Marketing Ferry service boost for plan to cut travel congestion

The newspaper of

Issue 56 Autumn 2004 Cutting edge electric bus drives green credentials

futuristic hybrid electric Stagecoach leads the way with public transport of the future UK’s first local authority contract to run Abus has gone on trial in a hybrid electric bus for a premier the UK as part of a service in Newcastle. Nine of the forward-looking bid by vehicles are set to run a service Stagecoach to encourage connecting the city centre, the local authorities to Quayside and new developments on the side of the introduce the environ- from late spring next year. mentally-friendly vehicle Another exciting development is a in their areas. new fuel additive, now subject to The state-of-the-art Designline-man- commercial evaluation by Stagecoach, ufactured vehicle, which has already which has the potential to transform been successfully operated by the environmental and operational Stagecoach in Auckland, New Zealand, performance of across the UK. is being showcased around the The Group signed an agreement country. Fitted with 30 seats and with Cerulean International Ltd, the equipped with space for 20 standing -based subsidiary of the nano- passengers, the vehicle has had slight materials company Oxonica Ltd, last modifications for operational use in the year to trial the next generation product UK. in up to 1,000 Stagecoach vehicles. Electronics on the bus are so sophis- Initial trials of the innovative ticated that an engineer can “dial” into Stagecoach Group Chief Executive with the electric bus which has gone on trial in cities across the UK. nanocatalyst technology in the north the vehicle by laptop from anywhere in west of have pointed to a five the world – and even send a message technology makes it extremely quiet on hybrid electric bus has real potential to as part of their local transport strategy.” per cent fuel consumption reduction as that will start the bus. the road. Another feature is special improve the quality of life in our towns The bus spent some time operating well as a significant cut in carbon regenerative braking technology which and cities and is further evidence of on Stagecoach’s award-winning service deposits in the engine and lower Emission-free charges batteries when the brakes are Stagecoach’s commitment to 7 route in Perth. Cumbria, Oxford and vehicle emissions. The second stage of applied and also uses a diesel turbine minimising the impact of our Warwickshire are other locations where the trial, covering buses in , has The £200,000 vehicle can run to charge batteries. operations on the environment. it has run and also proved popular with been extended by three months and emission-free in densely populated Managing Director of Stagecoach “We hope local authorities will see passengers and the media. should be completed by the end of the areas and its battery-powered UK Bus Les Warneford said: “The the benefits of introducing the new bus Stagecoach has already won the year. PM launches fastest train in the West Prime Minister Tony Blair has launched Virgin’s £11m Pendolino trains. Sir Richard Branson said: “I have the UK’s first-ever 125mph tilting train The new timetable will see the waited five years to see Pendolino tilting timetable, which will mean faster and number of West Coast trains run each at 125mph and this is a very emotional more frequent train services on Virgin’s day increase from 175 to 213. The day both for myself and the rail industry routes to London Euston. fastest trains will provide significant that has finally made it happen.” Thirty of the new tilting Pendolino journey time reductions of up to 21 per Brian Souter, Stagecoach Group trains are set to exploit the new 125mph cent. Chief Executive, added: “The West linespeed from London Euston to Virgin Trains – in which Stagecoach Coast route used to be known as the Manchester, Crewe and Birmingham. has a 49 per cent stake – has also Premier Line - today is a major step in This will be increased to 42 in confirmed that further timetable and winning back the pride and delivery December when all the old trains will journey time improvements will be that goes with that accolade.” be taken out of regular service. spread over the next 15 months, A total of 53 Pendolino trains have At the launch, the Lord Mayor of the culminating in the completion of the been built by ALSTOM in Birmingham City of London, Alderman Robert Finch, track engineering work to Glasgow by and each nine-coach train costs around Sir Richard Branson and the Prime Minister are all smiles at the launch of the Pendolino. unveiled the City’s name on one of December 2005. £11m. Drivers hit the heights Coach USA on board

Stagecoach has scooped a number of top prizes at the 2004 Bus Driver of the Year competition. Edward Reid, from Stagecoach for blackout task force East , was runner-up in the event, which attracted more than 100 of the country’s top drivers. He was just pipped to the top spot ew York’s readiness to respond to by First Essex driver Michael Wilson, Na blackout is much higher – thanks who has been a bus driver for only in no small part to Coach USA. three years. Coach USA has been a key member of an But Edward still left the Blackpool Emergency Task Force, set up by New Jersey Transit. event with a clutch of trophies, The task force was established in the aftermath of last including the Alexander Dennis Cup, year’s electricity failure which closed the Lincoln and the Rail, Maritime and Transport Holland road tunnels and underground rail tunnels, Workers’ Union Trophy and the trapping thousands of commuters on the New York Motor Transport Trophy. He also won side of the Hudson River. the Stagecoach trophy for the John Emberson, Southern District General Manager, company’s highest placed driver. represented Coach USA on the Task Force that drew Stagecoach also enjoyed two up a plan for an orderly evacuation in the event of other successes at the event, which is another emergency. held each year in Blackpool. Chris Prince, from Stagecoach East Kent, took away the Bright-Tech Shield for the Youngest National Finalist. Driver John Page won the Allen and Douglas Shield for the competitor to appear in most national finals. Les Warneford, Managing Director Measures have included new landing stages to of Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “All the cater for the large number of ferries on standby for an Stagecoach drivers who took part in emergency and a temporary bus station to transport the competition, including our commuters to various destinations in New Jersey and winners, are excellent ambassadors Pennsylvania. Special emergency duties and running for the business. It is heartening to boards have also been developed so that drivers can see that our drivers are amongst the Welcoming in the new service are, from left, Walter Burrows, Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection and quickly operate to and from Liberty State Park instead best in the industry.” Transport; Paul Lynch, Stagecoach East Midlands Managing Director, and World Cup hero Gordon Banks. of New York. The road to the final started earlier Another innovation has been a guide, ‘Don’t Get in the year when individual bus Stuck in the Dark’, listing travel alternatives in the operators held qualifying heats that event of a major service disruption or emergency. replicated the National Final. The Keeper kicks off new service More than a quarter of a million copies have been regional events were used to select handed out at major transport centres, including the the best drivers from each company The people of Chesterfield welcomed the new Service 51 has been improved through the Port Authority Bus Terminal. to go forward to the final. improved Service 51 at an impressive launch Urban Bus Challenge Kickstart initiative, which “This guide is a practical tool that will help Written tests challenged drivers’ event in September. has enabled the frequency on the Chesterfield- passengers understand their options in the event of a knowledge of the Highway Code and Crowds turned up in the autumnal sunshine to Clay Cross route to be increased to every 10 major service disruption,” said George D. Warrington, Mechanical Principles, while they also see Stagecoach East Midlands Managing Director minutes. Stagecoach East Midlands has also Executive Director of NJ TRANSIT. “It’s something faced a series of practical driving tests Paul Lynch and Derbyshire County Council provided nine new specially branded low-floor every commuter should keep in their briefcase.” on a route that included a mock-up Cabinet Member Walter Burrows officially launch Darts, while Derbyshire County Council has Governor George E. Pataki added: “The major of a bus station. the service. undertaken infrastructure improvements along blackout we experienced last August showed just how Helping to ‘kickstart’ the event was England the route. critical it is for commuters to become aware of the goalkeeping legend Gordon Banks who started Paul Lynch said: “We are delighted that, many transportation options that are available to them On route his professional career in Chesterfield. Also through ‘Kickstart’, we are able to work in in the event of an emergency.” helping proceedings were a live band, the Town partnership with the County Council to help give NJ TRANSIT is the nation’s largest statewide public Crier, and members of Chesterfield Football our customers improved services and facilities. transportation system providing more than 752,600 to be safe Club’s squad. This is a boost for the whole Clay Cross area.” daily trips on 240 bus routes, three light rail lines and 11 commuter lines. South West Trains has added to its list of stations which have achieved Secure Station status. Contacts The latest ones are London’s Earlsfield, Brockenhurst and The Editor, On Stage, Stagecoach Group, West Mark Whittle 01392 889747 , bringing the total on 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth PH1 5TW. National Transport Tokens Sajda Khan 01254 680180 the network to 38. The Secure Station Tel: +44 (0)1738 442111, Fax: +44 (0)1738 580407 scheme was launched in 1998 to www.stagecoachgroup.com UK Rail encourage stations to improve If you have a story for On Stage, please get in touch South West Trains Kathryn Rowe 0207 620 5238 security for both passengers and staff. with your local contact below: Island Line Stephen Wade 01983 812591 To date, South West Trains and Stagecoach Supertram Julia Shaw 0114 2759888 Network Rail have invested around Stagecoach Group Steven Stewart 01738 642040 £4m installing a combination of help Overseas points and CCTV cameras across the UK Bus Coach USA network to meet the rigorous Stagecoach East Scotland Lisa Henry 01592 261461 standards set by the Department for North East Roger Bowker 001 201 225 7581 Stagecoach West Scotland 01292 613515 Transport. South West Trains also has Emma McNae North Central Dale Moser 001 847 390 5800 51 TravelSafe Officers in post, just five Stagecoach North East Robin Knight 0191 567 5251 Coach Canada Jim Devlin 001 705 748 1170 short of the final quota due of 56 Stagecoach North West Colin Nicholson 01772 255752 officers. Stagecoach Manchester Karen Coventry 0161 276 2727 New Zealand Dennis Elliot 00 649 309 3500 Tony Holland, South West Trains Stagecoach East Midlands Phil Cartwright 01246 222018 On Stage is published four times a year. Advertising connected Security and Information Manager, Stagecoach South Midlands Adam Rideout 01788 562 036 directly or indirectly with Stagecoach is accepted. Charitable adverts said: “We are delighted with the Stagecoach East Philip Norwell 01604 676060 will be included without charge, otherwise rates on request. award of Secure Station status to On Stage is distributed free to Stagecoach staff. Public subscrip- these stations. We are continuing to Stagecoach West Anne Dickinson 01242 545224 tions are available at £12 for one year or £20 for two years. Cheque work tirelessly at South West Trains to Stagecoach Stephen Evans 01291 623565 payable to Stagecoach Group plc at the editorial address. The introduce further security measures at Stagecoach London Benjamin Franklin 020 8477 7249 Editor is unable to enter into individual correspondence concerning the affairs of The Stagecoach Group. our stations in the hope that more Stagecoach South East Helen Martin 01243 536161 people will be encouraged to use our Stagecoach South Helen Martin 01243 536161 Designed by Catchline Communications Group, Scotland. trains.” 2 Autumn 2004 Focus on best points of view Routemasters

