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ISSUE 57 - APRIL 2019

FUNDRAISING ON ROUTE 14

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF ANGELINE VERRILLO OUR DES RETIRES RECRUITMENT & TRAINING AFTER 40 YEARS ACADEMY NOW OPEN! RESPECTING RIVER ROAD driver Denise Jordan takes the ALL FOR EACH OTHER time to explain that when out on the road, all is not always as it seems! “On a recent dark evening, I was working on the 101’s, CHARITY towards Gallions Reach. The weather was getting colder as the time approached 22:35 hours. I checked the Tollgate Road stop, slowing down as did the 474 in front of me, when I noticed what looked like a pile of rags on the floor by the stop. As I approached, I kept checking I continued to drive past to see around the 474 for waiting but suddenly got an passengers. Meanwhile, I couldn’t uneasy feeling... work out what was on the floor and A CHALLENGE AWAITS THE NICOLA MARGERISON GALICIOUS MUD CRUSHERS! was unsure if it was rags or someone DENISE JORDAN plonked by the pavements edge. BUS DRIVER DENISE JORDAN RIVER ROAD MERTON Accident Prevention I continued to drive past but RIVER ROAD Supervisor Katarzyna Bilinska will suddenly got an uneasy feeling in the pit of my DAMIEN SEWELL be taking part in the Pretty Muddy stomach. If it was the latter, then a person's life MERTON Race for Life in support of Cancer could be at risk, so I did a Code Red. Research at Windsor Racecourse iBus asked if I had checked to see if the person on Saturday 1 June 2019. was breathing and I explained that I had not With the intention to raise as much Damien Sewell is a Run-Out stopped as I was not sure if it was a person NIKKI'S GRANDDAUGHTER money as possible, she invited SUMMER AND HER LITTLE PONY Controller at MERTON who recently or just a pile of rags. WILL BE TAKING PART IN JUNE. participated in the Marsden March, fearless ladies across Go-Ahead with a difference! Damien explains. On my next trip, I saw 2 ambulances at Tollgate to participate with her. Katie is Road bus stop. I was so relieved that I decided joined by the GALicious Mud Crushers "On Sunday 10 March my family and BEXLEYHEATH Mileage Clerk Nicola to phone this incident through, as I now from the following locations: I were scheduled to complete the discovered that what I saw was in fact a person. Margerison and her granddaughters; : Marsden March from Chelsea to I really hope this individual was able to receive Summer 7, Kenzy 14, and Paige 16 TAKING Ola Prawucka Belmont, a total of 15 miles. the medical attention they required in order to PERSONAL THINK are looking forward to taking part RESPONSIBILITY [Operating Manager] make a full recovery.” in a charity country horse show This has become an annual family Karolina Murat jumping event on June 30 which event since my mum was diagnosed [Senior Garage Administrator] supports Cancer Research. and battled with cancer three years ago. Now, we find this event as a way TWICE... : Nikki has supported Cancer to give back to the amazing team Aneta Trojniak Research for many years and [Assistant Operating Manager] that helped look after and care for through sponsorship, she has raised her whilst she underwent treatment HEAD OFFICE: thousands of pounds for the worthy during such a difficult time. Beata Misiura and well-known charity. Without a second for thought, [Payroll Administrator] On the morning of the walk, we Nikki said: “This is something Sandra allowed the lady to use her Beata Sowinska-Shelle arrived at Belmont at 7.30am and very close to my heart after my own mobile to call the misplaced [Payroll Administrator] travelled to Chelsea by coach. Upon 2 brothers, 1 sister and I lost our phone and a family member. arrival, we were informed that the STOCKWELL: mum when we were all very young Overwhelmed by her empathy and walk had been cancelled due to poor Althea Amos to cancer. To do something with my kindness, the lady wrote in to the [Senior Garage Administrator] weather conditions. company to ensure Sandra was granddaughters in her memory is Sarah Hillier truly wonderful. I try and help those As my family and I were already in commended. [iBus Hub Administrator] Chelsea (along with others who also who are unable help themselves and In her letter she explained: “At the arrived by coach), we decided to go If you would like to show your this is one of the ways I try to do just bus stop was a bus supervisor ahead and walk back to Belmont. support and donate, please visit that. We raised over £1,200 last time who I have since got her name to There was only around a hundred Fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/ and I am hoping to get even more be Sandra Parsons. Well, she went or so of us instead of the 5,000 that n a cold winter’s team/katarzyna-and-friends-2. this year.” way beyond her call of duty with normally take part. morning in February, Online donations can be made at: O me. She let me call my missing All donations will be gratefully Fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/ My family and I decided to complete iBus Controller Sandra phone and family member and my appreciated. Thank you! page/dream-catchers the 15-mile walk as it is for such an Parsons was working at work place from her phone. I was BUILDING amazing cause. Fortunately, there in a state. She then accompanied Nikki is a keen horse rider and rides RELATIONSHIPS BEXLEYHEATH bus terminus was a limited number of marshals me to Bexleyheath bus garage to regularly with her granddaughters. when she was approached by along the way for those who decided report it where the staff there too They are currently practicing for to continue regardless. a distraught passenger who were so helpful. If you have any the event and keen to make all their Please pass on my sincere thanks had left her phone on the bus. sort of staff recognition awards, sponsors proud on the day. If a new date of the walk is provided, to her." [sic] She explained to Sandra that I would like to nominate Sandra we will happily complete it again." SANDRA PARSONS her son had bought her the as I appreciate her kindness Sandra has since been commended by BEXLEYHEATH Performance Manager Daniel Butterfield phone for her 50th birthday and care shown to me that day. You are very lucky to have her and her humble response was, "It's all in so it was very special to her. representing your company. a day’s work, it's what we do.”

