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Home , Magic Bus (Stagecoach), Stagecoach Bluebird, Stagecoach Gold, Stagecoach Merseyside, Stagecoach North West

Issue 83 | January 2011

onThe newsletter stage of A feast of awards

STAGECOACH Group is celebrating success after winning numerous high-profi le awards over the past Celebrating success couple of months. From the UK to North America, and from bus STAGECOACH won a host of top to rail, the Group has collected honours at the 2010 UK Bus Awards. top honours at a number of After winning the highest number of awards prestigious award ceremonies. at the previous three ceremonies, the Group In this special front-page feature was again among the front-runners at the for On Stage, we are delighted 15th annual London ceremony, winning three to celebrate the wonderful awards and taking four runner-up spots. achievements of our staff. ’s successful X5 coach service was awarded the Express Coach Operation of the Year honour for the second year in a row, while Stagecoach ’s popular Oxford Tube service nished runner-up in the same Leading Driver Paul Cragg (left), Bedford category. Operations Manager Zoe Paget and Bedford Stagecoach Engineering Director Engineering Manager Wayne Bartrum collect the Express Coach Operation of the Year Darren Roe scooped the Engineer of the award for the X5 service. Year Award and Stagecoach’s ground-breaking contactless payment scheme was named runner-up in the Bus in the – in partnership with RBS WorldPay and Countryside Award. In addition, Kent County Mastercard – won the Innovation Award. Council was named runner-up in the Winning Richard Martin (second from right) nished runner-up New Customers category for its partnership receives his accolade at the Route One in the City Operator of the Year category, with Stagecoach East Kent and Hastings in the Operator Excellence Awards. while West’s Go2 service provision of bus services in Ashford. A special award Spanner sensation Award-winning apprentice A MANAGER whose leadership Rebecca Marsh. helped keep bus services moving has picked up three despite devastating oods has top ‘Golden Spanner’ awards. received extra-special recognition. The company won two of the honours for the Operations best reliability of both its Class 444 and Class 455 Manager Richard Martin was recently trains, as well as the award for the most reliable presented with the Special Award at the former BR diesel multiple unit. 2010 Route One Operator Excellence Its Salisbury depot also won a Silver Spanner Awards. award for the largest performance improvement The honour recognised his in the last year in the category of former BR determination to keep bus services on Diesel Multiple Unit, for the Class 158  eet. The Apprentice the road during the severe  ooding The ceremony, organised by industry magazine which struck in November Modern Railways, awarded the highest UK Bus apprentice Rebecca Marsh 2009. distinction to South West Trains  eets in the three has won a prestigious national award. Award judges stated: “Richard’s categories in which it has a  eet type. The North West apprentice was named must-do attitude ensured that no village 2010 winner of the Transport Engineering was without a bus, people got to work and Maintenance category at the GoSkills and children got to school. What a great deal Passenger Transport Apprenticeship Awards Stagecoach North West Managing .COM, Stagecoach Group’s ceremony in Birmingham. Director Paul Southgate added: market-leading budget inter-city coach Stagecoach apprentices have now won “Richard’s commitment to providing service, has won a coveted travel deal award the same award for ve consecutive years. lifeline local bus services for the people for the second year in a row. Rebecca, who works at Stagecoach’s of West Cumbria is an example to all and The company’s business in North America depot, is in her third year of he thoroughly deserves to be recognised came top in the Leading Provider of Outstanding the company’s UK Bus apprenticeship for his hard work.” Car Rental and Bus Deals category at the 2010 programme. Travelzoo awards.

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Fresh boost for Jet Service ’s newly launched Jet Service has received another boost with the introduction of three new buses for the route, complete with leather seating, air conditioning, WiFi and luggage racks. Stagecoach Bluebird Managing Director Andrew Jarvis said: “We have been delighted by the number of customers choosing to travel on the Jet 727 service and we are pleased to be making further improvements for our customers by investing in these new vehicles.”

