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Issue 94 | November 2012

onThe newsletter stage of Group

North America team unites in response to hurricane

BRAVE employees in the United States communities both before and in the aftermath of cancelled on safety grounds as a result of the and Canada pulled out all the stops to Hurricane Sandy. hurricane. get vital transportation services back on USA companies stepped in to help .com was forced to cancel around track and support the community after after the Governor gave orders to evacuate New 550 trips and the disruption affected almost Hurricane Sandy hit North America last Jersey’s coastal communities and, within days of 30,000 customers. But the customer service month. the storm, got transportation services back up and team helped get passengers re-booked The superstorm struck on 29 October and running. or receive refunds and services were fully has been blamed for more than 100 deaths – They also took part in a 200-vehicle multi- operational within three days. including dozens in New City. operator emergency operation to temporarily New York Sightseeing staff also worked It made tens of thousands homeless as well as replace rail services hit by the hurricane. alongside local council officials and tech giant hitting electricity connections, fuel supplies and and drivers from ’s facilities Google to provide transportation for volunteers the infrastructure. in and also helped the from to get to Staten Island, which Stagecoach companies and employees in response effort. was one of the areas worst-hit by the storm. the north-east of North America provided Stagecoach’s megabus.com budget coach service transportation and other assistance to local also helped customers whose services had to be Full story: see pages 2 and 3 Drivers shine at Remembering those national awards STAGECOACH bus drivers did the who gave so much company proud in the 2012 of the Year competition. Stagecoach Daniel Wilton of Stagecoach was East highest placed of all 24 Stagecoach UK Bus Operations representatives, finishing third overall. Daniel also Director Sarah scooped the Best Newcomer award. Longair with Gordon Cutting from Stagecoach Private Fraser Bowman (left) was the second highest placed Stagecoach driver, and Private Kieran finishing in 5th place, and also won the award for Hughes (right) Best Highway Code Test Result. from 51st Highland, Meanwhile, Scotland driver Ian 7th Battalion the Sayer-Field won the Best Competitor in Scotland Royal Regiment of title, and a Stagecoach in vehicle was named Scotland (7SCOTS) Best-Presented Bus at the national finals. at the launch of the Perth bus poppies. Major investment OUR debt to servicemen and women with large poppies. was recognised across the country At its UK Bus division, Stagecoach provided in big buses as ’s bus and rail poppies for the 22,000 local bus staff who companies supported the Royal British choose to wear them, thanks to donations from A BIG investment is boosting a fleet of Legion’s 2012 Poppy Appeal. its operating companies in Scotland, Britain’s biggest coaches as it continues to Uniformed Armed Forces personnel travelled and Wales. meet growing demand for megabus.com’s free of charge on the Group’s South West Meanwhile, in Perth, the company fitted big services. Trains and Trains rail networks poppies to each of the 65 buses in its local fleet Stagecoach is spending £3.2m on 11 on Poppy Day, while ex-Services rail to support Poppyscotland’s 2012 Scottish Poppy Elite i coaches. The 15-metre-long vehicles, all employees were invited to wear their military Appeal throughout November. equipped with free Wi-Fi, will be introduced soon decorations at work. Two Stagecoach – on routes 53 on megabus.com routes covering Scotland and Stagecoach Supertram also offered free and 55 from south-east and east London into England. to Service personnel on its the centre of the city – were also decked out in They all have 75 seats, offering more than 20% network on November 1 and on poppy-themed livery to mark the annual Poppy extra capacity and extra luggage space, compared Remembrance Day itself, as well as fitting Day events. to the standard 15-metre vehicles.

