'Dinosaurs' Top honours Airport service Apprentice failing once again hitting wins top passengers in bus awards new heights UK title

The newspaper of Stagecoach Group Issue 65 Winter 06/07

New commercial terms for West Coast franchise

ew commercial terms that will Nrun through to March 2012 have Passengers to benefit from range of improvements been agreed for the West Coast rail franchise. The agreement has been welcomed by Stagecoach Group, which has a 49% shareholding in Virgin Rail Group (VRG), operator of the franchise since 1997. VRG has operated West Coast on a management contract since July 2002, following the collapse of Railtrack and changes to the infrastructure upgrade to the West Coast main line that prevented Virgin from running 140mph trains. The agreement with the Department for Transport (DfT) will mean passengers can benefit from a range of improvements, including: • 10 million extra seats a year from December 2008 on West Coast routes between London Euston and the West Midlands, the North West, Cumbria and Scotland • a 32% increase in daily train services from December 2008 • a new timetable and enhanced frequencies • continued management focus on improving punctuality even further. Under the deal, VRG plans to significantly increase the number of passenger journeys from the current level of 20 million a year in 2006-07. Separate proposals being discussed with the DfT would provide a further 10 million extra seats by adding two cars to each of VRG’s 53 nine-car Pendolino trains. Brian Souter, Stagecoach Group Chief Executive, said: “This new sustainable commercial franchise is an excellent deal for passengers, taxpayers and our share- holders. “It will give Virgin West Coast a strong platform for growth over the next five years, allowing us to improve Stagecoach softens blow of Farepak collapse The half-year results are in! even further Britain’s fastest growing rail franchise.” It’s official – more people are getting on board Stagecoach It follows a £1.1 billion investment in a fleet of state- Stagecoach stepped in to help its employees Steps were taken to ensure affected employees bus and train services. of-the-art Pendolino tilting trains with enhanced levels who lost money as a result of the collapse of received the cash before Christmas. The company’s half-year results show an increase in of safety and performance as well as lower emissions. Farepak. Stagecoach Head of Media and Public Affairs passenger volumes and a significant rise in profits within its Combined with improved levels of punctuality, this The Perth-based transport company pledged Steven Stewart said: “The Farepak collapse hit UK and North American bus and rail operations. has resulted in some 90% of Virgin West Coast customers to ensure those among its 22,000 UK-based many people across the country very hard and a The boost follows a highly successful year, in which now being satisfied with their travel experience. workforce affected by the crisis received payments number of companies contributed to the relief Stagecoach was renamed UK Bus Operator of the Year Virgin West Coast will receive £1.36 billion in public equalling 50% of the savings they had lost. fund that had been set up. and secured the 10-year South Western rail franchise. funding support until 31 March 2012. The support Managers drew up a list of employees at “We wanted to do something for our own And, with other potential franchises and contracts in is mainly to contribute to Network Rail track access Stagecoach’s bus, train and tram operations, employees affected by this issue, and we hope the pipeline, the future is looking very bright. charges, which will rise steeply to around £500 million from the Highlands of Scotland to south-west this gesture will, in some small way, have helped each year from 2008-09, linked to the £8.6 billion costs England, who had been hit by the problem. to save their Christmas.” Full story, see page 5 of the West Coast main line modernisation project. Nathan joins another Regional operations winning team receive £9m boost First futuristic Optare Versa midi-buses included in order for 100 new vehicles.

tagecoach has placed a £9 million order Sfor 100 new state-of-the-art buses for its regional bus operations in the UK. Vroom at the top! The new vehicles will be supplied by Leeds-based manu- Christina Ratcliffe (22) has joined Stagecoach in Newcastle as facturer Optare and will be delivered from May 2007. a new graduate trainee. Fitted with hi-tech MAN exhaust gas re-circulation Christina, an avid biker, rode into town to take up the post Nathan Williams. (EGR) four-cylinder engines, the Euro 4-compliant of Assistant Operations Manager. This follows on from her buses will be among the most environmentally friendly in initial first year’s training, which she completed in South Wales Stagecoach’s Marketing Manager for South Stagecoach’s fleet. at Stagecoach in Cwbran. Wales and Gloucestershire/Wiltshire likes The order is for 75 Optare Solo vehicles, which can Originally from Sheffield, Christina applied to various nothing better than the challenge of carry 27 seated passengers, and 25 Optare Versa midi-buses, graduate schemes, but chose to follow a future on the road working for a winning team. unveiled at the recent Euro Bus Expo Show at the NEC in after completing her degree in history at Leicester University. Nathan Williams established a track Birmingham. She said: “I wanted to join a scheme that really stood out. record of achieving many goals off Featuring a curved futuristic design, the 11-metre vehicle Stagecoach offered a fabulous fast-track system that builds the pitch in his previous roles with the can carry up to 40 seated passengers and is based on the people up to be the directors of the future!” Millennium Stadium and the Welsh Rugby same technology as the Solo. Under the scheme, the next step will be promotion to Union. Les Warneford, Managing Director of Stagecoach UK Operations Manager and, eventually, Operations Director. A graduate of Swansea University, he Bus, said: “We have invested more than £150 million Nigel Winter, Operations Director at Stagecoach North said: “Schemes such as the JustGo… and over the past three years as part of our drive to make East, commented: “We are really pleased to have Christina Go2… initiatives in Caerphilly, Aberdare our operations greener and attract more people to public on board and are sure she has what it takes to help manage and Merthyr Tydfil, and Kickstart in transport. operations in Newcastle. This is a large depot and we will be Swindon and Cheltenham have already “Stagecoach has consistently grown the number of able to offer her a varied and fast-moving environment to made a big difference in persuading people people using its services for the past four years and this new train in.” to leave their cars at home and travel by fleet of high-quality, environmentally-friendly vehicles will Based in Newcastle for 12 months, she will receive bus. Stagecoach is always looking to the help our drive to encourage car users to switch to the bus.” guidance and support from colleagues at her depot in future to see how it can build on this Bob Coombes, Optare’s Group Managing Director, said: Walkergate, including shadowing Operations Manager Geoff success. “We are delighted to have received this further substantial Reed. “It's an exciting time for the company order from Stagecoach Group, which demonstrates its The scheme encourages trainees to experience every and I’m delighted to be part of it.” satisfaction both with our business approach and the aspect of working within a bus depot and, so far, Christina has John Gould, Managing Director of performance of our products. The innovative new Optare Revved up for success: Christina Ratcliffe putting her career found herself helping in the control room, organising shifts Stagecoach in South Wales, added: “We’ve Versa will add great value to Stagecoach Group’s drive to into top gear. and rotas and even driving and cleaning the buses. already achieved some impressive targets in increase further its passenger numbers.” terms of increasing the number of people using Stagecoach services and have set ourselves a hard act to follow. I’m sure that Nathan will play an active role in helping to South welcomes new Operations Director ensure we achieve our goals.” Experience and determination are two of Andrew started his career 16 years ago at Wilts & Dorset before returning to the the qualities Andrew Jarvis brings with him as a booking clerk in the summer holidays north in 2002. His last position was Area to his appointment as Stagecoach South’s for a coach operator. He gained his PCV Manager for Arriva North West following Manager Zoe new Operations Director. licence at the age of 18 and joined the Go- the acquisition of Blue Bus in Bolton. He has joined the head office team Ahead Group at Brighton & Hove in 1996 Andrew Dyer, Managing Director of at Chichester to oversee the day-to-day as a graduate trainee, and later became a Stagecoach South, said he was delighted to feels on top operational management of the seven garage staff manager. welcome Andrew to the team. depots in Chichester, Portsmouth, Following time as Business “He has the necessary experience and of the world Winchester, Basingstoke, Andover, Development Manager for Go-Ahead in determination to ensure that we can deliver Andrew Jarvis, new Operations Director at Aldershot and Worthing. Newcastle, he became a district manager our services with efficiency,” he added. Stagecoach South. Contacts Editor: Steven Stewart, On Stage, Stagecoach Group, Stagecoach South Helen Martin 01243 536161 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth PH1 5TW. Stagecoach South West Mark Whittle 01392 889747 Tel: +44 (0)1738 442111, Fax: +44 (0)1738 443076 National Transport Tokens Sajda Khan 01254 680180 www.stagecoachgroup.com If you have a story for On Stage, please get in touch with your Zoe Paget. UK Rail local contact below: South West Trains Lisa Davies 0207 620 5892 High-flyer Zoe Paget is feeling on top of Stagecoach Group Steven Stewart 01738 642040 Island Line Stephen Wade 01983 812591 the world. Stagecoach Supertram Julia Shaw 0114 2759888 And she has every reason to be happy UK Bus – she has just become one of the youngest Stagecoach East Scotland Lisa Henry 01383 516454 North America operational managers in the UK bus Stagecoach West Scotland Allan Henry 01292 613515 Coach USA Dale Moser 001 201 225 7575 industry. Stagecoach North East Jodine Milne 0191 566 0236 Coach Canada Jim Devlin 001 705 748 1170 She has been appointed Operations Stagecoach North West Colin Nicholson 01772 255752 Manager of Stagecoach East’s Bedford Stagecoach Manchester Karen Coventry 0161 276 2727 depot, which has 260 staff and 127 buses and coaches, and will be moving to live in Stagecoach Merseyside Clare Tresnan 07711 950 019 Bedford. Stagecoach East Midlands Phil Cartwright 01246 222018 On Stage is published four times a year. Advertising connected directly or indirectly with Stagecoach is accepted. Charitable adverts will be included Zoe (24) started the Stagecoach UK Stagecoach Oxfordshire Chris Child 01865 405511 without charge, otherwise rates on request. Bus graduate training programme in Stagecoach in Warwickshire Adam Rideout 01604 702112 On Stage is distributed free to Stagecoach staff. Public subscriptions are London just two years ago. Stagecoach East Adam Rideout 01604 702112 available at £12 for one year or £20 for two years. Cheque payable to After a year’s operational training in the Stagecoach Cambridgeshire Zoe Paget 01223 423578 Stagecoach Group plc at the editorial address. The Editor is unable to enter capital, she moved to become Assistant into individual correspondence concerning the affairs of The Stagecoach Operations Manager for Stagecoach in Stagecoach West Nathan Williams 07753 775 193 Group. Cambridge, where she gained experience Stagecoach Wales Nathan Williams 07753 775 193 of both the operational and commercial Stagecoach South East Helen Martin 01243 536161 Designed by The Big Partnership Group Limited, Scotland. sides of the business. 2 Winter 06/07 megabus sets green tone UK’s transport dinosaurs for climate chaos rally failing bus passengers