One of the new Jet Service buses in City Centre.

Chris takes charge FORMER A wizard wheeze Stagecoach HOCUS-pocus was in the air as drivers wear wizard costumes was the starting North West held another point of the whole campaign. Managing Wizard Wednesday. Sophie was also awarded a free annual Unirider Director Chris The event sees Manchester’s drivers ticket as a thank you for her idea. Bowles has taken swap their uniforms for pointy hats and cloaks Wizard Wednesday, which has over 11,000 on the top job in before getting behind the wheel, in aid of the Facebook fans, will be once again be Manchester.Chris Everyman appeal. supporting Stagecoach Manchester’s succeeds former Wizard Wednesday fans could also partnership with Everyman – the Manchester catch a glimpse of the brand new prostate and testicular cancer Managing New Manchester Wizard logo on the back of the campaign. Director, Mark Managing Director Chris Bowles. newly designed Magic Buses. Throughout the day, wizards Threapleton, The o cial logo was recently will be collecting donations for who was recently appointed to head unveiled by Manchester the worthwhile charity, and up Stagecoach’s newly acquired East University student, Sophie every penny raised will be put London Bus Group business. Kellaway, whose Facebook towards helping to fund life Chris said: “I am delighted to be returning petition to make Magic Bus saving research. to the city where I started my career. “Having worked for various divisions of Stagecoach in a number of roles over the past 14 years, I have built up an extensive displays making the facility an even more bank of knowledge and experience which I Happy birthday attractive option for people ditching their intend to put to good use in Manchester. ’S Ferrytoll Park & cars to use public transport. Since its opening “There is already an excellent team Ride celebrated its 10th birthday in in 2000, Ferrytoll has proved to be a great in place who have achieved a great November with an event in its newly success as a Park & Ride facility. The number deal, and I will be working closely with decorated waiting room. of parking spaces was doubled to over 1,000 in them to ensure that the company runs The £25,000 waiting room refurbishment 2006 to meet the demand and, four years on, e ciently and continues to deliver the refreshed the décor and updated information the facility is consistently at 80-90% capacity. highest standards of service to meet the requirements of our customers.” Paul Southgate has now taken on the role of Managing Director at Stagecoach Half-century of service North West. has said a fond farewell to St Pancras Station’s On the ball longest-serving employee. Train Dispatcher Dave Leader has retired MANCHESTER’S Little Lever after 48 years of service in the railway under-11s football team were industry. delighted to receive new strips, thanks Dave, who lives in Watford, started his to sponsorship from megabus.com career in 1962, working at the Watford No 1 Signal Box. Santa saunter He later moved to the Willesden Junction played Box and – following a spell in the Control its part in the Christmas lights Centre at Euston Station and 15 years in switch-on by supplying an open-top the new West Hampstead Power Box – he bus for the event. moved to St Pancras, where he has worked The bus was used by Palm FM DJs to since 1994. warm up the Santas for their saunter through To mark his retirement, the team town and played a central role down at the at St Pancras presented Dave with a harbour, where it hosted the event’s VIPs. replica nameplate.

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When one door slams, another one opens