1 Hurricane Sandy on stage Standing up to Sandy Stagecoach colleagues unite to provide a storming service

FROM the moment orders were given Anton Oparin, Shutterstock.com by the Governor to evacuate New Jersey’s coastal communities, Stagecoach’s team in North America got in gear to join the huge effort to combat the Hurricane Sandy superstorm. Coach USA’s was among the first to step up to the plate to help. Located in New Brunswick, New Jersey, the company sent 50 buses to Atlantic City and neighbouring towns to bring people to safety at Rutgers University and other state operated shelters. Fifty buses were sent by Suburban Transit to Atlantic City and neighbouring towns to bring evacuated people to safety at Rutgers University and other state-operated shelters. When the storm hit, regular bus services in the North-east had to be cancelled. Much of the NJ TRANSIT rail system was disrupted and the subway system was also affected. But Suburban quickly resumed limited services within two days, and by Friday 2 November was operating a normal weekday schedule. At the same time, Suburban was running dozens of shuttle buses for companies like Goldman Sachs, Barclay Bank, JP Morgan and Bloomberg Financial Services as well as meeting all of the needs of its regular charter customers, including Princeton University, Monmouth University and numerous others. The company also ran 40 buses on behalf of NJ TRANSIT from Ramsey Rt. 17 Station, and from the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey, to a terminal in Weehawken, NJ. , another Coach USA company based in Elizabeth, New Jersey, provided seven buses and drivers to operate a portion of the NJ The water rises in Bryony Chamberlain’s street. TRANSIT park & ride service. Coach Canada provided a total of 14 buses field supervision. This entire operation was only and 28 drivers from its facilities in Montreal and possible as a result of an extraordinary team effort. Peterborough. “Considering the Coach USA’s Shortline business also put in a John Emberson, President of Coach Canada huge effort to get its services restored quickly and and General Manager of the District which working conditions, run a full commuter service to New York City by includes Suburban’s operation, said: “The the Wednesday after the storm hit. performance of Suburban’s management was Stagecoach’s megabus.com coach service was extraordinary. Suburban’s President, Scott what that crew forced to cancel around 550 trips covering a Sprengel, Operations Manager Brett Burke and 14-state area in the North-east of the United Maintenance Director Al Freda worked around did to pull this States, plus Washington, DC and . the clock to set up these operations. In spite of Bryony Chamberlain, Director of Operations the many obstacles, they got the job done.” for megabus.com North America, said: “In total, Supervisory personnel worked double shifts, operation, literally the disruption affected almost 30,000 customers. while drivers volunteered to operate services “However, services were virtually fully under some horrendous road conditions. Two out of the mud, was operational by Thursday with the final routes drivers, Lisa Johnston and Jarett Gustus, were being reinstated early on the Friday morning. particularly helpful in setting up the emergency incredible.” “Many of our staff were stuck for three or four services, including the necessary training and days in hotels at the far end of the routes and

2 Hurricane Sandy on stage

The Hoboken team who worked round the clock to get sightseeing services back on to the streets of New York. communications with their families became would have escaped a day earlier had I not been difficult due to lack of power and mobile phone working on this as I missed the National Guard connections. Our Elizabeth depot, which also evacuating the through the other houses the main Customer Service Team, is entrance.” near to Staten Island which is one of the worst The storm also impacted on the New York affected areas. There were many stories of sightseeing bus operation run by the Group’s employees who lost their homes and property joint venture Twin America. but many came in to work to try to find some “Complete devastation.” That was first normalcy in their lives. thought of Anthony Fasano, Gray Line New The Twin America sightseeing buses took part “I thank all of our staff for making such efforts York’s Maintenance Manager, after he was finally in the relief operation. to keep our services running and our customers allowed back into the New York Sightseeing bus moving despite the impact that the storm had depot in Hoboken. on their own lives. I can personally sympathize There were 33 double-decker buses on the bad condition,” said Operations Anthony Fasano. having spent three days unable to escape my premises and six motor coach buses, all of “Their families were dealing with struggles apartment, surrounded by waist-high water. The which sustained salt water damage. Most of outside. Considering the working conditions, service coordination and website information I the equipment that was moved on top of desks what that crew did to pull this operation, literally could only do sitting outside in the cold plugged ended up in the water anyway since all of the out of the mud, was incredible.” in to a lamppost that had a generator and I desks had been flipped by the currents. Tools, The Hoboken team showed up at 5am, stayed computers, filing cabinets and their contents as late as 11pm, and even overnight. When the were all destroyed. crew showed up, they didn’t know what to But, despite all of the odds stacked against the expect. Their lockers had been submerged and Hoboken crew, they were able to get sightseeing all of the work clothes inside of them had been services in New York City back up and running soaking in salty, oily water for two days, but they three days after the storm. didn’t complain. Jim Murphy said: “We began running a There’s no doubt that, when Hurricane 24-hour operation on the Wednesday and ran Sandy struck in 2012, our employees proved that through the next two to three days with yet again that they can rise to even the toughest different people here, working around the clock challenges. Despite huge personal upheaval, they to make this thing happen.” delivered for customers, local communities and SVLuma, Shutterstock.com “The houses of most of the crew were in a our company.