Environmentally-friendly travel was the only way to go for delegates at a • Transport Committee report branded ‘re-nationalisation by back door’ recent climate change rally in London and leading the way was Stagecoach’s • PTE spending on buses slashed by 75% as congestion delays rocket megabus.com. The company teamed up with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds tagecoach has accused PTE record of failure (RSPB) to offer cheap, green travel to S“transport dinosaurs” those attending the rally. of failing bus passengers People supporting the Stop Climate Buses account for around 80% of all Chaos (SCC) I Count rally in November and pursuing a political public transport journeys in the UK every were able to travel from around the UK campaign of re-regulation year. But official figures show England’s for just £4.50 return. that threatens to undermine six PTEs – covering Greater Manchester, The special deal could be used on Merseyside, South Yorkshire, Tyne and services in some of the UK’s Wear, West Midlands and West Yorkshire the megabus.com routes to London largest cities. from locations across the UK, including – have a dismal track record on pro-bus The company dismissed the report into Inverness, Cardiff, Scotch Corner, Leeds measures as the number of cars licensed bus services by the Transport Committee and Plymouth. in the UK has shot up by 57% since – chaired by Gwyneth Dunwoody MP – as Steven Stewart, Stagecoach Group 1985. “stage-managed propaganda”, bursting Head of Media and Public Affairs, said: • PTEs have slashed spending on with outdated ideology and bereft of “We were delighted to be able to work buses by nearly 75% since 1985, new ideas. with the RSPB and make it easier for while spending in London has Stagecoach instead called on the people to get there in an environmentally increased by more than 150% Government to enforce partnership friendly manner. • Metropolitan authorities have working across the country, introducing “Any transport has an impact on failed to tackle rising congestion binding targets on bus operators environment, but we agree with envi- in the biggest conurbations, and transport authorities to benefit ronmental groups that we all need to allowing bus services lost to traffic passengers. look carefully at how we can balance our congestion to double since 2001 Speaking on the 20th anniversary of desire to travel with steps to protect the • No significant bus park and ride measures to open up the bus industry planet. operations have been set up in any and make it more customer-focused, “Bus and coach travel is more fuel- PTE area in the past 20 years Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Brian efficient and produces less harmful • More than 80% of the decline Souter said: “The Transport Committee emissions, such as CO2, per passenger in bus passengers in England’s report is nothing more than regurgitated journey than cars and airlines.” biggest city regions since 1986 regulation. It is a blatant attempt to rena- Bryan Bland, RSPB Corporate was while metropolitan transport tionalise the bus industry by the back door PR Manager, said: “We approached companies remained in public by confiscating bus companies’ revenues. Stagecoach because its infrastructure gave ownership. “Bus professionals, responsible for travel options to our supporters right employing 167,000 workers in the UK across the UK. It offered a convenient attended the Committee, anxious to share and environmentally friendly way to get their many ideas for improvement, only Bus operator success to the rally, and set a real precedent with to be ridiculed and shown no respect. its commitment.” Gwyneth Dunwoody has made herself the In contrast, bus operators have trans- mouthpiece for the Passenger Transport formed the quality of bus services in Executive Group (pteg), the super-quangos the UK over the past two decades, created in the 1960s to operate public Biting satire: The life size dinosaur and cardboard cutout. delivering: Herne Bay transport in the metropolitan areas.” • More bus services – up 17% Stagecoach, which branded the feed on large sums of public money. They to our success has been a public-private outside London since 1985/86 appoints Transport Committee “a complete farce”, have been the catalyst that has accelerated partnership with the Shire counties. We • More investment – around 8,000 deposited a life-size dinosaur and cardboard the decline of bus use in our biggest cities,” believe the Government should ensure new state-of-the-art vehicles new manager cut-out of Gwyneth Dunwoody outside he told delegates at the Transit conference, everyone across the country enjoys the same are now introduced every year, pteg’s Wellington House headquarters in “20 years after D-Day”. benefits. compared to just 3,800 before de- Leeds to show the report should not be Mr Souter added: “We believe the current “We need binding targets on local regulation taken seriously. system needs to be improved – and quickly. authorities and bus operators to ensure both • More sustainable operations In a speech to a major transport But unlike the transport dinosaurs, we parties meet their responsibilities to improve – emissions from the nation’s bus conference in Leeds, Brian Souter understand that people who rely on lifeline services. Those who do should be rewarded; fleet have more than halved since described pteg as the “bureaucratic beasts bus services need practical measures that will those who don’t should face penalties. We 1990 from the 1960s lagoon”. help make buses faster and more reliable. desperately need measures to encourage • More satisfied customers – “Their habitat is large office buildings, “Stagecoach has consistently increased intelligent car use and give buses priority, and passenger satisfaction with bus they have long chains of command, are the number of people on its buses outside transport entrepreneurs have an important services is higher outside London painfully slow at making decisions and London for the past four years. The key role to play.” (83%) than in London (78%). ‘Cautious welcome’ for Government’s bus plans

Ken Milner. Stagecoach has given a “cautious • More powers for Traffic environmental objectives. finalised, it is clear a number of our ideas welcome” to proposals announced by the Commissioners on enforcing A Stagecoach Group spokesman for improving the environment in which A new Engineering Manager has been Department for Transport for a shake-up bus punctuality, holding not just said: “We are pleased the Government bus services operate have been embraced appointed at Herne Bay by Stagecoach of bus services in the UK. operators but for the first time recognises the crucial role played by the by the Government. in East Kent. The Government’s ‘Putting Passengers local authorities to account for the bus in meeting the transport challenges “Stagecoach has consistently attracted Although it's the first time Ken First’ proposals outline plans to change performance of local services facing our country. more people on board its buses in both Milner has worked in the bus industry, the way buses are run, strengthening • Greater scope for franchise-style “The Government’s proposals metropolitan areas and shire counties he has had invaluable managerial the working partnerships between local Quality Contracts in some circum- reflect the significant contribution for the past five years as a result of experience in the heavy plant, road authorities and bus companies to attract stances as part of wider demand- that partnership working is making innovation, investment, strong marketing haulage and motor industry. more passengers in the long term. management proposals to the development of bus services and management expertise. The engineering team at Herne Bay The key changes are: • Allowing local charities and and the strengths of the private sector “We look forward to engaging with has 31 engineers, fitters and cleaners • Greater partnership working community groups to provide in delivering and improving public the Government and other stakeholders who ensure that the fleet of 72 vehicles between local authorities and services in areas poorly served by transport. in the months ahead to ensure that the is maintained to the high standards operators, making it easier for local other transport “While we will need to study the final measures are in the best interests required. The depot operates a shift authorities to have a say in bus • Ensuring current bus subsidies proposals closely, and the fine detail of passengers, taxpayers and the future system that provides a 24-hour servicing frequency, timetables and fares. help to support the Government's of the recommendations has still to be of the bus industry.” facility. Winter 06/07 3 Police praise launch of Review signals £400m new nightbus Christmas partygoers in Forest of Dean had no fears about getting boost for shareholders home this festive season thanks to a new nightbus service. The service, which runs on Friday and Saturday nights until 2.30am, has £50m contribution to Group pension scheme been welcomed by police. Inspector Steve Burnside, responsible for policing in the Forest tagecoach Group has given a major boost to South Inspector Neighbourhood Sshareholders with proposals to return value of Area, said: “The nightbus should not less than £400 million to its investors. provide a valuable service to people The announcement follows a review of the Group’s capital structure in the area and we are really pleased by the Board of Directors. at the support the idea has attracted The review was carried out in light of a number of factors, including: from various organisations and • Disposal by the Group of its New Zealand business in November agencies. 2005 and its London bus business in August 2006; “From our point of view, it • Continued strong cash generation by the Group; and can only have a positive impact on • A significant reduction in the Group’s net debt. ensuring the town centres empty of drinkers quickly when the pubs and Stagecoach said in a regulatory announcement that, in order to ensure clubs close, and that people have a the Group has an efficient and appropriate capital structure, the Board safe method of getting home rather believed a return of value should be made to shareholders. than walking or risking drinking and In deciding the amount of value to be returned to shareholders, the driving. Board has taken account of the: “This is the time of year when • Group’s strategy to focus on organic growth and potential bolt-on we expect to see more people going acquisitions in its UK and North American bus operations, and to out in the area to celebrate Christmas, target opportunities to expand its rail portfolio; however, it is hoped people will want • Ongoing capital requirements of the Group; and to use this service year round.” • Group’s progressive dividend policy. The service is also being supported by the landlord of the Angel Hotel As part of the plans, Stagecoach has also reached agreement in in Coleford, Barry Stokes, who is principle to make a one-off cash contribution of up to £50m to the providing funding for Security Group Pension Scheme as part of an agreed funding plan. Industry Association (SIA) trained The Group has worked closely with employees, trade union representa- One of the new Virgin-liveried ExpressCoaches. door staff to ride on the routes. tives and pension scheme trustees over the past year and made substantive Security company Safe and Secure progress in reducing the pension deficit and securing the accrued benefits is providing staff to ensure the for the current members of the Group’s main pension scheme. security of passengers and Stagecoach Six of the best keep passengers on the move Subject to shareholder and other approvals, the Board expects the staff. proposed return of value and contribution to the Pension Scheme to Passengers are travelling in style on an ExpressCoach standards. The service and its timetable is occur by June 30, 2007. The return of value is likely to be structured on a service relaunched by Virgin Trains. Although operated by Stagecoach, the drivers all being advertised via flyers in bars and pro-rata basis, similar to the return of capital in 2004. Six new wheelchair-accessible coaches costing wear Virgin Trains uniforms and have had additional clubs in Lydney and Coleford and Funding for the proposed return of value and contribution to the £500,000 have pride of place on the service that customer service training. online at www.stagecoachbus.com/ Pension Scheme is expected to come from the Group’s existing cash operates out of Stagecoach’s Bedford depot. James Freeman, Managing Director, Stagecoach wyeanddean. resources and bank facilities. It runs between Milton Keynes Railway Station East, said: “These coaches are a real boost. Besides Stagecoach Group Chairman Robert Speirs said: “The Group’s strong and London Luton Airport, connecting with the long- being fully accessible, they provide the ultimate in financial position and positive outlook has enabled us to announce plans distance Pendolino trains from the West Midlands, comfort and security for the thousands of customers to return significant value to our shareholders. As well as optimising our North West, Cumbria and Scotland. who use the service every year. The service has clocked Julie’s new capital structure and enhancing value to investors, our plans should ensure The vehicles, finished in the Virgin Trains colours, up over 600,000 passengers since its launch in 1999 we continue to invest in the business, maintain our progressive dividend have an integral wheelchair lift, operated by the and we now intend to introduce additional journeys mega-role policy and have the flexibility to take advantage of future growth oppor- driver, at the normal entrance area. The Volvo B7R during peak weekday periods from mid-January.” tunities. chassis has a Plaxton Profile body with seating for Currently, over 146,000 journeys are made on the “The Board will continue to monitor the Group’s capital structure 49 passengers. Other facilities include air condition- Luton Airport Coach Link each year, with through on megabus and consider opportunities to enhance shareholder value on an ongoing ing, seatbelts as well as interior and exterior CCTV tickets available from most staffed rail stations. Over Long-serving Stagecoach in basis.” equipment for passenger safety. The coaches are also three-quarters of all journeys are made for leisure Warwickshire employee Julie Gwynne Further details of the proposed return of value will be announced in environmentally friendly, meeting Euro 3 emissions purposes. has just been made the Manager of due course. the Rugby megabus.com operation. Julie Gwynne, has worked for Stagecoach for 16 years, starting her career as a driver at the Nuneaton depot. Customer service pays off in new role She then progressed to Assistant Operations Manager at Nuneaton, Service with a smile has paid off for Darlington Customers who text in are automatically entered a position she held for just over six driver Anne Marie Scott who has just been chosen into a monthly draw for a month’s worth of free years. as the North East’s first winner of a new customer travel on Stagecoach. The first lucky winner was Stagecoach in Warwickshire’s service award. Kathy Simpson, a peer mentor for Darlington Managing Director, Phil Medlicott, Anne Marie, who has being driving for Stagecoach Borough Council, who was very excited to receive said: “I wish Julie all the best in her for just a few months, was previously an HGV driver her prize. new position; she is a committed and really enjoys her new vocation as she enjoys She said: “I think it is very important to individual and is sure to do great meeting and interacting with people while working. recognise good customer service and I hope these things with megabus.com.” She commented: “I think the awards are a good awards make the day of some friendly drivers.” megabus.com, the low cost inter- idea. A good attitude towards customers is really The scheme was introduced in an effort to raise city bus service offered by Stagecoach, important when working and, this way, people can customer service standards throughout the region. travels to a huge variety of destina- see rewards for the effort they put in. Darlington Operations Manager Frank Price tions throughout the UK and tickets “It makes a difference to people to make them said: “We have had previous feedback from start from as little as a £1. feel welcome on the bus, and a smile doesn’t cost customers that our drivers are pleasant and friendly Julie said: “I’m really looking anything!” to travel with, and we thought it was important to forward to the challenges ahead, it’s The initiative invites customers to text in the reward this. The bus industry is a people-facing going to be hard work but I can’t wait driver’s number when they receive good customer environment and customer service is an important to get my teeth into the job.” service and the overall winner is selected from all part of what we can offer. This scheme has Julie will be in charge of the the drivers nominated over a two-month period. definitely helped to raise awareness of standards Rugby operation, ensuring that it Anne Marie received £150 for her efforts and among our drivers.” runs smoothly and continues to serve added: “I’m really over the moon to have won this If the Darlington scheme continues to be customers throughout the UK. Winning smiles: Darlington driver Anne Marie Scott and passenger Kathy and am going to spend it as any girl should – on successful, the company intends to introduce it Simpson celebrate their success in the customer service promotion. shopping!” across Teesside and Tyne and Wear. 4 Winter 06/07 Lost visitor Jazz theme hits a perfect note They’ve certainly been jazzing things up in Basingstoke. that the £750,000 investment to add to the fleet of 70 finds knight Eight brand new buses for Stagecoach’s re-branded buses operated from the Basingstoke depot reflected Line 3 service have been officially launched by Councillor the success of the town’s bus network where over 50% in shining Tony Jones, the worshipful Mayor of Basingstoke and passenger growth has been experienced over the last Deane, and Andrew Dyer, Managing Director for four years. Stagecoach South, as the Jazz 3 route. “The established route 3 deserves the introduction double decker The wheelchair and baby buggy friendly single of new buses for the comfort and convenience of Tearful and cold after getting separated deck buses will be dedicated to the every 10-minute passengers and a new route name and image,” he said. from her work colleagues during a trip to service between East Popley and South Ham via central “I am sure that the increased 10-minute frequency of Manchester, 19-year-old Vicki Cook was Basingstoke. service and improved vehicle quality in Chineham will be rescued by Bus Inspector Chris Kaye at The Jazz 1 Route has also been upgraded. It now much appreciated by the local community.” bustling Piccadilly bus station. offers twice the frequency of service between the town Stagecoach in Basingstoke employs over 170 drivers, There she told Chris she didn’t know All that jazz: Basingstoke Council Leader Councillor John Leek, Andrew Dyer, centre and Chineham, using low floor, easy access engineering and administration personnel to provide how to get back to her hotel. Chris calmed Mayor Jones and Horace Mitchell, portfolio holder for Planning and Transport, buses. the vital network of 12 routes within the town and to her down, made a quick radio message Basingstoke, at the launch of the upgraded service. At the banner cutting ceremony, Andrew Dyer said rural areas. and bus driver Jorgina Wasili cut short her break and turned up – with a double decker. Vicki, an administrator at Hartlepool Borough Council, jumped on board the out-of-service bus for an exclusive, free Return to bus and train ride back to the Hilton in the Beetham Tower in Deansgate. “I was really shocked because it was just me on the bus, and it didn’t follow a normal bus route but went straight from Piccadilly to the hotel – and the driver boosts Group results wouldn’t take any money,” she said. “I just want to thank them all so much. It really made my weekend unforgettable. I’d definitely come back to Manchester. I Revenue and profits on the rise as public transport dominates national agenda always thought it was a wonderful city.” Chris, from Newton Heath, said: “I could tell she was genuine. She’d originally tagecoach Group has posted a strong set of half-year results as more people get on board its bus HIGHLIGHTS asked for a taxi, but she’d have waited at and train services. least half an hour in the taxi rank on a S Saturday night.” Revenue from the Group’s continuing commuter and scheduled services. franchise. • Strong set of results for six months Jorgina who lives in Bolton said: operations shot up by 10% for the six Stagecoach was boosted earlier this “I believe we are well-positioned to ended 31 October 2006 “When she got on the bus, Vicki was months ended 31 October 2006, while year with the news that it had secured create further shareholder value and we • UK Bus: partnerships and innovation crying. She explained that she’d lost her profit before taxation jumped by more the 10-year South Western rail franchise. are confident in the prospects for the driving revenue and passenger growth friends. than 30%. It has also been shortlisted for the East rest of the financial year.” • “UK Bus Operator of the Year” for “I’m originally from London and you Stagecoach, which was recently Midlands rail franchise and, through Stagecoach Group Chairman Robert second year running just wouldn’t get that there. That’s what’s named UK Bus Operator of the Year Virgin Rail Group, for the New Cross Speirs added: “I would like to pay • Rail: further revenue growth and so nice about this city, everyone really for the second year running, grew Country contract. tribute to the continued hard work of excellent operational performance looks out for one another.” passenger volumes by 6.1% compared Commenting on the results, our employees, whose commitment to • North America: operating profit and A spokesman for Stagecoach said: to the same period in 2005. Stagecoach Chief Executive, Brian Souter first-class customer service is playing margin up “The situation called for quick action to Strong partnerships with local said: “Our management expertise and a key role in growing our business and • 10-year South Western rail franchise be taken. Both Chris and Jorgina acted in authorities, coupled with innovative commitment to innovation, investment, attracting more people to our transport secured a compassionate manner ensuring the lady services and the success of its telemar- targeted marketing and strong part- services. • Disposal of London bus operations in was not put in any danger.” keting campaigns, have been behind the nerships have driven excellent organic “As a Group, we will continue to August 2006 for c.£265 million Manchester's city centre spokesman, huge return to public transport. growth in our UK and North American innovate, invest and develop strong • Shortlisted for East Midlands rail Councillor Pat Karney, said: “We are very Excellent operational performance bus operations. partnerships across our businesses. We franchise; Virgin Rail Group shortlisted proud of the bus staff and we are going to at the Group’s rail division, which “We are delighted to have secured a believe we are well placed to benefit for New Cross Country rail franchise invite them to meet us at the council.” includes South West Trains, Island Line significant revenue stream for the next from further opportunities for growth • Proposal to return no less than £400 and Sheffield Supertram, has continued decade following our successful bid for in our bus operations and the expansion million of funds to shareholders by 30 to drive revenue and passenger growth. the South Western rail franchise, and of our rail portfolio, both of which can June 2007 Rail operating profit increased from we are encouraged by the potential to deliver increased value to our share- • Revenue from continuing businesses It's textbook £24.4 million to £31.4 million. develop our rail portfolio. The Group is holders. up 10.0% Both operating profit and margins also focused on developing compelling “Stagecoach has made a promising • 7.4% increase in earnings per share travel for were up in the Group’s North American bids for the East Midlands franchise start to the second half of its financial • Interim dividend up 9.1% at 1.2 p. operations where growth has continued and, with our joint venture partner, year and current trading of the Group college life in sightseeing, charter, contract, Virgin, for the New CrossCountry remains in line with our expectations." Students faced with paying more for travel because of funding cuts now have a reason to be cheerful as they hop aboard local Happy birthday Old Scarlett buses. Stagecoach North East has joined forces with Newcastle College to offer its Forty years old and still going strong… Linda Butler, wife of Stagecoach further education students the Unirider That’s the unblemished record of East’s recently-retired marketing assistant, ticket, historically only available to those in Old Scarlett, which is still registered as Howard, conjured up a cake with candles higher education. an operational bus in the reserve fleet of to celebrate Old Scarlett’s 40th birthday. Jodine Milne, Stagecoach North East Stagecoach East. It has a sister open top double decker, Marketing Manager, said: “This is great Old Scarlett, a closed top double JAH 552D, which is also 40 years old, news for students at Newcastle College. decker, was so called from its days with and is occasionally seen in the area. It offers them another travel option and Eastern Counties when it had dark red Both are still in good condition and if someone can do all their day-to-day livery. It went into the Queen’s Jubilee fans of the veteran double deckers hope travel on Stagecoach buses, then this is the colours prior to being painted in their immediate future is secure with cheapest alternative available. Stagecoach corporate livery three years Stagecoach East. “At the time of the reduction in Teen ago. Travel funding, the college was looking The 70-seater capacity Bristol FLF If you have interesting news about a for solutions for students and we realised 40, which came to Northampton four vintage bus at work in the community, we had a product that might work for years ago, is recognised as ‘something a then we’d like to hear about it. little different’ and is hired for a variety them. However, there is every opportunity Your On Stage contact is listed of local events. for this initiative to be extended to other on p2. colleges within the region if everything Old Scarlett, registration JAH 553D, goes smoothly. We recognise there are a lot attends rallies, carnivals and open days, and is also popular for weddings, trans- A tale of other students out there who could also to tell? benefit from this.” Many happy returns: From left, Timetables and Schedules Manager Steve Loveridge, Howard Butler ferring guests between the hotel and and Managing Director James Freeman mark Old Scarlett’s 40th birthday. church. Winter 06/07 5 Classroom cab Passenger gets a flying pass to Falcons