BUS TALK | PAGE 2 BUS TALK | PAGE 3 2305 is back in town!

In aid of Comic Relief, Go-Ahead London ran vintage Routemaster bus RML2305 on route 14 from Putney bus garage; this vehicle STEVEN PERRETT has special links to the route CROYDON from many years ago. Months prior to the event, our Commercial department were approached by Peter Noyes, a retired London employee who advised us that 8 other bus operators BEING would be involved in this fund-raising ABOVE: BEXLEYHEATH'S ANDREW PIDDINGTON PROUDLY TAKES RML CAN-DO day, which turned out to be a resounding 2305 THROUGH THE WEST END. success. It was agreed with TfL that all passenger fares would be donated to Comic Relief. Commercial Operations Manager Jason Tann who assisted with arranging the day said: “Cover Commercial Assistant Ricky Private Hire Panel, Andrew Piddington; THETHE ECOECO CHALLENGECHALLENGE Harman and I produced some authentic and a conductor from Croydon, Steven “It was a brilliant way of raising money,” route 14 destination blinds for RML2305 Perrett, who were both excited to run this said Steve. “Passengers were pleasantly and once they were set and fitted, we service for such a good cause. surprised to see a Routemaster and primed the bus in preparation for the event.” conductor on route 14 again after so many On the day, the team started the service years and donated generously.” Ben Smith from our Schedules department from Putney garage and travelled to kindly produced a bespoke timetable Court Road Station and Jason continues: “We received great IS BACK... and duty card with 3 rounders which ran completed 3 rounders. Collectively, all feedback from members of the public with IS BACK... throughout the day. The Commercial bus operators involved raised over £2200 some recalling the days of travelling the team arranged a driver from Bexleyheath’s for Comic Relief 2019. streets of Putney in a classic Routemaster.” andand YOUYOU couldcould bebe thethe winnerwinner ofof aa newnew eco-friendlyeco-friendly car!!!car!!! 40 years and NOWNOW isis thethe timetime toto makemake time to relax! MARRION RIGNEY thatthat extraextra specialspecial efforteffort fter joining the bus industry in The operation on my arm was a success so I SUTTON 1979 as a conductor at Stockwell, returned to driving until I was asked to work in the cash room at Putney. I trained up a colleague, then and carrying out various roles toto drivedrive inin thethe GREENGREEN andand A went back to Sutton, then to Merton to help out, for Go-Ahead London, Sutton’s Senior then back to driving again. I hope you’re with me! Garage Administrator Marrion Rigney I was soon asked to apply for the GOS (Garage log in to the MyMix app. has decided to retire. This is his story: log in to the MyMix app. Operating Supervisor) position and David Cutts “After working as a conductor at Stockwell for (our current Operations Director) appointed me. around 6 months, I was sent up for driving. I Since then, I have covered as Assistant Operating started on the routes out of Stockwell which at the Manager at Sutton and Merton. time were the 88’s, 37’s, 77’s, 77A’s, 2’s, 2B’s, 168’s I can honestly say this job has suited me. When my and P4’s. I ended up on the route 2 from Golders children were growing up, I was able to spend time Green to and 2B, Crystal Palace to with them by changing duties with other drivers. Golders Green (crew operated). Within 18 months I However, after a long and happy time with Go- transferred to SUTTON as a driver on route 93. Ahead London, I am now retiring (at last no more Unfortunately, I sustained an injury to my arm, so I shift work!) and look forward to spending time at was offered to work in the cash room. After some my allotment. I also like a bit of DIY which I will time, I moved on to the engineering side to help out continue to do, as well as travelling and reading.” with rotas and other paper work.

