ISSUE #65 - AUGUST 2020

MESSAGE FROM JOHN TRAYNER

MERTON CYCLE AWARENESS EVENT ALL NEW CHARITY RELAY EVENT ROUTE 230! IN SUPPORT OF GOSH A message from Managing Director John Trayner

s we ease out of lockdown and work must remain vigilant and quick to react. Atowards a new normal one thing Sealed driving cabs, disinfectant wipes, has remained, and that is our dedication social distancing and facemasks have to the people we serve. Thank you for become established work norms and being on the frontline throughout this the company will keep you updated of pandemic and safely transporting developments in real time, so please significant numbers of key workers. check the various communication You go - We go We have contributed to ’s channels available. unity and will play a key part in

Despite the many challenges, good restoring the capital back to its news exists, such as the introduction former strength in due course. of electric buses at Northumberland Our thoughts are with those Park and the imminent launch of our

who have sadly lost their lives new employee app, which has been and please be assured that we designed to keep everyone better will pay tribute to them when it connected and informed. is safe to do so. " I am extremely proud to work alongside Coronavirus impacts people in many a team that have been heroic during a ways and we are also doing everything very tough period for society. Our city we can to support those colleagues who has a proud record of facing adversity, are, or have been, affected by it. coming through it and being stronger as a result. We will get through this Alongside and together, with happier times to follow. Unite, we continue to keep safety at The new Go-Ahead London company app. the heart of our operations. This virus is Until the next edition, please continue to an evolving threat and that means we stay safe and thank you once again. Making your work life easier. I am extremely proud Stay up to date, communicate and go! to work alongside a team that have been COMING SOON! heroic during a very tough period for society. More details to follow

Managing Director, John Trayner

BEING FORWARD LOOKING AND ADAPTABLE BUS TALK | PAGE 2 DANIEL ALI SI WILSON PL HUSSAIN "Driver on the D7 was Drink "When an elderly water passenger fainted, the bus extremely helpful. It was PASSENGER pouring with heavy rain and Drink Drink driver stopped the bus and DANIEL WILSON water WATERSIDE WAY water Drink COMMENDATIONS explained what had occurred to I nearly missed the bus as I water all passengers. The bus driver was late, however, the driver saw me running. He stopped REMEMBER TO Congratulations to all our drivers who have was comforting and reassuring KEEP HYDRATED! with constant updates and and waited for me and received praise from customers. Here is a my kids. Thank you selection of those received... checking to see if the elderly passenger driver." ALI HUSSAIN was ok." SILVERTOWN MB CHARLIE WEBB Q "The bus driver CALLY lowered the bus for an MEAGER elderly lady. As she was "I am a wheelchair user MG WINSTON paying, her trolley rolled ANGELA A SPRAGG and got on the 188 today. DOWNER off the bus. Your driver NX DANIEL ALLISON "I want to thank the JONES "I would like to thank I would like to say that I felt immediately got out of the WILLIAMS driver for his caring and "I am a wheelchair the bus driver on the 93 C very safe with the young bus to pick up the trolley. "I would like to thank understanding manner user and very impressed who waited for me today as woman who was driving. It was lovely to see!" the young lady who towards every passenger. with one of your drivers. Your I am 8.5 months pregnant She also looked very lowered the bus to enable He made sure all Driver Daniel is an example and she saw me trying to smart." me to get on with my trolley. It passengers felt safe of how disabled passengers speed up to get the bus. makes every little difference when entering the should be treated. He was Please thank her." to know that there are bus. " polite and attentive whilst drivers that think speaking to me about us elderly RA directly." customers." CALLY MEAGER CHRISTOPHER CAMBERWELL WILSON "So kind, helpful and full ANGELA SPRAGG SUTTON of personality. He asked SW JOEL if I was ok and if I needed BX MARC DESIR AL SCOTT help with my basket ANDREWS HORNEY "I was incredibly trolley. He cheered me "Would like to say "Would like to thank grateful to the 170 bus up. Thank you." thank you to the driver the driver for his patience. driver as when I got off who was very helpful SAHRA at Putney Heath he made He waited for me to cross NP and accommodating. MOHAMOUD sure that I knew which bus I Please thank him for the road to get his bus. He "The bus lady was needed to get to arrive at DEREK me, it was much helped me get in to work on very lovely and helped my destination. He went AF PETERS appreciated." time. He is a credit to the me get on the bus as I am above and beyond "Very friendly, happy job in these stressful a wheelchair user. I struggled his duty!" and always thoughtful. He times." getting on as no one was there went out his way to consider if to help me and she was very a passenger wanted to get on kind and gentle. She also the bus. He brightens up my MOHAMMED PM helped me get off RR day and I see he has the DIONNE AZIZ TAYLOR the bus!" SAHRA MOHAMOUD "It was refreshing same effect on other NORTHUMBERLAND PARK "She said thank you for to see that despite passengers." wearing a mask. I know Sahra receives 3 these trying times the commendations it isn't much, but it made You can see the latest driver in a week! - Click driver assisted a lady in commendations on Go-Ahead to read her story! retrieving her lost item. me feel better for having to London’s Twitter account Please commend wear one especially when DIONNE TAYLOR passengers do not. She (@Go_Ahead_London) this driver." PECKHAM had a lovely smile or by searching for too." #GoodGALbusdriver Thank you! Q CAMBERWELL MG WHARF MB ORPINGTON A SUTTON RA WATERLOO BX BEXLEYHEATH PM PECKHAM C