Newcastle Falcons rugby club has a new regular The winner was Linda King, a school admin- takes training supporter thanks to a Stagecoach North East istration officer in Gosforth, who was delighted promotion. with her prize: “I used to go to the occasional to a new level To mark the launch of a new service that runs match before but now I’ll be able to go a lot more from the club’s Kingston Park stadium to the city often,” she said. The latest in computer technology is centre, Stagecoach held a prize draw for two season She has been a rugby fan for many years helping new drivers with Virgin Trains get tickets. and even celebrated her recent 25th wedding their skills up to speed. anniversary by travelling to an international in A £150,000 upgrade to a Pendolino Paris. simulator at the Virgin Trains training Flying high: Winner Linda King and husband Robin with The new service, which has distinctive green centre in Crewe creates real life scenarios the Falcons season tickets. livery, was launched in June. in a safe classroom environment using a three-channel project system, which is a first for the UK rail industry. Used alongside two Voyager simulators, the Pendolino simulator is part of the training package for new drivers. From 2007, it will also be a part of the on-going Disabled access fleet assessment that drivers have to undertake. Over 1,000 drivers have been trained on the simulators since 2000 but, with advances in computer technology, the processing capabilities and graphics package have now been enhanced. For the first time, the simulator features a offers a first to Fife panoramic 120-degree cab view, which provides detailed graphics of track and surrounding area. £2m investment provides alternative travel option for wheelchair users The new simulator has been programmed to replicate the effects of tagecoach in Fife has launched 14 new wheelchair-accessible degraded systems on board the train. The graphic effects can even simulate Scoaches on routes between St Andrews, Leven, Glenrothes, – with sound effects – driving rain, various Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline and Glasgow. densities of falling snow and even the Costing over £2 million, the fleet is the delighted to introduce these state-of-the- effects of a brick being thrown off a first to offer wide scale use of accessible art vehicles to our Fife fleet. bridge, breaking the train’s windscreen. coaches on registered bus services in Fife. “These are the first of this type to Instructors can place obstructions Built by Swedish manufacturer Volvo, operate in the area. It will introduce a on the track, instantly change weather the coaches have British Plaxton Profile comfortable, alternative travel option for conditions or even mimic the effects of bodies, fitted at its plant in Scarborough. wheelchair users and further demonstrate leaves on the track. They can also simulate The vehicles are driven by a seven-litre the company’s commitment to being at the effects of the failure of any of the Volvo engine that meets Euro 3 emissions the forefront of bus and coach travel in train’s power, electrical or air systems. regulations. Scotland.” The control workstation provides The vehicles seat 49 and can Councillor Jim Philp, Fife Council’s visual contact, allowing the instructor accommodate one wheelchair. Wheelchair transport and environment spokesperson, to see how the driver reacts to created users can access the vehicle using the lift, said: “Fife Council is delighted to see this scenarios. A voice communication system designed by U-Lift of Sweden. improved level of service on the express is also fitted. It raises the wheelchair user from the coach network. We are sure it will be of An audio and visual record of each bus stop into the saloon of the vehicle. benefit to many public transport users training session is produced and can be The vehicles are also fitted with the latest with accessibility difficulties.” Bridging a gap in the service: Pictured at the launch of the new vehicles at River Leven Bridge in saved to DVD to enable debriefing to be CCTV equipment to ensure maximum Stagecoach has also introduced a Glenrothes are, from left, Robert Andrew, Managing Director, Stagecoach Scotland; Councillor carried out. The DVDs also form part of passenger and driver safety. booking facility to guarantee disabled Jim Philp, Transport and Environment spokesperson, Fife Council; Murray Hannah, Transportation a driver’s training record. Doug Fleming, Managing Director of passengers access to their chosen Services, Fife Council; Doug Fleming, Managing Director, Stagecoach East Scotland, and Derek Colin Campbell, Head of Operational Stagecoach East Scotland, said: “We are services. Beveridge, Transportation Services, Fife Council. Development, said: “Drivers have to be competent in dealing with a multitude of situations, but are unlikely to experience some of them for real. The simulator allows us to replicate these scenarios in the classroom.” Bus drivers look back down the road of history