BUS TALK | PAGE 5 TAIN MG CHARLES “A really nice and KENNETH ABU UBAIDA polite route 1 driver. He NWAEFULU SI SILVERTOWN patiently waited on people Q “Your route 188 driver was very PASSENGER running up towards the ABU KENNETH NWAEFULU bus and he was more than helpful and polite. It's the UBAIDA COMMENDATIONS happy to help direct me to first time I've heard a bus “I would like to the museum I wanted driver say, "You're welcome," thank the bus driver to get to." to every person who thanked him when they got on! It was who helped me find my Congratulations to all our drivers who have received praise a pleasure to experience and wallet that I stupidly left from customers. Here is a selection of those received... witness. Well done to him as in another 135 bus this it makes all the difference morning. He was so kind for passengers.” and patient with me and NX very understanding.” RA DALEL DALEL PATRICK “Just a fantastic and BISSEMBA SW kind route 77 driver “Your route 36 driver BX drove the bus very well. CHRISTOPHER who looked after the KEITH WILSON passengers and let them on STEPHENS It was a comfortable and “I would like to thank the bus early during gale “Such a lovely MB smooth journey with no DAVID TANNER ROB hard braking; excellent MERTON the route 521 driver force winds while we gentleman on route WAUGHMAN DAVID drive!” yesterday evening for waited to leave.” 486; he was making “I would like to say how AL TANNER his kind help when I everyone smile.” helpful the route 320 bus “Boarded lost my phone. I really driver was to a man who the route 200 this appreciated his had difficulty walking. He assistance.” morning, the driver kindly waited for him to finish kept all passengers crossing the road so that informed of the diversions he did not miss the bus. JAMIE RR PL WRIGHT and advised them what ROBERT Well done him!” "I want to convey buses they needed to DANCE my thanks to the route catch. Big thank you “Great driving from 147 driver who kindly for goingmile." the extra your route 39 driver - DEBORAH MURRAY helped my daughter when SUTTON smooth, steady and safe. she was badly sick and I could have drunk a A DEBORAH was in need of his help. coffee while he was MURRAY LEIGHTON FRANCIS He deserves positive driving. Perfect!” “This route 213 PM feedback.” driver is extremely kind LEIGHTON and friendly; serving FRANCIS “The driver on route passengers' needs' OZKAN 37 was really smooth with care.” NP MOLDAR when stopping and “The route 476 driver AF ALFREDO pulling away. He was also made a few calls to help FRIAS "After having friendly and got me to locate my lost shopping ALICIA STONE CROYDON a bad morning, my destination in good bags. I’d like to thank him C ALICIA timing. Thank you STONE it was nice to be and staff at the garage who greeted with a smile by driver.” “Absolutely lovely You can see the latest driver expressed both kindness driver. She always a friendly route 337 driver. commendations on Go-Ahead and good manners had a smile and greeted He was also very inviting London’s Twitter account towards me.” every passenger warmly. to all passengers who (@Go_Ahead_London) Excellent customer boarded. I hope he gets or by searching for service and the recognition he #GoodGALbusdriver driving.” deserves. Thank T hank you! you.”

