The newsletter of Issue 103 | May 2014 STAGE ON page 3 | page 4 INSIDE Catch the Bus Week Inspired by Matthew Stagecoach releases children’s book Profits from book to help support children’s literacy across the UK STAGECOACH is capturing the fun side of transport communities, where up to 40 per cent of people have after releasing its first children’s book. literacy problems. The 16-page book, which is called ‘A Very Special Stagecoach Group Chairman Sir said: “It’s Family Party’, was produced to mark the 60th a great idea, which we hope children will enjoy, and it birthday of Stagecoach co-founder and Chairman Sir reminds us that there’s a fun side to transport too.” Brian Souter. Chief Executive of Stagecoach Group Martin Griffiths Illustrators have turned the company’s well-known explained: “We like to diversify our products here at brands - including UK Bus, .com, South West Stagecoach, so when the opportunity arose to produce Trains, Trains and Supertram - into a children’s book we thought it was worth a try. It’s also children’s characters in a fun story set at a ‘family’ a fitting way to mark Brian’s birthday, given that he is so birthday party for Sir Brian. passionate about public transport, and of course we are Along with Sir Brian, characters such as Bobby Bus, delighted to be supporting a great cause in the National Stanley Supertram and Molly megabus.com have Literacy Trust at the same time.” been immortalised in cartoon form. Lorna Taylor, Corporate Partnerships Manager at the The book, which was written by Stagecoach Senior National Literacy Trust says: “One person in six in Group Communications Manager Lindsay Reid, is the UK lives with poor literacy and this holds them priced at £4. At least £1.50 from the sale of each back at every stage of their life. Our interest is in The front cover of the book. book will be donated to the National Literacy Trust supporting some of the UK’s poorest children and which works to improve reading, writing, speaking families to improve their literacy skill. Funds raised by The finished product is now available to buy online at and listening skills in the UK’s most disadvantaged Stagecoach will help us to achieve this vital goal.” www.amazon.co.uk Still Britain’s best Down the aisle with megabus.com

value bus operator NEWLYWEDS Rick and Katie Moynihan are such loyal STAGECOACH has been confirmed as Britain’s best megabus.com fans that they value major bus operator for the third successive time, involved the budget coach according to new independent research. operator in their wedding day. Analysis published by transport specialists TAS At their wedding the pair used found that Britain’s biggest bus operator provides a megabus.com vehicle to regular passengers with the lowest cost weekly transport wedding guests to bus travel. their wedding and reception Stagecoach weekly travel is on average 12% lower venues. The couple, who than the next cheapest operator, more than 50% less got married in Forfar, spent than bus fares charged in the capital by Transport for two years travelling every London, and up to 60% better value than the most weekend to see each other expensive major bus company. between their bases in TAS found a week’s travel with Stagecoach was Dundee and Manchester Sid averts his eyes as the happy couple embrace. on average just £12.50 – up to £7.45 a week using the low cost intercity cheaper than other major operators. It means that, travel provider. even accounting for annual holidays, Stagecoach As megabus.com had played such an important people we met on it and especially how easy the passengers could save more than £300 a year and well known role in their lives whilst dating, the company made the long distance for us. All of our compared to other big bus companies. couple wanted it to play a part in their special day. friends and family know that we spent a huge chunk Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Martin Griffiths said: So they approached megabus.com to ask if they of our relationship travelling on megabus.com “We are proud of our extensive record as Britain’s best could hire a vehicle to transport their guests around. just to be together. The arrival of the bus at the value bus operator. Stagecoach is also investing record Katie said: “megabus.com has been a huge part wedding made them all laugh!” sums in improving the quality of bus travel, helping of our relationship. Whenever one drives past us support British manufacturing and jobs.” we smile and remember all our travel stories, the CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 Did you know? Stagecoach has cut its carbon footprint in the UK and North America by 20% in the last four years. ON STAGE Top coach awards What a STAGECOACH’S UK coach businesses scooped two honours at the 2014 UK Coach Awards. Laugh! The megabusGold.com sleepercoach service – which is operated through the joint The following announcement was venture with transport group ComfortDelGro – won heard being made by a driver on the London the Technology and Innovation award. Underground. megabus.com also scooped the Coach Marketing Driver: “Please allow the doors to close! Try not One of the megabusGold.com vehicles. Award for large operators after impressing to confuse this with ‘Please hold the doors open’. judges with its implementation of a carefully Stagecoach’s UK Coach Managing Director Elizabeth The two are distinct and separate instructions.” measured and integrated digital strategy, based Esnouf said: “We’re delighted to win these awards on comprehensive research and led by a clear which are down to the hard work of our employees. Stagecoach leads on understanding of customer needs. The judging megabusGold.com is without doubt one of the most panel praised the “sophisticated and scientific” innovative new products the coach industry has seen customer satisfaction approach taken by the company in delivering its for some time and it’s great that the judges have digital media strategy. FOR the second year in a row bus passengers using recognised that.” Stagecoach are more satisfied than customers using other national UK operators, according to Improvements at Seasiders hit the streets independent research. Midlands has launched a Consumer watchdog Passenger Focus found that Wokingham Station revamped fleet of open top buses, named ‘the 90% of Stagecoach bus passengers were either very Seasiders’, for the 2014 holiday season in Skegness. or fairly satisfied with their overall service – even The Seasiders are based on classic holiday themes higher than last year’s leading score of 86%. and each design is a character in its own right – Researchers also found that Stagecoach was the top there’s Rocky, Shelly, Candy, Pierre and Sandy. national operator for the key customer measures of Each bus has a striking new livery, refurbished value for money, punctuality and on-bus journey time. seats and interiors. A children’s storybook about Only 3% of Stagecoach customers surveyed said they the adventures of Rocky has also been produced, were dissatisfied overall. and is currently on sale for £2 to raise money for The overall customer ratings for Stagecoach were the When You Wish Upon a Star charity, which higher than three other national UK bus operators helps grant the wishes of children living with life – , First and National Express - all of whom threatening illnesses. The new-look Wokingham Station. achieved an overall satisfaction rating of 86%. To purchase a copy of the book call 01522 522255. Passenger Focus does not include Go Ahead in the TRANSPORT Minister Baroness Kramer has officially national operator results due to the small sample of unveiled major improvements for passengers at their services covered by the survey. Wokingham station, making this the 400th station Robert Montgomery, Managing Director of Stagecoach to benefit from the National Stations Improvement UK Bus, said: “This recognition is a tribute to the Programme (NSIP). customer focus of our drivers behind the wheel and The £6 million improvement programme means our wider team behind the scenes. They can be passengers will now benefit from a brand new rightly proud of what they have achieved. But we station building and a raft of enhancements know we don’t always get things right and need including a new modern glazed station building, to work even harder. We will continue to invest in an improved transport interchange for taxis, buses training and other measures to improve the travel Guests gathered on Rocky’s top deck to launch the Seasiders. and car users, a new and enlarged waiting area experience for our customers.” with additional seating, a larger booking hall and TOP TRAM SATISFACTION TOO improved ticket facilities and new state-of-the-art CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE Meanwhile, more than nine out of 10 Supertram destination information screens. passengers are satisfied with their tram services, Baroness Kramer said: “This scheme to improve our Down the aisle with megabus.com according to independent research by Passenger Focus. stations has been a real success, and Wokingham The couple also had an extra special guest at the The results showed that 94% of tram customers in is a great example. We have delivered £220 million wedding reception as megabus.com mascot Sid were either very or fairly satisfied with their worth of improvements to 400 stations in turned up in his best attire to wish the couple all overall service. No Supertram passengers surveyed and . It is making a real difference to the the best. said they were dissatisfied overall. people who use our railways and is a great example Rick said: “It was a great surprise to find Sid at the In the areas of satisfaction with value for money, of the rail industry working with local partners to reception, waiting to greet our guests. It put a smile punctuality and journey time, Supertram achieved even benefit passengers and communities.” on everyone’s faces.” higher scores than South bus operators. Tim Shoveller, Managing Director for the South West Elizabeth Esnouf, Managing Director for Supertram Managing Director Margaret Kay said: Trains-Network Rail Alliance, said: “Wokingham Stagecoach’s UK Coach division, said: “It’s “We offer high-quality, great value, fast, frequent station has been transformed with a new station always lovely to hear the important part and punctual tram services which connect easily to building that feels more spacious and welcoming, that megabus.com plays in people’s lives, other modes of transport and it’s great to see that our enabling passengers to pass through the station especially on occasions like this with such a customers have recognised that.” more quickly and easily.” happy ending.” 2 Snookers celebs pop by for charity ... find out more on page 5. ON STAGE On board with ‘Catch The Bus Week’