Long-serving bus drivers in Warwickshire home at 10pm in the evening. Driver helps are going to be film stars in their own “Everyone had a lot of catching up right. to do on the comings and goings within Four drivers have been interviewed to the bus industry over a great many years rescue document their recollections of the past and long may these reunions continue in for an archive film of old buses from the the future.” crash couple 1950s. Managing Director Phil Medlicott, The interviews were carried out at who was attending his first reunion since A Stagecoach in South Wales driver the third reunion of past and present his appointment, represented Stagecoach helped save the day for a stricken Stagecoach staff in Warwickshire and those in Warwickshire. motorist and her passenger. of its predecessor, Midland Red. Their Two other Stagecoach people, Beverley Andrew Price, from Brecon memories of the company’s long history Tapp, and Martin Oldfield, were co-opted Outstation, parked his 704 bus will be built into the archive footage. on to the Rugby depot committee. when he saw a car end up on its David Hale, of Dudley Transport Guests paid a nominal fee for the roof in a field, after it had swerved Museum, displayed footage from the buffet and sponsorship was provided by off the road in wet conditions late old Midland Red film unit at Bearwood, Richard Townsend, who was an engineer at night. Birmingham. at Rugby depot and now runs a garage in “When I reached the field, I It captured the first C5 bus to break the town. found two occupants stuck in the the 100 mph barrier on the M1 prior car,” said Andrew. “I called the to it opening to the public and was in emergency services and, with the fact, the first purpose built motorway Memory Lane: A veteran driver recalls the good old days. help of a man, who had arrived at coach, operated between Birmingham and If you have been involved in a the accident, freed the very shaken London by the BMMO. years ago. characters of the day, while retired busman community project then we’d like to but unhurt young ladies. The film also shows Midland Red buses A DVD was shown of the last reunion Arthur Townsend also contributed to the hear about it. “We kept them warm and dry that operated throughout the Midlands and a film of Dudley Transport Museum’s eight hours down memory lane. Your On Stage contact is listed on the bus until the emergency from the early '50s. 100 years of the old BMMO company was Bob Page, Stagecoach Rugby’s only on p2. services arrived. Once the police More than 100 guests, as well as also on display. remaining founder member of the reunion had taken my details, I continued 30 helpers, gathered at the reunion to Ex-bus conductor George Burton organising committee, said: “It was an A tale with my service.” reminisce over old times and catch up amused guests at Rugby’s British Rail Club absolutely superb day that started at 2pm to tell? with the news since they last met two with some anecdotes about his job and the and continued until the last guests went 6 Winter 06/07 Smiles all round at Santa’s Sussex sleigh stop

Garden centre staff in West Sussex have spread They adorned a wooden arbour with lights and some Christmas cheer by giving their local bus stop traditional trimmings and even planted a Santa a festive make over. Please Stop Here sign – determined to create the Hilary Norcross and Pam Wechsler at the Haskins most festive bus stop in the region. Roundabout Garden Centre near Worthing decided Stagecoach Marketing Manager Helen Martin to give alighting passengers a warm welcome by congratulated the two women on their achievement. decorating the stop with bows and tinsel. She said: “We believe this to be the most Christmassy bus stop on the network and I’m sure it Hilary and Pam get carried away with the will bring a smile to the many passengers using our Christmas decorations. services to and from the garden centre.”

All aboard: The ducks set off for their new Race enters final lap owners. Quacking sales drive for Metrolink trams fits the bill! A drive to get more families on to the buses in East Kent this summer boosted tagecoach Group has been Explorer tickets by an incredible 90% Sshortlisted to the final round in – although it did involve everyone going the bids to operate the Manchester a bit ‘quackers’. Everyone who bought Stagecoach Metrolink tram network. in East Kent’s family offer on Explorer Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive tickets was able to enter a draw to win a (GMPTE) has invited Stagecoach to submit a Best cuddly duck and each of the six depots and Final Offer to run the existing system and carry went on to hold a draw to find the out tram maintenance. winners. The company has also been asked to put forward Helen Martin, Marketing Manager, proposals for a combined operating, systems and explained that the family promotion, infrastructure maintenance contract. The 10-year which ran with the theme Take Out Your contracts would run from April 2007. Brood For Less, allowed three children to Nearly 20 million passengers travel every year on travel free with each adult. the Metrolink network, which generates an annual turnover of around £22 million. Metrolink operates four routes: • Altrincham – Manchester City Centre - Bury Passengers • Altrincham – Manchester Piccadilly Rail Station moved by • Bury – Manchester Piccadilly Rail Station • Eccles – Manchester Piccadilly Rail Station. festive spirit Stagecoach already operates Supertram, a 28km At the double: Brian Souter and John Conroy at the launch of Newcastle’s new state-of-the-art fleet. Festivities at an annual event in Stroud were tram system in Sheffield, incorporating three routes helped along with a touch of Christmas in the city. spirit from Stagecoach West. Ian Dobbs, Chief Executive of Stagecoach Group’s Each year hundreds of locals and Rail Division, said: “We are pleased to have been £5m investment in NE services visitors gather for the Stroud Goodwill shortlisted for the Manchester Metrolink contracts Evening, which includes acrobats, jugglers, and we look forward to submitting attractive, high- Bus passengers in Newcastle are benefiting from a £5.3 Stagecoach North East Managing Director John bands, choirs, stalls and late-night shop quality and value-for-money bids. million investment that has brought the introduction of Conroy said: “This is great news for the North East. opening, and heralds the official start of “We have significant experience of operating a 23 new, easy access double decker Enviro 400 vehicles. These buses will help to provide a more convenient and the festive trading period. major tram system in Sheffield, where we are now The state-of-the-art Alexander Dennis buses, officially comfortable service for our customers.” To help ease traffic congestion, free carrying a record 13 million passengers a year, and we unveiled by Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Brian Stagecoach customers in the Sunderland and South buses ferried revellers to and from the believe we can build on this operational expertise. Souter, feature a modern exterior and radical interior Shields areas also benefited from an investment in 20 celebrations. “Stagecoach has already developed an excellent solutions, allowing for up to nine more seats in the lower new single decker buses, introduced in the run-up to Nathan Williams, Marketing Manager reputation for delivering high-quality bus services in deck than in other comparable buses. Christmas. Features include clean and spacious interiors, of Stagecoach West, said: “In a spirit of Manchester over the past decade, increasing passenger Double deckers remain at the heart of the UK public low entrances that kneel to kerb height, a special buggy seasonal co-operation and goodwill, we numbers by around 25%. We believe we can work transport system, a testament to the fact that they are fuel- parking area and space for a wheelchair. They also teamed up with other operators in the area in partnership with GMPTE to improve Metrolink’s efficient, highly manoeuvrable and carry more people in a feature the latest Euro 3 engines to help improve the to offer shoppers, revellers and visitors a quality of service to customers and attract more 12.0m ‘footprint’ than any other vehicle. environment. variety of ways to enjoy Stroud’s Goodwill people to the tram.” Evening.” Twin track approach keeps demand growing Icy conditions welcomed Passengers on the fastest growing bus of a South Wales campaign to encourage route in Wales are benefiting from a double more people to leave their cars at home and Icy conditions usually mean problems on bonus. travel instead by bus. the road at this time of year, but for a A fleet of 14 brand new low-floor Since November 2004, Stagecoach has group of Stagecoach West people, the ice in buses has been launched on the X24 route introduced 75 new low-floor buses and now question was more than welcome. between Blaenavon and Newport. And runs more than 200 in South Wales. They may not have put Torvill and Dean daytime customers on the route can now John Gould, Managing Director of to shame, but the seven employees still put catch a Stagecoach bus every 10 minutes, Stagecoach in South Wales, said: “We believe their best skates forward to help celebrate Monday to Saturday. that the combination of new vehicles, the company’s sponsorship of Gloucester’s Branded justgo…, Stagecoach’s £1.3 alongside enhanced timetables, will deliver Christmas Ice Rink, an outdoor facility open million investment in the X24 service is part a much-needed boost for bus provision in over the festive period. the Eastern Valley and play a vital role in The skaters were Paul Hoskins, Suzanne Lynne Neagle, Assembly Member for Torfaen, cuts sustaining the environment.” Mckeever, Ken Gowling, Madeleine Baylis, the ribbon to launch the new low-floor buses on The X24 service was identified as the Jenny Powell, Martin Bennett and Kathy the X24 service. Looking on is Richard Davies, fastest growing bus route in Wales in 2005 Beard. Commercial Director of Stagecoach in South Wales. and the third fastest in the UK. Winter 06/07 7 We’re ‘best bus opera

tagecoach has been • West Scotland operation win Operations Director wins Snamed Britain’s best bus operator – for the second year running. • Stagecoach in Cambridge ru Young Manager title Judges at the 2006 UK Bus Awards voted Stagecoach West Scotland, which runs around 400 buses stretching from • Supertram operation in Shef Dumfries to Glasgow, as winner of the headline Belmont International Bus Operator of the Year Award and the Award • Former Stagecoach London for Operating Excellence – Large Fleet. The West Scotland business also won both categories at the 2005 event and it is in the category for Operating Excellence the first time in the 11-year history of the – Smaller Fleets. The company has grown UK Bus Awards that the same company passenger numbers on its services in the has won the top honours two years in a city by around 70% in the past four years row. – double the growth rate in London – as Sam Greer, Managing Director for a result of strong partnerships with local Stagecoach West Scotland, said: “This is a authorities. fantastic achievement. Cambridgeshire County Council, which “It is a tribute to the hard work and has worked closely with Stagecoach on commitment of all our employees, from developing bus services in the city, was drivers and engineers, to managers and runner-up in the Transport Authority of support staff. They are the people who, day the Year category. in day out, ensure Stagecoach delivers a high Stagecoach Supertram, operator of the quality bus service to our passengers.” light rail system in Sheffield, won the Three other Stagecoach companies, Street Transit Award. Supertram runs a High-flyer Sarah Longair has been named ability, commitment and determination covering Fife, Devon and Cambridge, were 28km network incorporating three routes the Chartered Institute of Logistics and shown by Sarah in her early management also in the running for the top award. in Sheffield and was Britain’s first state-of- Transport (CILT) Young Manager of career with Stagecoach. Stagecoach had a total of six finalist the-art tramway. the Year. “She has made a significant con- entries across four categories in this year’s Barry Arnold, who retired as Managing A former Stagecoach graduate tribution to the business in a short 11th annual awards, which were presented Director of Stagecoach’s former London trainee, Sarah (26), Operations Director period of time and we are delighted she at a special lunch in London. bus operations last summer after a 42-year at Stagecoach West Scotland, was has received independent recognition by Stagecoach in Cambridge was runner-up career, received a special award for Services nominated for the award for her achieve- winning this award. to the Bus Industry, along with Paul Hill, ments in tackling driver cost control, “Stagecoach has an ongoing formerly of Lincolnshire Road Car. John Carr (right) presents the Belmont International attendance, staff morale and welfare investment in recruiting and developing Stagecoach’s other shortlisted entry Stagecoach West Scotland. Also pictured are Stageco issues, industrial relations and liaison the transport managers of the future was Stagecoach North West’s ‘Cumbria with schools. through its highly successful graduate and the Lakes’ promotion in the Bus in the Sarah has a BSc (Hons) from training scheme.” Countryside category. ”Stagecoach is leading Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh Sarah, who is also a qualified bus Les Warneford, Managing Director and completed Stagecoach’s two-year driver, took up her post at Stagecoach of Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “We are the way in attracting graduate training programme, giving West Scotland in September. delighted so many of our companies have her experience of the operations, She was previously Operations been recognised for their commitment more people to bus engineering and commercial aspects of Manager at Stagecoach Manchester’s to excellence. Stagecoach is leading the the business. Princess Road depot, which employs way in attracting more people to bus travel through Now a trained graduate assessor for more than 400 drivers operating over travel through innovation, investment, Stagecoach UK Bus, she is involved in 180 vehicles. strong marketing, operational expertise innovation, investment, the selection of graduates each year. She Sarah said: “I am delighted to have and a commitment to excellent customer strong marketing, is currently undertaking a CILT Level 5 won this award. To be recognised for such service.” Professional Diploma in Transport and a prestigious award after such a short John Owen, Chairman of the UK operational expertise Logistics. period of time is something that I am Bus Awards, said: “Bus companies, local The honour is part of CILT’s Annual immensely proud of and it is testament authorities and suppliers to the industry and a commitment to Awards for Excellence, which are made to the investment that Stagecoach makes are working together to improve passenger to individuals and organisations that in all of its employees.” services and increase patronage. Slowly excellent customer demonstrate achievement in logistics The CILT awards are open to but surely their efforts to provide a truly and transport management. organisations of all sizes, including viable alternative to cars are succeeding service.” Les Warneford, Managing Director companies, the armed forces, public – as indeed they must if congestion and of Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “This utilities, charities, health services, local Barry Arnold, joint winner of the Backhouse Jones environmental issues are to be tackled. Les Warneford, Managing Director award is a reflection of the excellent authorities and government agencies. Award, is pictured with David Brown of Transport Today’s winners show how it can be done. of Stagecoach UK Bus for London. Congratulations to them all.”