Q CAMBERWELL MG WHARF MB A SUTTON RA WATERLOO BX BEXLEYHEATH PM PECKHAM C CROYDON

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

BUS TALK | PAGE 6 BUS TALK | PAGE 7 A DAY IN

FORWARD ARCHED THE LIFE OF... LOOKING BRIDGE

DES TURNER roadside BASED AT PUTNEY 20 performance

ANGELINE VERRILLO T manager BASED AT NEW CROSS RETIREMENT WELL 0700: It's early Monday morning and the day begins with a call to the I-bus Performance Manager. After the weekend, there is often emergency No one day is the same the police to transport 50 detainees. works with no NOE’s (Notice of Events) and each day brings a new or overruns of existing work. This means DESERVED! The buses had a full police escort back issue to try and resolve. to Sutton police station. The Chief the Roadside Performance Managers can speak with TfL Service Delivery Managers es Turner joined the inspector of the Police at ANGELINE VERRILLO the time thanked Des and the company to get an update that can be passed on to ROADSIDE PERFORMANCE MANAGER bus industry as a Des has been an absolute pleasure for their assistance. Go-Ahead London drivers and the service driver with London control team. D to work with. He is hardworking, Over the last few years, he has been Transport on 12 March honest, genuine and approachable, responsible for 0800: Site meeting with TfL and the 1979 and completed Council regarding resurfacing near a Go- with a great sense of humour. routes. His duties include assisting training at Chiswick controllers with problems on the road, 2.3 m Ahead London garage. The site meeting is to establish that full accessibility can be which included vehicle SAJID CHAUDRY roadworks, temporary traffic lights, 7’-9” AREA PERFORMANCE diversions; and he also attends council maintained during the works due to the control on the skid pad. MANAGER meetings, ’ meetings and nature of the company’s business. Whilst by service buses. The test will include Following this, he started performance reviews. at the meeting, we also ensure access at Sidcup garage driving for our staff, contractors and engineering where to site new bus stops and a new “Throughout my career I have been vehicles, including the tow truck and drivers toilet facility. Routemasters and then surrounded by good people and I fuelling vehicle. 1430: When the test is completed there's went onto OPO (one person very much appreciate it,” he explains. a chance to speak with TfL on a road After 40 years, Arsenal supporter Des 0930: A catch up with our Graphic operated) buses. condition issue in the area that has been will now be retiring having recently Designer Peter Dias at head office 1130: TfL route test. The Roadside raised by drivers and discuss arranging a In January 1988, Sidcup garage moved to Cambridge and says: “I will regarding the new route booklets. Performance Managers conduct these site meeting with the Council. closed, and Des was transferred to miss my daily commute which takes It's important that all the information with TfL and local councils or site Bexley Bus at Bexleyheath garage me past the Emirates stadium.” is correct before route learning developers. This is an interesting one The role of Roadside Performance and became a Garage Operating commences. The draft is ready, therefore today. Go-Ahead London have won Manager brings different challenges every Area Manager (Performance) Sajid Supervisor, now known as an SGA proof reading can begin to ensure the the contract to operate a route on a day. No one day is the same and each day Chaudry has worked with Des for (Senior Garage Administrator). His changeover information, light runs and new housing estate. It's vital that all brings a new issue to try and resolve. duties included working on the radio the past three and a half years and curtailment locations are all correct. the roads are checked before it’s used band 2 system which he enjoyed for states: “Des has been an absolute 5 years. pleasure to work with. He is hardworking, honest, genuine and A position for Road Manager at approachable, with a great sense Bexleyheath and Peckham garage Congratulations to Andrew Moate who was promoted to IT Systems Manager of humour. I would fondly call following the departure of Andrew Wilkinson on 22 February. soon arose and Des was successful him ‘Old Man’ and we would both with his application. He got transferred laugh together. With his wealth of Andrew first joined the company in 1989 on a temporary basis to help implement to New Cross and Peckham garages knowledge, we were extremely the 1988 COSHH regulations. He then re-joined ’s Premises and and some years later transferred to fortunate to have him as part of Equipment Department permanently in 1994 (just before privatisation) dealing Putney and Waterloo. our team. Des has been dedicated with buildings, plant, accident reporting and insurance claims. He worked for 10 years organising to this company for 40 years and I When London General and London Central merged, he moved to as ANDREW MOATE the Notting Hill Carnival and has fond would like to thank him for all his Systems Administrator and was later promoted to Assistant Systems Manager. HEAD OFFICE memories of one year where two of efforts; I hope that he can relax and DES AND ANGELINE HAVE WORKED TOGETHER AS Keen to continue running the IT department successfully, Andrew said: “I our buses were commandeered by ROAD MANAGERS COVERING DIFFERENT PARTS enjoy his retirement, he will be OF LONDON BETWEEN THEM FOR MANY YEARS. missed by everyone.” am looking forward to building on the strong foundations from my recent predecessors, Andrew Wilkinson and John Pritty. This is a very important role and I intend to work closely with my knowledgeable team to achieve the best results.”