3 uk bus on stage

You what?! Royal recognition Overheard in the travel shop at while two students were completing Unirider applications. Student 1: “How long is our course?” for Stan Student 2: “One year.” Student 1: “And what year A CATERING Manager’s taste for are we in?” Army life continued long after he left the Student 2: Shakes head regulars. and walks off... Now Warrant Officer Stan Worthington has Can you beat that? received extra-special recognition for his work Send your weird and with the 151 (London) Transport Regiment wonderful overheard (Volunteers). comments to Stan, who works at ’s West lindsay.reid@ Ham Bus Depot, has just received the Queen’s stagecoachgroup. Warrant, which recognises experienced soldiers com who often have specialist appointments and a senior management role focusing on the training, welfare and discipline of a company of up to 120 soldiers. He joined 151 Regiment after 12 years as a regular soldier, during which time he trained as Warrant Officer Stan Worthington (left) a chef and took part in tours of duty to Hong receives the Queen’s Warrant from Brigadier Kong, Kenya, Germany and Northern Ireland. Bill O’Leary TD ADC Assistant Divisional Commander Theatre Troops. “I felt I had achieved everything that I wanted with the Army,” said Stan. “I had travelled the world and learned a trade Regimental Catering Officer I am in command but I missed the comradeship and, within three of 12 chefs and am responsible for making sure months of leaving the Army, I was knocking on that, when out in the field on exercise, the rations A special journey the TA door. I have been a Reservist for 22 years. have been ordered and that the troops are well “An Army really does march on its stomach. As fed.” AN EXCLUSIVE bus journey was a dream come true for two very important passengers. welcomed Jamie and Ollie Golden performance – who both have leukaemia – on board a A STAGECOACH team has formed Routemaster for their private bus trip around new friendships during a proud . performance at the Olympic and The boys both had a great time and enjoyed Paralympic Games. waving to passers-by as they toured the streets. Staff from across the UK helped the 2012 Jamie and Ollie are pictured enjoying their Games become a huge success. A great example VIP journey with the help of Stagecoach’s of this teamwork was the group of colleagues Roger Dewsbery. from Upton Park Depot, which served as the central maintenance facility and the heart of The engineering Rapid Response Team. engineering for the Olympics and Paralympics. David gets on his bike Pictured, from left, are: Denise Hancock (Day Lifetime friendships were formed at the depot Controller), Peter Robinson, Colin Coupland, and everyone involved did a fantastic job in DRIVER Tony Barnes, Ben Coghlan and Blu Langley. ensuring the transport operation was a success. David Marno swapped his bus for a bike to raise a hefty sum for charity. Jubilee joy Ashford-based David (pictured) A COLOURFUL tribute to completed a a Royal celebration has won sponsored cycle national recognition. between ’s Jubilee bus was and Ashford Depots, recently named winner of Route One earning over £600 Magazine’s annual livery competition. for AYME, the The livery, designed by South East Association of Young People with ME. marketing assistant Kristina Gwynne, Stagecoach gave £200 to the cause with marked the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee the rest donated by David’s sponsors. and received 30% of readers’ votes to secure victory over stiff competition.

