Buy As You limits on the market value of shares that can purchased Earn Share Plan (BAYE) is increasingly seen as a by employees (known as partnership shares) will David (left) and Sam with the St Madoes Primary pupils. valuable benefit by many employees. increase from £1,500 to £1,800 per year. n Time travellers The BAYE plan gives UK employees the chance All BAYE members will be contacted in April 2014, to buy shares in Stagecoach each month and has asking whether they wish to take advantage of the PRIMARY one pupils at Perth’s St Madoes school been operating successfully for over two years. increased allowance, and any increases will be applied took a journey back in time recently. It’s a tax-efficient scheme whereby an investment from June 2014. David James and Sam Ramage from Stagecoach’s of £10 per month from pre-taxed income could Annual benefit statements were issued to all members Perth depot brought a vintage bus to the school secure up to £30 worth of shares for a post-tax in March 2014. If you are a member of the BAYE and as part of the youngsters’ project on the history of cash cost to the employee of no more than £6.80 have not received your statement, please send an email transport. per month. to [email protected] and a new The pupils thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the Shares must be held for a period of 5 years before statement will be sent out to you. bus, climbing on board and even getting a trip they can be sold tax-free. UK employees can join the BAYE plan when they have around the playground on it. What’s more the tax advantages are increasing in three months’ service with Stagecoach Group, or every 2014, as the UK Chancellor has announced that the six months in June or December each year after that. 3 Did you know? Scenes for a new movie featuring Simon Pegg were recently filmed at London Waterloo Station. ON STAGE n Megabus investment n PICTURE THIS A NEW $10.5 million investment means extra Our Picture of the Season slot has now changed double-decker coaches for Stagecoach Group’s to Picture This. Photos no longer need to include a growing megabus.com network in North America. bus, train or tram but should be transport-related A fleet of 15 Van Hool TD 925 vehicles is expected in some way. to enter service as the market-leading brand plans This edition’s winner is taken by Kevin Cooper, further expansion in 2014. who works for . It shows Megabus.com, which has created more than 1,000 an early morning picture of West Ham Garage. new jobs over the past seven years, now operates Congratulations to Kevin who will shortly receive in more than 30 states in the United States and his prize of £50 of M&S vouchers. two provinces in Canada, serving more than 120 destinations. If you have any good photos for Picture This please send them to Lindsay Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach Group, 10 Around 10 million customers travel on more than Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW, or email them to [email protected] 200,000 trips with megabus.com every year, with more than 50% of passengers previously driving by car. Dale Moser, President and Chief Operating Officer Three decades of megabus.com, said: “These new state-of-the-art coaches are part of our exciting expansion plans in power for 2014 and will help bring safe, high-quality EAST Midlands Trains’ Neville Hill depot has marked and affordable to travel to more people in North the 30th anniversary of an HST power car being America.” named in their honour. ‘Neville Hill’, otherwise known as power car 43049, was officially named on 21 January 1984 at the -based depot. Three decades later, the same power car is still in operation on the mainline route to Pictured, from left, are: Brendan Conlon, Steve Gormon, London. Its original name plates are still intact, and it Allan Gant, Dave Tinnion and Paul Corrie – all of whom continues to be maintained at Neville Hill depot. were at the original train naming ceremony for ‘Neville Five of the members of staff who were at the original Hill’. train naming in 1984 helped other employees at the so many changes and improvements to rail services depot to celebrate the special milestone. and they should be proud that ‘Neville Hill’ continues Linda Wain, HST Fleet and Depot Manager for East to play such a significant role in the delivery of today’s Midlands Trains, said: “The last 30 years have seen railway.”