BUS TALK | PAGE 8 BUS TALK | PAGE 9 On 17 January 2019, CROYDON garage were the hosts of an Accessibility Awareness Event. Local passengers with disabilities were invited to share their the driving experiences and learn more about what Go-Ahead London do to accommodate passengers with disabilities. ’s Driver Communications Manager George Marcar was also in attendance to represent TfL. master! Discussions took place including driver training; the ‘awkward’ placement of some street furniture; the importance of iBus announcements and many other issues. he IAM Masters Driving Qualification Driver/Mentor Peter Merchant said: ‘It was both educational and beneficial to spend time with those who find boarding is the ultimate be reached. The assessment LEFT TO RIGHT: ADAPTABLE T is conducted by one of the HANNAH MAN, PETER MERCHANT and alighting from our services more challenging than others. driving challenge and garage mentors specially AND LANCE MCFARLANE. It certainly left me with food for thought.” can only be achieved by trained and approved by the section with an overall Overall, it was pleasing to establish that local passengers the very best! IAM and takes around an hour BEING were satisfied with the service provided on Croydon to complete. score of at least 80%. CAN-DO Entrants are required to have routes, with special thanks given to drivers who pull If you successfully become a IAM membership of at least Having achieved a ‘First’, in close to the kerb; those who inform passengers Driving Master, you will join 3 years and be accident and your ‘Champion’ will advise of the route number of the bus; provide details of the top 1% of bus drivers complaint free for the 3 years the Company Assistant locations served and to drivers who allow sufficient in Go-Ahead London, a Frank first joined the bus ACCESSIBILITY time for passengers to be seated. prior. Applications are initially Training Manager/Training considerable achievement industry in 2003 and available only to employees School that you are ready to indeed. You will also be began driving routes from “These aspects make all the difference to those at New Cross, Peckham, undertake a covert in service invited to attend an annual Camberwell garage. He who find bus journeys difficult,” said Assistant Croydon, Northumberland driving assessment. A Grade Operations Manager, Lance McFarlane. “It was ‘A’ covert observation allows dinner together with an was later transferred to New AWARENESS! Park, Stockwell, Merton award certificate ceremony Cross and has the knowledge enlightening to hear the challenges that some of and Camberwell. you to take the Extended supported by our Managing of all routes but frequently our local passengers face when using our services and how Driving Examination which we can make their journey better.” is conducted away Director, John Trayner. drives the 21 from Lewisham to Newington Green. Frank from your home One colleague who has Croydon’s General Manager Hannah Man concludes: "Thank takes the time to reflect on his garage and in recently joined this elite you to all who took part; our guests found it most beneficial achievement and shares his If any colleagues are company time. group is NEW CROSS driver, to hear the variety of views and experiences when travelling IAM Masters experience... Frank Murray. on our bus services. It was great to see engagement with thinking of applying, I Entrants are met by the local community on such an important topic and I look would say 'go for it'. a driving instructor forward to hosting the next event." who will have FRANK MURRAY around two hours "My overall Master driving qualification is something I BUS DRIVER to type train and NEW CROSS am very proud of as I always try to take pride in my driving. TAKING TIME OUT TO BETTER make you familiar When I took my Masters, I didn’t think for one minute it UNDERSTAND OUR PASSENGER NEEDS. with the bus being used in would be as difficult as it was, but I managed to pass it. meanwhile, The Masters includes an out the examination, which lasts of service driving assessment approximately 90 minutes. I fondly recall the moment we arrived back at Bexleyheath in another part of town... (in your own time) which garage where I took the Masters test. After answering all Included in this is a high- must include a commentary the questions, my examiner, Steve Orr informed me that I speed element (50mph) drive. The commentary drive had passed! What a great feeling that was! I would like to On March 19, Go-Ahead London and a commentary drive (5 (5 minutes approximately) is say thank you to the instructor Mike who gave me lots of minutes). You will then be participated in the 'Access All compulsory and gives you brilliant advice. asked 20 questions, and in Areas' disability showcase at the the opportunity to obtain FORWARD access order to pass this part of If any colleagues are thinking of applying, I would say LOOKING the membership grade of London exhibition centre. the examination, you must 'go for it' as it’s a great test and gives you a completely ‘First’, a target which must Hosted by Transport for London, this achieve at least 50% in each different mindset. It makes you more aware and a much safer driver." free event demonstrated the services all areas available to disabled and older customers. It was also an ideal opportunity to receive feedback on a number of transport related topics and issues. Go-Ahead London were proud to exhibit our pioneering trial of digital display technology recently installed on one of our electric buses - Waterloo's SEe9. If successful, the displays could replace the current paper blind system. Engineering Director Richard Harrington said: "Once digital displays give the same quality of vision as paper blinds in LEFT TO RIGHT: both night/day services and all weather GRAHAM JOHNSON, RICHARD GLADMAN, JOHN TRAYNER, MIKE conditions, I will then be confident that this QUINTON, FRANK MURRAY, GRAHAM OLIVER AND PAUL WOOZLEY. is the future of the way we not only identify destinations but communicate other aspects of the service to our passengers."

BUS TALK | PAGE 10 BUS TALK | PAGE 11 we've got the look!

I am extremely proud of our fresh new Recruitment and Training Academy and I look forward to welcoming our new apprentices. JOHN TRAYNER MANAGING DIRECTOR GO-AHEAD LONDON

fter the completion of an extensive makeover, Go-Ahead ALondon is pleased to announce the opening of a new RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING ACADEMY. The opening event took place on 5 March and was attended by our Company Director's, Go- Ahead Group Chief Executive David Brown, TfL Commissioner Mike Brown, TfL's Director of Bus Operations Claire Mann, the entire Recruitment and Training team and many others. The building which is used to hold all of Go- Ahead London’s Recruitment & Training is With such heavy footfall, coupled with the age based in Camberwell and has been standing of the building, the decision was made for the for over 100 years. The company currently has interior and exterior to undergo a significant over 7,350 staff on books and every employee refurbishment. Whilst the works were taking is required to walk through the doors of the place, it was business as usual as Go-Ahead Training School to complete classroom-based London continued to take on new recruits to join Learn about our Bus Driver training and/or a medical. the largest bus operating company in London. Apprenticeship Scheme on the next page... Our colleagues and guests at the successful Recruitment and Training Academy launch. OPEN AND JACK APPROACHABLE