4 uk rail on stage New award in

Railway reunion Best Stations AWARDS held a unique celebrating East photocall recently, with a line-up of Midlands Trains’ best- rolling stock from each class member of performing stations the East Midlands Trains fleet on display. also now celebrate the The special event marked the completion company’s top people. of a £30 million refurbishment of the entire Now in its third year, fleet. the Best Station Awards included a new category to recognise the most Pedal power Outstanding Personal A 500-MILE challenge Contribution made by a raised £500 for a great member of the station’s The East Midlands Trains Best Station Award winners. cause. teams. Guards That honour went to David Bradley from For the second year running, East Midlands Depot Manager Paul Wade Spalding Station, who received the new award Parkway was named as Best Medium Station cycled the route of The for his dedication and commitment, often in and the Highly Commended award was given to South Western Railway tour his own time, to ensuring the station is well Loughborough. bus. The sponsored event maintained. Melton Mowbray was hailed as Best was for Link Leisure, which supports children Highly Commended awards were presented to Small Station with Market Rasen Highly and adults with learning disabilities, and Paul Jason Cocker from Sheffield, Gary Smedley from Commended, while Alsager picked up the (pictured) thanked the many colleagues who and Ashok Mistry from . Community Partnership Award, with Aslockton supported him. Loughborough station picked up the award for station Highly Commended. Most Improved Station this year, with Uttoxeter Andy Moore, Head of Stations for East also Highly Commended in this category. Midlands Trains, said: “It really was a tough Bosses board the trams In the Large Stations category, Sheffield was task choosing the winners this year but we named as the winner, while Leicester received a congratulate all the deserving winners in this STAGECOACH Supertram bosses Highly Commended award. year’s Best Station Awards.” took the direct approach to find out what passengers thought of their services. All change at Leicester The managers boarded Sheffield trams during National Customer Service Week to RAIL passengers in Leicester are enjoying meet customers and listen to their feedback. improved facilities thanks to a £6 million Speaking beforehand, Supertram’s Head of redevelopment scheme at the station. Customer Service, Claire Ansley, said: “We are The investment by Network Rail and East looking forward to finding out more about Midlands Trains has created ‘a truly welcoming what our customers are happy with and what and attractive gateway’ into the city of Leicester, they think we can improve on. said City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby as he officially “We provide good-quality, affordable and opened the new-look facility. reliable travel for around 44,000 people every “Leicester Station is a fantastic building,’’ added day but we are always looking for ways we the Mayor, who’s pictured (left) with Spencer can improve our services to help attract even Gibbens, Route Enhancement Manager for more people on to our network.” Network Rail and David Horne, Managing Director of East Midlands Trains. Chas and Dave get on board Multi-million-pound rail boost for Dorset ‘ROCKNEY’ legends Chas A HUGE new investment by South West carried out at traincare depot in and Dave have teamed up Trains is bringing service improvements Dorset. with East Midlands Trains and new jobs. Construction and civil engineering company to promote the train operator’s The £23 million package covering 91 of SWT’s BAM Nutall has also started construction of a great-value to London. fleet is set to improve for passengers new £3.2 million paint shop at the depot, with The much-loved duo appear on billboards with disabilities and create a state-of-the-art new completion scheduled in April 2013. and radio adverts throughout the East paint shop that will boost the regional economy. Both projects will result in 38 new full-time jobs Midlands, encouraging people to ‘Gertcha Train leasing company has awarded at the depot and will mean that all maintenance, self’ to London with East Midlands Trains. the contract for the work to South West Trains overhaul and repainting work can be carried out and the four-year programme of work will be at Bournemouth for the first time.

5 uk bus on stage

The driving force Stagecoach & South helped make sure this year’s Open Golf Championship at Royal Lytham and St Anne’s went swingingly. Staff worked hard to operate services from the to the big event, and thanks are due to everyone involved. The Stagecoach Open Golf team.

Hastings drivers Pippa Sands, Tim Farrant, Scott Johnson and Alan Jeapes get into the spirit of Halloween. Top apprentices Fright night YOUNG colleagues have shone in CREEPY costumes were the Stagecoach’s 2012 Apprentice of the Year order of the day as Stagecoach South awards. East staff laid on extra buses to help The Year One winner was Stuart McMaster Halloween revellers attend Hastings from West Scotland with Daniel Brace Bonfire Night. from South West in second place and James Rachel Geliamassi, Operations Manager Thornborrow in third. at Hastings Bus Depot, said: “We decided to London apprentice Ryan Barnes came out get into the spirit of the event with some top in Year Two, with Toby Prentice from South fancy dress and our drivers were out in East in second and Josh Critten in third place. force with their ghoulish outfits on show.” For Year Three, ’s Izet Iseni took the top spot, closely followed by Rhys McKay from Bluebird in second place and Craig Elite athletes The 2012 Apprentice of the Year winners. Carter from West in third. TWO colleagues were in the elite ranks of runners in this year’s BUPA Great Pulling power North Run. David and Sean Smith CHARITY fundraisers with a lot of both finished in the top one per cent of pulling power were given a helping hand by competitors, with David placed 82nd Stagecoach London. (fourth out of the veterans) in a time of one The company supplied a double-decker for a hour 16 minutes and Sean placed 203rd at charity bus pull in Bromley which raised over one hour 21 minutes. £3,000 for Harris HospisCare’s Team Jake Appeal. Jodine Milne and Senga Crosby, based at The charity offers free support to people the company’s head office in , with cancer and other life-limiting conditions also took part in the annual event, raising throughout Bromley, and Stagecoach’s Bromley £1,000 for Grace House. garage was delighted to help. Stagecoach North East sponsored the The company has also donated a bus to the NHS Taking the strain: The charity bus pullers in action. Grace House vests and donated £200 to to be used in a smoking awareness campaign. the charity for staff members’ efforts. A vintage event VINTAGE buses added a suitably nostalgic note to this year’s What’s the buzz? Goodwood Revival historic racing A PILOT project putting event. Stagecoach UK Bus on Twitter has Stagecoach South operated the vintage been nominated for two top accolades buses, sourced from a number of Stagecoach at the 2012 Social Buzz Awards. companies, to help visitors attend the event. The Twitter feed carried news and views Adam Keen, Operations Manager at from East Scotland, Oxfordshire and said: “Passengers enjoy travelling Tube services, and has now been named on historic buses which are staffed by as a finalist in the Best Use of Insight/ drivers wearing period dress. Monitoring category. “The feedback we receive is always It was also shortlisted for the Best Social positive and the collaboration between Media Customer Service Strategy award at Goodwood and ourselves has resulted in the awards, which take place on November one of the most unique and interesting bus 28 in London. Vintage buses grace the Goodwood Revival. routes in the UK”.