Stagecoach has won a national award for the high standard of its UK Bus training team. The company took the Centre of the Training standards e Year Award for training providers and employers at the Scottish Qualifications Authority Annual Awards 2006 held in • UK Bus team recognised by Scott Edinburgh. Stagecoach UK Bus, which now has • Judges praise contribution to gett more than 12,000 driving staff in 113 locations throughout the UK, beat off competition from a wide variety of training and National Vocational Qualifications to • Recruitment of a full-time scheme providers and employers, including the share best practice and develop standard co-ordinator, as well as a group of other shortlisted finalists, East Renfrewshire systems. assessors and advisors to ensure Council’s Training Employment Unit and Improvements included: local support Thistle Training Services. • Reduction in time staff spend • Development of specific training Training and assessment at Stagecoach’s producing forms and documents materials, including a customer Stagecoach UK Bus Training and Development Manager Matt Daroch (right) and John Mulgrew, sites were restructured and a manager • Production of high quality printed service DVD featuring Stagecoach Chairman of Learning and Teaching Scotland, who presented the award. appointed with responsibility for Scottish portfolios staff.

8 Winter 06/07 ator in Britain’ – again! ns top honours at 2006 UK Bus Awards Train fleet unner-up in smaller operator category just keeps ffield wins Street Transit Award getting better

MD recognised for service to bus industry Virgin Trains has won a top award for its fleet of state-of-the-art Pendolinos. The trains, which operate Virgin’s West Coast services, were named the Most Improved Inter-city Train Fleet at the Golden Spanner industry awards. The award was presented at the Modern Railways magazine event in recognition of the close working rela- tionship between Virgin Trains and ALSTOM. ALSTOM built and maintains the 53-strong fleet, which runs between London and the West Midlands, Manchester, Liverpool, Cumbria, North Wales and Scotland. This relationship has led to a 148% improvement in train reliability, con- tributing to a record performance on West Coast services this year – having achieved 90% for the first time in more than a decade. Customer satisfaction is also at its highest, with passenger numbers continuing to grow at 11% year on year. Virgin West Coast Fleet Director Bus Operator of the Year Award to George Connell, Sam Greer, Emma McNae and Sarah Longair of Dave Hopkins and Julia Shaw, both of Sheffield Supertram, are pictured receiving the Trueform Street Ross Spicer said: “Working together, oach Scotland MD Robert Andrew and Tom Wileman, Regional Director, North. Transit Award from Christine Colley-Jones, of South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive. Also Virgin Trains and ALSTOM have pictured is Andy Morris, Managing Director – Light Rail, Stagecoach Rail. achieved a cultural revolution ‘from hammer to laptop’ to support continuing engineering improvements. “Reliability of the Pendolino has risen dramatically and this award confirms that the close working rela- tionship with ALSTOM is producing one of the most reliable inter-city trains.” ALSTOM’s Director of Operations for the West Coast Main Line, Roy Sullivan, added: “I’m pleased that the hard work invested by the fleet teams from ALSTOM and Virgin Trains in a joint approach to improving Pendolino reliability has been recognised nationally. “This award is a great credit to the joint project team. There is a real shared passion and a will to achieve strong results across both parties.” UK Bus Awards Vice Chairman John Carr congratulates Ian Thompson, Colin Nicholson and Chris Bowles UK Bus Awards Vice Chairman John Carr congratulates Andy Campbell and Philip Norwell on receiving of Stagecoach North West, commended in The Bus in the Countryside category for its Cumbria and Lakes the runner up prize for Operating Excellence in the Smaller Fleets category on behalf of Stagecoach in promotion. Cambridge.

The awards judges looked for good Stagecoach Apprentices of the Year 2006 practice, innovation and unique initiatives also had some tough decisions to make. in the delivery of SQA qualifications. They But, after much deliberation, earn national honour also considered the use of new technology, Stagecoach Wales walked away with the qualifications for candidates with special winning trophy as the division’s Lloyd needs, links and partnerships with the Thomas scooped the 1st Year Apprentice tish Qualifications Authority wider community, and the contribution to of the Year title. business growth. Anthony Seed, Stagecoach North West, ing more people on board buses Tom Drake, SQA’s interim Chief came second while Ben Trotter, Stagecoach Executive, said: “I’m delighted to congrat- South, took third place. ulate Stagecoach on this win. Like all of Stagecoach West’s Graham Evans Since its introduction, the programme of Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “We are our finalists, they have shown outstanding was the overall winner in the 2nd Year has awarded more than 6,000 S/NVQs. It delighted our training team has been commitment to the use of qualifica- Apprentice category with Ben Evans, of has also contributed to annual growth of recognised for its high standard and con- tions and learning, and in particular they the East Midlands division, in second 1.5% in the number of people travelling tribution to attracting more people to bus have also shown clearly that training can place. David Phillips, Stagecoach Wales, by Stagecoach bus services against an travel. Stagecoach is a people business be a positive influence on commercial came third. industry-wide reduction in passenger and it is down to our highly-trained and performance and customer satisfaction Other categories included Consistent numbers. committed employees that we deliver first- – well done.” Achiever, Best Depot Vote and Best Team Les Warneford, Managing Director class bus services day in, day out.” Meanwhile, judges choosing the Players at Outward Bound.

Winter 06/07 9 The power Passengers get the low down on Bedford’s new buses and glory of Eight new low floor buses, known as the “This is another improvement to Blue SoLos, have taken to the streets of Bedford’s bus services, which I hope will Bedford. go from strength to strength and help the Pendolino The new buses have been bought by reduce traffic congestion in and around Bedfordshire County Council and will be the county town.” Virgin’s state-of-the art Pendolino trains operated by Stagecoach. Managing Director of Stagecoach generate enough electricity each year to The Blue SoLos use the latest low- East, James Freeman, said: “Stagecoach power nearly 14,000 homes. floor technology, which lowers the bus operates bus services across the country During December alone, the trains to make it much easier for all passengers and we know from our experience that created enough power to light over two to get on and off the vehicles, especially introducing new and easyACCESS million sets of Christmas tree lights for the people with buggies and wheelchair vehicles encourages more new passengers entire month. users. to use buses. The 125mph Pendolino trains save Bedfordshire County Council “The launch of the Blue SoLos means energy and reduce pollution every time Cabinet Member for Customer Service that all buses on the town service are low they brake. The 53 tilting trains, built and Councillor John Street said: “I’m really floor vehicles. Bedford is one of only a maintained by ALSTOM, are fitted with proud that the County Council has handful of towns in the country which electronic control systems that cause the teamed up with Bedfordshire’s largest can say that every single bus has this traction motors to provide braking effort A blue day: Stagecoach East Managing Director James Freeman, left, and Bedfordshire County Council bus operator to launch the new Blue kind of technology, making it easier for by generating electricity back into the Cabinet Member for Customer Service, Councillor John Street, at the launch of the new Blue SoLos buses. SoLos service. everyone to simply hop off the bus.” supply system. The generated electricity, which is put back into the supply system, achieves an overall energy saving of 17%. The Pendolino trains are now used over all of the West Coast routes from London Euston to the West Midlands, Liverpool, Manchester, Cumbria and Scotland. Research by Virgin Trains and Remembering those ALSTOM shows that, based on data from Pendolino trains operating over the Manchester to London route, the Pendolino fleet, which covers around 13 million miles a year, is generating around 55 million kWh of power a year, which is who came before returned to the National Grid. On a typical London to Manchester journey, a Pendolino will return around 750kWh of electricity to the power supply Stagecoach sponsors transport museum's tribute room system for re-use. Regenerative braking used on the he contribution made by the men and women Pendolino trains also reduces the use of the friction brakes, dramatically reducing Tof an East Kent bus company has been brake-pad dust and pollution, to provide a marked by a transport museum with a special double environmental benefit. tribute room sponsored by Stagecoach. Virgin West Coast Managing Director Paul Southgate, Managing Director of Stagecoach in East Kent, Charles Belcher said: “Our Pendolino was one of the guests invited by Dover Transport Museum to open trains are providing valuable benefits to the the East Kent Road Car Tribute Room, which commemorates environment. We know that our passengers the people who worked with East Kent Road Car company since care about the environment and they can 1916. travel in the knowledge that by choosing Among the artefacts being exhibited is a war memorial from to travel by train, they are doing their bit to the Dover bus depot, which lists the 18 male and female employees Paying tribute: Paul Southgate, right, with the Rev John Lines, left, save the planet and reduce consumption who were either killed in action or by enemy action during World and Mayor of Dover Councillor Jan Tranter at the opening of the bus of energy.” War Two. tribute room. And a special memorial service was held at the museum on Remembrance Sunday, with 28 people turning up to pay their Museum Society, said: “Despite the strong support from the Stacey ready respects to the many soldiers who lost their lives during World War volunteer members of the society, the museum still faces One. ever increasing operating costs. We are very grateful for the Paul said that he was delighted to support the museum through sponsorship and support offered by Stagecoach.” to drive sponsorship, adding: “The provision of bus services in the region The Dover Transport Museum was founded in 1980. It has always played an important part in the success of the regional moved to its present location, former Army barracks on the her designs economy. Not only has it provided a public transport network but Whitecliffs Business Park, two years ago with funding from the vital employment in the most of the main conurbations.” National Lottery. For information visit www.dovertransportmu- Since joining Stagecoach as Marketing The Rev John Lines, Deputy Chairman of the Dover Transport seum.homestead.com Assistant based in Canterbury almost three years ago, Stacey Hall has used her design skills to create some of the new liveries seen on many of the new routes across Kent and the Hastings area. Students clamber aboard to set Unirider record Now the promise that one day she would be able to drive some of her designs Students in Manchester have been voting with their targeted marketing campaign in September, however has become a reality. feet and taking advantage of cheap bus travel offered the main reason for students moving to using Stacey has now passed her PCV by Stagecoach. Stagecoach and Magic Buses is that students know licence after joining the course held by the As Unirider ticket sales hit their seventh year, the we are the reliable bus company. At busy stops, buses company’s own team of instructors which market is still growing year on year and weekly ticket fill up and go through effective management at the trains recruits to become bus drivers. sales along the student corridors have consistently stop by inspectors ensuring everyone gets to their “Designing a bus can be challenging increased. destination on time. enough,” she said, “but driving one was a Sales of annual and term student tickets have Marketing Manager Karen Coventry said: “We whole new experience. The most difficult increased by 5% with a record-breaking 7,366 are delighted to have exceeded our sales figure part was getting used to the size of the students buying the tickets in the first term. A total again this year. It was hard, as we spent nine long vehicle but, once I overcame this, I realised of 63% of these sales came through stagecoachbus. September days in bright orange T-shirts competing just how rewarding it is to have passed.” com, taking the total number of online tickets up to against a 20-foot gorilla (a marketing tactic by a Stacey will now be expected to 17,200 transactions since the launch in 2003. competitor), shouting above the noise in nightclubs help drive buses on special occasions Students who don’t want to commit to a longer- through megaphones and handing as many flyers out throughout each year to enable her licence term purchase can continue to buy their tickets on a to students as we could. to remain current although her busy job weekly basis and have two low price options – Magic “We had a brilliant team of local inspectors and within the marketing department restricts Bus Magicrider or the Oxford Road Smartrider head office staff and are grateful for the enthusia- the opportunity to spend much time tickets. The sales of these two tickets combined have stic help received from the first and second-year learning routes in the area. But with one also jumped in 2006, with a 50% weekly increase, graduates, who worked tirelessly to ‘spread the word’. out of eight bus drivers in Kent now being year on year, equivalent to an extra 3,750 ticket We hope to continue the success and keep up the female, passengers are already very used to From left, Ross Stafford (graduate trainee year 1), Neil Davies (Inspector Manchester), holders a week. hard work to maintain Stagecoach and Magic Bus as female drivers. Colm Lynch (graduate trainee year 1) and James Hodgson (graduate trainee year 1). Part of the success can be attributed to a the student’s choice,” she said. 10 Winter 06/07 John proves Birthday treat brings he's still one of the best rail ticket giveaway on the road Newcastle’s John Page has been judged the best driver in the North Anniversary celebrations see 10,000 passengers travel for free East at the National Bus Driver of the Year Awards. o celebrate the 10th anniversary of Virgin Trains winning The annual competition is open the West Coast and CrossCountry rail franchises, the to all drivers throughout the UK T and consists of a series of qualifica- company has been giving away 10,000 tickets throughout tion stages before culminating in a its network. day of driving and written tests at The free tickets were only available 1997, Virgin Trains revolutionised its the final in Blackpool. online up until mid-December and West Coast timetable with 125mph tilting John (55) came eighth in the covered travel from January to March. trains in September 2004, increasing competition and, not only is he the Each weekday almost 400 Virgin trains frequency and cutting journey times. Its highest placed North East driver, but link towns and cities on the West Coast share of the Manchester to London rail/ he also came top within Stagecoach Main Line between London, the West air market has risen from 38 to 58% and UK Bus, receiving £500 from the Midlands, Liverpool, Manchester, North annual passenger numbers have leapt company for his achievement. Wales and Glasgow and on a 1,500-mile from 14 million to more than 19 million To qualify for the competition, CrossCountry network linking Scotland in less than 10 years. drivers must have an unblemished and northern England with the South On Virgin CrossCountry complete record throughout the year before Coast and south-west via Birmingham. rewriting of the timetable in 2002 and successfully completing a series of Virgin Trains Chief Executive Tony investment of more than £1 billion in regional heats. Collins said: “When we won the franchises a fleet of 78 modern Voyager trains has At the finals, they sit a theoretical we knew we faced difficult years ahead. seen numbers of weekday services rise test, covering topics such as bus Bringing in state-of-the-art trains to by almost two-thirds from 110 to 181. mechanics and the Highway Code. provide many more and much faster This is attracting more than 22 million After this, they complete a number services were just three of the challenges passengers a year, up from 12 million Rain, cameras, action! of complicated manoeuvres in a to which we have risen successfully. in 1997. bus before heading out on to the “As a big thank you for our customers’ The latest National Passenger Survey, Stagecoach in Cumbria helped out in The 77A Honister Rambler was used road for an observational test. Each patience and loyalty during this revolution, independently carried out by Passenger the filming of a new BBC nature series in the filming around the Honister Pass, driver starts off with a score of zero we wanted them to join in our birthday Focus, has identified 90% customer satis- called ‘Mountains’, to be presented by although the weather was not the best and then is given penalty points celebrations with a free trip on us.” faction on Virgin West Coast and 84% on Griff Rhys-Jones. on the day! for any faults. The driver with the Since taking over the franchises in Virgin CrossCountry. lowest score at the end of the day is the winner. This is not the first time John has reached the finals – this was his 19th! So it was fitting that he Nothing uniform about charity events in Rugby received an additional award for being the driver who has reached the finals the most number of times. Staff at Stagecoach in Warwickshire have for a very worthwhile cause.” been pulling out all the stops to raise cash Despite that veteran status, John The administration team made the most says this doesn’t affect how he feels for charity. of another opportunity to dress up – or The Rugby depot was given a splash on the day. dress down – on Jeans for Genes Day by “I still get butterflies in my of colour as staff turned up in every ditching their uniforms in favour of denim. shade of pink imaginable to support stomach,” he admitted. “It’s such a They raised £100 for the appeal, big rush when you hear your name Breast Cancer Awareness Day. organised by four different charities, to help There was unmistakable glamour too, called out when you have made it to children with genetic disorders by paying a the top 10. I’m over the moon to with fluffy tiaras and novelty headbands as £2 fee to wear their comfy jeans and tee- the must-have accessories of the event. have been placed eighth… and to shirts. be judged the best in the North East With everyone donating £2 to wear Marketing Manager Adam Rideout said: the red hue, they raised a total of £60 for and Stagecoach is amazing.” “I’d like to thank everyone at the depot for The competition, firmly breast cancer research. their support. It’s a very worthwhile cause Marketing Assistant Lisa Downer said: established as the skills standard and every penny donated will help these within the industry, has been “It was a great day, everyone looked charities continue to provide the support fantastic and we raised some vital money running since 1967. and resources needed to combat genetic John Conroy, Managing Director conditions. for Stagecoach North East, said: “It was great fun to wear jeans to work “This is a real achievement and we for the day; I think all staff enjoyed the are very proud that John has been so relaxed dress code!” highly placed in the competition.” Staff also raised £250 for Macmillan John has been driving at the Cancer Support by serving up tea and Newcastle depot for 34 years, and biscuits at a depot coffee morning. joined the day before his 21st Bev Tapp, who organised the event, birthday, when it was still run by the said: “The coffee morning was very well Tyneside PTE. attended by the majority of depot staff. We He is a member of the Institute raised more than £119 on the day, which was of Advanced Motorists and has generously matched by Stagecoach. completed courses in disability “I’d like to thank everyone who came awareness, NVQ and first aid. along on the day and our Managing Director, He says he will definitely be Phil, in particular for doubling the money entering again next year… unless he raised.” wins the Lottery!

