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Home , Brian Souter, Gray Line Montreal, Megabus (Europe), Megabus (North America), Stagecoach Bluebird, Stagecoach Group

Issue 76 | Autumn 2009

onThe newsletter stage of Group

.com grows at home and abroad

STAGECOACH has expanded The Bluebird team accepts its award from o its market-leading megabus.com celebrity presenter Hardeep Singh Kohli (left). services, with a dedicated network in Canada and new routes in the UK. Bluebird’s a The company recently unveiled a $16 million investment in a fl eet of brand new vehicles for the new Canadian services linking , high-fl yer Kingston and . ’S The expansion of megabus.com follows its was named Operator of success in both the UK – where more than 10 the Year at the 2009 National Transport million passengers have used the service since Awards. 2003 – and in North America, where a million The company scooped the top bus operator consumers have used it in the last six months award at a ceremony in ’s Grosvenor alone. Heading north: Chief Executive House Hotel after beating off tough competition Launching the product in Toronto, launches megabus.com’s new Canadian services. including Stagecoach in which was also Chief Executive Brian shortlisted for the award. Souter said: “As we have seen in the UK and comfort on megabus.com journeys from Stagecoach UK Bus Managing Director Les North America, megabus.com is the perfect London to , , Warneford said: “We’re absolutely delighted solution for those looking to stretch their travel and , as well as on cross-country to have won this prestigious award and to be dollar.” journeys between , , recognised for our efforts to attract more people In the UK, an improved megabus.com , , , Birmingham, to greener, smarter bus travel. timetable will see the introduction of new and Leeds. “Across our UK Bus operations we services and new vehicles on the popular In response to passenger demand, frequency are committed to excellence, innovation, budget inter-city network, as well as is also being increased on several routes sustainability and delivering a high standard of improved frequency and capacity. including Leeds-London, -London and customer service to our passengers.” Due to growing demand, the company has Portsmouth-Leeds. Stagecoach Bluebird now carries 12 million also launched a cross-country service between Within the new timetable, megabus.com has passengers a year – up 3.11% on the previous Cardiff and Newcastle, via Birmingham, also committed to run services on Christmas year – with 95% punctuality. The company Manchester and Leeds, ensuring passengers are Day and New Year’s Day when passengers has also invested heavily in new vehicles with better connected through the megabus.com will be able to travel between London and a greener engines. network than ever number of UK towns and cities. before. Brian Souter added: “megabus.com has Stagecoach has transformed coach travel in the UK over the invested almost £4 past six years by proving fast, comfortable, Satisfi ed customers million in a fl eet inter-city services from just £1. and South of new vehicles to “This latest expansion will allow us to meet West Trains are continuing to make provide improved the growing demand from passengers for an good progress in improving customer capacity and affordable, reliable and greener travel option.” satisfaction, according to the latest National Passenger Survey scores. The survey reviews customer satisfaction across all of the UK’s train operating Jim’s the best companies, gauging overall customer BUS driver Jim Wright has been named the best in satisfaction and their views on station and Oxfordshire and second best in the UK. train facilities. Jim, who has worked for Stagecoach for nine years, came Both Stagecoach Group companies second at the National Bus Drivers awards held in scored highly in the category of overall recently. satisfaction, with 84% of Martin Sutton, Managing Director of Stagecoach, said: “Well and 80% of East Midlands Trains passengers done to Jim, who put in a fantastic effort. satisfi ed. “He is a credit to the company and continually proves to be South West Trains also showed some both outstanding at driving and at customer care.” marked improvements in satisfaction with Jim added: “It is an honour to be so highly ranked amongst train facilities, whilst East Midlands Trains all bus drivers and particularly good to be the best in passengers rated its stations and station staff Oxfordshire.” highly.