A SOUTH West Trains guard has raised over £2700 for the Help for Heroes charity through a series of fundraising activities. Salisbury guard Nigel Crow saw the chance to make some cash for the good The guard of honour for Metrolink’s cause when the last-slam door train ran on specially decorated ‘ Fusilier’ tram. the Lymington to Brockenhurst line. He created a DVD of the special occasion Metrolink joins and arranged for the heritage station sign from Lymington Pier station to be poppy appeal auctioned for Help for Heroes. Driver Kris Jendesen also helped by arranging for some merchandising to be sold at Salisbury Nigel Crow (right) with South West Trains METROLINK’S ‘Lancashire Stakeholder Manager Phil Dominey. Fusilier’ tram was decorated with station. poppies for a third consecutive year to Bryn Parry, co-founder of Help for congratulated and, on behalf of all those support the annual Poppy Appeal. Heroes said: “Nigel’s wonderful fundraising who the money will bene t, thanked. Local councillors and members of is hugely welcomed. He should be “Well done, Nigel – great e ort!” the Royal British Legion gathered in Manchester to mark the event, alongside Metrolink Delivery Liaison O cer (and former Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Record-breaker member) Anthony Dale. ISLE of Skye driver John Nicholson They were also joined by Mr and Mrs may well hold the record for the longest Annis, whose son Simon was tragically service on the same route after operating killed while serving in Afghanistan. Service 57 for an amazing 41 years. John began his service in 1969 and has since carried three generations of children to school All aboard the as well as many other passengers, all without any accidents. Polar Express Over the years he has also delivered bread and milk, as well as collecting sheep and cattle feed if required. Steve Walker, Managing Director of Stagecoach in the Highlands, said: “With his friendly, unassuming manner and willingness to help at Bus driver John Nicholson has spent more all times, he has been a model employee thus far than four decades on the roads of Skye. and we hope to keep John for a few years yet!”

£1.4m upgrade for Boxes of festive joy The East Midlands Trains Polar Express team. GENEROUS sta at Honiton Station HARD-working sta at South Stagecoach Group’s Perth head- PASSENGERS using Honiton Station West Trains and East Midlands Trains quarters have continued their are set to enjoy further improvements as the kept passenger services on track long-running e orts to give second phase of a £1.4 million project gets during the recent big freeze. those less fortunate a happier under way. As well as doing their best to keep Christmas. South West Trains is working with Devon County trains moving and passengers updated, the The big-hearted workers once Council, Network Rail and the National Station enthusiastic workers also gave their time again donated dozens of shoeboxes Improvement Programme (Department for Transport to help clear platforms and stations of full of goodies, which went to funding) to create a more accessible station. snow and ice. Blythswood Care’s Shoebox Appeal. Improvements include a brighter and enlarged At East Midlands Trains, a special ‘Polar This year, the charity sent booking hall and new toilets with an accessible toilet Express’ train was called into action, more than 100,000 boxes to and changing facilities. There is also provision for a taking a selection of managers and sta underprivileged children and adults retail unit and both platforms will be equipped with up the Robin Hood line and stopping in Albania, Bulgaria, Hungary, accessible ramps, making it easier for all passengers to at each station to allow the team to clear Kosovo, Moldova, Pakistan, use the station. the snow. Romania and Serbia. Extra cycling facilities will also be installed, equipped with shelters and CCTV.