Mascot Shirley helps out during the One happy Dude works at Nottingham. A VERY special little guest was welcomed by London’s n Great service Plumstead garage recently. Bus fan Vincent Villiers (known as Dude) travels regularly on KEEPING customers informed earned East route 469 to have treatment at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Midlands Trains a top honour at the 2013 Rail Woolwich, for blood clots and bleeding around his brain. Business Awards. During his visit Vincent was shown all aspects of the garage, Judges praised the company for its great including a demonstration of towing a bus, as well as seeing customer service during the Nottingham re- his name up in lights on a destination screen and receiving signalling scheme between July 20 and August a selection of bus goodies. 25 last year. Vincent lifts a bus with one finger, under the watchful He said he enjoyed his visit and all staff were happy to have Efforts to go the extra mile for its passengers eye of Deputy Engineering Manager Andy Hammant. him there. included a 15% discount offered on tickets, which was a first for the rail industry. East Midlands Trains also provided free cupcakes, macaroons Richard reaches for the top and live entertainment, while mascot ‘Shirley’ helped to keep passengers entertained at the apprentice Richard Williams has been hailed Bus station. and Coach Apprentice of the Year. This project was a tremendous challenge for The third-year apprentice received the honour at the Quality Skills everyone across our business,” said David Horne, Alliance 2014 Awards at the Millennium Centre in after Managing Director for East Midlands Trains. being nominated by the S&B Automotive Academy. “We had some great feedback from our “Richard is steady, even-tempered and unflappable,” said Clare customers at the time, and I’m delighted that our Willis, Stagecoach UK Bus Training Co-ordinator. work has been externally recognised with this “He retains information and is a motivated individual who is not award.” afraid of hard work. Richard is technically excellent and is well on Bus and Coach Apprentice of the Year Richard the way to becoming one of our best tradesmen.” Williams (centre) receives his award. 4 Pop star’s praise for megabus ... find out more on page 7. ON STAGE

LETTER OF PRAISE The letters below were received from grateful customers – one at and the other at megabus.com in the USA.

If you or one of your colleagues has received a letter of praise from a customer, please email a copy to lindsay. [email protected] or post it to Lindsay Reid, Senior Group Communications Manager, Stagecoach Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW. We will publish as many as possible. Dear Sir, Dear Megabus, I am writing to express my eternal gratitude to a young It’s been quite some time since I rode Megabus, X-Factor’s Ryan Mathie with the Stagecoach East lady in your employ by the name of Kim Brooks for both however I was quite the frequent traveller Midlands team at the launch. her professionalism and exemplary service displayed at approximately two years ago. Your phenomenal your Westwood depot. service and pricing were instrumental in n Buses have the X-factor My five-year-old son has a keen interest in buses and changing my life, and I wanted to send a huge X-FACTOR’S Ryan Mathie entertained passengers specifically the Loop and I popped into your depot to thank you to your company! and passers-by as he unveiled a fleet of stylish enquire about purchasing a mini Loop model and spoke In July 2011, I went to New City from my coaches in Hull city centre on Valentine’s Day. to Kim. hometown of Philadelphia, using Megabus of The former bin lorry mechanic boarded the X62 to Whilst sadly it was not possible to buy such a model, course, to see a friend play in a band. There, I serenade passengers as he launched Stagecoach’s after hearing my plight Kim asked me to return the next met a girl that lived in New York, and instead of new Love Your X fleet, which boasts free wi-fi and day and she would make some enquiries about some a trans-city relationship being cost or time- plush seats among its new features. branded items. prohibitive, your service enabled me to commute Michelle Hargreaves, Stagecoach East Midland’s Imagine my surprise when upon my return, Kim greeted every few days. Managing Director, said: “The X62 is definitely on me warmly and presented me with a whole bag of After a year or so of frequent trips back