Getting smart in Scotland Bruce Thompson from Devon County Council and Robert Managing Director Mark Threapleton SCOTTISH Transport Minister Keith Brown Williams from West promote the initiative. joined Claire Haigh from Greener Journeys at the launch of welcomed the news that Stagecoach bus Catch the Bus Week. passengers in Scotland are to benefit from a new STAGECOACH joined forces with sustainable transport smartcard ticketing scheme which has been group Greener Journeys and other local bus providers launched in West Scotland. to promote the benefits of bus use during the second The Stagecoach Smartcard scheme – which is annual ‘Catch the Bus Week’. now live across Stagecoach services in Glasgow, The initiative saw bus companies across the country Ayrshire, Arran and Dumfries and Galloway – encouraging local people to ditch their cars in favour allows Stagecoach bus passengers to store their of taking the bus. travel electronically on a smartcard instead of This year the focus was on the health benefits of using paper tickets. taking the bus instead of driving. Keith Brown said: “Stagecoach’s launch of Research from Greener Journeys revealed that nearly commercial smart ticketing in South West half (44%) of UK adult bus users use the walk to Scotland, the first phase of a nationwide roll-out, the bus stop as a way of getting regular exercise. In Gloucester staff do their bit to encourage greater bus use. is an exciting and welcome development for addition, 4 out of ten (42%) of those surveyed also passengers. said they feel healthier and fitter because of travelling “I hope to see other operators follow this lead so by bus and more than half (59%) said that the bus that commercial smart ticketing becomes widely gives them the chance to get some fresh air. available and that national ambitions are met to Throughout the week, Stagecoach highlighted the health, see a Scotland where all journeys on bus, rail, environmental and financial benefits of using the bus ferry, subway and tram networks can be accessed through a programme of promotional activities in local using some form of smart ticketing or payment.” communities to encourage people to give the bus a try. Activities included competitions, ‘Meet the Bus’ days and MPs holding their local surgeries on board buses. Robert Montgomery, Managing Director of Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “Following the success of last year’s event we’re delighted to be taking part this year. MP Justin Tomlinson joined staff in There are obvious health and environmental benefits Swindon during the week. of taking the bus instead of driving – but bus travel can also save people money and reduce the stress of driving and parking in busy towns and cities. “Catch the Bus Week is a great example of how the industry can work together to encourage greater use of sustainable travel.” Brian Arnold with his ‘sad face’ advert. Claire Haigh, Chief Executive of Greener Journeys, added: “The week is a crucial springboard for greater Reduced to tears attention to the whole host of ways that the bus BUS drivers Brian Arnold and Michael Leeming from benefits Britain, from how it helps people fit vital physical activity into hectic lives to how it helps cut ’s Teesside depot were in North West staff get in on the action during Catch the tears, literally, as part of a campaign to encourage traffic congestion.” Bus Week. commuters in the Tees Valley to ditch the car and board the bus. megabus.com keeps growing The aim of the campaign is to engage and appeal to people’s emotions in an amusing and MEGABUS.COM in the US has now expanded into more than 10 million passengers a year. entertaining way. Florida, with a new hub – the company’s 14th in the Dale Moser, President and Chief Operating Office of As part of national ‘Catch the Bus Week’, Brian’s sad United States and Canada – being established in the megabus.com, said: “Customers can travel to these face will appear on outdoor posters and will feature popular tourist region of Orlando. popular destinations in around the same amount of on a smiling poster alongside the three runner-up Miami, Tallahassee and Tampa are the latest time it would take to drive themselves, without the drivers on buses across the Tees Valley. additions to the 120-city network which carries stress of being behind the wheel.”