We’d like to hear from you if you have been involved in a project aimed at improving performance. Air we go… Your On Stage contact is listed Stagecoach North West revved up on p2. some of its finest vehicles for a charity open day in Carlisle. A grand total of A tale £520 was raised at the event for the to tell? Pride of Cumbria Great North Air Ambulance.

Winter 06/07 11 Expert Mick The alternative to the car is now even stronger helps out Stagecoach in South Wales has stepped up its service with the introduction of eight new Optare Solo buses. on research They are equipped with a step-free entrance, a low floor and wheelchair or buggy areas. Trish Law, Assembly Member for Blaenau Gwent, said: “This is great news, especially for those people who have mobility problems or parents with pushchairs, as these buses are so much easier to get on and have a space set aside for a wheelchair or buggy. “The investment from Stagecoach is a real step forward in promoting the use of sustainable transport, which is something that we all need to think about whenever we make a journey.” The buses have been running on five routes since the end of October. Richard Davies, Commercial Director of Stagecoach in South Wales, said the investment of £650,000 demonstrated Stagecoach’s Mick Copson. commitment to Blaenau Gwent and its desire to offer residents a real alternative to the car. A leading Warwickshire busman has been He added: “Low floor buses are already running successfully in asked for his expert opinion on a system other areas in South Wales and have made a clear difference with for relieving motorway congestion. significant increases in the number of people using the services, Training Officer Mick Copson was something that we hope will be mirrored in Blaenau Gwent.” One small step: Trish Law climbs aboard one of the new Optare Solo buses. invited by the Highways Agency to test drive three different vehicles on a mock piece of motorway at the Fire Service College. Rugby-based Mick, a trainer for seven years, was one of only two drivers from a bus company to be drafted in from various walks of life. Time travellers He tested one of the vehicles for visibility, noise and vibration and gave his feedback to one of the Highways Agency officials at the Moreton-in-Marsh centre. He said afterwards: “The test drive was part of a ‘Dynamic Road Markings Test Survey’, which was very interesting. enjoy 1986 fares All three products have their own qualities with one of them being similar to cats' eyes and very visible. “They wanted my feedback on their Special offer has more passengers clambering aboard for even less day time visibility, noise content and vibration as I drove over them in the road. assengers on a Stagecoach in Chesterfield service were recently “The idea is that, in the rush hour, Poffered 21st century travel at 20th century prices as part of the motorway lanes’ lines can be changed celebrations to launch Kickstart service 39 in the town. quickly from solid to dotted lines to allow For the first week of operation, The new service has already proved the hard shoulder to be used to ease customers were able to travel on service a hit with passengers and is currently congestion.” 39 for just 39p – the same price the showing encouraging passenger growth. The three vehicles have been submitted journey would have been in 1986 at the Paul Lynch, Managing Director for for a new venture, which will begin a 12- time of deregulation. Stagecoach Yorkshire, said: “We are month trial next year. Passengers are now benefiting from delighted that through Kickstart we are more frequent buses – now every seven able to work in partnership with the to eight minutes instead of the previous county council and the Government 10 in the daytime – plus improved to help give our customers improved evening and Sunday timetable. services and facilities on service 39.” Bus stops have been upgraded along the route, including raised kerbs, drop kerbs and new bus stop signage and If you have been involved in a project information as part of an improvement aimed at growing passenger numbers, programme by the county council. then we’d like to hear about it. Stagecoach has invested around £1 million in nine new state-of-the-art, low Your On Stage contact is listed floor buses, offering passengers a more on p2. comfortable trip. The 39 Steps may be a famous book and film but, on service A tale Offering advice: John and Lyndsey 39, there are no entrance steps, making to tell? prepare for the seminar. Back to the future: Paul Lynch and Marketing Manager Phill Cartwright help get the 39p message across. getting on or off a doddle! Credit Union spreads More go-go on Yo-yo bus service It was birthday cake and balloons all Prospect Estate every 10 minutes the word round at the Kingsmead Shopping during weekday daytimes, has enjoyed Centre as Stagecoach in Farnbrough exceptional passenger growth over the Staff from the Credit Union recently celebrated the first anniversary of the last 12 months. held a half-day seminar, offering successful Yo-yo bus service with pas- “Our £250,000 investment has pension information and promoting sengers. proved that by introducing more the Scottish Transport Credit Union. Jim Mortimore, Operations new buses, more frequently, we can The seminar, at the Dean Park Manager for Stagecoach, was joined by offer people in the region a very real Hotel in Kirkcaldy, was chaired by John Richie Windsor, the former British Yo alternative to using their cars. We are Fotheringham (Credit Union Director Yo champion, to cut the cake. Richie now carrying over 5,000 people each for Fife) and attended by staff from all then treated the passengers to a yo-yo week – an increase of 66% compared Stagecoach depots in Fife. demonstration, while they enjoyed a to the previous year.” John then visited each depot slice of cake. This is one of five successful with Lyndsey Robinson, Pension Jim said that the service, which Quality Partnership Schemes with local Information Manager, who had the goes up and down the route between authorities operated by Stagecoach’s chance to meet with current and Farnborough town centre and Aldershot depot. Jim Mortimore (left) with Yo Yo champ Richie Windsor at Kingsmead Shopping Centre. prospective members. 12 Winter 06/07 Smile please… Hi-tech energy system the camera is adding to slashes CO2 emissions your security Green initiative in place at 80 sites in England, Scotland and Wales