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WIN A £50 VOUCHER Picture of the Season This edition’s winning Picture of the Season was taken by Andy Small, who works for East Midlands Trains at Leicester Station. It shows an EMT Meridian train at Cooks Lane (between and Leicester). Congratulations to Andy who will shortly receive his prize of £50 of M&S vouchers. If you think you have a picture that captures one of the four seasons, please send your image to Lindsay Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW, or email it to: [email protected]

Inspiring aspirations Community spirit EAST Midlands Trains and South West highly commended for best station development. Trains collected no less than nine awards at Alsager station on the North this year’s Community Rail Awards. Community Rail Line won second place for Best At East Midlands Trains, the Derwent Valley Station Adoption Group. Line received three accolades including first prize South West Trains’ Lymington-Brockenhurst in the category of small projects for its ‘Get on Community Rail Partnership won a second place track for great school trips’ project to encourage award under ‘Community Art Schemes’ for its school children to try the train. ‘Show the Way – Rail Trail’ Art Project. The team also picked up a second-place award Meanwhile, there were two more awards for for the marketing of this project, and a third place initiatives on the South West Trains route, with for best marketing publication for its ‘Where will Sandown station picking up third place for its you go tonight?’ promotional leaflet. new community cafe ‘The Larder and Pie House’ The Peak Rail Shop and Information point at and Christchurch station for ‘Best Community Matlock station collected a second place award Rail Event’ for its celebration of the 150th for ‘Best Station Retail Outlet’ and was also anniversary of the railway in Christchurch.

A RAIL enthusiast who turned his Hundred reasons to celebrate interest in trains into a full-time job is ONE hundred was a lucky number for Cumbria helping to inspire others. customer Valerie Hind. South West Trains/Network Rail Alliance Valerie was the hundredth winner in series of competitions held to employee David Mason (above) is appearing mark the company’s 100 years of service in the area. in a promotional campaign for the Aspirations Concessionary travel card holders simply collected and submitted for Life campaign, which helps people with 15 concessionary travel tickets issued on Stagecoach bus services in learning disabilities to find paid employment. in the month of September. David impressed his bosses during work After receiving her prize of Love to Shop vouchers worth £40, a placements at Network Rail while he was Carlisle Operations Manager delighted Valerie revealed: “This is the first time I’ve entered as I told still at school. This led to a permanent post, Bob Cook presents Valerie with my niece about it last month and she won! I couldn’t believe it. and he now features on campaign posters on her prize. “The vouchers will certainly be of use coming up to Christmas.” display at Waterloo Station.

Colours of the rainbow Axminster earns Keep on A COLOURFUL new information highest ranking service is keeping South West Trains running passengers up to speed on their AXMINSTER Station has been A DEBUT journeys. named Best Medium Station of the Year appearance in the The recently launched online Rainbow in the 2012 National Rail Awards. Great North Run has Board uses a colour-coded panel to display an The South West Trains station beat off stiff raised some £700 at-a-glance summary of how the South West competition from stations from across the for Action Medical Trains network is running. country to win the accolade. Research. “With minute-by-minute updates provided “This is great recognition for the team,” said Bus driver Steve Rooks by our operations control team, passengers Glen Hatherley, Station Manager for South finished his first half will be able to easily access the latest West Trains. marathon in 2 hours 49 information about their train service,” said “As a key focal point for the local community minutes, and his employers Steve Rooks is Adam Piddington, Head of Information and in Axminster, we are determined to keep Customer Experience for the South West building on this success and we’ll be making thankful to reach the Great North Run donated £290 towards his Trains/Network Rail Alliance. sure our award is displayed in pride of place at sponsorship appeal. the station.” finish line.