IN THE STEVE MCGRATH SUTTON HUB DANIEL BLACKMAN RIVER ROAD HUB STANDING LEFT TO RIGHT: DAVID BROWN, PAUL MCKENZIE, CONTROLLER SHAJHAT SHABBIR RICHARD HARRINGTON, CLAIRE MANN AND MIKE BROWN IN THE of the month STOCKWELL HUB CLASSROOM WITH TWO OF OUR APPRENTICES! BUS CONTROLLER of the month OR CONTROLLER Steve McGrath of the month SUTTON the cat "It is a great privilege to be awarded with Daniel Blackman 'Controller of the Month'. I wouldn't be RIVER ROAD able to achieve such results without the "It was a nice surprise to be selected for formerly assistance I receive from managers and 'Controller of the Month'. I am grateful Shajhat Shabbir STOCKWELL colleagues." to work alongside such a great team "I feel honoured to have been of people, Controllers, Drivers and “Steve is a great asset and consistently nominated. It’s with thanks to my helpful known Performance Managers. We always get demonstrates an unrivalled service performance managers who are always the job done and have fun whilst doing performance delivery on any screen he available to give the best advice, and it. Many thanks to my manager, Meandad works on. He listens attentively and is my fellow colleagues who I learn from as jack Matthew for the nomination." always punctual. He is an outstanding continuously. I enjoy the job as it is THE ACADEMY TEAM! LEFT TO RIGHT: CAROLINE WELCH. ERIC controller who deserves to be recognised “Daniel has proved to be very flexible mentally stimulating so for anyone DALE, CHRISTINE QUINN, KEITH WOOD AND PAUL MCKENZIE. WE JUST COULDN'T DECIDE. for all his hard work and dedication." and comes into the I-bus room on several considering this as a career, I would Alex Johnson, PM occasions after his roadside duty to definitely recommend it." cover extra shifts. He has also proven to “Shajhat has improved a lot in his service be very reliable and volunteers to take control and dedication towards his job ABOUT OUR extra routes on his screen to assist his n Sunday 3 February, Clive Bowen, Follow us on Twitter! role. During service disruptions, he colleagues in the iBus room." @Go_Ahead_London listens attentively to guidance and control FORWARD a driver with 21 years’ service from Meandad Matthew, PM LOOKING PUTNEY was en route to strategies from performance managers BUS DRIVER O and applies it accordingly." Junction on route 337, when a passenger Bruno Silva, PM APPRENTICESHIP approached him to say that someone had left a cat in a pet carrier under a seat in the upper saloon! When Clive got to Go-Ahead Group attained Employer Provider Accreditation in January Clapham Junction, he called iBus and 2018, which enabled all operating companies under Group to deliver their own apprenticeship training as an employer provider. they instructed him to run the bus out of service back to the garage. “After Jack got checked over, I thought to myself, The apprenticeship programme lasts for a duration of 56 weeks what now? I had a think and called an ex-colleague, and is designed to embed apprentices with a range of core skills, When he arrived, he handed the cat in to the JACKIE YOUNG Steve, from Veterinary Assist Group,” explains Jackie. knowledge, and behaviours in addition to helping them achieve counter staff at Putney. CCTV was checked and MERTON qualifications in English and maths. A level 2 Apprenticeship is it appears that the cat was left under the seat “Luckily, he said he would be in a position to help, so equivalent to 3-5 good GCSE’s. deliberately. The cat stayed in a back room where on my way back to Merton garage, along with Jack, I it was given food and water until the morning. met up with Steve who collected him.” As an employer, we can tailor the training to fit our business needs. The cat was friendly and comfortable with its new Steve’s details were left at the garage in case the Apprenticeship Manager Caroline Welch said: “Go-Ahead London’s temporary surroundings and he was getting a lot owner rang regarding a missing cat. After 7 days, aim is to make apprentices feel they’re an integral part of the of attention from colleagues. Jack was neutered and then put up for rehoming. company right from the start. It’s already clear, there is a higher The following day, Croydon and Stockwell’s General During this time, Go-Ahead London arranged to level of commitment and enthusiasm from our new apprentices Manager Hannah Man, who was attending a meeting donate £100 to Vet Assist UK for their help and at this early stage. at Putney that morning, contacted Merton’s mileage assistance in finding Jack new kind and caring owners. She continues: “The apprenticeship programme has allowed clerk and animal lover Jackie Young for assistance. WORKING AS Jack has now had another name change to Vincent us to offer a more personal touch; we assign each apprentice Jackie was previously a volunteer for a Wildlife centre ONE TEAM and after being fostered since the beginning of March, to an assessor from the start, who is there to support them in and was the best person to call. he is now in his new forever home with Cliff Darby all aspects of their learning journey, in addition to their garage Jackie contacted a local veterinary surgery to ask (Go-Ahead London Driving Instructor) who drove at allocated mentor.” if they could check for a chip, hoping to get newly Putney for 15 years before becoming an instructor. We now have over 100 apprentices on our Bus Driver named Jack back to his owners. Unfortunately, CLIFF DARBY His wife saw the article on Facebook and knowing that Apprenticeship Scheme, with over 55% of them who have been he wasn't chipped but was healthy and given an CLIVE BOWEN TRAINING SCHOOL Vincent had been found on a 337 and the company had passed to one of our 16 garages. approximate age of 1 year. PUTNEY made a donation, Cliff said, “It just had to be!”