and forth, the up. It’s a frequent and reliable service, offering Loop branded goodies for my son. I was surprised and I decided to move to NYC and now we are getting commuters and shoppers hassle-free travel to and overjoyed with the plethora of mints, pens, torches, married on the 4th of July! from Hull city centre. fridge magnet and even a T-shirt contained within the Thank you for bringing this wonderful and cost- “Shoppers and commuters can now travel in Loop-themed bag. effective service to the U.S., and best wishes in greater comfort, enjoy free wi-fi and save money in I wanted to ensure you got this memo to highlight Kim’s your continued success. My fiancé and I, both in local stores thanks to Love Your X.” actions and show just what a credit to your organisation advertising, are some of your biggest advocates! she is. All our best, Jeff and the future n Hit the highway for heroes Warmest regards, Carl Meghan Budden THE HELP for Heroes charity has launched its Hero Ride which will take place on June 8. Christmas gift for great cause The event involves a series of bike rides across the UK, Belgium and , with thousands of people CHRISTMAS shoppers boosted a great cause uniting to recognise those who have been wounded championed by Stagecoach South. or injured or who became ill in the service of their The festive season charity appeal raised £1,500 country. for Help for Heroes, thanks to the generosity of In 2013 the event raised an incredible £1.1m and passengers who travelled on the Chichester Park & 1300 people of all ages and abilities got on their Ride services. bikes in support of the charity. “We want to thank everyone for all the support and More information on the Hero Ride can be found at generous donations received,” said Simon Tramalloni, www.helpforheroes.org.uk Operations Manager for Stagecoach in Chichester. “I am honoured to hand over this money on behalf of Stagecoach to such a worthy charity. Help for Heroes n Ticket to ride Pictured, from left, are: Steve Thorpe, Stagecoach; Councillor offers so much support to the men and women who Myles Cullen; Operations Manager Simon Tramalloni; James EAST Midlands Trains is creating over 1000 extra are wounded to get their lives back on track.” Burns from Help for Heroes and Chris Rogers, Stagecoach. cycle spaces at its stations. The new spaces are being introduced at a number of stations while Sheffield and Leicester will also Very appealing benefit from new changing facilities and a repair A VEHICLE from Bow Garage in London was shop. involved in the launch of the Lord Mayor’s appeal at Neil Micklethwaite, Commercial and Customer the Guildhall recently. Service Director, said: “We know that door-to-door Lord Mayor of the City of London Fiona Woolf journey times are a key factor for people when launched the annual appeal which helps raise deciding which mode of transport to use and there money for several charities. is a case to be made for how cycling can help The Stagecoach London vehicle (centre) at reduce overall travel times.” the Guildhall launch. 5 Did you know? South West Trains stations reduced their energy consumption by 37% by dimming and turning off lights on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. GREEN SCENE n New hubs for bike- Local investment benefits passengers friendly stations is spending a SHEFFIELD Station is to play host to a new state-of- massive £5.6 million on 37 new single- the-art cycle hub. deck, low-emission buses for major bus The work is part of a multi-million pound scheme to routes in Northampton. install cycle hubs at three of East Midlands Trains’ “This is the largest single investment largest stations. in new buses for Northampton’s Work is already under way at Leicester station with bus network and represents an attention turning to Nottingham this summer as part unprecedented upgrade in the quality of the wider Nottingham station hub redevelopment of vehicles,” said Steve Burd, Managing scheme. Director of Stagecoach Midlands. The cycle hubs – which are being delivered as part “We believe this will encourage more of a £2.5m investment by East Midlands Trains, people to try the bus and persuade them that travelling by bus not only Welcoming the new investment are, from left: “Councillor Andre Gonzalez Network Rail and the Department for Transport – de Savage, Northamptonshire County Council; Steve Burd, Managing will be available free of charge to cyclists. makes environmental sense but is also Director of Stagecoach Midlands; Councillor Michael Clarke, Northampton As well as offering secure storage for bikes, a cost-effective means of transport.” County Council and Nick Small, Strategic Development Manager. they will also contain changing facilities, toilets, bike repair tools and local cycling information for customers. New buses n A lot more luxury clear the air 's coach tours and TWENTY-ONE greener buses are bringing down private hire operator Rennies of Dunfermline started emissions in the Sunderland area. the new year in style with the launch of two luxury The new ADL 200s, which have eco-friendly Euro vehicles. 