1 uk bus on stage

All aboard! You what?! (Overheard on a train to Waterloo.) A GROUP of disadvantaged young TRAIN announcer: “We are approaching our fi nal destination, people and children were among the Waterloo station. Please make sure to take all your belongings. fi rst to ride on a new £9 million fl eet That includes husbands, wives, boyfriends, girlfriends and children!” of luxury coaches for Stagecoach’s Oxford Tube. Can you beat that? Send your weird and wonderful overheard comments to The Oxford Tube, the most frequent [email protected] express coach service in Europe, teamed up with Oxfordshire County Council and Merlin Entertainments, the company behind some of London’s biggest attractions, to give Tony’s a lifesaver… twice! 64 children a special day out in the capital. A SPECIAL commendation is in she got off the bus. During the trip, one of the new 87-seat order for South Wales driver Tony Evans, Tony called 999 and rushed to her assistance. fully accessible coaches took the group to who helped save the lives of not one but “She was very quiet and was bleeding from see the Science Museum, before getting free two of his passengers in August. her head,” he said. entry to the iconic and the Sea Tony was quick to act when it became “I managed to put some cotton wool and Life London Aquarium, courtesy of Merlin’s clear that regular passenger Edmond Thomas bandages under her head without moving her. Magic Wand children’s charity. needed help, and soon discovered his passenger She looked like she was going to drift off so I A further 260 lucky competition winners was having a fi t and had stopped breathing. told her ‘don’t you close your eyes’ and stayed joined them for a free ride into London. “The 999 operator told me that I needed with her until the paramedics arrived.” Martin Sutton, Managing Director of to get Edmond out of the seat and into the The young girl has since made a full Stagecoach Oxfordshire, said: “We are gangway so I asked the other passengers to get recovery. delighted to be able to offer this ‘thank you’ off the bus,” explained Tony. Mark Powell, Area to the local community, which has supported Luckily for him, the owner of the nearby Engineering Manager, Oxford Tube’s vital link to London over Central Fish Bar came to his aid by relaying said: “We are very many years.” instructions from the 999 operator as Tony proud that one of performed CPR. our team has acted To their relief, Edmond appeared to come in such a public- round and took a deep breath, just as the spirited way.” paramedics arrived to take over. It was later confi rmed that Edmond’s fi t had Tony Evans says triggered a heart attack, from which he is now his lifesaving recovering. efforts were Less than two weeks later, Tony found ‘all in a day’s himself in yet another life-or-death situation. work’. After picking up a mother and her son and daughter, Tony was distraught to see the young girl being knocked down by a passing car as Judi and Keith thank Pilot Kief Khanlarian. Up, up and away! Keep on running UK, a charity which provides support to the AN Controller families of those who suffer from the asbestos- won a pleasure fl ight for two in a A TEAM from the Shared Service derived cancer. Stagecoach competition held as part of Centre in Stockport took part in the Bupa The illness affects an increasing number of its sponsorship deal with the Airbourne Greater Manchester Run earlier this year, people in the UK and has personally affected one Eastbourne International Airshow. raising over £1000 for charity. of the team’s SSC colleagues over the last few Keith Byatt and his wife Judi fl ew in a Bell The group donated their funds to Mesothelioma years. 206 LongRanger helicopter operated by Sky Charter Helicopters after winning the contest held for Eastbourne Bus staff. Musical transport of delight STAGECOACH in Aldershot lent It all mounts up its support to the Phyllis Tuckwell MARK Powell, Engineering Hospice Picnic To Music In The Park Manager for Porth, Merthyr, fundraising event in Farnborough Brynmawr and Aberdare, is preparing by providing a park-and-ride shuttle to scale Mount Kilimanjaro to raise service. money for charity. Andrew Cox, Corporate Partnerships Earlier this year, he also raised £1500 for Manager at the hospice, said: “We are the Portishead Lifeboat Trust by completing extremely grateful to Stagecoach for the National ‘Three Peaks Challenge’ partnering with us to provide the free service. – climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and “It enabled concert-goers to make the most Snowdon in just 23 hours and 49 minutes. of their evening, and kept car congestion to a Jim Mortimore (left) and Andrew Cox. minimum.”