BUS TALK | PAGE 14 BUS TALK | PAGE 15 Knowing your colleagues

Obinna came back to the UK at 13 where his love for music continued to grow. Rapping under the name of ‘Marvellous Marcus’, he started learning we how to play instruments including the drums, bass guitar and keyboards. His talents in these fields earned him a keep it binna Nwosu joined place performing and ministering with YEH YEH his church choir. Go-Ahead London as a bus driver at PECKHAM He began writing and recording songs O in 2011. This was with the aid of his in January 2017. five friends who formed a group called Outside of work, Obinna has a huge ‘Fivestarsz.' Obinna and the group have 100 interest in music. Between the ages 11 released five music compilations which and 12 whilst studying in Nigeria, he are all available online to download. became fanatical about rap music and After a 2-year gap, Obinna resumed CROYDON Driver and Mentor Andrew started learning and reciting lyrics from writing and recording music again, and Soper has worked at Go-Ahead London songs by his favourite artists, which since the beginning of 2019, is actively for 7½ years and feels amazing for included Eminem, Common and A Tribe performing and making the music he is accomplishing a 100% BCES score. Called Quest. passionate about. Covering genres Hip- This included not one but two “My talent was noticed by my peers and Hop and R&B, he is currently working on commendable incidents! an Afrobeats compilation, which he is I was always asked to perform several He achieved this for his excellent hoping to release this summer. songs in front of the school crowd; an customer service skills and actively opportunity which I duly accepted,” he Now going by the name ‘Marvo engaging with customers as they explains. Fivestarsz,' he plans to publish more boarded the bus. Andrew also gave a tracks. This is to enhance a good comprehensive answer to the question portfolio and create a platform where asked by the assessor. he can build his future and continue Andrew kindly gives the following his passion. advice for his fellow colleagues: “I would encourage other drivers to show enthusiasm to customers as they board, remember a smile costs nothing.” My talent was noticed by In response to his achievement, Assistant ...he answered the assessor's my peers and I was always Operating Manager, Lance McFarlane questions in a friendly and CLICK TO LISTEN to Marvo Fivestarsz said: “I am so proud of our driver and professional manner. asked to perform... www.soundcloud.com/mrmarvmarc ANDREW SOPER mentor Andrew. He has set the bar CROYDON here at Croydon for other colleagues to BRAD CAMPBELL OBINNA NWOSU emulate. Keep up the great work.” OPERATING MANAGER BUS DRIVER NORTHUMBERLAND PARK PECKHAM

Well done to NORTHUMBERLAND PARK driver, John Owusu who scored JOHN OWUSU He has set the bar here an outstanding 100% for a recent NORTHUMBERLAND at Croydon for other BCES (Bus Customer Experience PARK colleagues to emulate.... Survey) assessment. LANCE MCFARLANE Scoring a perfect 100 proves that the OBINNA NWOSU ASSISTANT OPERATING assessor observed John’s exceptional PECKHAM MANAGER - CROYDON customer service, high driving standards and ability to serve bus stops in the correct manner. “Although there wasn't a call for an announcement on this occasion, John was able to communicate very well with the assessor and answered his questions BEING in a friendly and professional manner,” CAN-DO explains Operating Manager, Brad Campbell. General Manager Peter Russell (pictured right) presented John with a £20 gift card for his superb efforts.

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BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS joined the Merchant Navy from school for 6 well PHILIP SHAW travelled years and then spent 30 years in the HEAD OFFICE IMetropolitan Police. I then joined Go-Ahead London as a driver at Bexleyheath in 2014 and enjoyed the variety of being a spare driver and working on all the routes at the garage. However, after working shifts for 39 years, I thought I’d look round for a ‘regular’ job working Monday to Friday with weekends off – what a novelty! I saw a job advertised on the employee portal for a Payroll Administrator and although having zero payroll experience, the advert read like one for a Duties Sergeant in the Police – something I had done in my past. Successful in my application, my role now is to make sure the drivers are paid according to their terms and conditions and a lot of it is down to good communication. I have good working I'LL BE relationships with operating managers and senior garage BUILDING administrators at the garages I deal with and this makes our jobs RELATIONSHIPS a lot easier. JOSE MENDONCA YOUR ROCK I try to be helpful to all the drivers that call, often about WATERLOO something unconnected to pay but if we don’t know the WATERLOO Operating Manager James Barlow answer, we probably know a colleague that can and will identifies the importance of team building and point them in the right direction. supporting each other. Team bonding does not always on a As I approach my 61st birthday, I’m not quite ready to have to be confined to the workplace and James hang up my keyboard just yet but hope to get a lot more recognises this, so he recently introduced his passion travel in with my wife and take in the odd MotoGP in the of ‘bouldering’ to his admin colleagues, Jonathan years ahead. pay roll! Rendon, Marcus Blackford and Jose Mendonca. JONATHAN RENDON “I’m a keen climber and have been bouldering for a few years. WATERLOO Get featured in Bouldering is low level climbing and in the right environment, is really good fun as well as safe,” he explains. “It’s great team bonding support, as you can encourage each other and take people outside of their comfort zones. Those who The biggest platform to took part rely on each other on a daily basis. Essential to this is shout and represent yourself MARCUS BLACKFORD communicating and supporting each other, so it seemed a great way and your garage. Email WATERLOO to encourage this in a more fun and engaging way.” [email protected] Steven who now appreciates this activity said: “It was fun, but tiring, I couldn’t move for the next week! It was great to interact with the team outside of work and build further trust in my colleagues.” Due to its success, James is planning another team building exercise in the coming weeks. now settled in Dubai. However, the long distance makes it difficult for him to see her regularly, so as an alternative, he spends a lot of time video chatting with his daughter and grandchildren. eet Peter Skudder from MORDEN WHARF. Peter This recent visit was Pete and wife Sue’s first trip worth every penny! to Dubai. They were picked up in Emma’s new V8 joined the bus industry 43 M Mitsubishi which she collected that day! He was years ago as a bus conductor more than impressed with it but overwhelmed "I have always been keen on building models from a young age working out of Sidcup garage by the price of petrol which he worked out to and over the years, I have completed jet fighters to Formula 1 cars. and currently undertakes be a mere 34 pence a litre! “Petrol stations are Recently, whilst out shopping and browsing in WHSmith’s, I came state owned, and all prices are the same at each the role of Senior Garage across a weekly magazine called Classic Routemaster and it station,” he explains. Administrator; he has held came with parts to begin building a Routemaster bus. I decided this position for the last Whilst Pete was in Dubai, he managed to see his to buy the first edition and when I arrived home, I went online and grandchildren in a Shakespeare performance at subscribed to receive four editions per month at a cost of £36.