Aspiring photographers in Operations Manager, last the pace Winchester have been busy said: “We hope that the new capturing images they hope will discounted Goldrider ticket will Stagecoach was at the heart of land them the top prize in a help young people travel at an celebrations this summer to mark Stagecoach competition. affordable rate throughout the the 50th anniversary of the iconic The idea of the contest was to school holidays. A leaflet was also Routemaster bus. promote a special discount ticket to produced suggesting interesting Three Stagecoach vehicles – help under 16s get around during places to visit using the ticket.” RML2665, RML2456 and RML2760 the school holidays. The new HMV store vouchers worth £100 – took part in the event in Summer Holiday Goldrider cost just were up for grabs for the photo Finsbury Park. £2 per day or £7 per week for judged to be the best taken from a The buses were driven by unlimited travel on all routes bus. Schedules Manager Kevin operated by Stagecoach across Cooper, General Manager Jon . Local shoolboy Rob Sawyer, right, Batchelor and Driver Operator Nigel Deacon, Stagecoach in helps promote the competition. Mark Beckham. Developed by London Transport in the 1950s, the Routemaster has become a well- known symbol of transport in the capital. Although initially designed to Top class campaign have a lifespan of 17 years, five decades on many of the vehicles are still in service. The Routemasters are gradually being phased out and replaced with new disabled gets UK on the buses accessible low-floor vehicles. New garage tagecoach is launching Britain’s most sophisticated Stransport marketing effort this month in a drive to get for London more people to travel by bus. Stagecoach in London has The £250,000 campaign will use the “Buses have huge potential to help reached a milestone with the detailed customer research techniques solve the country’s transport challenges opening of its 10th garage. pioneered by supermarket giants to in the years ahead. They are flexible, The new depot – located in encourage people to get out of their cost-effective and can play a major role Waterden Road only a short cars and onto public transport. in tackling increasing congestion in our distance from the Stratford facility Stagecoach expects to target up to 20 towns and cities. Stagecoach is at the – has two mess rooms for staff. per cent of its bus networks over the forefront of new ideas on how to deliver Each of the mess rooms is next two years, with a major focus on modal shift and we believe our equipped with drinks-making mums and commuters. innovative campaign can help generate facilities, microwave and fridge Detailed research, similar to that a resurgence in bus travel across freezer. used by the retail sector, is being Britain.” General Manager Jon Batchelor undertaken by Stagecoach to focus on The ‘where you want to be’ said: “The staff seem to like their people whose lifestyle is most suited to campaign will use a mix of bus posters, new surroundings.” switching to bus travel. press advertising and direct marketing Waterden Road has taken on A new telemarketing unit, currently to convey the benefits of travelling by responsibility for refuelling some being set up at the company’s head- bus. of the megabus.com vehicles and quarters in Perth, will concentrate on a Sue Mullen, Managing Director at it is also now home to the training new town or city every six weeks. Story, said: “We are delighted to be at department and BTEC assessment The team will discuss prospective the heart of such an innovative transport team. passengers’ current travel choices, their campaign. We believe that our creative satisfaction with existing bus services marketing strengths will be a powerful and offer seven days’ free travel to tool to help get across the crucial role of encourage them to try the bus. buses and the real difference they can Celebrating Specialist marketing communications make to people’s everyday lives.” consultancy Story, whose clients have The nationwide campaign follows a century included major financial services and the success of four pilot projects carried drinks companies, will work with out by Stagecoach in Perth, Grimsby, Stagecoach in Warwickshire Stagecoach on the creative material for Haverhill and Hartlepool, where some drivers joined former Midland the initiative. 20 per cent of people contacted by the Red employees at Leamington, Brian Souter, Stagecoach Group company decided to try the bus. Nuneaton and Rugby to celebrate Chief Executive, said: “This is the most the 100th anniversary of the sophisticated campaign ever undertaken Birmingham and Midland Motor in this country to attract more people to Do you have any initiatives that Omnibus Company. public transport, particularly commuters are attracting more people to try To mark the occasion, a bus and mothers. We will be using the same the bus? Then let us know. Your from Warwickshire’s current fleet, kind of detailed lifestyle research that On Stage contact is listed on p2. repainted in the old companies in the retail sector, particu- colours, will operate out of these larly the supermarket giants, have used depots over the coming year. to win new customers. A tale to tell?