7 Green Scene on stage

STAGECOACH in Lancaster Big turn-off has launched an improved service cuts carbon on its 2/2a route A BIG turn-off proved to be a great which is now experience for Stagecoach North East. serviced by new During a recent bank holiday, the double-decker company asked its depots to take part in the buses with free Big Switch Off – shutting down every non- Wi-Fi access on essential piece of electrical equipment. board. The challenge was to reduce energy consumption to less than that used by the company on Christmas Day 2011. The winner was Depot, which slashed its energy usage by an impressive Green groundwork 42%. The depot was rewarded with £1000 A SHINING example set by year, has continued from the company which it chose to donate Stagecoach Manchester has been to reduce the impact of its operations on the to Macmillan Cancer Support. rewarded with some environmental environment. “This challenge proves that, by simply silverware. Managing Director Christopher Bowles turning off a few switches, a great energy The company’s work to make Manchester a said: “As a transport provider we take our saving can be achieved,” said Sandy cleaner, greener city was recently recognised by environmental responsibilities very seriously Gallacher, Operations Manager for community charity Groundwork, bestowing its and being presented with the silver award is a Hartlepool. silver Environmental Business Pledge award. fantastic achievement for everyone who works at After achieving the bronze pledge award last Stagecoach Manchester.” Staff saddle up Go to the top for bike scheme of the class MORE and more Stagecoach colleagues are enjoying a healthier, WARWICK University more sustainable lifestyle by cycling to students are enjoying and from work. greener travel, thanks to a Almost 1500 employees – from bus £1.6 million investment in drivers and support staff to those working eco-friendly measures. at Stagecoach’s Group headquarters in Perth Stagecoach Midlands bought – have benefited from £1 million worth of 10 new buses for its Warwick new bikes in less than a year, thanks to the University service, replacing company’s Cycle to Work Scheme. most of the existing fleet with Staff can choose from more than 140 state-of-the-art, low-floor, bicycles, including mountain bikes, hybrids easy-access vehicles built to and road bikes, up to a total value of the highest environmental £1,000. standards. Stagecoach UK Bus Managing Director The new vehicles also boast Les Warneford said: “This is proving to be free Wi-Fi access, allowing a very successful scheme and I’m delighted travellers on the route to stay that so many of our employees have taken Buses on Stagecoach Midlands’ Warwick University route are online whilst they are on the advantage of the offer.” greener than ever. move.

Scottish fleets find the right formula for a greener future BUS travel is set to become specially blended mix of 30% biofuel even more eco-friendly north and 70% standard diesel, reducing of the border, thanks to Stage- the impact of both companies on the coach’s plans to further cut its environment. carbon emissions. These buses and coaches previously Over 1000 vehicles in Stagecoach used a mix of 5% biofuel and East Scotland and Stagecoach West 95% diesel, and the new formula Scotland’s fleets are to run on cleaner, is expected to cut CO2e (carbon Driving down carbon emissions: One of some 1000 Stagecoach set greener fuel. dioxide equivalent) emissions from to run on cleaner, greener fuel. The new B30 fuel system uses a these vehicles by up to 22%.

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Coach company expands across USA COACH USA has completed its Meanwhile, one of the recently purchased purchase of nine Coach America companies – Coach USA Elko, Nevada – has companies. been nominated for the prestigious 2012 Best The addition of these companies means Mining Related Company Award. Coach USA now operates more than 2500 This is one of the most highly regarded buses across 30 companies in North America transportation awards in the region and – making it one of the largest providers in the recognises consistently delivered quality services bus industry. in often challenging off -road terrain.