3 Did you know? Stagecoach Supertram has frozen its tram fares in Sheffield. ON STAGE

n PICTURE THIS

Our Picture of the Season slot has now changed to Picture This – photos no longer need to include a bus, train or tram but should be transport-related in some way. This edition’s wining picture was taken by Colin Wells who works for . It shows a Routemaster bus near Winkleigh in Devon. Congratulations to Colin who will shortly receive his prize of £50 M&S vouchers. If you have any good photos for Picture This please send them to Lindsay Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach Group, 10 Stagecoach staff take part in a tea party. Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW, or email it to [email protected] Time for a cuppa staff took part in a charity Dancing on tour initiative that saw people across raise money, just by having a cup of tea. CHESTER City Sightseeing Tour was re-launched for The bus company sponsored Weston Park the 2014 season with the help of Noella’s Steppers & Hospital Cancer Charity’s latest fundraising Stompers adult tap dancers. As a result tourists and initiative, ‘Time for Tea’, which is part of the shoppers were treated to a few impromptu tap dance charity’s 20-year anniversary celebrations. routines in the Town Hall square. Paul Lynch, Managing Director at Stagecoach The highly popular service has had significant Yorkshire, said: “This is a great way to get people investment with the introduction of four new Open Top together to celebrate and recognise the work that vehicles which offer customers a more comfortable experience as they learn about Chester’s Roman and the charity does.” The Steppers & Stompers in front of one of Chester’s new Medieval history. sightseeing buses. Put on your running shoes A TEAM of Yorkshire bus drivers took part in the SIG Insulation Sheffield Half Marathon corporate challenge, raising more than £400 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Erb’s Palsy Group. The runners Colin Geldard, Lee Grant, Jon Paterson Two of the runners, Colin Geldard (left) and Martin and Martin Coney, were very grateful to colleagues at Coney (right). Stagecoach Yorkshire for their support. The Stockton drivers hand over their cheque to Zoë’s Place. All aboard for charity Delicious delights Easter Bunny visits TEN North East bus drivers delivered a late Christmas present to baby and infant hospice, STAFF at Stagecoach Group HQ in Zoë’s Place, after collecting £3,150 for the Perth held a homebaking sale to charity over the festive season. mark World Down’s Syndrome The drivers from Stockton depot took to their Awareness Day and to raise buses in full costume as elves, snowmen and money for Down’s Syndrome Santa Claus throughout December to encourage Scotland. passengers to get on board and donate. On the day, £340 was raised In Sunderland, drivers Robert Taylor and Mark which was matched by the Johnston also donned festive costumes for work, company to make a total of raising £2,180 for St. Benedict’s Hospice and £680. The sale was organised THE SUNDERLAND depot was treated to a visit the North of England Children’s Cancer Research by Katrina Leese in Group from the Easter Bunny (pictured) when he hopped Fund (NECCR). Finance and was inspired by in to say hello over the Easter period meeting staff her son Matthew (pictured). and customers.

4 Shortlisted for top awards ... find out more on page 7. ON STAGE

LETTER OF PRAISE

The letter below was received from a grateful customer at .