Further integration is vital to the future integrated control centre at London of the UK rail network if it is to work Waterloo. in the best interests of passengers, Integration key to future of rail network “We believe that further vertical taxpayers and investors. integration is essential if Government That is the view of Stagecoach in its is ever to optimise both the cost and response to the Government’s recent role and is put in charge of will take responsibility for inde- greater integration on the railways to performance of the UK rail industry. rail review, which outlined a new industry planning, timetables and pendently regulating safety, ensure all agencies are pulling The informal arrangement between streamlined structure for the industry. co-ordinating service recovery performance and cost. together to deliver a better service to Network Rail and the train operators Under proposals contained in the following problems on the track. In its response, Stagecoach said it customers. proposed in the rail review should be Government White Paper, The Future • Ministers will take charge of the supported the Government’s aim to “The ideas outlined in our Platform formalised.” of Rail: key strategic rail decisions, and improve the structure of the rail for Change policy paper have Stagecoach said it continued to • Track and train operators are will also give Scotland, Wales industry. gathered support. The integration of have firm confidence in the future expected to improve and London more say over “As one of the UK’s most infrastructure maintenance into prospects for business in the rail sector performance through closer passenger services. experienced rail operators running the Network Rail is now almost complete in the UK and believed there was clear working at a local level. • Regulation is to be streamlined country’s biggest rail franchise, we and, in partnership with Network Rail, potential to grow the market for travel • Network Rail is given a stronger and The Office of Rail Regulation have continued to stress the need for we are now running the UK’s first by train. Autumn 2004 3 Station celebrates 50 years Improving Bus Station recently com- Guy Arab 4 no. 888. A collection of memorated its 50th anniversary amid Arthur’s photos from the 1950s was the journey a sea of nostalgia. also on show. Former employees and Friends of Operations Manager Chris Adams East Kent Road Car Company brought thanked Barrie Burlingham for experience their buses and uniforms to offer helping organise the visit by the authentic rides to invited guests. Friends group and its preserved A £3.4m package of improvements Among the retired employees were vehicles for the celebration. He said: to 53 stations in the Arthur Russell, 81, a conductor at the “The company has recently renovated Authority area should be completed time of the station’s construction, and and refurbished much of the bus by December. Beatrice Macdonald, who started as a station building and will soon be The work, part of a joint funding conductress in 1941. Both remember taking delivery of a batch of brand initiative between South West Trains Former staff and the Friends of East Kent Road Car Company admire (from left) the Guy Arab 3 and working on two of the vintage buses new low-floor buses for the and London Rail, includes CCTV Guy Arab 4 at the 50-year-old bus station. on display – a Guy Arab 3 no. 399 and Folkestone town services.” coverage, enhanced lighting and upgrading of help points. The investment will see CCTV coverage linked to South West Trains’ Customer Communication and Security Centre (CCSC) and digitally monitored across all 53 Golden ticket helps stations. Lighting improvements will also be made at 29 stations, covering the two Overground Network pilot routes and the Hounslow loop. Help points will be upgraded to include induction loops at all special needs teacher stations within the GLA area covered by South West Trains. Efforts to combat vandalism at special needs school’s mobility officer will halve his Earlsfield station will be enhanced bus travel costs – thanks to Stagecoach. by a trial subway with graffiti A resistant cladding and low Stagecoach in Warwickshire has use the Stagecoach 57 bus which runs maintenance surfaces. kindly donated a Goldrider bus pass past the school. At present, most of A further 10 stations within the worth £600 to Paul Norman of Exhall the buses on the 57 service are step South West Trains franchise are also Grange School. entry Volvo B10s, but Stagecoach in expected to attain Secure Station Paul trains children from pre-school Warwickshire is hopeful that some new accreditation. Ian Brown, Managing age to 19 with special needs, such as low-floor vehicles will be introduced to Director of London Rail, part of learning difficulties and vision and the route in the very near future. Transport for London (TfL), said: physical impairment. “That would be really good news “We are delighted to announce this Part of the training is using the bus for the school”, said Paul. “We would joint investment initiative alongside and Paul makes several journeys a day then be able to train more of our pupils South West Trains. These latest on Stagecoach services into Bedworth, who use wheelchairs. But I must say initiatives will go a long way to Nuneaton and Coventry. the drivers of the current vehicles are helping further reduce anti-social He approached Stagecoach in most helpful and considerate, which is behaviour and will encourage more Warwickshire about the possibility of a greatly appreciated by the children and passengers to use the train service.” travel concession and Managing myself. South West Trains Managing Director James Freeman agreed to “They are taught how much fare Director Andrew Haines said: “The donate a Goldrider pass. they need for a specific journey and to safety and security of our “It’s an extremely generous tell the driver their destination, which passengers and staff will always donation which will help with the is working well,” he added. remain our number one priority training of pupils in a variety of skills and we are happy that we can work outside the school environment,” said together with TfL to give our If you have been up to something Paul. passengers a safer, cleaner journey unusual to aid your local “It’s one-to-one training which, at experience.” the moment, is mainly for children community then we’d like to hear with vision impairment, and being able about it. Your On Stage contact is to use a bus is highly beneficial for listed on p2. Julie Gwynne, Assistant Manager for the Nuneaton operation, hands over the large sized Stagecoach them in many different ways.” Goldrider pass to Paul Norman as his son, Chris, 15, prepares for some white cane training on a Volcanic Some 60 pupils at Exhall Grange A tale to tell? low-floor bus.