2 uk bus / uk rail on stage

Spotlight on… Supertram Training and Standards Department

THE SUPERTRAM Training tram familiarisation and Department consists of Dave Skirrow, moving on to depot Training and Standards Manager, and training, training ‘out of service’ and eventually three trainers John Burden, Terry South to full passenger service. and Keith Sockett. During the training, new drivers have to Jennifer Mann (second from right) with Dave Skirrow is a member of the Operations complete and pass four assessments and all Scotland Managing Director Management Group and an authorised agent for operations drivers are entered into the ROSCO Charlie Mullen (second from left), George Woods the Rail Accident Investigation Branch. safe driver scheme. and Jennifer’s friend Margaret. The department is responsible for all Driver training is only one part of the operational staff training and ongoing department’s role. Other responsibilities A fond farewell development. include driver monitoring, downloading and The driver training programme takes between investigating on-tram CCTV and coordinating STAGECOACH employee eight and ten weeks to complete, starting with external contractor safety courses. Jennifer Mann has retired after 33 years in the bus industry. After starting work with Alexander buses in 1966, Jennifer became extremely popular and Top of the pups! well-known throughout thanks to her job in the parcel offi ce, and later as a cleaner, for CONGRATULATIONS to Abby Leksell from Strathtay. Coach USA who suggested the winning entry in She was often seen in the boot of a bus our ‘Name a Puppy’ competition in partnership retrieving parcels and desperately hoping that the with the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association. driver didn’t leave the station with her still inside! The winning name is ’Terra’ which means ‘earth’ and Jennifer plans to spend her retirement helping was chosen as it represents Stagecoach’s commitment to out at a sheltered housing complex, keeping in sustainability and to becoming a greener company. touch with friends, reading and indulging her Guide Dogs for the Blind will now ensure that the next passion for DIY. new-born pup in the Perthshire area is named Terra. As the winning entrant, Abby will receive photos and a biography of the puppy, as well as regular ‘pupdates’ on its South West Trains in progress. And, if Abby visits Scotland, she will also be given the line for two awards opportunity to meet Terra. Many thanks to all who entered the competition. SOUTH West Trains has been nominated for two Community Rail Awards. The company’s Lymington & Brockenhurst Steve’s our iron man Station Teams are shortlisted in the Best Station Iron man Garden or Floral Display category for their bus driver Steve Robinson recently completed one of Steve Lymington Line Floral Displays. Robinson In addition, Jane Lee, former Head of Media the most gruelling sporting challenges on shows off and Public Affairs for South West Trains, has also the planet to raise money for the NSPCC. his medal. been nominated in the Best Marketing Event The Ironman UK International Triathlon category for the 150th anniversary celebrations includes a two-and-a-half-mile open-water of the Lymington – Brockenhurst Line. swim and 112-mile bike ride followed by a full The winners will be announced at the marathon. Community Rail Awards Gala dinner at Amazingly, Steve, who operates out of ’s Swallow Hilltop Hotel on Friday, Stagecoach Manchester’s Ashton depot, fi nished September 25. the 140-mile race in just 12 hours and three minutes, cementing his iron man status and raising hundreds of pounds for the charity. Best foot forward Mark Threapleton, Managing Director of Stagecoach Manchester, said: “It is an unbelievable STAFF at Railway achievement to complete such a gruelling Station put on their walking boots to raise challenge. £1000 for a children’s hospice. “It shows amazing strength of character and The group walked 23 miles from Hengistbury commitment. Steve is a real asset to the company Head to Swanage to raise the cash, which was and should be incredibly proud.” gratefully received by the Naomi House hospice.