5 engines, are the result of a £2.5 investment by The new 49-seater coaches feature toilets, leather Stagecoach North East. seats and free wi-fi access. Rachel Geliamassi, Operations Manager at Andrew Jarvis, Managing Director of Stagecoach Sunderland Depot, Stagecoach North East, said: East Scotland, said: “We are delighted to launch “To have 21 new lower-emission buses on the road Stagecoach North East Managing Director Phil Medlicott across the city is fantastic and another step forward these vehicles, further enhancing our Rennies fleet and Sunderland Operations Manager Rachel Geliamassi with luxury vehicles that are ideal for executive unveil the new fleet. on our green agenda.” travel or special occasions.” Hybrids make their mark MANCHESTER’S Route 50 is now being served by 14 new hybrid buses, all with free wi-fi. Christopher Bowles, Managing Director of , said: “The increase in passenger numbers on the route not only shows how we are helping to take cars off the road, but also that we are offering customers a reliable service.” To further celebrate the launch, a Stagecoach Manchester ‘angel’ took to the streets and handed out 14 Valentine’s Day gifts to people in MediaCityUK, East Didsbury and the city centre. The gifts included Councillor Roger Jones, Transport for Greater Mancherster’s The new Elite coaches in the shadow of the vouchers for popular restaurants and bars along the Ryan Carter, Councillor Warner and The Lowry’s Tania iconic Forth Bridge. Mahmoud join Stagecoach Manchester Managing Director 50 route. Christopher Bowles on a new hybrid bus.

ON Stage is offering Stagecoach employees up to exclusive promotion code COACHSSE to get 10% off electrical appliances. SSE Special offer yourself a deal. We’ve teamed up with Scottish and Southern Energy miss this special offer. All Stagecoach employees can SSE offers competitive prices on lots of great (SSE), one of the largest energy suppliers in the UK, take advantage of SSE’s exclusive variable discount brands such as BEKO, Panasonic, Samsung and to offer a great deal on energy-efficient appliances. of up to 10% on its complete product range, including Hotpoint. It also offers a wide range of energy- So, if you’re going to treat yourself to a new fridge free UK delivery. saving items, from vacuum cleaners to washing freezer, oven or state-of-the-art 3D smart TV, don’t Just visit www.thesseshop.co.uk and use your machines. Terms and conditions apply: SSE reserves the right to withdraw or amend any promotion, bonus or special offer at anytime without notice. Only one promotion code can be redeemed per purchase. The use of promotional offers / promotional codes cannot be redeemed in conjunction with any other offer, promotional code or discount coupon. The promotional code must be registered at the time of purchase, by entering the valid code on the checkout page.

6 Make your own delicious flapjacks ... find out more on page 9. ON STAGE n Working together Brace yourself, KT! has been working with MEGABUS.COM recently helped out music star KT Tunstall with an adults with learning disabilities in Rhondda Cynon urgent delivery from London to Glasgow. Taff to help identify and solve problems they may KT was in Glasgow for a gig at the new Hard Rock café but face when using public transport. needed her famous rainbow braces – worn on the cover of her Through the Mencap Cymru ‘Older Voices’ project, megabus.com first album – delivered overnight from London to hand them over Stagecoach provided a bus, allowing the group as a gift to the venue. to go through potentially intimidating scenarios After a chance meeting on a flight, it turned out megabus.com they may face while travelling. The group and was able to transport the braces on the overnight sleepercoach Stagecoach staff then worked out how to resolve from London to Glasgow, getting