Gray Line New York has earned a Tourist Sightseeing Award from the New York City Association of Hotel Concierges. Forces get Gray Line is top on board MEGABUS.COM went of the heap the extra mile to support a recent military marathon. START spreading the news – The company provided Gray Line New York is making a big free transport to sponsor the impression in the Big Apple! Navy and Air Force marathon The bus tour company has just been in Washington DC, helping awarded the Tourist Sightseeing Award at the runners get to the start line. 6th Annual Concierge Choice Awards after impressing judges with its exciting and unique opportunities for the 50 million tourists who visit New York City every year. Early bird catches the worm The awards – held by the New York City Association of Hotel Concierges – honour EARLY mornings were He and his family saved for a the city’s most elite companies, organisations key for Coach USA employee year to cover exam fees and study and individuals who create exceptional Amarjeet Jammu as he studied materials, then Amarjeet spent a experiences for visitors. for his Certified Public year getting up at 4am to study “We are truly honoured by this award as Accountants (CPA) qualifica- before work. we are constantly striving to provide new and tion. He was delighted to pass his innovative ways to entertain New York’s many Amerjeet moved to America exam and said: “Today I feel very visitors,” said David W. Chien, Marketing from India in 2008 and, concerned confident about myself and still Coach USA employee Director of Gray Line New York. about the slowdown in the US wake at 4am looking for the next Amarjeet Jammu got up “Thank you to all members of New York economy, he decided to study for challenge in life when most people before dawn to make City Association of Hotel Concierges. We are US qualifications. are sleeping.” time for his studies. by your side and together we will do great things in 2013!” ’s a Roadeo star MILAN Lawrence, a Driver Trainer from Raz Transporta- North to south tion in Portland Oregon, took first place in the Northwest Motorcoach Association’s Driver Education and Bus Roadeo A 600-mile inter-city marathon competition. raised more than £2200 for charity. Competing in the event for the first time, Milan brought home the Kenneth Monaghan of Stagecoach West trophy for Raz Transportation after beating 12 other drivers in the Scotland cycled from to London Milan (left) receives his trophy from Joe Gillis, competition. – via , Belfast, Dublin and - to President of Northwest Milan is now on loan to the Anaheim facility in , assisting raise funds for the Myotubular Trust. Motorcoach Association. with their Megabus driver training. He has issued a big thank you to everyone who sponsored him. Chuck touches down with football fans MEGABUS.COM colleagues have kicked off a Bake-off boost new campaign to tell football fans about their great services. A BIG-HEARTED bake-off proved a Since 2010 the company has been meeting college tasty way to raise funds for charity. students face-to-face at tailgating events, where fans enjoy MacMillan Cancer Support benefited from food and drink served from the tailgate of their cars at a baking sale and dress-down day held by staff football games. at Stagecoach HQ in Perth. This season, teams of megabus.com representatives – The event raised £380 which was and mascot Chuck – will educate football fans about generously matched by the company. Thanks the intercity express bus service and distribute megabus. megaus.com US mascot Chuck to all who donated and bought. com-branded items at nine major universities including spreads is a big hit with football fans at Ohio State University, Georgia Tech and University of Iowa. a tailgating event.

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Wanderer boosts Golden celebration good causes has helped celebrate the success of the region’s Olympic and Paralympic athletes. In Hull, a bus was painted gold to hail the success of the gold medallist boxer Luke Campbell, who was also given a ticket to ride free on all Stagecoach buses in the East Midlands. Meanwhile, in , Stagecoach helped gold medal-winning Paralympic athlete Richard Whitehead tour A triumphant Luke Campbell the county on a specially prepared open-top bus. graces the specially decorated bus.

The Worth Valley Wanderer raised cash Bridget’s service for Samaritans and Weston Park Hospital.

EAST Midlands Trains has again used one of its trains to raise spans 55 years valuable funds for charity. Following the success of the Mid- Marauder, which raised VETERANS of were given more than £24,000 for the Railway recognition and thanks at a recent long service award Children’s Charity in 2011, the company ceremony. arranged for The Worth Valley Wanderer Bridget Harris was honoured for no less than 55 years’ to carry out a special service in aid of service, having worked for the company since she was 16 Samaritans and the Weston Park Hospital years old. in Sheffield and raised a huge £37,000. Bridget has always worked as administrative clerk and has strongly supported many Operations Managers over the years.