3 uk bus on stage

Tea by the sea holiday IT MAY not quite be a Holiday escape Escape, but drivers in really can enjoy a ‘million dollar’ view at their Victoria Parade canteen. Each edition, we’re looking for your interesting and unique holiday photos. Email your snaps to lindsay.reid@ stagecoachgroup.com along with a paragraph about where you were and what the photo shows. East Midlands drivers battle it out Pictured (from left) are: James Manning, Hallam DRIVERS turned out in force for FM Promotions Manager; Ed Nell, Hallam FM the regional heat of the Stagecoach East Drive Time presenter; Bus Driver Lawrence Ward; Midlands Bus Driver of the Year 2009 Michelle Dignan, Hallam Breakfast co-presenter competition. and Craig Fletcher, Hallam FM cameraman. The winner was Denise Hancock from Worksop, who earned a prize of £250. Graham Barker came second while Clive MacLennan On your bike from Gainsborough fi nished third. PEOPLE in South are being Denise and Graham then went on to the encouraged to get on their bikes this national fi nals in Blackpool. summer after Stagecoach launched the Pictured are (seated, from left): Clive, Denise and region’s fi rst green cycle initiative. Graham. Standing, from left: Driving Examiner Passengers travelling on Dave Earl, Managing Director Gary Nolan and services can now carry on a folding bike for free Training Manager Wayne Lively. as part of a fully integrated, low-carbon journey option combining cycling and buses. As an added incentive, any passenger who Ode on the road travelled by bus with a folding bicycle during A POEM penned by a Henfi eld-based August was entitled to free travel. artist as she travelled on the Number 17 Commercial Director Rupert Cox said: “Health bus to is now being displayed on is a key factor in convincing people to leave the buses across the network. car at home and switch to public transport. Sylvia Macintosh, who has lived in the West “With cycling growing in popularity, the new Sussex village for over 18 years, said: “I’m pleased folding bike initiative is a great way to encourage that the poem was well received as I am sure that our passengers to take the greener, smarter travel many people from Henfi eld, and other villages option, stay healthy and help save the planet at the on the No17 route, will join me in praising the same time. It also saves money by removing the drivers who provide such a friendly and helpful costs of fuel and car parking.” service every day of the week. Colin Stratford and Sylvia Macintosh. To celebrate the launch of the new initiative, “Regular bus users fi nd that it is like a club Stagecoach is running a promotion with local where they meet and chat to friends and dedicated to provide the No 17 service, we would radio station Hallam FM, providing listeners with acquaintances.” like to thank Sylvia for capturing so well the great a chance to win a folding bike and other free Colin Stratford, the area’s Operations Manager, atmosphere to be found when travelling between travel prizes. added: “On behalf of the nine drivers who are Horsham and Brighton.” Stagecoach Shortlisted for transport honours Passenger boom STAGECOACH is in the running for for its partnership with Perth & Kinross Council. FOR THE second year in a row, the three top honours at the 2009 Scottish Scotland is also shortlisted for number of people using Stagecoach North Transport Awards. its ‘Wee G’ bus initiative, which aims to combat East buses has increased. The company has been shortlisted as Operator youth disorder in partnership with Strathclyde Some 2.6 million extra passenger journeys were of the Year for its Fife and Bluebird operations, Police and East Renfrewshire Council. recorded in comparison with last year, with the while is nominated for Tom Wileman, Regional Director of latest fi gure totalling 85.6 million between April the Contribution to Sustainable Transport Award. Stagecoach Scotland, said: “We are committed 2008 and May 2009. Stagecoach companies also represent three to providing fi rst-class bus services and I am During the last twelve months, 24 million miles of the six shortlisted nominations in the Best delighted that our companies and staff have been were covered by the 545 buses the company Transport Partnership of the Year category. shortlisted for these high-profi le awards.” operates, and 99.6 per cent of all scheduled Stagecoach Bluebird is nominated for its The 2009 Scottish Transport Awards ceremony mileage was achieved. partnership working with Council takes place on October 29 in the Radisson Hotel, In addition, 96 per cent of monitored services while is in the running . arrived within fi ve minutes of their scheduled time, which is above the industry standard.