If you or one of your colleagues has received a letter of praise from a customer, please email a copy to lindsay. [email protected] or post it to Lindsay Reid, Senior Group Communications Manager, Stagecoach Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW. We will publish as many as possible. Alliance Head of Marketing, Emma Wiles (second-left) I come from a small village where the bus service receives the award. Dear Stagecoach Customer is infrequent and unreliable. However, after three- Marketing awards success and-a-half years of regularly using Stagecoach Services, buses, I can honestly say that your service is CUSTOMER marketing campaigns by the South I am writing to thank you for the bus service you exemplary. Numerous times a bus has just pulled West Trains-Network Rail Alliance were recognised provide in Manchester. up when I am running later, or has got me safely at the 2014 Travel Marketing Awards. I arrived in the city in 2010 to study at university home from a night out. Your service has been so The Alliance picked up three different awards for and duly bought a unirider like all my flatmates. reliable that I have not even needed to buy a car, its Summer Marketing Campaign, which offered Whether I wanted to go to a lecture, or go which I was expecting to do after I graduated. passengers across the network the opportunity somewhere more interesting, there was always to benefit from a bargain £15 train trip on any a bus to take me wherever I wanted to go, and at Yours faithfully, weekend during August 2013. most I’d only wait a few minutes until one arrived. James Watts The marketing campaign for the Summer Fever Offer picked up the Gold award for ‘Best Integrated Marketing Campaign’, Silver for ‘Best Poster Quick thinking Campaign’ and Bronze for ‘Best Online Campaign’. East Midlands Emma Wiles, Head of Marketing for the -Network Rail Alliance, said: “We’re really proud to have been so successful in this year’s Rail franchise awards for a campaign that was so beneficial for our customers.” STAGECOACH Group can confirm that the Department for Transport (DfT) has exercised the pre-contracted extension of the East Midlands rail franchise through to October 2015. At your service Yolanda Perez is thanked by Newmont Mining Corp employees. The Group has operated the East Midlands has become the first train franchise since November 2007. The franchise, company in the UK to offer a 24/7 point of contact COACH USA driver Yolanda Perez has been praised which was awarded for seven years and four for its customers within its control centre. for her actions in preventing a serious accident months and included an extension option for DfT, The new customer contact team, based within the while transporting 26 employees from the Newmont was due to run until April 2015. East Midlands Trains operational control centre in Mining Corp. DfT further announced in March 2013 the Derby, will be on hand 24-hours a day, 7 days a Yolanda, known as Yo-yo, used quick thinking to avoid planned extension or direct award contract of a week, to book passenger assistance, answer help- what could have been a serious incident as the coach number of UK rail franchises, including the East point calls, help to track lost property and deal with approached a 65mph curve before tunnels. Midlands franchise. The Group is continuing any urgent customer queries. “I noticed lights in the rear view mirror going back discussions with DfT on a planned direct award, The team will also be available to respond to and forth in the lanes,” said Yolanda. “A pick-up truck subject to agreement of commercial terms, from customer queries coming via social media. behind the bus had lost its steering and the driver was October 2015 through to October 2017. losing control of the vehicle.” Right on cue Yolanda realised that if she slowed it could increase the force of the impact and if she slammed on the PASSENGERS travelling through Sheffield station breaks, she could cause a pileup. Champions were treated to a raft of snooker-themed activity in “So I just let him hit me,” she said. “The pick-up hit the the run up to the World Snooker Championships. bus and bounced off the middle of the bus. Then it hit USA trick-shot champion, Florian Kohler, completed Awards update again and became stuck in the front bumper of the bus.” a series of 20 spectacular trick-shots at the station While the pick-up was stuck in the 45-foot bus’ bumper We received a record number of entries for this while snooker pro and TV personality John Parrott Yolanda then slowed down and drove on to a safe area. year’s Group Champions Awards with more than also dropped by to help raise money for Sheffield Yolanda said the 26 miners on the bus stayed asleep 220 nominations. Children’s Hospital and Bluebell Wood Children’s during most of the crash. Currently, the judging process is on-going Hospice by inviting passengers to play a few shots “Nobody was injured,” she said. “They were asleep and details are being finalised for a for a small donation to charity. and thought I blew a tyre. I’m the best driver for them presentation event. Jason Cocker, Sheffield Station Manager, said: now. They thank me every day.” More details will be communicated to shortlisted “We’re really proud to be playing a part in such an Coach USA Assistant Manager Mitch McClurg added: nominees in due course. exciting event for the city.” “She did everything we teach in training.” Thanks to everyone who submitted an entry. 5 Did you know? Stagecoach Manchester staff raised £1,300 for Breast Cancer Awareness by dressing in pink. GREEN SCENE