Bridget Harris, pictured with her partner Brian Harper New commercial roles (centre), is congratulated by Stagecoach South East STAGECOACH has announced Managing Director Paul Southgate. that Group IT Director Alistair Smith has been appointed to HUNDREDS of Londoners accepted the wider role of Director of an open invitation to tour two of the Open invitation Commercial and IT for Stagecoach capital’s bus garages. Group. Stagecoach London’s West Ham and Leyton Meanwhile, Stephanie Rivet has joined Garages both held open days, with West the business as Head of Commercial for Ham welcoming over 200 visitors and some Stagecoach Group. 1500 people attending Leyton Garage as it Stephanie, who joins from Virgin Rail celebrated its centenary year. Group, will report to Alistair Smith and An open top bus route linked the two sites, will support the Group’s commercial and the popular event included a drive- development across its different divisions through tour of West Ham depot, giving in the UK and North America. passengers a chance to see its state-of-the-art Stagecoach South’s Queen Mary Leyland takes facilities. visitors past the line-up at West Ham. The art of green travel PRIMARY pupils have been taking some eco-friendly facts on-board. Loyal service The children learned about the benefits of walking, cycling and using the MORE than two centuries of bus, thanks to Stagecoach and service was celebrated by Stagecoach Dundee Travel Active. Bluebird recently. The pupils were also asked to design a Competition winners with Lord Provost Bob Duncan, Current and recently retired employees Jonny Milligan of Dundee Travel Active, Sarah Longair, poster highlighting the benefits of using gathered for a special Long Service Dinner Operations Director, and , and winning artwork in . Sarah Elliott, Marketing Manager, Stagecoach East from each school was proudly displayed on Scotland. Dundee buses.

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The quickfire round – Mike Waters John goes the Coach USA/Megabus extra mile Who are you? Dream Job? I love Mike Waters, Coach USA/Megabus, Senior A BUS driver’s cooking so it has to be Director, Business Development/West. dedication to a chef. What do you like most about fundraising has Favourite animal? your job? All of it. Being part of a new, received special Has to be cats – my expanding service. recognition from the wife can’t seem to have What do you like least about your Meningitis Trust.. a house without at least job? Delayed flights and rude TSA With the support of three of them. inspectors (is there any other kind?). Stagecoach West, John Most like to be stuck in a lift with? Bill Favourite TV show? Cold Case – the bad Evans from Stroud Clinton. While being a Republican, I think guy always gets it in the end! organises transport he appears to be extremely intelligent and Biggest achievement? Fathering two to enable fundraising would likely make for a very interesting boys who have done well and are good volunteers to complete different sections of conversation on life and government. the Five Valleys Walk which takes place each people. Worst job? A bus cleaner cleaning out ski September. The Quickfire Round features in every trip buses in the 60s. John, who is involved in four months of edition of On Stage and we want to hear Most embarrassing moment? As planning for the event, starts his event day from as many staff as possible. happens with advancing age, forgetting my routine at 6am and works tirelessly until all To suggest the next participant, email PIN number on what seems a regular basis! vehicles have been locked back in the depot [email protected] at night. As a special thank you for his commitment and support, he was recently presented with a picture frame and gift card by Sue Davie, Barnaby on board Chief Executive Officer of the Meningitis Trust. STAGECOACH North East has appointed graduate Barnaby Crowley as Assistant Operations Manager at its Stockton Depot. Barnaby (23) comes to Stockton from Stagecoach South, where Half-century he completed the first year of his Graduate Programme. celebrations Frank Price, Operations Manager, Stockton Depot Stagecoach Operations Manager Frank North East, said: “Barnaby has shown great understanding of the ’S bus depot Price and Assistant Operations industry during his time with the company and his promotion to turned back the clock to celebrate the Manager Barnaby Crowley. Assistant Operations Manager was a natural progression.” 50th anniversary of its opening. marked the special occasion by bringing back some of the Like father, like son depot’s original buses and presenting some items of memorabilia to staff. EIGHTEEN-year-old Richard Summers has become one of the youngest bus drivers in the South West after following in his dad Chris’s footsteps to join Stagecoach. Richard, who has already proved to be a CONTACTS skilled driver and a valued member of the Editor: Lindsay Reid, On Stage, team, said: “All the passengers keep asking if Stagecoach Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, I’m old enough to drive a bus! Perth, PH1 5TW “I really love it here. I am so chuffed to be a Eighteen-year-old Richard Summers is one bus driver and to be working with my dad.” of the South West’s youngest drivers. Email: [email protected] www.stagecoach.com James delighted to face fresh challenge If you have a story for On Stage, please contact Lindsay Reid as above. A FORMER mechanical apprentice has shifted up a gear in his Stagecoach career. The copy deadline for the James Hudson has just become assistant next edition of On engineering manager with , Stage will be based at the company’s Depot on Wakefield December Road. 14, 2012. “I’m very much looking forward to my new role with Stagecoach,” said James. “The company operates a huge network and fleet of vehicles in the region and I am delighted to be Stagecoach Yorkshire’s new assistant part of such a strong team of engineers.” engineering manager James Hudson.

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