them there in perfect time for her each situation. show. Susan Wheeler from the Treforest Older Voices The Scots singer was so grateful she tweeted a thank you group said: “As someone with a learning disability message to megabus.com on Twitter, to her 65,000 followers! I think it is important that we are involved and can If you, or one of your colleagues, have a claim to fame – perhaps a participate in the training – it keeps it real. hidden talent, a meeting with a celebrity or an interesting hobby – “Thank you to Stagecoach and Mencap Cymru for please email details to [email protected] making it a great day.” KT Tunstall turned to megabus.com for an extra-special delivery. (Picture by Kirk Stauffer). n megabus broadens its horizons in USA MEGABUS.COM has expanded its North American Playing it safe network to cover new locations in North and South Carolina. A POSTER competition was a crafty way to The latest routes mean that Stagecoach Group’s get railway safety messages across to London low-cost inter-city bus service now covers 34 US schoolchildren. states in the United States as well as serving the South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance District of Columbia and the Canadian provinces of organised the event, and Community Safety Ontario and Quebec. Manager Lindsay Banks joined a Rail megabus.com now offers fares from $1 linking Community Officer at an assembly in St Mary Columbia, South Carolina and Fayetteville, North Madgalen’s Catholic Primary School, Mortlake. Carolina. Designing posters taught the children about rail Community Safety Officer Lindsay Banks with the school poster competition winners. “Our state-of-the-art double-decker buses give safety and how to safely use the two footbridges customers the option of staying connected and on their way to school. winner received a certificate and medal, as well as having entertained with free wi-fi and power outlets The whole school took part and each year-group their poster design displayed at the local station. throughout each vehicle, or they can relax in our comfortable reclining seats and catch up on some shut-eye,” said Dale Moser, President and Chief An inspiring event Operating Office of megabus.com. STAGECOACH has received recognition for its support for the Westfield Health British Transplant Games in Sheffield. n Join the Tour de Yorkshire The company transported athletes during the Games held across CYCLISTS are being sought by The Railway Children the city in August last year, and was thanked at a recent special charity for a challenging fundraising event. presentation. The charity – which fights to improve the lives of Managing Director Paul Lynch said: “It was children living alone and at risk on the streets in the a fantastic tournament for Sheffield to host and I am proud that UK, India and East Africa – needs volunteers to take Stagecoach was involved in such an inspiring event.” part in the Tour de Yorkshire. Graham Moore (left), chairman of the Games Local Organising The cycling event starts in , and follows Committee and chairman of Westfield Health, hands the Stage 1 route of the Tour de France to over the award to John Young, Acting Commercial Director for Stagecoach Yorkshire. before returning to its starting point, 120 miles later. It promises to be a tough day of cycling on Jim’s a charity superhero undulating terrain over the Yorkshire Dales, but the BY day, Jim Henderson is a mild-mannered bus driver with Stagecoach in sense of achievement will be unforgettable. Orkney...but, outwith working hours, he morphs into a superhero! Entries are welcome from individual cyclists or Jim has been dressing up as Santa, Superman and Morph to entertain teams of four people who each ride 30 miles. locals with singing and good cheer to raise money for local charities in To find out more visitwww.railwaychildren.org. Orkney. uk/tourdeyorkshire Superhero bus driver Jim Henderson. 