10 years. Brighton College in Abu Dhabi where Emma works I am currently up to edition 50 out of 130 in the collection. as a teacher. At the beginning of March, Peter The model is coming along very well and I estimate that I have visited his daughter, Emma for “I also went to see the buggies drive across the committed around 150 hours to date putting it together. the first time in Dubai. She moved sand dunes in temperatures of 30 degrees and saw Once completed, I would have spent a total of £1,170. The model is a away from the UK 5 years ago to a camel race course too! My wife and I did plenty replica of RM857 which I believe is in the British Transport Museum." initially work in Kenya, Egypt and is of shopping as well so I will have to do a great deal MARTIN TODD PETER SKUDDER MERTON MORDEN WHARF of overtime now to put towards our next visit!”

BUS TALK | PAGE 18 BUS TALK | PAGE 19 TENDER NEWS

A yellow highlight indicates an involvement with Go-Ahead London. All are retentions unless stated otherwise.

ROUTE 24 | Claverton Street to Royal Free Hospital. ROUTE 375 | Romford Station to Passingford Bridge. ABELLIO LONDON. Won from . LONDON NORTH. Contract retained. Contract begins on November 9, 2019. Contract begins on July 6, 2019. Using 2013 Euro V (17 PVR). Bus type TBC (1 PVR).

ROUTE 27 | Hammersmith Stn to Chalk Farm / Morrisons. ROUTE 407 | Sutton / Marshall's Road to Valley. ABELLIO LONDON. Won from London United. ABELLIO LONDON. Contract retained. Contract begins on November 9, 2019. Contract begins on November 2, 2019. Using 2014 Euro V New Routemaster (22 PVR). Using Hybrid double deck (details TBC) (15 PVR).

ROUTE 128 | Romford Station to Claybury Broadway. ROUTE 627 | Station to Woodcote Green. LONDON. Won from North. ARRIVA LONDON SOUTH. Contract retained. Contract begins on October 12, 2019. Contract begins on November 2, 2019. Using 2012 Euro V diesel double deck (14 PVR). Using 2009 Euro IV diesel double deck (3 PVR).

ROUTE 201 | Morden Station to Dulwich Road. ROUTE 661 | Petts Wood Station to War Memorial. ABELLIO LONDON. Contract retained. STAGECOACH . Won from London Central. Contract begins on October 5, 2019. Contract begins on October 5, 2019. Using 2014 Euro VI diesel single deck (10 PVR). Using 2009 Euro IV diesel double deck (1 PVR).

ROUTE 266/N266 | Hammersmith Bus Stn to Brent Cross. ROUTE 669 | Town Ctr to Cleeve Park School. LONDON UNITED. Won from Metroline. STAGECOACH SELKENT. Won from London Central. Contract begins on December 7, 2019. Contract begins on October 5, 2019. Using existing double deck (details TBC) (23 PVR). Using 2011 Euro V diesel double deck (2 PVR).

ROUTE 267 | Hammersmith Bus Stn to Fulwell Bus Garage. ROUTE 672 | Hawksmoor School to Woolwich Arsenal Stn. ABELLIO WEST LONDON. Won from London United. STAGECOACH SELKENT. Contract retained. Contract begins on November 9, 2019. Contract begins on September 7, 2019. Using 2017 Euro VI New Routemaster (17 PVR). Using 2012 Euro V diesel double deck (0 PVR).

ROUTE 364 | Hainault Street to Ballards Road. . Contract retained. Contract begins on November 2, 2019. Using new Euro VI diesel single deck (14 PVR).

COMING TO Zambia On 2 April, LDP292 started its journey from Camberwell to Zambia! The bus will be used to assist Transaid in delivering driver training at the Industrial Training Centre (ITC) in Lusaka. We will catch up with LDP292. Look out for more details in the next edition of Bus Talk.

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