Passengers in Kent are set to reap the depot Partnership boost for local network benefits of improved bus services after the signing of the Quality Bus August was a big month for Partnership. Stagecoach Auckland with the Cllr Alex Perkins, Canterbury City opening of the first new bus Council, and Cllr Graham Gibbens, Kent depot since 1983. County Council, joined Stagecoach Kent The new depot is located in Managing Director Paul Southgate to sign a the East Auckland suburb of giant version of the partnership agreement. Panmure and the site is at the The signing took place at the official launch base of an old volcano, the of 17 new low-floor, easy-access Alexander spectacular 135ft-high Mt Dennis Trident double-decker buses for the Wellington. But don’t worry, it new Canterbury Triangle Service. last erupted 9,000 years ago and The £2.5m investment by Stagecoach is is highly unlikely to do so again! phase one of a series of bus improvements Panmure depot will operate planned as part of the new partnership. The as a satellite facility of the much Triangle runs every 15 minutes between larger City Depot, which is Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay 12kms away and very close to using the specially liveried double-decker the Auckland Central Business buses. District. “The partnership is very real and Eastern Area Manager Tom important for the public transport network Burt said: “Initially, Panmure in Canterbury,” said Paul Southgate. Depot will have a fleet of 25 “Without traffic management schemes, the buses but there is room for up introduction of new bus shelters with low to 65 in the future. Among the kerbs and other facilities, it would be very routes the depot will operate is difficult for us to provide a punctual and the popular ‘Remuera Rider’ dependable service on a daily basis for local with its distinct purple branded Working together: Participants sign up for the Canterbury Quality Bus Partnership. residents.” MAN buses.” 4 Autumn 2004 Buses are Fare deal the future Stagecoach has welcomed the Government’s commitment to expanding the role of buses in the years ahead. The Government’s new long-term strategic vision for a modern, efficient and sustainable UK transport system includes a higher priority on bus voted best transport. The Future of Transport White Paper looks at the factors that will he UK’s first low-cost intercity bus service has beaten stiff shape travel and transport over the Tcompetition to clinch a top award at the transport industry next 30 years, including help to local ‘Oscars’. authorities for combining better bus Pioneering megabus.com, launched “It has changed the face of intercity missed out services with local charging schemes last year by Stagecoach, was named the bus travel with its bargain fares and on a major and consideration for further funding most innovative transport project in the easy-to-use website. This award is business of Kickstart projects. The UK at the National Transport Awards. recognition of all the hard work put in award. It was Government has also reaffirmed its More than 400 transport industry by everyone at megabus.com and we among five commitment to the current legislative representatives attended the awards in are looking forward to welcoming even ventures framework for the bus industry and London, which recognise transport more customers on board in the shortlisted in the retaining the Bus Service Operators’ projects that are making a difference. months ahead.” Innovation of the Year Grant. Stagecoach Group Chief Executive More than 900,000 people across category of the Stagecoach responded by saying: Brian Souter said: “We are delighted the UK – including students, National Business “We are pleased the Department for that megabus.com has been recognised commuters, families and ‘silver surfers’, Awards for Scotland. The Transport is considering the with such a prestigious award. the over 55s market who use the category was won by possibility of funding further Kickstart Stagecoach continues to lead the way internet – have already used Lightbody Celebration cakes, projects. Stagecoach has pioneered with new ideas on how to attract more megabus.com. which supplies retailers with party, the pump-priming concept in the UK people to public transport. Meanwhile, megabus.com has just seasonal and novelty cakes. and New Zealand, demonstrating that this approach can improve bus services and deliver significant passenger growth. “We look forward to developing All aboard for Britain’s cheapest bus ride further Kickstart schemes in partnership with local authorities. All £1 fare will buy passengers 575-mile trip from Inverness to London the efforts of bus operators, local authorities and other stakeholders Britain’s cheapest bus ride has hit the between Edinburgh and Glasgow should be focused on working road with passengers able to make have been deployed elsewhere on together to improve services for the 575-mile trip from Inverness to the network. passengers. London for just £1. Tom Wileman, Director of “Stagecoach shares the The bargain fare is being offered Stagecoach Scotland, said: Government’s focus on innovation by megabus.com, Stagecoach’s “Stagecoach is a major bus and coach and value for money for passengers internet-based low-cost inter-city bus operator in Scotland, running 1,000 and taxpayers. Our new services, service. vehicles from the Highlands of such as megabus.com, are attracting Passengers using the new link to Scotland to south west Scotland. new passengers to public transport.” London will be travelling for only 0.17 “Motorvator will be an excellent However, there was disappoint- pence a mile, making it the best value addition to our range of intercity ment that the Manchester Metrolink bus ticket in the country. services, which include Stagecoach and South Hampshire light rail Two services a day in each Express and our highly successful projects have been cancelled. direction now make the 12-hour trip low-cost intercity bus operation The company’s view was: “We between the Highland capital and megabus.com. worked very hard to deliver the best London, with seats starting from just “We believe we can develop the priced bid we could in Manchester, £1. Motorvator business as part of our given the risk constraints the private Brian Souter, Stagecoach Group The latest expansion of the services in Scotland to Glasgow, strategy to attract more people out of sector was being asked to take on Chief Executive, said: “Scots love a megabus.com network, which follows Edinburgh, Fife, Ayrshire, Dumfries, their cars and onto public transport.” board, and it is disappointing the bargain and you will be hard pressed huge demand from passengers in the Aberdeen and Inverness. John Bruce, joint owner of extension is now not being taken to get a better transport deal than this. north of Scotland, includes two return State-of-the-art double-decker Motorvator, said: “We’re delighted forward.” Because our seats are booked on the trips a day from Aberdeen to London. coaches with 86 seats have been Stagecoach is taking over the web, we can keep the costs to There are also six trips a day linking introduced by Stagecoach on Motorvator Motorvator operation and is customers as low as possible and get Inverness and Aberdeen with Edinburgh services and the frequency has been committed to investing in the Nuneaton’s you from one end of the country to and Glasgow. increased to every 20 minutes. business and taking it forward. the other for about the same price as Meanwhile, Stagecoach has bought Stagecoach has also decided to offer “We are also pleased that star quality a paper and a pint of milk. the express coach business of Scottish- a proportion of web-based Stagecoach is taking on our staff and “We’re using the same approach as based company Motorvator, which megabus.com fares on these services, is providing them with excellent Nuneaton has been described as a the budget airlines, the earlier you operates between Edinburgh and giving megabus.com passengers a far conditions.” ‘star’ place to run buses. book, the better the deal you can get Glasgow. larger choice of departure times than Stagecoach took over the running Speaking at the launch of nine – and even our top prices are miles Stagecoach already operates a before. As a result, the dedicated of the Motorvator operation from 6 new low-floor, easy-access buses for cheaper than anyone else.” network of intercity express coach megabus.com vehicles operating September. Network Nuneaton, James Freeman, Managing Director of Stagecoach in Warwickshire, said that good buses and services would encourage more win...win... megabus.com models up for grabs win...win... people to use public transport. The key improvements are the 18 new buses which Stagecoach in megabus.com has celebrated its first birthday – Featured in a recent edition of Buses megabus.com model competition Warwickshire has introduced since and to mark the occasion we have a great Magazine, the UK’s leading enthusiast The Editor, On Stage March. The first nine buses are competition for bus enthusiasts. publication, only 2,000 copies of the replica bus Stagecoach Group already operating on the important On Stage has 10 replica 11-metre, tri-axle were produced for the UK and Hong Kong. 10 Dunkeld Road no.48 Primeline route. Further buses, produced by Creative Perth, PH1 5TW. investment plans are in the pipeline, Master Northcord Limited, to give away. For your chance to win one of the replicas, which will improve public transport. James concluded: “We are making The replica of the 94-seat bus features the just answer the following question: What Closing date for entries is Friday, 19 November, major developments in Nuneaton, distinctive megabus.com livery and has the was the first megabus.com trial route, 2004. The first 10 correct entries drawn will receive but I’m sure it is the buses that Dundee-Perth-Glasgow route branding. launched in August 2003? a model megabus.com bus. The Editor’s decision is people will notice most, with their The model buses have excellent detailing, final and no correspondence will be entered into. inside and out, including all handrails on board Send your answer, plus your name and low-floor, easy-access entrances, their quality interiors and their green and detailed, individual air-vents above the seats. address, on a postcard to: Good luck! credentials.” Autumn 2004 5 Thumbs up for return of capital Going Forth to

Stagecoach shareholders have given their overwhelming backing to a £250m return of capital plan. Stagecoach is investig The Group’s proposals to return around £250m of capital to sharehold- for a passenger ferry ers by issuing redeemable B shares were approved by a massive majority Scotland’s most impo at the company’s AGM on 27 August. Under the proposal, for every 24 iscussions have taken place wit ordinary shares held by an investor at Scottish Executive, about the 5pm on 10 September, 2004, they D received 19 consolidated ordinary Edinburgh by boat. shares and 24 B shares. It is estimated that a cross-Firth of Forth Shareholders were able to have ferry service, using a 30 to 40-metre vessel their B shares redeemed for 18 pence with the capacity for 200 to 300 passengers, each in cash on 22 September, 2004, could be up and running in around two or retain all or some of their B shares. years. The proposal was seen as the best The move comes as traffic volumes on system for a number of reasons: the heavily congested Forth Road Bridge grow well beyond expectations and journey • All shareholders are treated times for commuters continue to increase. equally, in line with the size of Stagecoach co-funded their existing shareholdings in a study by the Maritime ‘We believe Stagecoach Transport Research Unit at • The relative proportions of equity Napier University five passenger fe held by investors did not change years ago. It considered a as a result of the issue of the B number of issues, potential and shares including the potential • The return of capital was able to locations for crossings, solution to th be implemented in an orderly and vessel specification and timely manner with a lower risk sailing schedules, require- congestion is of market distortions than ments for integration with alternative methods other transport modes, Forth Roa • Shareholders were able to commercial viability and redeem the B shares for cash funding options. Bria without incurring commission or On the water: Stagecoach already has extensive experience running ferries in New Zealand. The study focused on dealing charges. the potential of either a Rosyth-Granton or a Burntisland-Granton link and concluded that The return of capital will create a significant public sector subsidy would be more efficient capital structure for the The New Zealand experience required in the early years while passenger Group and allow it sufficient financial numbers grew towards a sustainable level. flexibility to take advantage of future Since then, the Forth Estuary Transport investment opportunities. Stagecoach already operates ferries in New Zealand of certain bus passes receive free travel on the harbour Authority has been looking at the potential It is not envisaged that it will affect and has successfully integrated them with local bus ferries. Stagecoach has also been behind an integrated for such an initiative as part of the transport the future level of dividends per share services. ticketing scheme, which provides monthly and daily strategy for the area. and the Stagecoach Board intends to Fullers Ferries, one of Stagecoach’s businesses in passes that link all bus operators, the ferries and the Stagecoach has given the issue further continue to pursue a progressive New Zealand, operates a fleet of 10 ferries in the trains. consideration and a view is emerging that dividend policy. Hauraki Gulf, off Auckland. Stagecoach has also put in place bus-ferry the best location on the Edinburgh side of The main cross-harbour service links the Auckland integration arrangements in the United States. Under the Forth is Leith due to recent expansion Central Business District to the North Shore – a 10- an integrated ticketing arrangement with New York with the opening of the Scottish Executive minute journey, operated with a specially designed Waterway, passengers can travel on the Coach USA headquarters and construction of the Ocean Station benefits modern double-ended 400-passenger ‘Sea Bus’ vessel, Staten Island Express bus service to and from Jersey terminal development. A bus service linking and carries about 1.5m passengers a year. City, connecting with the ferry services between Jersey Leith to Edinburgh city centre operates every Bus services link into the ferry services and holders City and Manhattan. five minutes at peak times. On the Fife side, from makeover the best potential locations appear to be

Havant Station has been given a £300,000 facelift to help improve conditions for passengers. South West Trains, along with Hampshire County Council, Select Service Partners and Network Rail, ploughed the cash into the station to improve lighting in the car park and on platforms, refurbish the toilets on the London-bound platform, revamp the waiting room and build a new ticket office which is easily accessible for wheelchair users. Malcolm Page, South West Trains’ Station Development Manager, said: “South West Trains is continuing to join forces with local authorities across the network in order to give our passengers a safer, cleaner environment to wait for their train. “In recent months the station has also seen an extra 17 car park spaces as well as incorporating the Hayling Billy cycle route.” Further improvements to the station include the signage at Havant being replaced, part of a rolling programme at stations across the network. All aboard: Fullers Ferries transports 1.5m passengers a year.