7 Did you know? Stagecoach Chief Executive Martin Griffiths is also Chairman of the Rail Delivery Group. ON STAGE Chris Ball – a tribute IT is with great sadness that we pay tribute to Stagecoach UK Bus employee Chris Ball who passed away in February. Chris, who worked in Operational and Technical n Calling all heroes Audit and Support, had nearly 30 years’ MEGABUS.COM is once again supporting the Sunday association with the company. Mail Young Scot Awards and recently joined the He successfully completed our internal Staff The late Chris Ball (left) with Stagecoach Chairman event organisers for a promotional tour of Scotland. Development Programme in 2000 and was Sir . The specially-branded Young Scot megabus.com appointed as an Operations Auditor in 2001 commitment, as project manager, in delivering the scheme vehicle helped mount a series of roadshow events when that team was first established. at bus companies across the UK. attended by celebrities and previous award-winners He contributed greatly to the development and Chris’s commitment continued after he became ill, and he where members of the public nominated young implementation of robust processes across was working and supporting colleagues whenever he felt heroes. Stagecoach and his calm approach and friendly able to. It’s hoped the tour will help generate a record manner endeared him to everyone he came Stagecoach Regional Director Robert Andrew said: “Chris number of entries for this year’s event in Glasgow across, making him very popular. is a tragic loss to his family. He is also a tragic loss to this April. Arguably Chris’s greatest contribution to Stagecoach. megabus.com Managing Director Elizabeth Esnouf Stagecoach was the Ecodriver Project and “In an industry in which people are key, Chris was said: “We’re delighted to be involved with the Young in 2012 he received the Gold Environment inspirational, popular and, without doubt, one of the good Scot Awards again. We have many inspiring young Stagecoach Champions Award for his guys.” people in Scotland and it’s only right that they should be recognised.” All for a good cause n Jobs boost for Scotland STAGECOACH employee Lesley Grozier and her partner Brian Banton have raised £3,000 for two STAGECOACH in Fife provided a boost for breast cancer causes. jobseekers in the East of Scotland with the The Chesterfield couple organised a charity night, recruitment of more than 30 new drivers at the start barbecue and raffles, while Brian also ran the of this year. London Marathon. The events raised £1500 for Local staff held an open day in Alloa in January to Breast Cancer Care and a further £1500 for the welcome potential recruits, talking them through Cavendish Ward Chemotherapy Unit at Chesterfield the application process and training, as well as Royal Hospital. providing information on the benefits of working for Lesley, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in Stagecoach. 2012, joined Brian in thanking all of the local staff Mark Whitelocks, Operations Director, Stagecoach The cheques are handed over to both good causes. who contributed. East Scotland said: “There have been a number of significant changes to the East Scotland network recently, not least the opening of Halbeath Park and Valentine’s Day farewell Ride in November. VALENTINE’S Day “As a result of some of these changes we were was extra-special looking for more drivers and mechanics across the for Thurso bus driver regions.” James Allan, who retired on February n A good run, by George! 14 following over 50 The student ambassadors with Chuck. years’ service. JUST a year after taking up running, North East James started in the driver George Clark tackled his first half marathon industry as a driver at Chuck-ago and raised £2,600 for Pancreatic Cancer research. the ‘Yankee Base’ in James and Valerie Allan MEGABUS.COM Student Ambassadors met with George (55) completed the race in two hours and Forss in 1963 before with flowers presented by the company’s mascot Chuck at a recent training four minutes alongside several colleagues, raising joining Morrison’s Stagecoach. session in Chicago. £1,300 which was matched by Stagecoach. Coaches in his home-town of Castletown in the The Student Ambassador Programme works with “I only started running to lose weight and get fit, but early 80s. He has been the regular driver on the college students at universities in 41 megabus. I enjoy it so much I thought I’d enter the Half Bower to Thurso High School run in recent years. com cities in North America to build brand Marathon as an additional incentive and to raise James plans to spend more time with his awareness and increase ticket sales among money,” said George. grandchildren – and his wife Valerie has a long students, faculty, alumni and administrative staff by “My brother suffers from this form of cancer so to list of jobs around the house to save him from participating in on-campus, sports and community fund-raise for it and do some good means a lot.” boredom! events.