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Apprentices earn awards for outstanding progress NINE UK Bus apprentices and Jason Thornton from Stagecoach were recognised at Stagecoach’s South West, who was third. sixth annual Apprentice of First-year Apprentice of the Year the Year Awards ceremony in was Jack Abbott from Stagecoach Manchester. Manchester. Mark McCulloch from Third-year apprentice David Scotland nished Simpson from Stagecoach East second while Ashley Leith from Scotland capped a remarkable Stagecoach Yorkshire took third place. three-year apprenticeship by earning The winner of the second-year an award for the third consecutive title was Ryan Je eries from year. , who After achieving second prize in his nished ahead of Adam Oldham rst year and top prize in his second from Stagecoach North West in Ryan Je eries (left), David Simpson (front) and year, David picked up the third-year second place and third-placed Jack Abbott show o their awards. title ahead of second-placed Chris Sam Avison from Stagecoach Cohen from Stagecoach Manchester East Midlands. Good paddling Brave drivers rewarded for Peter and pals WEST Ham driver Azim Khan has been praised for keeping a cool head during a bus blaze emergency. Azim grabbed an extinguisher and tackled a  re discovered on board a colleague’s bus as it arrived at Leamouth. His actions earned him an East London Bus Group Certi cate of Appreciation, but Azim wasn’t the only brave West Ham driver to receive a commendation recently. Colleague Mohammed Khan also received STAGECOACH South West NVQ a bravery award from the Sheri of London Coordinator Peter McIver successfully for his part in apprehending a robber, while completed a 170-mile kayak challenge Paul Briggs stepped up to help a pedestrian Azim Khan (right) receives his certi cate from from London to Bristol, along with who collapsed near his bus. Garage Operations Manager Kevin Hollingshead. two friends. Meanwhile, controller Brian Smailes The group completed the challenge in helped police catch someone who had Dave Rickson was thanked for his kindness seven days and raised more than £1000 for assaulted a passenger on a route 287 bus, and consideration towards a passenger who the Devon and Cornwall Air Ambulance. and Catford driver Steve Scholl was praised had been mugged. by a route 47 passenger for his exceptional Finally, Plumstead driver Derek Moore courtesy and driving standards. was praised for assisting a stroke victim on Lest we forget… Rainham driver Wayne Haggerty was his bus while Waidi Nola of Barking was thanked by a passenger when a bus was commended for extinguishing a re started ARMED forces veterans were delayed by an accident and Romford driver deliberately on his bus. given free travel to Remembrance Day ceremonies, thanks to megabus. com For the third year in a row, the Old bus boosts fl ood fund Stagecoach service laid on transport LONDON sta turned back the clock to events in London, and to raise £5,000 to aid victims of Pakistan’s , joining forces with veterans’ devastating oods. charity Poppyscotland. Workers at the Upton Park garage sent a 1962 Ian Laing, Operations Manager for Routemaster bus out to tour the East Ham, Green megabus.com, said: “Our servicemen and Street and Ilford areas, giving passengers the chance to women have made huge sacri ces over enjoy a nostalgic ride in return for donations to the many years and many con icts, and they Imran Khan Flood Relief Fund. continue to do so. Sta at Leyton garage collected £770 while West “It is only right that we help them Ham raised £635. remember those who were lost in action and Money was also raised by a charity meal at the garage, we are pleased to be playing our part.” where sta prepared food and donated £5 each.

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Three cheers for EMT EAST Midlands Trains vowed to continue making improvements for passengers as it celebrated its third birthday. Managing Director Tim Shoveller (pictured) said: “Amongst the highlights of the last three years are the opening of two brand-new stations and the launch of a £22 million maintenance depot. We also embarked on a £30 million-plus programme of investment that will see all of our trains refurbished by the end of next year. “Our performance has continued to go from strength to strength, but what I am most proud of is how the team has worked together to deliver these improvements, and how positively our passengers have reacted. “Thanks must also go to our many partners and stakeholders and the many others who have helped to play their part in a successful rst three years.” Passengers

Dave Hopwood with one of the guide dog puppies. love Peter GRATEFUL passengers voted South West Trains Guard Peter Keegan as Puppy love Customer Service Employee of the Year. AN EAST Midlands Trains During National Customer Service Week in employee raised over £5,000 to help October, travellers were invited to nominate sta train a puppy to become a life- who had gone the extra mile, and the response Peter Keegan receives his award from South West transforming guide dog. amounted to over 2000 letters and emails. Trains Director Andy Pitt (left). She eld Revenue Protection O cer Peter, who’s been in the job for seven years, Dave Hopwood collected over 900 old won the overall award for his outstanding Hodges, Worplesdon. mobile phones to turn into cash, raising contribution to customer service, with passengers Andy Pitt, who presented the winners with an impressive £3,000. He made another praising his helpfulness and friendly attitude. His their well-deserved awards said: “I would like to £2,000 selling oil paintings, hosting a ra e, prize was a rst-class trip to Paris. congratulate Peter and all of the nalists for their abseiling o the Humber Bridge and even The other ve nalists in the South West Trains fantastic e orts in delivering the highest level of walking across hot coals! Customer Service Awards were Booking Clerks customer service. Guide Dogs District Fundraiser Pam White Paul Tjader, Strawberry Hill; Terry Johnson, “I would also like to thank all of our sta who said: “We are extremely grateful to Dave, his London Road Guildford; Sharon Pidgeon, work extremely hard to deliver an excellent colleagues and of course the general public Havant; Julian Morris, Stoneleigh and Drusilla service to our passengers.” for their tremendous support and dedication to our cause.” Quality at the top of the agenda SOUTH West Trains has received a prestigious business excellence award from On location the British Quality Foundation branch of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM). MOVIE magic came to She eld It’s the third time since 2006 that the company has earned the ‘Recognised for Excellence’ Supertram recently. Four-Star Award after demonstrating a high level of management, strategic planning and leadership An Indian production crew making a new across the business. lm entitled ‘Someday’ shot scenes on board one of the company’s trams.