SW STOCKWELL PL WATERSIDE WAY RR RIVER ROAD NX NEW CROSS SI SILVERTOWN AF PUTNEY AL MERTON NP NORTHUMBERLAND PARK

BUS TALK | PAGE 4 BUS TALK | PAGE 5 YOUR STORY SUE MORRISON DEAN WATSON BEXLEYHEATH CONTROLLER GOING LUCKY THE EXTRA

DeanSTRIKE Watson has worked at Go- MILE STRIKESTRIKEAheadSTRIKESTRIKE London for 17 years. He started his career in the industry was on my meal relief My colleague was SUE MORRISON as a driver at BEXLEYHEATH in and came across one somewhat shaken up by I RIVER ROAD DRIVER 2003 and since then, he has held of our EL1 buses with the incident, so I advised various roles, including regulator its hazard lights on in her to call through to Ibus at Northumberland Park. Presently, Waverly Gardens. Curious, and let them know the he works as an iBus Controller at I stopped to see if the situation. I proceeded to Bexleyheath Hub. driver was OK as I noticed check on the welfare of she was new to the garage. passengers and advised In early June, it was a ‘typical’

I boarded the bus and the them that help was on summer's day; heavy rain much to driver explained that a car its way. I was more than Dean’s disappointment as he was

had just pulled straight in happy to help a new working as the Roadside Controller front of her. She explained colleague when it became at New Cross. He was contacted that she had to take evasive clear that my assistance by one of his colleagues based action" by braking hard to was required. at Bexleyheath and during the avoid hitting the car. conversation, Dean mentioned the torrential rain in New Cross. His I have worked with Sue for over 10 colleague was somewhat confused years and she is always calm and as it was glorious sunshine in assured, and among the EL1 drivers, Bexleyheath, so Dean took a picture she is seen as a senior figure and a to prove his point. friendly face to all drivers. She is Unbeknown to him, what he Sue is always a lovely pleasant " WORKING AS always willing to offer advice and captured was amazing and the ONE TEAM driver to work with. Her kind guidance to those that need it. chances of it happening again; actions on this day further probably zero! As he clicked his shows her commitment, kindness mobile phone to take the shot, a Carl Trainor huge bolt of lightning lit up the and diligence. Please thank her Cover Operations Manager dark clouds - the electric bolt for her efforts on our behalf. appeared as if it had struck the top of a stationary route 36 bus! Daniel Blackman Glad to still be alive, Dean jumped iBus Controller out of sheer shock as he was The anonymous thank you to Merton Bus Drivers! naturally taken aback! urther appreciation was recently “I know how hard it can be, and received for Go-Ahead London bus the patience involved in trying to F drivers during the coronavirus threat. capture something like that, so after looking at the image I took, I The image below was anonymously couldn’t believe that I managed it posted to our HEAD OFFICE in Merton purely by accident with just a mobile with a special 'thank you' for our drivers phone!” Dean exclaims. ATTENTION: NO BUSES WERE HARMED at Merton garage for their valuable efforts IN THE MAKING OF THIS PHOTO! getting key workers to and from work. Proud of his amazing photo, Dean posted it on Twitter and it currently You will find a kind wish for health and has over 350 likes and 57 shares happiness on the destination blind which is with both figures rising daily. touching and has been graciously received. Perhaps a new part-time hobby to consider Dean? Thank you! BUS TALK | PAGE 6 BUS TALK | PAGE 7 I was very happy