Stagecoach leads Van Galder wins sustainable award fleet elite drivers CITY of Janesville, Wisconsin, Councilman Jim Farrell recently presented THOUSANDS of Stagecoach employees are among representatives with the 2014 Sustainable the most fuel-efficient bus drivers in the world, Janesville Award. according to a global eco-driver performance scheme. The City, through the Sustainable Janesville Nearly 3,000 Stagecoach drivers have been Committee, honours businesses showing innovation awarded Fleet Elite status under the programme and leadership in sustainable practices. managed by GreenRoad, whose telematics system Accepting the honour on behalf of Van Galder were serves professional drivers in the UK, Ireland, long-time employees Jim Beasley, Allen Fugate, Europe, the Middle East, America, Australia and Mike Pjevach (Coach USA), and Shannon DeRemer. Councilman Jim Farrell (second from left) presents the award. New Zealand. Using a traffic-light LED system on the dashboard, years – the equivalent of the emissions produced by GreenRoad gives drivers instant feedback on their Energy saving success powering 22,000 homes for a year. driving manoeuvres, encouraging smoother, safer, STAGECOACH Stagecoach has invested a total of more than and more fuel-efficient driving. has cut energy £2.2 million in the Vickers system and results show Stagecoach drivers account for nearly half of the consumption at that the Group has saved more than £7.8 million in 6,400 drivers from a number of bus operators its bus depots energy bills in the 10 years that the different systems across ten countries who met the Fleet Elite in the UK have been in place. standard in 2013. following the Managing Director of Stagecoach UK Bus Robert Some 15% of Stagecoach’s 15,000-strong driving introduction of an Montgomery said: “We’ve invested a significant team outside London have achieved the prestigious upgraded energy amount of money in this system and we are really benchmark – more than any other bus company management starting to see the benefits now in terms of energy using the GreenRoad system. Sharston depot in Manchester. system. savings, and the knock-on financial savings, it is Fleet Elite standard drivers must clock up more The Group has delivering across our operations.” than 500 driving hours in a year and must achieve upgraded its high-tech energy management system Malcolm McKinlay of Vickers Electronics said: an average of five or less events, such as harsh provided by Vickers Electronics, which controls “We have worked very closely with the team at braking or acceleration, per 10 hours of driving over heating and lighting at the company’s 110 depots Stagecoach, at both local and national level. It’s great the calendar year. In fact, 57 Stagecoach drivers across the UK. to work with a client where everyone is committed scored zero – a perfect score – during the period. Results show the technology has helped Stagecoach to the goal of providing good service whilst reducing Robert Montgomery, Stagecoach UK Bus Managing save around 55,000 tonnes of CO² in the past 10 their impact on the environment.” Director, said: “The thousands of drivers across our team who have achieved global Fleet Elite status should be rightly proud of their achievement. Green buses in Manchester New hybrids for Tayside Smoother, fuel-efficient driving is safer, provides STAGECOACH has ordered a £5.2 million fleet of STAGECOACH more comfortable journeys for our customers and hybrid buses for its Tayside operations. Manchester, has helps cut our carbon footprint.” The order for 18 Volvo B5LH ADL bodied hybrids introduced 11 new Meanwhile, Stagecoach recently announced that represents a Stagecoach investment of around hybrid buses to the it has rolled out GreenRoad technology to all of £3.8 million, with a further £1.4 million coming from the 111 route, taking its bus fleet in London, which means that every Scottish Government’s Green Bus Fund. its total hybrid fleet Stagecoach company now uses the technology. The new vehicles, which produce up to 30% less to 128. emissions than standard vehicles, will go into service in The investment Tayside on the Tayway 73 service which links Ninewells follows the Alliance pilots energy Hospital in Dundee, Broughty Ferry and Arbroath. introduction of Sam Greer, Stagecoach UK Bus Regional Director for 14 new hybrid saving technology Scotland, said: “We believe that by investing in new buses on route 50 cleaner, greener vehicles, we can continue to attract THE SOUTH West Trains-Network Rail Alliance has earlier this year more people on to our bus services to help reduce started the trial of a new energy saving transmission and includes a Manchester MD Christopher pollution and congestion in our towns and cities.” for its diesel fleet which is aimed at reducing energy contribution from Bowles in front of one of the consumption by a further 10%. the Government hybrid vehicles. The pilot, which is set to run for six to eight months, Green Bus Fund, involves the installation of fuel saving gearbox which supported low carbon investments between Green Week 2014 technology on one Class 158 train. It is thought that 2011 and 2013. STAGECOACH is looking forward to its Group-wide the new technology will dramatically reduce the The hybrid vehicles will help reduce CO2 emissions Green Week which takes place on 2-6 June. amount of fuel lost when the train is operating at by up to 30 per cent over the course of one year, This year the focus of the week is on community spirit. low speed. compared to a standard bus. Staff will be engaging with local communities and letting Christian Roth, Fleet Director for the Alliance, said: Managing Director, Christopher Bowles, said: “The them know about the measures Stagecoach has in “As energy saving and fuel costs remain a major investment in new hybrid buses for this popular route place to become a greener businesses. concern for the rail industry, there is a pressing need demonstrates our continued commitment to providing Throughout the week, a host of events will take for engineers to develop new and novel ways to the best possible service for our passengers, while also place across bus and rail operations to encourage save fuel.” trying to improve our impact on the environment.” environmental awareness. 6 A recipe for delicious soup ... find out more on page 9. ON STAGE