6 Autumn 2004 SWT hits the right track beat congestion for success South West Trains’ Station Pride Awards 2004 proved memorable for four stations that clinched four top places in the face of stiff gating the potential competition. Sway and Brockenhurst put the service across one of New Forest firmly on the map by scooping Best Small Station and ortant estuaries. Most Improved Station respectively. Sway’s success was largely due th a range of bodies, including the to efforts to personalise the waiting e possibility of linking Fife and area where passengers are offered games and sweets, while eye- catching hanging baskets adorn the Burntisland or Kirkcaldy, giving a crossing platforms. time as short as 10 minutes. Neighbouring Brockenhurst, While there are some accessibility issues recently awarded Secure Station related to the harbour entrance at Leith, status, has been repainted and work Stagecoach is confident there are no barriers has been done to the overbridge. in terms of the integration of a ferry link with Dedicated employees at Woking existing bus services. station were also delighted when The company already operates 300 buses their hard work was rewarded with in Fife and existing services could easily be first place in the Best Large Station routed to a terminal point category. a cross-Forth and park and ride. Judges were impressed with the Passenger volumes at spotless appearance and helpfulness erry has real the Ferrytoll Park and Ride Alternative transport: A ferry service across the Firth of Forth would relieve traffic pressure on the bridges. of staff when they visited. facility near Inverkeithing Raynes Park employees also had d could be the in Fife have grown dra- cause to celebrate when they landed matically as traffic the title Best Station Operating in he increasing congestion has increased Difficult Circumstances category. on the Forth Road Bridge, Staff, praised for coping with ssues on the with the 500-car space running a busy station spread over facility now regularly full. two lines, have tackled graffiti and ad Bridge.’ Work is under way to anti-social behaviour to create a double the capacity to welcoming atmosphere which has n Souter take 1,000 cars. been further boosted by the arrival Brian Souter, of a library in the waiting room. Stagecoach Chief Executive, said: “We believe a cross-Forth passenger ferry has real potential and could be the solution to the increasing congestion issues on the Forth Supertram top Road Bridge. “Initial kickstart public funding would be required to put in place the infrastructure but of the league we would be willing to take the commercial risk on running the service. Sheffield Supertram has recorded “From the operational experience we the biggest passenger growth of have of running ferries in New Zealand and any light rail system in the UK, our ability to integrate buses with ferries according to Department for there and in the United States, we believe we Transport statistics. have the expertise to deliver a successful Figures show that passenger ferry service in Scotland.” numbers on Supertram rose by Stagecoach is expected to meet shortly seven per cent last year and 12.3m with representatives from the Scottish passengers used the light rail Executive, Fife Council and Forth Ports to Kirkcaldy network during 2003-04, discuss the idea in greater detail. compared to 11.5m the previous year. Across the UK’s seven light rail systems, the average growth was Ferry link history 4.9 per cent, with a total of 142.9m passengers using the networks. • The Forth has had a long history of Supertram was Britain’s first ferry services going back as far as state-of-the-art tramway when it the 12th century opened in 1994 and has seen Burntisland massive growth under Stagecoach • By the late 19th century, services management. Much of the growth were running between North and in light rail passenger numbers in South Queensferry and from the UK in recent years has been in Burntisland to Granton Rosyth London, on Docklands Light • The opening of the Forth Bridge for Railway (DLR) and Croydon rail services took a lot of traffic from Tramlink. the ferry links In the last year, passenger growth on each of those systems • The Granton link closed in the increased by six per cent. The City 1950s and the Queensferry service Airport extension to the DLR is ceased in 1964 with the opening of currently under construction and the Forth Road Bridge further growth is expected in the coming years. • Cross-Forth ferry operations were The most recent system to open briefly revived in 1991 when Forth is Express Transit, Ferries Ltd introduced a passenger which started running in March service between Granton and Granton this year. The other light rail Burntisland. However, it was not Leith systems in England are Tyne and commercially viable due to insuffi- Wear Metro, Manchester Metrolink cient demand and closed down after and Midland Metro. There is also a two years of operation. heritage tram service in Blackpool.

Autumn 2004 7 Oxford sets Boost for baby transport service Stagecoach has given a massive to help provide equipment. boost to a fund-raising drive by and the standard Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust to Neonatal Intensive Care Units will provide a new transport service to be working closely on the initiative. help sick and premature babies. Passengers using the Oxford Tube The Trust has been chosen to Left to right are: Consultant Neonatologist service might think they’re living a provide the highly specialised Martin Slack, Stagecoach South Managing charmed life. service throughout the central Director Andrew Dyer and Lead Transport The levels of comfort on their south coast of England and Nurse Gill Ager with the mobile incubator journeys are now even higher thanks Stagecoach has helped kick-start which will be used within the new south to an £8m fleet of 25 luxury double- the venture with a £5,000 donation coast regional transport service decker coaches, which are replacing the route’s former vehicles, themselves only five years old. The low-floor, air-conditioned vehicles boast reclining seats, more legroom, seat belts, power points and toilets. They are also equipped with Rail teams on track CCTV technology for passenger security. The 24-hour service from Oxford to London is believed to represent the UK’s largest investment in new vehicles on a single route as well as as SWT scoops prizes the only fleet of disability accessible coaches in the city. A new secure e-commerce website, www.oxfordtube.com, has also been launched, allowing OUTH West Trains won the plaudits with two honours and customers to book tickets and access Sseven finalists at the prestigious National Rail Awards. timetable and service information online. Employees at London Waterloo and service, day-in, day-out. Managing Director of Stagecoach the maintenance team were both Engineering Director Mac in Oxfordshire Martin Sutton said: winners. Mackintosh said: “This award is “We are setting the standard for other The employees at Waterloo station testimony to the hard work and bus operators and it shows Oxford is went home with the title of London commitment of the entire fleet team.” leading the way in high-quality Operational Team of the Year. The In the Outstanding Personal public transport. Stagecoach has award recognised their efforts to Contribution Award, three frontline invested millions of pounds in deliver consistently high levels of employees were recognised for their accessible buses with wheelchair customer service and their ability to rise dedication and customer service, out of facilities on our main services in to the challenge when services are only 12 national winners. Oxford.” disrupted. Three stations were also mentioned The larger capacity of the new The award also paid tribute to the with London Waterloo winning major coaches also increases the numbers contribution of the new state-of-the-art station of the year, and Southampton who can travel on the route by more Wessex Integrated Central and than 6,000 passengers a day. Control Centre, ‘I have been Axminster were which places South shortlisted for best West Trains and impressed and inspired large and best small Network Rail station respectively. Flagship route controllers together by the successes of There was also to help streamline good news for the bid goes ahead communication South West Trains’ new trains team, and improve which, along with service delivery. manufacturers Stagecoach Group is set to proceed (From left) Driver Sandra Knight, Electrician Colin Karslake, Viv Woolston-Bass, and Robbie Hall. employees.’ South West Siemens, celeb- with a bid to run one of the UK’s Trains Managing rated a win in the flagship rail routes in partnership Director Andrew Project of the Year with the Virgin Group of Companies. Bus wash helps charity clean up Haines said: Andrew Haines Award for the work The two companies successfully The Stagecoach bus depot at Hall, said that more than 30 “Anyone who to introduce the pre-qualified to bid for the InterCity Daneshill, Basingstoke, threw open employees helped make the open knows Waterloo new Desiro trains. East Coast franchise with another its doors to the public to raise cash for day a success. On behalf of his big- will realise how immense the daily Andrew Haines said: “I have been partner in May 2004. However, the St. Michael’s Hospice. hearted team, he presented Viv challenge faced by the team there is impressed and inspired by the three parties were unable to Dozens of people took up the Woolston-Bass, Fundraising Director but, by working together, the staff suc- successes of South West Trains’ conclude a framework for their joint offers to walk through the giant from the hospice, with the cheque for cessfully tackle that challenge every employees across so many parts of the venture. automated bus wash, have their name the proceeds. day. I am delighted their efforts have business. I am immensely proud of Stagecoach and Virgin, who are placed on bus destination boards, and He said: “We really must thank the been recognised with this award.” their achievements.” partners on the current Virgin Rail ride some of the 46 visiting vintage public for their support on the day, The second win was for South West Group franchises, have now decided and modern buses. which allowed us to make this Trains’ fleet team, which was named to go ahead with a bid for the East At Stagecoach we are proud of They also had the opportunity to substantial donation to St. Michael’s the Maintenance Team of the Year. This Coast franchise after the Strategic Rail our people. So let us know about see behind the scenes at the depot Hospice.” new award recognised the high levels Authority confirmed that the all of your achievements. Your and learn about bus driver training Last year Stagecoach supported of fleet reliability delivered by Stagecoach-Virgin joint venture still On Stage contact is listed on p2. and job opportunities. another hospice fundraiser – Bad Hair engineers and maintenance workers in meets the pre-qualification tender Operations Manager for Day – and hopes to offer similar all of South West Trains’ depots to requirements. Stagecoach in Basingstoke, Robbie backing for the charity in the future. make sure the trains are available for A tale to tell? Commenting on the announce- ment, Brian Souter, Stagecoach Group Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted that we are proceeding jointly with our bid for the InterCity West coast footy nets funding East Coast rail franchise, which is one of the UK’s flagship routes. With Scottish junior football has netted a Stagecoach sponsored the leagues our partners Virgin, we have winner in the form of a three-year from 1994 to 2002. Stagecoach West extensive experience of operating sponsorship deal, worth more than Scotland is a leading brand and will intercity services and we are both £60,000. assist our drive to raise the profile of committed to putting passengers at Stagecoach West Scotland will junior football in the West.” the heart of our business.” sponsor awards for Team of the Month Tom Wileman, Managing Director Sir Richard Branson, Chairman, and Fair Play in the West of Scotland Stagecoach Scotland, added: “We Virgin Group, added: “We believe Leagues. Financial bonuses will also be know how passionate football is in the our track record of investing in new paid to clubs finishing in the top three West of Scotland and we are delighted trains and focusing closely on of their respective leagues. to be offered the opportunity to delivering a first-class operating Tom Johnston, Secretary, the become involved for the next three performance will enable us to work Scottish Junior Football Association, years. We are confident that our together to develop a strong bid for said: “This is great news for all the sponsorship will benefit many of the the InterCity East Coast franchise.” clubs, players and supporters teams, which can only be good for the On the ball: (From left) Brian Donohoe, MP for Cunninghame South; Tom Wileman, Managing Director throughout the West Region, where communities we serve.” Stagecoach Scotland; Tom Johnston, Secretary of the Scottish Junior Football Association. 8 Autumn 2004 Stagecoach pays tribute to the past