It’s always a time a to THE NEW ROUTE and honoured to be celebrate when a new route 230 BUSES ON THE MORNING OF ROLLOUT. driving the first bus of joins the company, but we must never underestimate the the day. The team did hours and hours of countless great and I departed hard work put in by colleagues at the garage prior to the first perfectly on time. day of operation. ABSHIR AHMED Route 230 started operating from NORTHUMBERLAND PARK DRIVER NORTHUMBERLAND PARK on 20 June 2020. The new route uses Ee Type ADL Enviro 400 Ev City Electric buses. This was the last of four new electric routes joining the garage during 2020. Work has been ongoing for several months with the installation of charging points and Northumberland Park now has 96 electric buses operating from the site. Route learning started in April, with over 300 drivers trained - quite an achievement as all training was ...everybody involved conducted observing social distancing. deserves credit for Route 230 was the fifth new route to join Northumberland Park this year. the smooth launch of With the team becoming accustomed the 230 during such a to the launch of new routes, the morning was calm, professional and difficult period. everything went smoothly. Abshir Ahmed was the driver of the first bus to depart the garage: “I was very happy and honoured to be driving the first bus of the day. The team did great and I departed perfectly on time,” he says with a sense of relief. Andy Johns Operating Manager continues: “Launching a new route is challenging at any time, but to have to prepare during a pandemic with all the restrictions that go with it was something else! The NP team FORWARD ANDY JOHNS LOOKING rose to that challenge and NP OPERATING MANAGER everybody involved deserves credit for the smooth launch of the 230 during such a difficult period.”

BUS TALK | PAGE 8 BUS TALK | PAGE 9 Sahra Mohamoud receives 3 Commendation: Formal has recently experienced, earning WHAT’S or official praise. We all her 3 commendations in one commendations in one week! week for her ‘cheery, professional, HAPPENING Lance McFarlane like to receive praise and helpful, kind and gentle manner.’ THE AT... it’s great when you’re Sahra was brought to tears of joy informed that you’ve after hearing the kind words from Face2Face brightened up someone’s her passengers and she fondly day simply by your kind recalls helping an elderly woman DQM In this edition in a wheelchair. and helpful actions or by of Bus Talk, we simply raising a smile. “Whilst wearing a mask and gloves, speak to WATERLOO I assisted the wheelchair user on Operating Manager, Sahra Mohamoud has been a and off the bus. For me, this is part WALL OF Lance McFarlane driver at NORTHUMBERLAND of a normal day’s work and I am who is currently PARK for just over 3 years. Prior to pleased that my efforts did not go on secondment to joining the bus industry, she always unnoticed,” explains Sahra. Camberwell Training had an interest in the transport Academy and has worked sector and with her background in Northumberland Park Assistant LANCE MCFARLANE at Go-Ahead London customer service, she felt this was Operating Manager, Ian Gough OPERATING MANAGER for 10 years. the perfect combination. continues: “It is a joy to have FAMEAs you will all know by now, Driver a colleague like Sahra on the Quality Monitoring resumed on 29 June. With the coronavirus outbreak team. Her cheerful smile, kind What do you do for fun? in London still affecting the All assessors are professionally trained and friendly nature never goes I love going to the gym (when it’s open), way people travel on the bus to monitor driving standards on all unmissed and I am pleased that socialising with friends and family and network, a helpful and friendly bus . she has been recognised for these also spending time with my children. driver can certainly make all the qualities whilst out on the road.” It is with great delight to reveal the SS difference and this is what Sahra following drivers who received excellent What was the last film you results on their recent DQM report. watched at the cinema? Route 14 Drivers, Andrew Smith and Trolls World Tour! Haha – for the kids! Eric Owusu from PUTNEY garage both What was your favourite subject achieved an impressive score of grade 1. at school? Science! I wanted to be a plastic surgeon but that never worked out Creation or evolution? Creation What is your signature dish that everyone loves? I make a decent spag bol – has to be a bit spicy though like me lol What’s your funniest childhood memory? Making mud pies and getting my sister LEAD MENTOR, RICARDO ROSARIO COVER ACCIDENT PREVENTION MANAGER, PICTURED WITH ANDREW SMITH. NAJ WIJESINGHE PICTURED WITH ERIC OWUSU and cousins to eat it What make and model was your first mobile phone? PUTNEY driver, Andrew Smith recently PUTNEY driver, Eric Owusu recently Nokia 3210 – Snake was the best game achieved a DQM score of grade achieved a DQM score of grade back then! SAHRA MOHAMOUD 1 on route 14. 1 on route 14. RIVER ROAD DRIVER What was your first job after The DQM assessor said: The DQM assessor said: you left school? "This was a nice, steady I worked part time whilst at school in "The driver's braking a key cutting and shoe repairs shop in was smooth and and safe drive with Thornton Heath – it was OK I suppose controlled when pulling regular use of all mirrors and it paid for my phone bill OPEN AND APPROACHABLE up at the bus stop and before moving away What line from a film best from the bus stop and describes your life? when slowing down "It's about how hard you can get hit during normal driving." during normal driving." and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!” - Rocky Congratulations to you both and keep up the good work!