In the running for When Martin met Alyson EAST Scotland Commercial Manager top honours Martin Gallagher is pictured with Alyson is shortlisted for four Stoner, an American actress, singer and honours at the 2014 Scottish Transport Awards. dancer who he met while on holiday in LA. The Taylink 99 service which operates between Alyson has appeared as a dancer in St Andrews and Dundee, and the X59 service music videos for Missy Elliott, Will Smith which links St Andrews and Edinburgh are Martin Gallagher and Eminem and stars in the forthcoming shortlisted for the Best Bus Service Award. dance movie Step Up: All In, releasing In the Excellence in Travel Information and this summer. Martin did of course take Marketing category Stagecoach East Scotland the bus to get to where they met! has been shortlisted for its express coach network between Fife and Glasgow. East Scotland Bus Driver Barry Grice, who is based Ian Manning bids farewell to West at the company’s Dunfermline depot, has also been named as a finalist in the Frontline Employee of the Year category. Funding for stations STAGECOACH’s rail franchises have welcomed a Government announcement that eight stations operated by the South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance and East Midlands Trains will receive funding through its Access for All programme. Both rail companies will now work with local New Managing Director Rupert Cox (left) and Ian Manning who has retired from the role. authorities and other partners to develop and deliver final schemes that will see improvements STAGECOACH Group has appointed Rupert Cox as Ian Manning joined the bus industry in 1976 at at each of the stations by 2019. Managing Director at its bus operations in the west Lothian Region Transport in Edinburgh. In 1996 he Rail Minister Baroness Kramer said: “We are of England, following the announced retirement of became Managing Director of Stagecoach Portugal transforming our railways through record levels of current Managing Director Ian Manning. and ran the company for almost five years. He investment and improving accessibility at stations Stagecoach UK Bus Managing Director Robert then moved to Arriva’s Portuguese operations is an important part of that. Montgomery said: “I would like to congratulate Rupert in 2001 but returned to Stagecoach in 2004 as “These improvements will make a real difference on his appointment. He has worked hard and risen Managing Director of Stagecoach West. To mark to the lives of disabled passengers and those with through the ranks at Stagecoach over the past 13 his retirement on 31 May 2014, a Running Day limited mobility, allowing them to get to work and years and thoroughly deserves this new role. – offering a network of vintage bus services – is pursue leisure activities more easily. That’s good “I would also like to pay tribute to Ian Manning for the being held in Cheltenham which will also celebrate news for them and good news for the economy.” service he has given Stagecoach over many years. the 85th anniversary of the Cheltenham District Ian is a passionate and knowledgeable busman who Traction Co. Ltd and will feature more than 20 has shown great commitment to improving public classic buses from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. Book your seat transport in the west of England over the past 11 Ian said: “My career has taken lots of twists and years.” turns and I have actually had three incarnations MEGABUS.COM has announced a new reserved Rupert Cox joined Stagecoach on the company’s at Stagecoach. The bus industry is something seating program which allows customers to choose Graduate Development Programme in 2001 and that has always interested me and it has been a from ten popular seats to and from selected cities in took on his first managerial role two years later as privilege to have been able to contribute to the North America. Commercial Manager for Stagecoach West. In 2007, industry and to do a job I genuinely love. Reserved seats will be available between New York he moved to Stagecoach Yorkshire as Commercial “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at City and Baltimore, Washington D.C, Boston and Director where he stayed until 2013 when he returned Stagecoach and I wish everyone all the best for Philadelphia as well as between Philadelphia and to Stagecoach West as Acting Operations Director. the future.” Washington DC. “We’ve heard our customers’ desires loud and clear,” said Mike Alvich, VP of Marketing and Public FOUR and five-year olds at Telford Infant School, Relations for megabus.com and Coach USA. A big red visit Leamington Spa, were thrilled by the visit of a “While every ticket purchased on megabus.com Stagecoach double decker bus recently. guarantees a seat on the bus, we know that The group of ninety youngsters took turns to explore customers want to secure some of the most popular the bus as it was parked in the playground and had seats and, starting today, we’re happy to give them stories read to them about buses. Each child also had that opportunity. their picture taken sitting the driver’s seat. “With reserved seating customers no longer need Jayson Smith, Operations Manager at Leamington to arrive over an hour early to make sure they get depot, said: “Being involved in the community is the most popular seats. Now they can simply book important to us, as is encouraging young people to them in advance.” engage with public transport. It was great to see so One of the school classes and staff with the Stagecoach bus. many children enjoy the experience.” 7 Did you know? Stagecoach has invested more than £545 million in new buses and coaches over the past seven years. ON STAGE Children’s charity appeal launched CHILDREN’S cancer charity, Sara’s Hope Foundation, was given a helping hand by Stagecoach North East to launch the ‘Sara’s 400 Capital Appeal’ in March. A group of children, currently supported by the charity, took to the streets on a Stagecoach City Sightseeing A group of youngsters with the City Sightseeing bus. bus to raise awareness for the appeal which hopes Stagecoach engineer Peter Atherton with his carp rod to raise £400,000 to fund a holiday retreat offering Ken Potts, City Sightseeing Manager at Stagecoach at the Stagecoach Nuneaton depot. respite for children and young people with cancer. North East, said: “Sara’s Hope Foundation is close to Dave Bambrough, Assistant Operations Manager, all our hearts and we are delighted to help in any way Casting away cancer recently released a song in aid of the charity and has we can. Both the children and the adults had a great been invited to perform at its annual ball in October. time and even the weather was on our side!” engineer, Peter Atherton, was one of 16 carp fishermen to take part in a 48-hour Charity Event, “Cast Away Cancer”, in aid DVLA doctor retires of Macmillan Cancer Support. Everyone who took part in the contest has lost STAGECOACH West’s regular company Doctor, Andrew someone to cancer in the past six years. Baker, has retired after carrying out several thousand Prior to the event Peter raised £700 from friends DVLA medical examinations. and Stagecoach staff at the Nuneaton depot. A Andrew started working with Stagecoach West in further £500 has been added to his sponsorship by 2002 and is now one of the top five doctors in the Stagecoach Midlands. whole of the UK in terms of the number of DVLA Steve Burd, MD of Stagecoach Midlands, said: medical examinations he has completed. “We are delighted to have sponsored Peter in his To mark his last day and to say thank you, a fundraising efforts for this worthwhile cause.” card and gift were presented to him. Everyone at Stagecoach West would like to wish Andrew a long and healthy retirement. Dr Andrew Baker who has now retired. Boost for town centre A NEW app for residents and visitors in Ayr is being sponsored by . The free app, developed for Mi Ayr, the town’s promotional organisation, offers the latest deals, news and information from over 300 businesses and highlights key events, promotions and range of The excited school pupils board the vintage bus. services on offer within Ayr town centre. Sponsorship has included wrapping a Stagecoach bus Back in time with the Mi Ayr logo . Edward Hodgson, Managing Director of Stagecoach Main partners of the Mi Ayr app gathered at the launch. Pupils from Innsworth Infants School in Gloucester West Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be were treated to a ride in a vintage Stagecoach supporting the new Mi Ayr app. Regeneration of Ayr and we are pleased that over 300 businesses have bus as the company arranged a visit from a Town Centre is vital for the Ayr Town Centre economy signed up to showcase exactly what Ayr has to offer.” Routemaster. Assistant Headteacher Liz Ratcliffe said: “The pupils were really excited about the thought of taking a bus ride together. They found the ride quite thrilling.” Transaid challenges INTERNATIONAL development charity, Transaid, is inviting people to On the run LONDON TO take part in its latest fundraising challenges. BRUSSELS There’s a London to Brussels cycle, via Bruges, in September STAGECOACH Group Rail Bid Director Graeme VIA BRUGES Hampshire recently completed the first Surrey CYCLE RIDE 2014 as well as a cycle in Tanzania: from Mount Kilimanjaro to the 12-15 September 2014 Ngorongoro Crater in June 2015. Half Marathon and his wife Liz cycled 100 Join this iconic ride and cycle 340km over a long weekend to support Transaid.