tagecoach has cut emissions from sites in Scotland, England and Wales, saving hundreds of Bus, said: “Tackling climate change is one of the key priorities facing Sdozens of its workplaces across the thousands of pounds a year. the global economy. As one of the country’s major businesses, we are UK by more than a third after the intro- The system uses self-learning predictive programming, committed to playing our part in building a sustainable environment coupled with high accuracy temperature sensing. It handles and improving the environmental management of our operations. duction of a hi-tech energy management the existing heating and delivers improved control, staff “The introduction of this state-of-the-art technology has delivered system. comfort and dramatic reductions in energy consumption. a significant reduction in our energy consumption and emissions. As Gas consumption at 80 depots has been slashed by an Stagecoach has worked in partnership with Vickers on well as benefiting the local environment, it means we can invest more average of 36%, while CO2 emissions have been cut by the project for three years, initially installing the system at in our public transport services.” more than 6,200 tonnes a year. a handful of sites and monitoring the savings delivered, The Government is encouraging companies to reduce the amount Developed by Manchester-based Vickers Electronics before rolling it out across the UK. of energy they use as part of a range of policies designed to tackle Picture this: CCTV – adding to passengers’ Ltd, the technology is now in place at the Stagecoach Les Warneford, Managing Director of Stagecoach UK climate change. sense of security. Vickers, which has been accredited with the international quality Security has been stepped up on buses standard ISO 9002, was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award after an investment of over £50,000 in 20 for Environmental Achievement in 1994 for its unique method of new CCTV camera systems in the North controlling heating systems. East region. Malcolm McKinlay, Vickers Electronics Regional Accounts Cameras have been installed on buses Manager, said: “Vickers has worked for many years in the energy in Newcastle and Sunderland and were reduction sector, leading the way in helping companies like Stagecoach equally funded by Stagecoach and Nexus. cut emissions. With the recent surge in interest through media reports This investment means almost a and Government initiatives, we are well placed to deliver similar results quarter (23%) of all regional Stagecoach for other businesses. buses are covered by CCTV. It follows the “We are proud of our partnership with Stagecoach and have been highest ever order of CCTV cameras for impressed with both its desire to take action on climate change and its use on buses by Stagecoach UK earlier willingness to share information on its successes with its commercial this year. rivals – putting the environment before the commercial ‘edge’.” The cameras come from respected Stagecoach is already involved in a number of initiatives to make its industry supplier Look CCTV and include operations more environmentally sustainable. systems of up to six units per bus. They In August, Stagecoach conducted the first UK trials of a bio- are typically installed so that they cover ethanol powered bus outside London in a move that could lead to the areas such as the driver’s cab, the rear seats company’s vehicles being powered by sugar beets in the future. and the entrance to the bus. Earlier this year, Stagecoach expanded the use of biodiesel to Importantly, these systems will also 1,800 vehicles in its UK bus fleet in a move to reduce greenhouse gas feature external cameras to check the emissions and improve fuel efficiency. movement of traffic and pedestrians. Stagecoach has already rolled out the use of the next-generation Footage taken from the films can be fuel additive Envirox™ across its entire UK bus fleet after the success used to aid police or to help with accident Bus boost: The new citi network, launched at a ceremony at Gloucester Cathedral, will deliver a significant improvement of a 12-month commercial evaluation. Tests of the product delivered prevention schemes in schools and local to services in the city. more than a 5% cut in fuel consumption and an associated decrease in policing areas. vehicle emissions. CCTV is seen as an important step to increasing passenger security and is a key New citi network revitalises services The energy management system is in use at the following driver to improving passenger numbers. Stagecoach sites: John Conroy, Managing Director for The investment of millions of pounds in Gloucester will deliver a much needed boost for bus provision in Stagecoach North East, said: “Buses are – including 17 new buses – has culminated with the the area, while making a real difference to passengers in Scotland: Aberdeen, Aberhill, Ardrossan, Ayr, Cowdenbeath, the country’s most popular form of public launch of a newly-branded network. Gloucester. The investment shows our commitment to Cumnock, Dumfries, Dundee, Dunfermline, Glenrothes, transport and crime on buses is extremely The new citi network raises the bar for bus travel both improving and increasing the profile of bus travel Inverness, Kilmarnock, Perth, Peterhead. low. in the area and reflects the many improvements to the in Gloucester.” “However, even the fear of crime city’s services over the last few years, including increased The 17 new single and double low floor buses England: Barnsley, Bedford, Chichester, Darlington, Doncaster, can act as a deterrent to travel. CCTV frequencies, Sunday and evening services and the intro- took investment in Gloucester services to almost £2.5 Exeter, Grimsby, Hartlepool, Hastings, Huddersfield, has a proven track record of making duction of low floor buses. million. Hull, Kettering, Lillyhall, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, passengers feel safe, cutting crime and Brian Souter, Chief Executive for Stagecoach Group, Ian concluded: “Whilst we will continue to improve Perterborough, Portsmouth, Preston, Ramsgate, Rawmarsh, anti-social behaviour and helping track and Ian Manning, Managing Director for Stagecoach bus services across Gloucestershire, it’s vital that local Shafton, South Shields, Stockton, Sunderland, Winchester, down offenders. West, jointly launched citi at Gloucester Cathedral in authorities work in partnership with us to help keep Worksop. “This latest investment is part of our November. fares stable, increase bus speeds and generally aid public ongoing commitment to the safety and Ian said: “This is a practical, quick-win initiative that transport.” Wales: Brynmawr, Cwmbran, Merthyr, Porth. security of passengers and drivers and our continuing efforts to deter and detect crime and anti-social behaviour.”

Blue buses go greener That’s a fact…

Bus services in East Northampton have years, so much so that it introduced an just undergone one of their biggest evening service in July. In the 2002 British crime survey, 80% improvements in years. James Freeman, Stagecoach East’s of UK adult respondents said they did Stagecoach is investing nearly £1 Managing Director, said: “The investment not report the last harassment incident million on nine new low-floor easy-access on the new buses is opening up accessible they had experienced on public buses. public transport to more and more people transport. Most anti-social behaviour Each of the new vehicles has a Euro in Northampton.” on public transport can be attributed 3 environmentally-friendly engine, which Adam Rideout, Stagecoach East’s to vandalism, with the most popular means less pollutants and more fuel Marketing Manager, said: “The buses will offence being damage to windows efficiency. They will also have CCTV really stand out because they are branded and seats. cameras onboard to increase passenger in a striking blue and we hope that The cost of vandalism to operators safety, and seats designed to improve the improved safety, comfort and green is huge, mainly due to the time that overall comfort on the journey. credentials will encourage more people to buses have to be off the road. In The buses will run on the route use the bus.” North West England, local authorities between Ecton Brook, Bellinge, in partnership with transport operators Northampton College, Birchfield Road Ready to go: James Freeman, Stagecoach East’s assess the costs of vandalism at almost and Northampton town centre, which Managing Director, on board one of the new £4 million a year. has grown in popularity over the past few vehicles. Winter 06/07 13 Competition just the ticket for Darlington passengers Extra seats It pays to travel by bus, as half a dozen won an array of prizes. They had all working very well together to encourage lucky passengers in Darlington have entered into a prize draw by sending in people to use public transport and even to meet discovered. their bus tickets and the winners were small competitions like this can make a To promote three of its services, selected at random at the beginning of difference to people’s attitudes to using Stagecoach North East ran a October. the bus.” rise in competition in which six passengers Marketing Manager Jodine Milne The prizes won included a rowing said: “We received almost 2,000 machine, an Apple i-pod, a digital passengers Prize guys: The lucky winners of Stagecoach entries for this competition, which camera, £100 worth of shopping North East’s special prize draw to promote is a phenomenal amount. All of the vouchers, a Gameboy Advance and a Virgin Trains is planning to provide 10 three of its services. operators and councils seem to be kids’ bouncy castle. million extra seats a year to meet rising demand. The proposal follows publication of the National Audit Office report praising Virgin Trains for achieving a 20% increase in West Coast passenger journeys during the past year – 4% more than expected. Sir Richard Branson said: “During Hitting new heights the past 10 years, thanks to the fantastic hard work of our people, we have achieved unprecedented and massive levels of growth on our West Coast and CrossCountry franchises and we will meet the sustained and continuing demands of on airport bus route the next decade.” From the end of 2008, Virgin Trains will be running 32% more train services on the West Coast network, providing 10 Service lures ever increasing numbers to leave the car at home million extra seats every year. Frequencies will be improved from two to three trains an hour between London, Birmingham tagecoach has celebrated the this demonstrates what can be achieved and Manchester, and hourly services will 30,000th passenger on its with targeted investment, innovative ideas run between London and Glasgow. S and the support of a forward-thinking local Discussions are under way with the airdirect747 service from Fife to authority. Department for Transport to add two Edinburgh Airport. “We are very encouraged by the usage more coaches to each of the 53 nine- Luke Maynard won a Dell Computer and the public feedback. We believe coach Pendolino trains, and with Network and £100 of gift vouchers to spend in the airdirect747 is a winner all round – Rail to increase speeds to 135mph over Edinburgh Airport shops. He lives in passengers win because they now have a bus sections of the West Coast Main Line now Chelmsford and was in the area for an service to Edinburgh airport; the Fife area being further improved. interview at Rosyth Dockyard. wins because more people leave the car at “This is just the beginning,” said Sir The service, which runs between home; the taxpayer wins because subsidy is Richard. “We are now set to bring in more Inverkeithing rail station, Ferrytoll Park temporary, and it benefits the environment and faster services and look forward to & Ride and Edinburgh Airport, was by cutting car use. It brings social benefits, being able to exploit the capabilities of our introduced just eight months ago and has by giving people greater mobility and more Pendolinos in the future.” seen passenger numbers rise steadily. travel options.” The service is now used by around Richard Jeffrey, Managing Director of 1,300 passengers a week, many of whom Edinburgh Airport, added: “Encouraging are now regularly leaving their cars at home more passengers and airport staff to use Retiral means and choosing to travel to the airport by the public transport to get to and from the airdirect747 bus. airport is a key priority for us. Already, more time… The booming passenger numbers are the 20% of our passengers travel to the airport result of a successful partnership between by bus or coach, a figure that compares on the buses! Stagecoach, the Scottish Executive and Fife Prize passenger: Luke Maynard (centre) celebrates being the 30,000th passenger on the Stagecoach favourably with other regional airports. Council. 747 airport service. He is pictured with Ann Follin, Planning & Development Manager, BAA (left) and “This exciting service, the first ever Howard Under the terms of this partnership, Doug Fleming, Managing Director, Stagecoach in Fife (far right). dedicated bus link between Edinburgh Butler will the three have jointly committed £972,000 Airport and Fife, is helping us boost that be taking a friendly engines. The distinctively-branded service, encouraging more people to leave to the airdirect747 bus service. The service figure further. ‘busman’s vehicles will also have CCTV to give added their cars at home and take the green option offers a convenient and fast method of “We are looking forward to working holiday’ security for passengers. of the bus to the airport. transport to the airport. with Stagecoach and Fife Council to ensure when he There are several ticket options available Stagecoach in Fife Managing Director This investment has included the purchase passengers and airport staff living north of retires from on the route and a high profile marketing Doug Fleming said: “airdirect747 is showing of three new state-of-the-art low floor the Forth continue to be made fully aware Stagecoach campaign was launched to promote the signs of being an outstanding success and buses that have the latest environmentally- of the 747 bus service.” East after A busman through and 44 years in through: Howard Butler. the industry. For not £1m investment widens appeal only is Howard restoring a double deck bus but he has a collection of over 4,000 A new route in Warwickshire is now up buses and Kenilworth also sees its first low- model buses! and running… and is sending out a clear floor bus route. He started his career in the bus industry message about the benefits of the bus. Phil Medlicott, Stagecoach in in 1962 with London Transport where The official launch was a grand affair Warwickshire Managing Director, said: “The he became responsible for all passenger at Warwick Castle, with several high-profile investment on the new buses is opening up information and signage throughout councillors and local dignitaries on hand to accessible public transport to more and the Underground system. Howard later cut the ribbon. more people in the area. The investment took over responsibility for information Guests were given a preview of two of on the new timetable and vehicles is purely displays for London Buses, which had the new low floor, easy access buses, which down to the success of the route. four depots and an information team of have rolled into service. “The route is completely new and 30 people. The route has received one of the largest improves low floor bus services into When he moved to Northampton 20 investments to improve Warwickshire bus Coventry town centre for the residents of years ago, Howard was on operational services in many years – the overall sum Leamington and Kenilworth.” Launch day: Dignitaries join in the celebrations to mark the new service. duties at Greyfriars Bus Station. He amounting to more than £1 million. Councillor Martin Heatley, Warwickshire transferred to head office in Rothersthorpe It runs between Coventry, Kenilworth, County Council’s Cabinet Member for Stagecoach’s commitment to the route and stops on the route have been improved with Avenue, Northampton, six years ago as Leamington, Warwick Hospital and Warwick the Environment, said: “We welcome the other services by spending nearly £13 million new flags and timetable information. Publicity and Marketing Officer to take town centre every 15 minutes, Mondays to introduction of these new buses and the on improvements for bus users in the area “We are also door dropping a ‘free over leaflet production and promotion. Saturdays. enhanced service. The benefits of the low in the next five years through the SPARK test drive’ to every resident in Warwick, Howard (61), who lives in Each of the new vehicles has a Euro floor buses will bring the services and shops initiative, which has recently been approved Leamington and Kenilworth inviting people Northampton, has been married for 3 environmentally-friendly engine, which in our town centres into easy reach of more for funding by central government.” to try the service for free. 33 years. He is looking forward to his emits less pollutants and is more fuel- people, helping to build our local economy Adam Rideout, Stagecoach in “Overall, we hope that the new buses, retirement and restoring his 1939 ex- efficient. and make public transport a practical choice Warwickshire Marketing Manager, said: better timetable and free ticket offer will Brighton, Hove and District Bristol Warwick Hospital is being served by again. “The new buses really stand out because encourage more people onto the bus and convertible open topper. Stagecoach for the first time with low floor “The County Council is set to match they are branded in a striking purple. All bus out of the car.” 14 Winter 06/07 Sharpening up the skills Skills and hard work were rewarded at East Locking (Assessor/IV), Bill Webb (NVQ Co- Kent recently when Managing Director Paul ordinator), Mick Telford, Nick Ray, Owen Southgate presented employees with NVQ Harmer, Jean Oram, Paul Osbourne, Andreas certificates. Yiannki, Peter Chandler, Tim Young, Malcolm Included in the presentation were awards Janes (Assessor), Dawn Baker, Pazhupanbil for Road Passenger Transport Level 2 (Bus), Pradeep, Sarah Docherty, Thomas Edwards, Driving Instruction Level 3 and Passenger Adrian Starbuck, Gary Fitzgerald, Shane Vehicle Maintenance Level 3. Hymers, John Rance, Bob Bailey (Assessor), Those who received certificates included Karan O’Conor, Malcolm Leslie, Paul Andy Taylor, Dick Stacey (Assessor), Ian Southgate, Neil Webb, Derick Perkins, Steve Horgan, Jim Mills, Ernest Griffin, Keith Hillier and Carl Hudson. Industry honours top apprentice