WIN A Picture of £50 Old for new VOUCHER Supertram the Season brought together THIS edition’s winning Picture of the the old and the Season was taken by Clive Maclennan who new recently works for . by introducing It shows a bus at Gainsborough Depot during period livery the recent Arctic conditions. on one of its Congratulations to Clive who will shortly receive his prize of £50 of M&S vehicles. vouchers. The move helped celebrate the enormous If you think you have a picture that captures one of the four seasons, please send your image to contribution the vehicles have made to the Lindsay Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW, or email it to city’s pro le over the years. [email protected]

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Free energy-saving Eco-buses gadgets worth £30 up for grabs across UK

WE want to help you save money AN £11.4 million investment is this year, so here’s how you can get bringing new, greener buses to the UK. your hands on two FREE energy-saving Stagecoach is spending £9 million on a  eet products. of state-of-the-art greener hybrid electric The LIME Energy Saving Plug turns buses for Newcastle and She eld. This follows your appliances o standby in one easy click the award of more than £4 million in support via your remote control. funding from the Government’s Green The Water Widget takes less than ve Bus Fund, the largest successful bid outside A hybrid bus which already running in Oxford. minutes to t and cuts the amount of water London. used by 70% (not suitable for low- ow A  eet of 47 double-decker buses, which have Scottish Government’s Green Bus Fund. showers and some electric showers). 30% less carbon emissions than standard vehicles, Nine vehicles will operate on the To apply for your free gadgets, go to will be manufactured and go into service by service in Perth, with the www.freegreengadgets.co.uk register and use March. Some 26 of the new hybrid vehicles rest running on the X19 service between promo code ONSTAGE on the sign-up will run in Newcastle while 21 more will be Easterhouse and Glasgow city centre. form. introduced in She eld. Les Warneford, Managing Director of Market-leading manufacturer Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “Buses and coaches Terms and Conditions Alexander Dennis and BAE Systems have already deliver a major carbon saving over Only one free product per mainland GB household provided the technology behind the new low using the car, but new technology is only (excluding NI) across all free standby and water saver carbon buses, which feature an innovative part of the answer to the challenge of climate o ers from energy suppliers. Unfortunately we will regenerative braking system. The Enviro400H change. not be able to process your application if you have previously received either product from an energy buses will be built at Alexander Dennis’s main “We also need better bus priority, improved supplier and we are unable to notify you. O er manufacturing plant in Falkirk, Scotland. bus speeds in our cities, and investment in available to GB residents only. Please allow 28 days for In Scotland, Stagecoach is investing £2.4 park and ride if we are to maximise the delivery. Water Widget o er excludes households who million in 17 state-of-the-art greener hybrid potential of buses and coaches and make already own a water-saving shower device. O er is diesel electric buses, following an award of it more attractive for people to switch to subject to availability. O er ends February 28, 2011. around £1.5 million in support funding from the public transport.”