A great challenge, in great company and for miles in Prudential Ride London to raise funds a fantastic cause! Why would you not join in? Stagecoach is a strong supporter of Transaid which aims to improve Spaces are limited so sign up now! E: [email protected] T: 020 7387 8136 people’s quality of life in the developing world by making transport for Save the Children. transaid.org The couple raised £1,000 and a further £1,000 more available and affordable. was donated by Stagecoach. For more information or to sign up visit www.transaid.org

UK registered charity no 1072105. Patron HRH The Princess Royal. 8 Did you know? As part of TfL’s Year of the Bus celebrations, Stagecoach UK Bus staff get free entry to the London Transport Museum with a guest. ON STAGE

The recipe below comes New ticket office at Lincoln from Euan LINCOLN station now has a completely refurbished Clark, the Chef ticket office following a £250,000 scheme to improve passenger facilities at the station. at Stagecoach The scheme, delivered through a successful TOP RECIPE Group HQ. This partnership between East Midlands Trains and soup is enjoyed Network Rail, has delivered a new, brighter and regularly by enlarged booking hall, new bicycle facilities and free employees in WiFi for all passengers. Perth. Andy Moore, Head of Stations for East Midlands Trains, said: “With 1.6 million journeys made through Lincoln station each year, these improvements to the Sweet potato, chilli and coconut soup ticket hall will help us to make a big difference to the overall travelling experience for our passengers using Ingredients Lincoln station.” 2 medium carrots (chopped) Attending the reopening of the station were Lincoln 1 leek (white part, chopped and washed) MP Karl McCartney and the Right Worshipful Mayor of 1 large white onion (chopped) Pictured, from left, are: Lincoln MP Karl McCartney, the Mayor Lincoln, Councillor Patrick Vaughn. of Lincoln, Councillor Patrick Vaughan and Andy Moore. 4 large sweet potatoes (peeled and chopped) Approx 2 litres of vegetable stock 400ml tin of coconut milk Chilli and garlic paste to taste Generous donation 150g butter 100ml double cream

1) Sweat the carrots, leek and onion in butter until softened (10-15 minutes without colour). Winners of the Station Pride Awards. 2) Add sweet potato and continue to sweat for a further 5 minutes. 3) Cover vegetables with stock and cook until Stations of the year tender. STAFF at South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance 4) Add chilli and garlic paste to taste. Stagecoach MD Andrew Jarvis (right); Pat Irvine, stations are celebrating after the winners of the 5) Add coconut milk and bring back to the boil. Manager, Fossoway Pre-School Group (centre) and the company’s annual Station Pride Awards were children of Fossoway Pre School Group. 6) Add double cream, check seasoning and blend announced. until smooth. STAGECOACH East Scotland has donated £500 Basingstoke came first for the Best Large Station of 7) Garnish with fresh coriander. to Powmill-based Fossoway Pre School Group, the Year, with Salisbury scooping the Best Medium matching the amount raised by the playgroup’s Station of the Year and Sherbourne recognised as Best fundraising activities. IN MEMORY OF... Small Station of the Year. Andrew Jarvis, Managing Director of Stagecoach Arthur Pretorius, Customer Service Director for the East Scotland, said: “It’s so important to keep kids Tony Adshead Alliance, said: “These awards recognise the hard healthy and active, so when we were asked by the work and dedication of our staff and we would like group if we would match the money raised at a Tributes have been paid to Operations Auditor Tony to congratulate all the winners of this year’s station children’s ceilidh, we were delighted to help out.” Adshead who passed away recently following a awards.” period of illness. Tony joined Stagecoach in 2001 and was later accepted on to the company’s Staff Development A hairy experience Customer insight Programme before joining the Operations Audit team STAGECOACH MEMBERS of in 2003. London the Customer Tony was admired by many staff for his approach to Recruitment Insight Team his job which also included mentoring graduates and Manager Ricky were out providing training and guidance to managers and Sickelmore had and about in supervisors. He played a key role in Stagecoach’s his legs waxed to Oxford recently successful delivery of transport operations at the raise more than collecting more London Olympics, and was on hand to help across £400 for Cancer than 1,000 the Group at short notice whenever he was needed. Research UK. customer Pictured are Jamie McDermid, Iveta Stagecoach Regional Director Robert Andrew said: Afterwards he satisfaction Baublyte, Alison McGregor and Doris Watt “Tony was an asset to the company, and he did quipped: “I was surveys. from the Customer Insight Team along with Oxford Tube Controller Richard Pimms. much more than his job title implied. His family can warned by all of Ricky prepares to have his legs Passengers be proud of what he contributed to Stagecoach the women in the waxed. using the Oxford Tube were surveyed on services in and he will be greatly missed by many within the office as to just how painful it would be, but order to help keep improving what Stagecoach offers company.” it really isn’t. So I say, bring on childbirth!” to customers in the future. 9 THE PEOPLE PAGE ON STAGE