BUS TALK | PAGE 10 BUS TALK | PAGE 11 BACK The route B12 – once known to many as ‘the best route in the garage,’ is MERTON ROUTE IS returning to BEXLEYHEATH! Bexleyheath drivers are already sending in rota requests and mentors are eager to get route learning underway. CYCLE AWARENESS “The return of the B12's is the hot topic and garage morale is building as the days come close to their arrival. Plans are in place an you remember when you first to start route learning in Late November / learnt how to ride a bike? The C Early December with bus types yet to be removal of stabilisers and pedalling with confirmed,” explains Assistant Operating your mother or father anxiously running B12 Manager, Natalie James. behind you, arms stretched, as they anticipate an almighty fall as you get Bexleyheath last operated the route 5 over excited and lose control. years ago and driver, Jason Candasamy remembers it well. “It was a short route, Remember the sheer delight when you so short it used to feel like you would go finally mastered the art of balancing on I recall it being a around in circles past Erith Hospital. The two wheels and you confidently rode off short route and the stand used to be in Erith town centre and into the sunset; or realistically halfway passengers were a the passengers were a delight.” down the street before turning around delight. and repeating the same route for hours Driver Debbie Cane also recalls the short on end! route from Bexleyheath to Erith. “Driving JASON CANDASAMY route B12 was great because you got to The coronavirus threat has forced MERTON COLLEAGUES TAKING BEXLEYHEATH DRIVER meet all the regulars and I got to know them people back onto their bikes, which in PART IN THE CYCLING EVENT quite well. I can’t wait to take colleagues out some cases have been locked up in the route learning on the B12.” shed for years. With this in mind, there was never a better time to unlock the Since Jason and Debbie last drove the shed door, brush off the cobwebs and route, it has been extended to Grove park. organise a Cycle Awareness Event. The return of a new route The coronavirus threat may still be around MERTON’S Accident Prevention but the thrilling news of the return of route department team, Katie Bilinska and is always an B12 has shone a positive light on the James Prothero did just so and invited exciting time garage and has helped to lift spirits during all Merton colleagues to participate in for the garage. this challenging time. ‘Our Bikes Awareness Session.’ The aim of the event was to get a feel of what cyclist’s experience when travelling on busy roads and to remind drivers of their vulnerability. DANIEL TAYLOR “It took place in June within a marked BEXLEYHEATH DRIVER off area within the garage and lasted for most of the day. It was advertised in the output and on Blink and we were delighted to have over 100 participants,” explains Katie. “The event was about our drivers’ experience as a cyclist. A number of colleagues were really surprised at how uncomfortable the ride between bus and the railings was, even though the bus was stationary at all times.” “It proved worthy for our drivers to experience how distracting or frightening a cyclist could feel when they pass a bus when the horn is sounded or the assault alarm is set off.” The Accident Team at Merton were pleased with the event and the positive comments received from drivers. There are talks for another session in the coming months. EVENT ORGANISERS, KATARZYNA BILINSKA AND JAMES PROTHERO