Cleaner vehicles Bio-bus is beating them all AN ECO-friendly bus project earned Around 2 million passengers have used the STAGECOACH South West is Stagecoach a Travel and Transport Award Bio-buses since the project was introduced and investing more than £4 million in 36 at the 2010 Green Business Awards. more than 70 tonnes of used cooking oil has new buses for . The accolade recognised the innovative Bio-bus been recycled at East Ayrshire Council’s recycling The new  eet of stylish Alexander scheme in Kilmarnock – the rst UK project plant since the start of the project. Dennis Enviro 200 single-deck vehicles to run a  eet of buses on 100% biofuel Stagecoach UK Bus will go into service on the Exeter made from used cooking oil and Regional Director Scotland City network. They have cleaner, other food industry by-products, Sam Greer said: “We are greener engines and meet Euro 5 all from sustainable sources. continuing to introduce emissions standards. Judges noted that further measures to ensure Stagecoach had we can become an even “demonstrated that more sustainable business Lincoln facelift public transport can make while also attracting more a signi cant contribution people on to our greener, WORK is under way to improve to reducing the country’s smarter bus services.” the facilities for passengers using carbon dioxide emissions”. A Kilmarnock Bio-bus. Lincoln train station. The project includes a complete refurbishment all toilets plus new, greener initiatives such as light and tap sensors to Greener diesel fuels eco-friendlier fl eet help reduce waste. RECYCLED vegetable oil is fuelling a green revolution on Waiting rooms will also receive a Merseyside’s public transport. complete makeover and passengers and are conducting a two-year trial will also bene t from a new customer allowing six Stagecoach vehicles to run on a B30 biodiesel mix supplied information centre on platform 3. by producer Convert2Green. The greener fuel includes 30% biodiesel from East Midlands Trains will be installing waste vegetable oil which reduces the overall CO2 emissions from the buses new automatic doors at the station by up to 25% compared to standard diesel. entrance to provide easier access for Stagecoach Regional Director Robert Andrew said: “We believe that new passengers. technology, such as the use of bio-fuel, and pro-bus policies are crucial if we are to get people to switch from the car on to our greener smarter services.”

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Jim’s 51-year journey ends recently said farewell to “Jim has been a great mentor,” said Susan Adlam, long-serving President Jim Devlin, who served Coach Canada’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing. the company for 51 years. “He knows what customers want, and their needs Jim joined Coach Canada in 1959 as Trentway- always come rst. He has been a hands-on President, Wagar Inc., when the company operated three school and I am privileged to have worked with him for my buses. 20 years with the company.” He held many positions throughout the years, A retirement party, attended by Stagecoach Group working his way up through management, and Chief Executive , was held in Toronto became President of the then Trentway Tours in 1965. recently to honour Jim and his accomplishments. Under his leadership, Coach Canada expanded its Taking over as President is Don Carmichael,  eet to over 200 coaches and nearly 200 school buses who brings 42 years of transport experience to Stagecoach Chief Executive Brian serving Ontario and Quebec. the position. Souter bids farewell to Jim Devlin.

Magical event Drivers setting the Gold standard

FOR the tenth year, Coach Canada took part in the annual Festival of Trees – a community holiday tradition. The festival raises around $200,000 for Peterborough Health Care by hosting a series of magical events and experiences created by volunteers and supported by the community. The theme for this year was ‘Whimsical Wishes’. Perth Operations Manager Gus Beveridge with Driver Ian Phillips is congratulated by Susan Adlam and Lyn Morrow of Coach Canada. Gold drivers of the Year Darren Sharp, Alistair Stagecoach West Operations Director Dowie and Rodd Christanson. Sholto Thomas.

TWO Stagecoach Gold drivers have in Perth was Alistair Dowie with Rodd been highlighted as Gold Driver of the Christianson third. Year at their respective companies. At Stagecoach West, driver Ian Phillips Stagecoach in Perth driver Darren Sharp was awarded the Gold Driver of the Year came out as top Gold driver after feedback award after performing impeccably during from sta and customers showed he had two driving assessments as well as receiving excelled in all areas. Second-placed driver positive feedback from customers.