Stagecoach North East is paying tribute to 125 Motor buses appeared on the streets in and traditions in which our company is years of public transport in by May 1929 and in October 1954 tramcar No.86 steeped. The commemorative vehicle was in repainting one of its vehicles in the traditional returned to Wheatsheaf depot, marking the service around Sunderland from Friday, 13 Sunderland Corporation Transport colours. end of the local tramway operation. Since August, and made an appearance at the Public transport began in the town in then, Sunderland Corporation Transport has Rally on the August Bank Holiday. April 1879 when Sunderland Tramway passed into the stewardship of Tyne & Wear At the same time we continue to look to the Company introduced a route between PTE (1973), (1986) future and later this year will see the intro- and . Sunderland and finally to Stagecoach in 1994. duction of 11 new state-of-the-art MAN low- Corporation took over the company in John Conroy, Managing Director of floor buses onto Services 15 and 16, which January 1900 and introduced electric trams Stagecoach North East, said: “We’re proud to will allow Service 16 to join the Superoute One of the Stagecoach buses in the Sunderland Corporation Transport colours. on 15 August the same year. acknowledge and commemorate the history network of services in Tyne & Wear.” Bus lane CCTV - looking boost

Bus users in the South East have been enjoying faster journey times thanks to the introduction of bus lanes in Farnborough. Stagecoach South East has been monitoring closely the impact of at the big picture the bus lanes on the popular Route 1 service and, with congestion- ecent CCTV develop- Closed circuit TV on buses and coaches is proven to increase driver and related delays reduced, has been Rments have focused on able to speed up timetables and three areas: increasing the passenger safety and reduce insurance premiums. David Cummings, of cut journey times. effectiveness of CCTV, LOOK CCTV,takes us behind the moving image to look at the kinds of Most trips between Aldershot easier access to images and and Camberley have been reduced developments we can expect to see over the next 12 months. by 10 per cent, shaving four reducing service and minutes off the journey time maintenance costs. are important in evidence gathering. between the two important Digital CCTV systems are charac- In keeping with the Data Protection centres. terised by long recording times and Act, operators are setting aside secure The faster service is thanks to high-resolution images. Typically, rooms for viewing images so that as the Quality Bus Partnership between six and eight cameras are few people as possible are allowed to initiative, involving Stagecoach used on a double-decker and four on see incident images, and police can and the local authorities for a single-decker. review the evidence in private. Hampshire, Surrey, Rushmoor, The exact configuration of cameras Of course, CCTV service and Surrey Heath and Bracknell Forest. will vary but normally includes a maintenance is important. Operators Since the signing of the forward facing camera to record the with large bus and coach fleets using Partnership in October 2001, Route behaviour of pedestrians and other CCTV will soon be able to use a 1 has been increased from every road users. Images from all cameras wireless radio link that automatically 20 to every 15 minutes and is now are recorded continuously onto a reports faults on the CCTV cameras as operated by low-floor easy-access removable hard drive. the vehicle enters the depot. buses. For Steve Chapman, Engineering In an industry first for digital CCTV “We are delighted to be able to Director at Stagecoach East Midlands, systems, LOOK CCTV is undertaking cut journey times. Traffic a new user of CCTV, “the high quality a pioneering project with Stagecoach congestion causes significant digital images compared with earlier on 50 vehicles at the company’s delays and initiatives, such as this, video systems will make CCTV a far Bromley depot that will revolutionise can play a major part in making more effective approach to tackling On screen: Cunninghame South MP Brian Donohoe (left) with Stagecoach Scotland Managing Director the management and monitoring of public transport the first choice for vandalism and investigating accident Tom Wileman in front of one of the LCD display screens. CCTV images. more and more people,” said claims”. The new system will automatically Stagecoach Commercial Manager Images can be viewed on the bus Satellite (GPS) system, allowing the passengers can see the screen, which download all footage each night to a Edward Hodgson. using a hand-held reviewer or speed and position of the vehicle to has a huge deterrent effect. large central server system, as the transferred from the recorder’s hard form part of the recording. Stagecoach West Scotland is using vehicle returns to the depot. This is drive onto a PC. All the images are For bus operators, taking vandals to LCD passenger displays on buses done over a wireless LAN, enabling date and time stamped to ensure their court and getting involved in disputing serving Dumfries and Glasgow. system checks and updates to be A station evidential value in the event of a fraudulent insurance claims is a time “We’d heard some very good reports done without visiting the vehicle. prosecution by the police. consuming and costly process and about the effectiveness of CCTV with a Once downloaded, this CCTV footage CCTV systems are providing an efforts are focused on nipping the passenger LCD display and decided to is available for review by authorised increasingly safe environment for problem in the bud. deploy them in around 40 buses,” said personnel – all without even visiting in bloom drivers and passengers. New systems One approach is to use a 15” LCD Sam Greer, Engineering Director, the bus. offer recording rates of 25 frames per colour screen showing passengers they Stagecoach West Scotland. “We’ve had a •For more information on CCTV Employees at Godalming station now second, support even more cameras are being filmed. The screen distracts couple of incidents caught on film in buses and coaches, contact David know for sure they have a blooming and allow audio recording in the vandals who can see, by the quality of which have been passed to the police.” Cummings, LOOK CCTV, on good place to work. driver's cab area. The CCTV system the image, how easy it is to identify The practicalities of how bus and 01253891222 or e-mail The station’s stunning hanging can be linked to a Global Positioning them. They also know that other coach operators manage CCTV images [email protected] baskets, potted plants and floral beds earned it the title of Best At the rally: Miscellaneous Building in the annual Rallying round to raise funds Stagecoach’s Godalming in Bloom competition. Chris Ingram Gareth Leslie, South West Trains with Miss Group Station Manager, said: “I am Thousands of people flocked to the Chris Ingram, who helped organise Herne Bay very proud that we have managed to Stagecoach-sponsored Herne Bay Bus the rally, said: “The event was a great Jenny Neale win this award and it’s all thanks to Rally, where 40 new and vintage buses success. We had a selection of buses (second right) the hard work from staff at the were on display. from many decades of transport offering and station. We pulled together as a team, The Herne Bay High Street depot rides to visitors. We managed to raise a Princesses carrying out most of the work in our hosted the fourth rally, organised by lot of money for the hospice so we’re Vicky Hunt own time. Stagecoach in East Kent and the Herne extremely grateful to everyone who (second left) “With the recent makeover Bay Vintage Bus group, which was helped make the day a success.” and Ellen Godalming received, thanks to an again dedicated to fundraising for the The annual event at the seaside town Pughe. investment from DKS Homes, we felt Sittingbourne-based Demelza House is now a favourite with bus enthusiasts floral displays would complement Hospice for Children. Volunteers and and the general public alike who are the works and give our passengers a staff from the hospice manned one of fascinated by the range of vehicles on station to be proud of.” the many stalls set up in the depot. show. Autumn 2004 9 Ramsgate pupils gain improved bus behaviour award