APPOINTMENTS GETTING TO KNOW YOU... STAGECOACH has appointed David Rouse Matthew Whitehead, East Midlands Trains as Manager of the Oxford Who are you? I’m a designer for East Midlands shadowed outlines of stars on my hip (a mark Tube. Trains. I joined the company in 2011. from university). David has been with What do you like most about your job? Favourite music? I listen to all genres but the Stagecoach for 10 years I love creating something new, thinking up fresh majority of music on my iTunes is alternative/punk and has previously ideas and then developing them into a campaign rock – my favourite band is Young Guns. worked at South and which can be used to market a product. Person you would most like to have dinner South East. What do you like least about your job? with? An artist called Meanwhile, Stagecoach New Oxford At times the role involves working above and Noma Bar whom East Oxfordshire has appointments Emma beyond typical office hours to meet a print deadline, Midlands Trains have welcomed on board two Wilberforce, Alan Prince and David Rouse. although you do get a sense of achievement when used for illustrations. new members of staff to you meet it! Also, creative block can be a stifling First thing you would work at its Horspath Road offices. and frustrating part of the job! buy if you won £1 Marketing Assistant Emma Wilberforce joined Favourite food? My mum’s meat and potato pie million? I’d pack my the team in February 2014, while Alan Prince, – a good source of nutrients and comfort. bags and head out to the appointed as Scheduler, is the most recent addition Least favourite food? Cucumber – I can’t stand Maldives and I’d to the commercial team at the depot. the subtle hint of a flavour with a squishy texture. also invest in What are you most proud of? I’m most proud creating my STAGECOACH North of having a BA Hons, MA and Assoc.CSD. I want to own studio. East’s Stockton keep learning and I aspire to work towards a PHD. depot has welcomed Sri Lanka – I got Favourite holiday destination? Getting To Know You features in every edition a new Operations to experience a whole different culture and even of On Stage and we want to hear from as many Manager, Abbey got the chance to ride an elephant. staff as possible. To suggest the next participant, Pettigrew, who was Most embarrassing moment? No real email [email protected] appointed following embarrassing stories, although I do regret having her completion of the Graduate Training n HALF CENTURY CELEBRATIONS Scheme. Brian Townsend RICHARD Alexander, Abbey said: “Through (Pedro) my degree in New Operations Manager Congratulations Driver Brian Stagecoach South Abbey Pettigrew. Geography I became Townsend has Engineering Director, 50YEARS fascinated with the movement of people from celebrated his has celebrated 50 one place to another. Good public transport really 50th anniversary happy years with the is integral to the social economic make up of the in on the buses and company. community.” The special design that was on become one of the Stagecoach Group Meanwhile, after only four months employment with the sides of Brian Townsend’s company’s longest Chairman Sir Brian celebratory bus. serving employees. Souter contacted Richard Alexander Stagecoach North East, Northumbrian University celebrates 50 years’ service. graduate Mark Middleton has been promoted to To mark the occasion, Brian’s South Wales Richard to personally the position of Marketing Assistant. The 24-year old colleagues arranged a special bus for the day thank him for his continued dedication and to impressed the commercial and marketing team with which had the number 50 on the display screen congratulate him on this magnificent achievement. his marketing skills and customer focus, when he and large banners featuring Brian on the sides. Richard spent the first 25 years of his career with was employed in December 2013 as a Customer Managing Director of , Southdown and the last 25 years with Stagecoach. Communications Assistant. John Gould, said: “These guys are the backbone He said: “It has been exciting working for a Group He said: “It is a great time to be part of Stagecoach of the business. They drive in all conditions and that has challenged the boundaries of public North East, as change and investment have become for Brian to come through that after all these transport to give value for money but is always at integral to its recent success. With campaigns like years is amazing.” the forefront of innovation.” the introduction of Gas Buses and Smart technology, it’s really exciting to get more involved.” RETIRALS CONTACTS JIMMY Young was given the trip of a lifetime when he retired in December after 37 years of service. Editor: Lindsay Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach Group, Stagecoach arranged for Jimmy to visit New York 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW where he was shown the sights by megabus.com Email: [email protected] Director of Operations, Bryony Chamberlain. www.stagecoach.com Byrony, Jimmy’s former ‘Boss Lady’ as he called her, Jimmy Young in the Big Apple. said: “I took Jimmy to all the traditional sightseeing If you have a story for On Stage, please contact destinations: The Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the up plenty souvenirs for friends and family and there Lindsay Reid as above. The copy deadline for the next Hudson River, Central Park, the location of The Today were a few steak and hamburgers with some light edition of On Stage will be Friday, 13 June 2014. Show and, of course, the M&M factory. We also picked imbibing!” 10