8 Did you know? Stagecoach has more than 150 on-going bus and rail apprenticeships. ON STAGE

STAGECOACH Midlands Smarter travel for Scots Engineering SCOTTISH Transport Minister Keith Brown has Keith Brown said: “Stagecoach’s launch of Administrator praised Stagecoach’s innovative smartcard commercial smart ticketing in South West ticketing scheme in West Scotland. Scotland, the first phase of a nationwide roll-out, Maggie Stagecoach Smartcard – which is now live across is an exciting and welcome development for TOP RECIPE Kingston shares Stagecoach services in Glasgow, Ayrshire, Arran passengers. her recipe for and Dumfries and Galloway – allows Stagecoach “I hope to see other operators follow this lead so her flapjacks bus passengers to store their travel electronically that commercial smart ticketing becomes widely which are very on a smartcard instead of using paper tickets. available and that national ambitions are met to popular among For the first time, it also gives customers the see a Scotland where all journeys on bus, rail, ferry, colleagues. chance to pay for their travel through hassle-free subway and tram networks can be accessed using automatic payments. some form of smart ticketing or payment.” Flapjacks Ingredients 6oz butter, 4 tbsp golden syrup, 6oz brown Muscovado sugar, 10oz porridge oats, Can you feel 4oz sultanas, 2oz glace cherries. • Lightly grease and line a shallow tin (approx 8”x10”) with greaseproof paper. the love? • Put butter, syrup and sugar in a pan. Heat gently STAFF from helped until all the ingredients have melted. Remove ‘spread the love’ on Valentine’s Day morning. from heat. The team handed out a free breakfast to • Stir in porridge oats and fruit, mix well. customers at the Ellon Park and Ride facility. • Spread mixture evenly into tin and press down Stagecoach Gloucester, Wye & Dean Operations Operations Director Stephie Barber explained: Manager James Williams congratulates Darryn with the back of a spoon or fork. “It was a good opportunity to meet up with Stenning on his Gold award. • Bake in the centre of a moderate oven (gas 4, customers. To encourage a high attendance 350F, 180C) for 25 minutes. we organised a ‘Do You Love Us?’ event for Darryn strikes gold • Remove from oven. Leave to cool in tin for 5 Valentine's Day to get passengers’ views about minutes. GLOUCESTER driver Darryn Stenning has been named the service. • Cut into strips to make about 12-15 bars. Leave the annual Service 10 Gold winner. “It was a very productive way to get in tin until cold. Break into bars. To mark the award – which takes into account driving passengers’ attention and they all seemed to performance, attendance and customer service – have seen the striking posters our marketing Darryn was given £200 worth of Love to Shop High team designed for the event.” n New fleet handbooks Street vouchers. TRANSPORT journalist Steven Knight has produced a series of detailed Fleet Handbooks as a useful reference guide for the industry as well as Garry puts his best foot forward something of interest for bus enthusiasts. THANET bus driver Garry Warren is running this year’s London The Stagecoach handbooks so far cover East, Marathon in aid of Pilgrims Hospices. West, Green, East Midlands and Yorkshire Inspired by the care given to several of his work colleagues, companies. Garry hopes to raise £2,000. The Stagecoach Yorkshire book is priced at £5.95 He said: “I’ve run a marathon once before so would ideally and the Norfolk Green one at £2.75. All others are like to beat my personal best of 4 hours 38 minutes. But that £5.50. However, they are available to Stagecoach was back in 2005 so now so it will be challenge just to get staff at the reduced price of £4.95 inclusive of around!” postage (£2.75 for the Norfolk Green edition). To donate visit www.justgiving.com/garrywarren They can be ordered direct, with cheques payable Marathon fund-raiser Garry Warren. to Steven Knight Media, and orders should be sent A classic day out to Steven Knight TWO busloads of enthusiasts visited Media. PO Box 1299, Plumstead garage recently as part of a tour Peterborough PE2 organised by the Classic London Bus Society. 2NX. The society has some 120 members and organises trips in which they hire historic ex- A new series of Fleet Handbooks have just London buses and retrace routes on which the gone on sale. various vehicles operated during LT service. They visited Plumstead when re-running two of the tram replacement routes in South London. Two of the classic buses on the forecourt at Plumstead Garage. 