First steps on the career ladder

STAGECOACH East Midlands won the award for Best Project Developed in Partnership with the Private Sector at the Access Alliance Programme Awards. The winning scheme o ers free bus journeys through vouchers funded by the Access Alliance Programme to help people in reaching job interviews, as well as during their rst weeks of employment in a new job. Strong pulse in Worthing A £1.5 MILLION-PLUS investment has boosted the bus eet in Stagecoach’s Worthing network. Eleven new Enviro 300 single-deck buses have been given a new livery for the Pulse route. Stagecoach’s Regional Managing Director Andrew Dyer said: “Since the launch of the Pulse service in 2006 the passenger numbers have grown year on year. We now carry over 27,000 passengers each week just on the Pulse route. “I’m sure our customers will appreciate the shiny new buses.”

Fingers on the Pulse: Pictured are, from left, Andrew Dyer, Mark Turner, Janis Paavel, Colin Stratford, Tom Bridge and John Purslow.

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Make saving megabus goes further money your New MEGABUS.COM in the US has New York services are also being extended extended its footprint in North America. to cover Hartford, Connecticut and Amherst, Year’s resolution! A new hub is being created in Washington DC Massachusetts, providing ve daily departures and EVERY with an expanded service to 11 new locations, bringing the total number of cities serviced from year Scottish while services from New York will link additional the Big Apple hub to 15. households cities in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Routes to and from Pittsburgh and State throw away Customers will be able to travel with megabus. College, Pennsylvania, will also be doubled to around £430 com from Washington to Boston; Bu alo, four daily departures. worth of food New York; Charlotte, North Carolina; Dale Moser, President and Chief and drinks. Frederick, Maryland; Hampton, Virginia; Operating O cer of megabus.com in Make it your Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Knoxville, North America, said: “megabus.com New Year’s resolution to save that Tennessee; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; just keeps on growing as customers money for better things. Here are Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina; look to make their dollar go some tips to help you: Richmond, Virginia and Toronto further. • Plan weekly menus. A small amount in Canada. This means megabus. “We are delighted we of time at home planning saves time at com will serve 14 cities from have been able to expand the shops and money. its Washington hub, o ering further in North America to • Write a shopping list and take it multiple daily departures at fares bring our great value fares to with you. It will keep you on track from just $1 plus booking fee. more locations.” with what you need to buy. • Last night’s dinner, tomorrow’s lunch. Save money, much tastier! • Re-invent leftovers, make them exciting. Visit www. A jingle-decker wasteawarelovefood.org.uk to get some SANTA swapped his sleigh for a ideas. Stagecoach bus in Portsmouth over the • Know your dates. ‘Best before’ is for festive period, greeting the public with quality. You can eat foods after this date festive cheer, much to the enjoyment of the but ‘Use by’ is for food safety and foods younger children. should not be eaten after this date. The Christmas bus also raised money for the For more hints and tips visit www. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. wasteawarelovefood.org.uk Santa heads o for another shift. Growing interest in charity fundraising STAFF at Group headquarters were bristling throughout November to help raise awareness, and with excitement, thanks to the Movember money, for cancers a ecting men. To mark the end of campaign. the campaign, even some of the women at Perth HQ The fun event encouraged men to grow a moustache joined in – sporting fake ‘taches to help raise cash. Nominate champions who go the extra mile DON’T forget to nominate your Stagecoach Champions of Environment Champion: Presented to an individual who has championed 2011. greener working practices and sustainability, such as by improving energy We’re looking for champions in six categories (below) this year. e ciency, reducing the company’s carbon emissions or developing innovative To nominate your Champion, all you need to do is email your ways to get people to switch from the car to public transport. suggestion to [email protected] You can nominate yourself or one of your colleagues. Community Champion: Recognises employees who have made a Please include your own name, position and company, as well as signi cant contribution to the local community through charitable fund- the same details for the person you are nominating. Then write a raising or volunteering. description of what the individual has done to deserve the award, including any information on the impact of their e orts on the Health Champion: For the employee who has done most to promote business. employee health within the Group. Nominations close on March 31, 2011. Customer Service Champion: Presented to the individual who has gone Stagecoach Champions of 2011 categories: the extra mile to deliver exceptional customer service.