Ramsgate School pupils who travel Transport Team Leader and Steven He said: “Stagecoach transports by bus were recently presented with Noad, East Kent Transport Planner over 1,300 school children in the certificates for improved behaviour for Schools. Julia Seaward region every day, so the importance at a special ceremony in the school. presented Mario Citreo with a of good behaviour and the safe use Stagecoach nominated the cheque for £250 before certificates, of bus transport is crucial. We were pupils, who use Route 266, after acknowledging the improved impressed with the efforts shown by consultation with drivers who conduct on the school buses, were the Ramsgate School pupils to make provide the service. A third of the presented to the pupils. their journey to and from school 550 pupils, aged from 11 to 16, use Tim Pomfret, the Stagecoach more pleasant.” the buses. Attending the ceremony, Schools Liaison Officer for Kent and Stagecoach was also presented organised by Ramsgate School’s , who nominated the with an award for the coach with acting headteacher, Mario Citreo, school as part of the Safe Travel To the best-improved pupils. were, from Kent County Council, School Awards, said that the drivers Last year, the best-improved Ramsgate certificate winners with (from centre) Julia Seaward and Mario Citreo and Julia Seaward, Head of Transport, had noticed a great improvement in behaviour awards went to the St. Michelle Hitch with Tim Pomfret. Michelle Hitch, Mainstream School pupil behaviour. Edmunds Catholic School in Dover. Safari transport opens up the celebrates great outdoors a century of buses

orthing rolled back the Wyears recently as it commemorated a very special centenary. To mark the 100th anniversary of motor bus travel in the town, many historic buses from the former were These runners lead the way in the brought back into service to provide six-hour event. rides for the public and VIPs to . The Southdown Bus It may be a far cry from the wilds of Collection, based at Amberley Working Kenya, but “City Safari” in Wellington, Museum in West , provided New Zealand, certainly created a buzz many of the classic vehicles. among 80 enthusiastic competitors. Stagecoach South, which The orienteering event incorpor- purchased Southdown Motor Services ated hill climbing, cross country Ltd in 1989, hosted the special trekking, map reading and public celebration at Worthing depot. transport. It was held in the Hutt Managing Director of Stagecoach Valley, just north of the capital city, to South Andrew Dyer invited help promote public transport and Christopher Heaps, South East Traffic raise the profile of the sport to a wider Commissioner, to cut a special bus audience. cake in the presence of the Mayor and Event organiser Michael Wood said Mayoress of Worthing, Cllr Jack and he was pleased with the success of the Mrs Lyla Saheid. To complete the event and mentioned that competitors ceremony, Stagecoach was pleased to were very impressed by the services, invite the three most senior former which all ran on time. employees who still live in the Cityline Hutt Valley Manager Bruce Worthing area. Kenyon said: “From our point of view, Bernie Wingfield, 91, started the event was an unqualified success. driving in 1930 and retired as an Celebrating history are (from left) Bernie Wingfield, Dave Caple, Cllr Jack and Mrs Lyla Saheid, Christopher Heaps, Andrew Dyer and Percy Randall Participants had a great day and the inspector in 1978. Dave Caple, 93, with the 1914 Tilling Stevens (left) and one of Stagecoach’s new easy-access Dennis . drivers also enjoyed being involved. started in 1934 and finished in 1976. The use of public transport to The eldest, 99-year-old Percy Randall, restored 1908 open-top 43-seat body the 10 visiting buses from the Is your Stagecoach department or negotiate a large area, that was both started in the same year as his and provided transport for the VIPs; Southdown Bus Collection. region hosting any special celebra- challenging and arduous, also colleague Bernie and retired in 1971. pride of place also went to a 1929 Stagecoach has invested over £1m in tions? Your On Stage contact is provided a unique twist to a wholly The oldest bus at the event was a Leyland TDI with a brush body. new buses for the Worthing area this listed on p2. interesting event.” 1914 Tilling Stevens, originally Andrew Dyer said: “The celebration year and, with further investment Michael Wood is now planning the operated by Worthing Motor Services was a great success. More than 2,000 imminent, the future of public next event for Wellington and is Ltd. The eye-catching bus has a people took the opportunity to ride on transport in the town is very positive.” A tale to tell? considering making it a 24-hour affair. Walkers tackle tough challenge for cancer fund

More than £11,000 has been raised for Negotiator at Stagecoach’s PSV Claims volunteered to do this, not for me, but a cancer charity in a challenge to tackle Bureau in Perth, lost wife Pauline to because they wanted to in memory of a gruelling 54-mile walk in just 24 cancer last year at the age of just 42. Pauline. I feel sure that she would have hours. Ten walkers took part and their been very proud of everyone and what Friends and family of a Stagecoach efforts raised £11,091 for the World they have achieved in her memory.” employee, whose wife died of breast Cancer Research Fund. Kevin said that the fund-raising cancer, took on the challenge to walk Kevin said: “To walk 54 miles in 24 would continue through a charity shop part of the West Highland Way this hours is a serious challenge to and the sale of donated football summer to raise awareness of cancer undertake by experienced walkers, memorabilia. and get across the prevention message. never mind people who, six months Anyone who would like to make a Kevin Bickerstaffe, a Senior Claims ago, were non-walkers. This money donation to the World Cancer Research could not have been raised without the Fund can send cheques, made payable enthusiasm of many volunteers. to WCRF 54 Mile Challenge, to Kevin The walkers line up before “Everyone who took part, both the Bickerstaffe at PSV Claims Bureau Ltd, their charity trek. walkers and the support team, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth PH1 5TW. 10 Autumn 2004 PEOPLE Awards honour long service staff

Derek Scott with Stagecoach founders Brian Souter and Ann Gloag. tagecoach North East Srecently presented long service awards to Company secretary employees in the Busways and Transit steps down Divisions. The Transit long service awards were made at an event held at Derek Scott, who has been Company Secretary with Crathorne Hall Hotel, attended by Stagecoach since 1996, stood down from the post the 13 recipients, who had clocked following the Group’s 2004 Annual General Meeting. up a total of 375 years’ service A former Finance Director with Stagecoach, between them. They were: Derek has had a long association with the company. Stagecoach Group Chairman Robert Speirs said: 40 years – Geoffrey Hillier “On behalf of the company and shareholders, I (Hartlepool) would like to thank Derek for his excellent service over the years. 35 years – Malcolm Bell “I am pleased that we will not be losing Derek’s (Hartlepool) experience entirely and he will continue to focus on The Transit Division people with their long service certificates. pensions matters, including his role as the Chairman 30 years – John Bacon of the Stagecoach Group Pension Scheme trustees.” (Stockton), Amrik Singh Bains Ross Paterson, the Group Financial Controller, (Darlington), Paul de Santis (Head who has been with Stagecoach for almost five years, Office), Alfred James Morgan will take on the additional role of Company (Stockton) and Leslie Rees Secretary. (Stockton)