BUS TALK | PAGE 12 BUS TALK | PAGE 13 KNOWING YOUR COLLEAGUES SATURDAY 8 AUGUST 2020 Dave Tanner's CHARITY OF RELAY EVENT In support of Great Ormond Street Hospital

atarzyna Bilinska, Accident have been very badly affected, both by K Prevention Supervisor based at illness and the impact of coronavirus. If MERTON Garage is organising a charity you choose to participate, it will show CALL DUTY cycle ride to raise money for Cancer people in our communities that they are Go-Ahead London has over 6,000 Research and Great Ormond Street not alone. Hospital (GOSH). drivers and some come from a If you can cycle a leg from one garage very interesting background. So far, eight colleagues across to the next or even the whole Prior to joining Go-Ahead the company have currently route, it is not too late to join. agreed to take part The routes being taken are London, Dave Tanner was and, partly through as follows: a soldier in the British this article, Katarzyna Route 1: Silvertown, Army in the parachute is encouraging all Morden Wharf, New SPENCER SUCKLING regiment, and served in YEARS AND Go-Ahead London Cross, Peckham, MERTON DRIVER garages, plus Head many places including 19 Camberwell, Waterloo, COUNTING... Office, to join her Iraq, Cyprus and Stockwell, Putney, in this admirable James O'Brien Waterside Way, Northern Ireland. endeavour. All KATARZYNA BILINSKA Head Office funds raised will be ACCIDENT PREVENTION Thirteen years ago, he I’ve been a loyal Go-Ahead distributed to help MANAGER opted for a change in career London employee since 2001. Route 2: Northumberland COMMENDATION those families sadly in and became a bus driver at My 19-year career started as Park, River Road, need of support from Cancer Research MERTON garage. This suited a bus driver at Peckham and I Bexleyheath, Orpington, Croydon, Awarded to and GOSH. him well and he soon became the DAVE TANNER was fortunate to get involved Sutton, Merton, Head Office champion for route 200. At present, he MERTON DRIVER Merton Driver in various other roles and gain Using the 17 letters/numbers that make The date of the event is Saturday 8 remains a driver and has recently been Spencer Suckling: valuable work experience in up ‘Go-Ahead London 2020’, every August. In the meantime please feel given the role of Branch Representative different areas of the business. garage, plus Head Office, can get involved. free to contact Katarzyna by email for Merton Garage. He achieved this This is a wonderful opportunity to be (katarzyna.bilinska@goaheadlondon. YOUR STORY YOUR I recall moving to Mandela Way garage through a ballot of Merton trade union a part of something very special and, along with the bendy buses back in com) or phone (020 8417 8509) if you members in March earlier this year. in doing so, to help raise a smile for 2010. During this time, I moved on to have any queries and/or suggestions. “It has been challenging for sure, families and children, some of whom SS do some morning run outs, and especially because as soon as I started, volunteered to complete SGA Spencer has the coronavirus pandemic began in the duties. I later got involved in the UK but there was a lot to do,” he explains. engineering department where I Plan of the day: been recognised “However, it’s been very rewarding! I remained for two years. Each location will receive a plastic box/bucket for them to for going above worked very closely in late March with This was a great time in my career fill with donations (e.g. toys and superhero pyjamas) for driving colleagues, management and with Go-Ahead London as I learnt GOSH children. The box/bucket will be clearly labelled and beyond our external cleaning contractor to so much and worked with some with one of the 17 letters/numbers detailed above. ensure that our buses were thoroughly extremely helpful colleagues. I by reporting cleaned in line with company and new gained a tremendous amount of Government requirements. I reassured an incident he experience and knowledge, and with On the day of the event, participants will cycle colleagues and we achieved this plenty of hard work and dedication, (approximately 90 miles) from garage to garage witnessed which objective by all working together.” I now work at Camberwell garage to collect donations. possibly saved a When Dave isn’t driving or fulfilling his as Satellite Manager. I have held this new role, he likes nothing better than role for five years. woman's life. spending time in the hot sun with his No two days are the same for me Cyclists will start as one team from Northumberland JAMES O'BRIEN Park Garage and then take various routes to other friends and family; however, with the SATELLITE MANAGER and my team. The Satellite Manager coronavirus threat, he’s been unable to premises, before converging at Merton Garage, position requires fast and most which will form the finish line. enjoy the finer things in life like many importantly, correct decisions to Thank you, and of us. With lockdown measures slowly be made on the spot. There are so well done Spencer! being restricted, he is looking forward to many things that can go wrong on The plan is that we end the day with a reuniting with family and friends alike. a daily basis – a fire, an accident on the generous amount of donations for Cancer In the meantime, Dave is concentrating road, mechanical buses, staff shortages, Research and GOSH. on his new responsibility at Merton the list goes on…My team and I work garage and is also looking forward tirelessly, every day to ensure our buses to completing his full Branch are in service to keep London moving. Representative training later this year. I’ve enjoyed 19 great years with Go- Ahead London and I am truly grateful. BUS TALK | PAGE 14 BUS TALK | PAGE 15 TENDER NEWS