9 THE PEOPLE PAGE ON STAGE n APPOINTMENTS n GETTING TO KNOW YOU... STAGECOACH South has Dean Bolton, Manager of Safety and Compliance, . welcomed aboard Alex O'Loughlin as its new ■■ Who are you? Dean Bolton, Manager of Safety smiled and quietly walked out and took her to Marketing Manager. and Compliance for Coach Canada. the men’s washroom. Alex will be responsible for ■■ What do you like most about your job? ■■ Favourite music? Top 40 but I still like all the the continued development Meeting and talking with drivers and other oldies. of marketing strategies employees about safety and related issues and ■■ Person you would most like to have dinner for Stagecoach across making a difference. with? James Dyson, inventor founder of Hampshire, Surrey and West New Stagecoach ■■ What do you like least about your job? the Dyson company and best known for his Sussex to encourage more South Marketing Seeing people do something unsafe that could bagless vacuum cleaner. His perseverance and people out of cars and onto Manager Alex potentially cause an accident. dedication to excellence O’Loughlin. public transport. ■■ Favourite food? Good ole country cooking – is a great inspiration Managing Director Andrew Dyer said: ‘We’re meat and potatoes. to others. I love delighted to welcome Alex to Stagecoach. Her wide- ■■ Least favourite food? Spicy food. I find thinking about new ranging experience in marketing will be central in ketchup hot! ideas and inventions. our aim to attract even people on to our greener, ■■ What are you most proud of? My two ■■ First thing you smarter bus services.” children. Watching my son and daughter grow would buy if you won and mature gives me so much pride. $1million? I’d buy ABERDEEN’S engineering team is gearing up with ■■ Favourite holiday destination? A warm a houseboat a new management team. climate, sun and beach. I love exploring new to live on James Ardley joined the team on March 3 as territory. the water. Engineering Manager for the Aberdeen Depot. ■■ Most embarrassing moment? Taking my James is from Stagecoach South and has 13 daughter to a busy public washroom. I didn’t Getting To Know You features in every edition years’ experience in the industry, so he'll be a great think about it really – I just walked into the of On Stage and we want to hear from as many asset for Stagecoach Bluebird. ladies’ washroom. I was inside in the line and staff as possible. To suggest the next participant, In addition, Paul Coackley is the new Assistant noticed all the women looking at me. I soon email [email protected] Engineering Manager. He too has a wealth of realised I was the odd person in the room so I experience and knowledge in the bus industry. n RETIRALS n IN MEMORY OF... CUMBRIA driver John WEST Scotland FORMER Gloucester driver John Copeland recently Graham recently retired employee Jimmy passed away after completing 49 years’ service after almost 47 years in Young has retired with the company. the bus industry. after a long Staff at the depot wanted to do something to John, from West career. Cumbria depot, West Scotland Managing Director remember John, so they held a collection – to He started work Edward Hodgson and Operations which the company also started his career with with Western Director Alison McCluskie bid farewell contributed – and the team Cumberland Motor Buses in 1978 to Jimmy Young (centre). ordered a special clock and Services in 1967 at as a driver and worked on the London routes which plate in John’s honour. the age of 18 as a operated from the Ayr depot. The clock is on display in conductor. He became For the past 21 years he has been the Union Convenor the driver canteen at the a driver in 1972 and and the Chairperson for the National Delegates Clarence Street bus depot. remained in that Conference and the National Liaison Committee. post until his recent The special clock, displayed in He was also Chairperson of the Passenger Group in retirement. Scotland for 20 years. As a retiral gift Jimmy was memory of John Copeland. John Graham, in his old Everyone at the driver’s uniform, which given travel vouchers which he will use for a trip to company wishes him he wore to work on his New York where he plans to meet up with his old boss n CONTACTS well in his retirement. last day. Bryony Chamberlain. Editor: Lindsay Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach n LONG SERVICE Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW Email: [email protected] THE SOUTH West Trains-Network Rail www.stagecoach.com Alliance held a dinner in Winchester to mark long-serving and retiring If you have a story for On Stage, please contact employees. Lindsay Reid as above. The copy deadline for Those attending were presented with the next edition of On Stage will be Friday, 18 a certificate by Alliance Managing April 2014. Director Tim Shoveller to celebrate their service.

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