25 years – John Bell (Stockton), Dick calls Gillian Belton (Stockton), Ian Clark (Hartlepool), John William Lax (Stockton), Barry Michael Price it a day (Darlington) and Kenneth William after 46 Stirland (Stockton). Meanwhile, at the Marriott years’ Park Hotel, long service awards were presented to 22 Busways employees with a total of service 590 years’ service between them. Employees in the Busways Division show off their awards. They were: Joseph Robins (Sunderland) and Brian Dodd (), Kenneth Hawman 30 years – Robert Alan Burn Sleightholme () (Walkergate), Brian Jannikos (), Neil Dick Brooker (Sunderland), Gary Davison McLeary (Sunderland), Kenneth Munns with his watch (Slatyford), Barry Edward 25 years – Desmond Addison (Walkergate), Kevin Rogan (Slatyford), Adrian and photo album. (Slatyford), William George Howey (Sunderland), Edward Gregory Barber Saddington (Sunderland), Thomas Shoesmith Stagecoach’s Herne Bay depot bade a fond farewell (Slatyford), Brian Hudson (South (Sunderland), Martin Buckell (Slatyford), (Walkergate), Brian Stonely (Sunderland) and to Dick Brooker who has retired after 46 years. Shields), Brian Reed (Walkergate), Kenneth W Cooper (Slatyford), Peter John Ian Wrightson (Sunderland). As Engineering Manager, Dick headed up a team of 27 at Herne Bay. He had started as an apprentice bus engineer with Maidstone and District Motor Services Limited in 1958. As well as a watch, his colleagues presented him Rob takes engineering with an album of photos showing the many different bus makes he has worked on over the years, including a 1950 . During his retirement, Dick will remain a pole position at Thanet volunteer driver of a Stagecoach bus used by Demelza House Children’s Hospice for fundraising Rob Clarke has taken up the post of Transfleet in Coventry. roadshows. He also intends to improve his golf Engineering Manager, overseeing He said: “It’s great to be back in handicap, spend more time gardening and see more 28 employees, at Stagecoach’s the bus industry and, despite the of his grandchildren. Thanet depot. years away, it still feels like home. His engineering career started The technology has changed but 20 years ago when he gained an the pressures on the engineering apprenticeship with Greater team are still the same: to ensure Peter Mann Manchester Transport. He then that the fleet is maintained to It is with great regret that we announce the death of moved on to work on commercial schedule.” Peter Mann, who passed away on Saturday, 4 vehicles for Hadfield Transport in Thanet depot is one of the September, at Forest Hill Nursing Home in Worksop. Manchester and was latterly largest in East Kent, with more than Peter worked for many years as a driver at Technical Services Manager for Lex 140 personnel, including adminis- Worksop. After leaving the company for a time, he tration, engineering and drivers. worked as a driver on his return and, more recently, The dedicated team ensures that joined the NVQ team. important commuter routes are He will be sadly missed. Back to buses: Rob Clarke, the new Engineering operated effectively daily using a Manager at Stagecoach’s Thanet depot. fleet of 56 buses. Autumn 2004 11 Helping make our communities safer

tagecoach employees are The charity is also urging employees to Sbeing encouraged to play raise funds to help its work, from dress Guide to safer driving a part in improving road down days to sponsored bike rides or safety in their communities walks and raffles at community events. • Belt Up – front and back and ensure children are as part of a major Mary Williams, Chief Executive of correctly restrained Brake, said: “Road Safety Week is a great • Slow Up – abide by limits and only overtake if totally nationwide programme opportunity to find out how you and your safe next month. family can stay safe on the roads. We look • Wake Up – never drive tired and take breaks every two Road Safety Week – which runs forward to working with Stagecoach in the hours on long journeys from 8-14 November – will focus future to support better road safety for all • Sober Up – 'just say no' to alcohol and drugs if driving on the dangers of drink-driving stimulate community involvement in our communities.” • Look Up – look out for people on bikes, horses and foot and promote a range of safety promoting road safety awareness all year • Wise Up – if it's night, bright, or bad weather, go slower messages through the media. round. • Further information on Road Safety • Buck Up – calm yourself before driving if stressed, angry And national road safety charity Brake is encouraging all drivers to sign Week is available at www.roadsafety- or excited Brake is calling on people across up to a 12-point plan (see Guide to safer week.org.uk. The Brake website, • Move Up – adjust head restraints to no lower than the the country to think about how driving panel) that can help them stay safe which contains information and advice, top of your head to help prevent whiplash these issues affect our local on the roads. is www.brake.org.uk. • Sharpen Up – wear glasses or lenses if you need them communities and take steps to • Shut Up – switch your phone to voicemail tackle the problem. • Back Up – from the vehicle in front – it's your braking Every day, nine people are space in a crisis killed and 10 times as many are • Check Up – check brakes, tyres, lights, mirrors and seriously injured on Britain's roads. windows. Official statistics show that drink-drive deaths are, alarmingly, on the rise in the UK, and the worst offenders are young men. Alcohol: advice for drivers Brake was set up with the aim of preventing road crashes through education, and relieving the • Don't drink and drive. Even a small amount of alcohol suffering of bereaved and seriously affects your reactions. Stick to soft drinks if you are injured road crash victims through planning to drive support services. • If you're going out and plan to drink, then book a taxi, use public transport or stay overnight Its work includes: • If you're going out with a group, pick a 'designated • A helpline and support driver' to get everyone home and make sure this person literature for road crash doesn't have anything to drink – never buy a drink for victims (office hours only – someone who is planning to drive telephone 01484 421611) • Never drive if there's even a slim chance you are still • An information service for 'under the influence'. If you finish drinking your sixth pint employers about fleet safety of average strength lager at 11pm, you won't be totally • Research into driver sober until at least 11am the next day, and it could take behaviour and public much longer. It takes at least two hours for every average attitudes to road safety strength pint of beer to leave your system, and you can't • Educational resources, par- start counting the hours until you have finished your last ticularly for drivers, drink employers and families • Don't drink the night before if you know you've got an • Campaigning in Government early start, and don't drink at lunchtime if you're driving and Parliament for road safety that afternoon or evening policies. • Drinking coffee, sleeping, or having a shower don't work – only time. So count the hours and use this as a Road Safety Week is the minimum guide to the amount of time you have to leave Picture courtesy of Brake. charity’s flagship campaign but it before you are sober. organises a range of initiatives to Safety for all road users, young and old, is a key part of the national campaign. Support for commemoration

Gray Line New York Sightseeing was historic ties linking America and Britain on hand to make sure more than 300 while honouring the 67 British victims UK police officers were able to get of the World Trade Center attacks. about during the September 11 com- The British visitors were also memoration. escorted by Coach USA Chief The officers travelled to the Big Operating Officer Roger Bowker and Apple at their own expense to pay Gray Line New York Sightseeing their respects and raise money for the President Tom Lewis. families of their fellow New York City This is the third UK trip to be officers lost in the attack. organised by non-profit organisation A double-decker bus was provided Protect the Protectors. so that the officers, who also attended Tom said: “It’s a tremendous the dedication ceremony of the British honour to have the ‘bobbies’ here once Memorial Garden, could travel from again in New York City. Times Square to Hanover Square in full “We are glad to be able to uniform. participate in such an important The British Memorial Garden Trust dedication and will continue to provide received final approval for the creation support to these officers in any way we of the garden, which will celebrate the can.” Representatives of Coach USA, Protect the Protectors and Gray Line New York Sightseeing pictured with the ‘bobbies’ in New York. 12 Autumn 2004