A yellow highlight indicates an involvement with Go-Ahead London. All are retentions unless stated otherwise. * = 24 Hour Route.

ROUTE 28/N28 | Station Terrace to Mapleton Crescent. ROUTE 633 | Coulsdon South to Beddington Church. . Won from . METROBUS. Won from . Contract begins on May 1, 2021. Contract begins on April 3, 2021. Using Existing Hybrid Double Deck (19 PVR). Using Existing Diesel Double Deck (2 PVR).

*ROUTE 69 | Walthamstow Bus Stn. to Canning Town Stn. ROUTE 639/670 | Danebury Av to St John Bosco College. . Won from Tower Transit. LONDON UNITED. Won from . Contract begins on May 1, 2021. Contract begins on June 5, 2021. Using New Electric Double Deck (18 PVR). Using Existing Hybrid Double Deck (2 PVR).

ROUTE 315 | St Julian's Farm Road to . ROUTE 687 | to Dagenham Park School. ABELLIO LONDON. London General. . Contract retained. Contract begins on October 17, 2020. Contract begins on May 1, 2021. Using Existing Diesel Single Deck (4 PVR). Using Existing Diesel Double Deck (1 PVR).

ROUTE 463 | Coulsdon South Station to Pollards Hill. QUALITY LINE. Contract retained. Contract begins on April 3, 2021. Using Existing Diesel Single Deck (9 PVR).

T

o-Ahead London has a number “1990 seems like yesterday, he says with Gof long-serving employees an amiable grin! “Fuel was £0.40 a litre, the and with this mind, Operating film Pretty Woman was released, Margaret Manager Brad Campbell would like Thatcher resigned and the top mobile to recognise and help his Assistant phone around those days was called the Operating Manager, Brian NortonThanks NEC P3 withfor a £1500 reading! price tag!” celebrate 30 years in the business! After some friendly banter and surprising Brian originally started in 1982 with Brian with a chocolate cake, Brad Try not to becomeLondon Transport a person but left in 1986 before of success,announced: “On behalf ofbut everyone returning in 1990. here at SILVERTOWN garage, I'd like to congratulate Brian on his 30th Reminiscing of his fond memories ratherBRIAN NORTON try to become a person anniversary.of value. Well done Brian! It has been, during his time at Go-Ahead London, ASSISTANT OPERATING MANAGER and still is a pleasure to work with you.” Brian also recalls life back then too. Brian - Long may your career continue at Albert Einstein Go-Ahead London.

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