Safety Champion: Awarded to an employee who has championed Innovation Champion: For the employee with best new business idea good safety or excelled in dealing with a speci c situation or incident. across the Group.

8 people page on stage

Helen steps up – Alice Hill The quickfi re roundget to school’ in North West presentation Who are you? to around 300 HELEN Alicia Hill, Customer Service Supervisor Hines has taken parents at a Kent Stagecoach in East Kent & East Sussex, Grammar School. up her new role based at Canterbury bus station. as Operations I couldn’t stop What do you like most about your the microphone Manager at job? Stagecoach from shaking Bringing a smile to customers’ faces. and forgot my North West’s What do you like least about your Preston and speech! job? Dream job? Not being able to operate routes due depots. Physiotherapist for Football Helen Hines. to adverse weather conditions or events Club. Helen beyond our control. It’s so frustrating! completed the Stagecoach Graduate training Favourite animal? Favourite TV show? Meerkat … simples! programme, spending nine months with Gavin and Stacey. Stagecoach East Kent as a graduate trainee, Most like to be stuck in a lift with? Biggest achievement? Steven Gerrard. followed by a year at Stagecoach Manchester. Winning the netball defence cup for the She was appointed Operations Manager last 12 years. The Quick re Round features in every at Nuneaton Depot for Stagecoach before Worst job? moving to the North West. edition of On Stage and we want to Working for a haulage and removal hear from as many sta as possible. company with little support from the To suggest the next participant, email management. [email protected] Most embarrassing moment? Stewart’s just My rst ever ‘how to use the bus to Champion SOUTH West Trains Area Manager Support Clerk Stewart Legg has Pete has a new schedule received his Stagecoach Champion STAGECOACH East Midlands has marked the award. early retirement of one of its longest-serving members Stewart wasn’t able to attend the Group of sta . Management Conference at which the Pete Grant served as a Scheduler for nearly four decades, Champion Awards were handed out but and colleagues gathered to mark his retirement with a special has now been presented with his bronze dinner. Community Champion Award which he East Midlands Managing Director Gary Nolan said Pete had won for his work as a mentor to students in made a huge contribution to the company. Gary (right) congratulates Pete. his local high school. Who’s best behind CONTACTS the wheel in 2011? Editor: Lindsay Reid, On Stage, THE SEARCH will soon be on to  nd Stagecoach Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, the 2011 UK Bus Driver of the Year. Perth, PH1 5TW Top marks for drivers Over the coming months, individual operators will hold qualifying heats, replicating the Email: [email protected] CONGRATULATIONS go to 20 challenges facing contestants in the National www.stagecoach.com Stagecoach South Wales drivers who Finals. recently achieved the NVQ Level 2 in These events are used to select the best drivers If you have a story for On Stage, Passenger Carrying Vehicle (Bus and from each company to go forward to the nal. please contact Lindsay Reid as above. Coach). Stagecoach has an excellent record in this In addition, Assessor Lewis Phillips received competition. Last year, Stagecoach West driver The copy deadline for the next a Level 4 in Conducting Internal Quality Sheila King nished seventh overall, while Brian edition of On Stage will Assurance of the Assessment Process. Hurcombe and Simon Furley were named the be February 4, best drivers in Scotland and Wales respectively. 2011. Grand goal for game gherkin go-getters STAFF from Stagecoach in Exeter have London’s iconic ‘Gherkin’ building. The team, called signed up to the ‘Step Change’ challenge to the ‘Stagecoach Stars’, need to raise at least £1,000, raise money for the NSPCC. and donations can be made online at http:// They’re facing a gruelling run up the 1,037 steps of uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/stagecoachstars

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