Stagecoach apprentice has The awards, which cover the rail, aviation, coach other finalists in the same category. scooped a top award for industry and bus industries, are organised by GoSkills – the Les Warneford, Managing Director of Stagecoach A Sector Skills Council for Passenger Transport. UK Bus, said: “We make a significant investment excellence. Michelle Dewberry, winner of BBC show The in our people every year and these awards reflect Ben Trotter (20), based at Worthing Depot in Apprentice, joined employers and finalists to celebrate the high standard of training and development we West Sussex, was one of five people to achieve a the achievements of young passenger transport sector provide for our employees.” Go for Excellence honour at the GoSkills Passenger workers. Former ‘Apprentice’ Michelle added: “It’s very Transport Apprenticeship Awards. Ben, who joined Stagecoach in 2005, said: “I’m rare in this day and age to have youngsters who are so The bus body fitter won the Transport Engineering delighted to have won this award; I really enjoy my job dedicated to, and proud of, their careers. and Maintenance Apprenticeship category and walked and always try to do better than expected of me.” “Proud is indeed what they should be; I thought away with £300 of vouchers after a ceremony at the Colleague Danny Williams (18), an engineering they were a tremendous group of people and I Institution of Civil Engineers in London. apprentice at Stagecoach Devon, was one of two sincerely wish them all the very best for the future.” Winning apprentice Ben Trotter. Warwickshire team top for safety Warwickshire is leading the way in NVQ’s and outside agencies, including National Express,” awards – equating to 50% of the workforce and ROSCO safe driving. he said. clocking up some 275 years of safe driving. The division has achieved the highest “Our drivers have given that extra effort to Phil said: “In today’s driving conditions, percentage of drivers in Stagecoach UK Bus achieve a personal qualification that enhances this is an exceptional achievement that requires with an NVQ qualification. both their own and the company’s reputation constant dedication and concentration from the Over 60% of its drivers hold an NVQ and, as well as standards in the wider working individuals concerned, especially considering during the presentation of certificates at the environment.” that the average person drives 25,000 miles Dunchurch Park Hotel in Rugby, Warwickshire He added: “To trainers, assessors and those a year. Managing Director Phil Medlicott said the who qualified, I would like to thank you all for “A number of drivers have been awarded achievement was testament to all the hard work helping us achieve this goal.” six-year Safe Driving badges for the length and effort of everyone concerned. Deputy Training and Development of time we have been members of ROSCO, “In today’s competitive workplace, it’s a Manager Dorothy Hermiston also attended which means 150,000 safe driving miles. requirement that our drivers achieve an NVQ the presentation evening. NVQ’s and Safe Driving awards were Level 2 qualification. Over 20% of our work This year has also seen 151 Warwickshire- presented to Stagecoach drivers at Rugby, Deputy Training and Development Manager Dorothy Hermiston (centre) with Warwickshire's top team. is completed for local authorities and other based drivers receive their ROSCO safe driving Leamington and Nuneaton depots. Seven centuries of service South Wales harvests awards Congratulations are in order for the successful Level 2 Certificate – Transport Engineering Congratulations go to Stagecoach Manchester’s long serving members of Awards were presented by Mark Threapleton, Managing candidates who attended an NVQ awards Maintenance, Mechanical Engineer: Paul staff who between them have clocked up an impressive 760 years. Director of Stagecoach Manchester. event, held by Stagecoach in South Wales at Hawkins and Ashleigh Price. The annual long service dinner was held at the Radisson Edwardian Hotel Cwmbran. in November, when presentations were also made to mark the retirement of Accepting awards on the evening were: Level 3 Certificate – Transport Engineering Eddie Sutcliffe, Roy Martin and David Purser. They were: Maintenance, Mechanical Engineer, 45 years – William Revill, Stockport. Completion of Apprenticeship in Transport NVQ RPT Level 2: Leigh Boulter, Paul Ford, Engineering and Maintenance: Steven Wakely. 40 years – David Murray and Michael Taylor, both Stockport, William Hayman, Wayne Powell, Raymond and Terence Rawcliffe, Glossop. Reynolds, Jeffrey Thomas, Janice Harris, Apprentices: Lloyd Thomas (Cwmbran) Philip Rees, Garry Needs, Cheryl Smith, – Apprentice of the Year for year one, 35 years – Thomas Bumby and Peter Riley, both Hyde Road; Philip Arnold, Stephen Wilding and Lawrence Company Best Apprentice and Best Result in William Fairhurst, Mike Regan and John Ward, all Princess Willson. S&B College (Shield); David Phillips (Merthyr) Road; Bob Gee, Thomas Harrop and John Williams, all – 3rd place as Apprentice of the Year for year Stockport, and Dick Grenfell, Head Office. NVQ Level 3 – Driving Instruction: Anthony two; Daniel May (Porth) – Best Apprentice Hughes, Honri Jones, Peter Rothwell, Jeremy for Overcoming Fears at the Outward-Bound 30 years – David Hewitt and Stuart Gaw, both Stockport; Tranter and Gerald Williams. course. Philip Sparham, Glossop; Peter Williams, SSC; Colin Williamson, Princess Road, and Tony Wilson, Head Office.

25 years – William Bryce and John Clinton, both Princess Road; Kevin Harrison, Stockport, and Kevin Hodkin, IT Support.

Retirees – Eddie Sutcliffe, 32 years; Roy Martin, 35 years, The award recipients at Stagecoach Manchester’s annual presentation dinner. and David Purser, 36 years. The Stagecoach in South Wales award winners.

Winter 06/07 15 Generous staff boost for children's ward funds

Staff at the Stagecoach Bedford depot recently donated £500 to The River Bank Children’s Ward at Vietnam trek doubles hospice cash Bedford Hospital. The money was raised with a raffle earlier in the year. A Stagecoach boss who raised cash Vince Malandra (left), for charity by trekking in Vietnam has Chairman of the Amenities doubled his money. Fund, and Andrew Pike Paul Southgate, Managing Director (right), are seen handing over of Stagecoach in Kent, walked his way the cheque to Nurse Naomi to £20,000 for sick children after the Sinclair. Also pictured company matched his sponsorship sum. is Zoe Page, Bedford Paul (52) endured an 11-day challenge, Operations Manager, along walking for at least eight hours a day, to with children from the ward boost the coffers for Demelza Hospice in and their mums. Sittingbourne. Despite being the eldest of the group, he held his own alongside 15 other trekkers in hot and humid conditions – walking 100km between Hanoi and the HQ staff help good causes Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Paul encountered uninhabited areas of Vietnam, with nothing but a satellite Star trek: Paul Southgate and Shirley Spencer at the Demelza children’s hospice. phone in case of emergencies, and many villages that had never before been visited challenge. the trek to have raised more than £45,000 by Europeans. Shirley Spencer, Demelza Hospice and we really appreciate the support and Before the trip, he raised sponsorship Events Manager, joined Paul on the trek friendship offered by Stagecoach staff money among his colleagues in Kent and, after receiving his £20,000 cheque, throughout the year.” and, on behalf of the company, Chief presented him with a medallion. For more information, or to make a Executive Brian Souter pledged the same She said: “Thanks to the determination donation, contact the charity on 01795 amount again on completion of the of Paul and his fellow walkers, we expect 845 200 or visit www.demelza.org.uk Inverness drivers take on the Rockies

Stagecoach in Inverness drivers Alex Mackenzie and Keith Biggerstaff recently Staff at Stagecoach Group’s headquar- Stagecoach employees as part of the celebrated completing the Canadian Rockies Cycle Challenge 2006. ters in Perth have helped raise hundreds Shoebox Appeal, led by the humanitarian Raising £7,630 for the Highland Hospice, which provides specialist of pounds for good causes. charity Blythswood Care. palliative care free of charge to those who need it in the Highlands and Islands, The Children in Need campaign total They are part of a consignment of the drivers endured tough cycling conditions, covering 250 miles in just five was boosted by £223 thanks to the fund- 140,000 Christmas presents that are are days. raising efforts of staff, who undertook a either on their way or already delivered to The route, known as the Golden Triangle, covers diverse terrain within range of sponsored activities, including children, families and the elderly in some Western Canada, spanning three World Heritage National Parks, many home baking. of the poorest parts of Europe. historical points of interest and hundreds of miles of wildlife habitat. Wear it Pink Day raised £215, Boxes have contained everything Alex and Keith have extended thanks to Stagecoach and the Gloag including £50 for Scottish Breast Cancer, from a bar of soap or a pair of socks to Foundation for helping them reach such a target with the donation of £1,000 as employees gave their work-day clothes a toothbrush or a small toy – things that and sponsored cycle tops. Thanks have also been expressed to their colleagues a splash of colour. are simple necessities to us but luxuries Top that: Alex and Keith show off their Stagecoach sponsored in the Inverness and Tain depots for their kind donations and the many Boxes of presents were collected by to many in Eastern Europe. cycle tops whilst taking in the view of Peyto Lake from Bow Pass. passengers on their routes that contributed to the collection. Staff put Mike in the picture Double retirement All aboard on charity walk

Stagecoach Bluebird staff commemo- expansion since 1994. whammy in Rugby rated Engineering Director Mike Reid’s Mike’s family home has been in retirement by commissioning a carica- Ayrshire since 1994 and he feels the Rugby has bade farewell to two of its most popular bus drivers ture of him hard at work to present at time is right for him to spend more – Chris Eddon and Peter Tallet. his leaving party. time with his family and join his wife, Chris has taken early retirement to help wife Deanna with her The print depicts Mike in full Celtic Jane, in their guest house business. Mayoral duties. She became the Mayor of Daventry, and Chris the regalia – Welsh rugby strip and kilt in Mayor’s Consort, after four years as town councillor and now they are family tartan – providing support for required to attend a variety of town council functions. a Bluebird coach… something he did Chris (64) joined Midland Red in Rugby 20 years ago as a frequently during his time with the continental tour driver when the company operated coaches as far company! afield as Austria, Germany and Holland. Mike’s popularity with his colleagues He later switched to touring Britain and travelling to Scotland and friends in the industry meant that and the south coast of England. He has enjoyed a varied career with this was the third event to celebrate National Express and Stagecoach. Best feet forward: A few of the walkers who participated in this his departure. Students at Anniesland He took an active role at Rugby Depot, which later became year’s Five Valleys Walk with a couple of the Stagecoach West buses College, Glasgow, took part in a Stagecoach. He served on the union committee for many years and, provided for the occasion. competition to come up with the for the last five years of his service with Stagecoach, was the depot caricature with the winning illustration health and safety officer. Giving a lift to charity walkers might seem a contradic- penned by Gary Brander, a graphic Peter has finally decided to hang up his driving gloves after leaving tion but when there are many miles to be covered in aid design and illustration student. and re-joining the company 17 times. His long career began in 1962 of a very worthy cause, Stagecoach West is always happy Mike has been in the bus industry when he joined Leamington Depot in the days of Midland Red. to help. for 41 years, and joined Stagecoach in After spending nine years driving local bus services, he decided to The Five Valleys Walk is an annual event that September 1994 with Western Scottish. switch to coach driving and left the company for the first time. takes in 21 miles of beautiful Cotswold countryside to Since January 2000 he has been And, a qualified heavy plant operator, he has, over the years, raise money for the Meningitis Trust. The year’s event Engineering Director at Stagecoach preferred to spend the warmer months working on construction sites attracted 1,800 walkers and aimed to raise £55,000. Bluebird. Mike has contributed greatly driving bulldozers and dumper trucks. One of the event co-ordinators is Stagecoach West to the growth and success of Bluebird, He re-joined the Rugby depot in the early 1980s and has also driver John Evans and, to show its support, the company particularly through the rapid fleet Bluebird staff present the gift to Mike. experienced a short spell at Nuneaton. provides walkers with free transport around the valley.

16 Winter 06/07