4 uk rail on stage

WIN A Picture of £50 VOUCHER the Season THIS EDITION’S Picture of the Season was taken by Andy Small, who works for East Midlands Trains. It shows a Meridian service at Kibworth Harcourt on its way from St Pancras to Derby. Congratulations to Andy who will shortly receive his prize of £50 of M&S vouchers. If you think you have a picture that John Cameron (centre), joined by captures one of the four seasons, please Brian Souter and Stewart Palmer. send your image to Lindsay Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach Group, 10 Good send-off Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW, or email it to [email protected] STAGECOACH Group Chief Executive Brian Souter and South West Trains Managing Director Stewart New MD at South West Trains Palmer were among the well-wishers SOUTH West Trains’ new Managing “I look forward to working with the strong when South West Trains Non-executive Director Andy Pitt will begin his new role management team and our committed frontline Director John Cameron retired. next month. employees to build on this success.” John, who was a member of the British Andy (50), who has more than 26 years’ Stewart Palmer (58), who has worked in the Rail board for six years and has served as a experience in the passenger rail industry, will take rail industry since the 1970s, said: “I have a deep representative on the South West Trains Board over from current MD Stewart Palmer when he attachment to this railway, having started my Safety Sub Committee for a number of years, retires in October. career here 37 years ago. held his retiral bash on an train on Currently Business Development Director for “During my time in the job, we have achieved the . Stagecoach Rail Group, Andy has previously held consistent passenger growth along with a number of senior management roles within improved punctuality and passenger satisfaction. Online improvements British Railways, including at the South Wales and “I am enormously proud of the railway that West regional railways division, and the Offi ce of I am leaving behind, the excellent people I THE NEWLY launched East Passenger Rail Franchising. have worked with and the improvements that Midlands Trains website has an array of In 1997, he was appointed Commercial we have achieved together. I wish them every new features to benefi t customers. Director at South West Trains and, in 1999, success.” The new site at www.eastmidlandstrains. became Deputy Managing Director. Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Brian co.uk makes it easier to fi nd and book tickets Since taking on the role of Stagecoach Souter added: “Andy has a detailed and uses Best Fare Finder, a new service Rail Business Development Director in knowledge of the South Western which allows users to search for the cheapest 2001, he has overseen the development franchise, and his knowledge and tickets available on selected routes by best fare of the Group’s franchise bids, including experience of the wider rail industry available rather than by train time. the successful submissions for South will be invaluable. As well as a simplifi ed booking process, Western and East Midlands. “I thank Stewart for his signifi cant website users can gain access to ‘My Journeys’ Andy said: “Nearly half a million contribution to the company over the and book tickets using a single sign-on passengers rely on South West Trains for past nine years and for his commitment process. The new site will also have a carbon their travel every day and we have made to the rail industry over nearly four calculator, allowing customers to work out great strides in recent years in driving decades.” their carbon emissions savings when taking up passenger satisfaction and the train instead of driving. delivering a reliable on-time Andy Pitt, South West Trains’ railway, day in, day out. new Managing Director. Top marks indie band Paperdots CONGRATULATIONS to South played a different kind of track when The sound of music West Trains station manager Frank they performed a special intimate gig on Roberts who recently graduated from Supertram. his three-year BSc course in Railway The band were asked by Travel Operation with the Institution of to give passengers an unexpected musical treat as a Railway Operators (IRO). way of encouraging people to use public transport Frank took advantage of one of the many to get to the Tramlines music festival in Sheffi eld. courses available through the IRO and Paperdots performed an acoustic set at Castle managed to complete his studies while Square tram stop before climbing on board and working full-time and managing a project continuing the party. to rebuild Herston Halt platform on the “It’s not every day that you get a live gig on the Swanage heritage railway in . tram,” said Richard Donson (17). “They were absolutely brilliant.” Paperdots wow travellers in Sheffi eld.

5 the green scene on stage

Eco-campaign helps Scots go greener

STAGECOACH is giving its support These include saving money on petrol and to a campaign parking costs, leaving the stress of being stuck aimed at promoting greener travel and in a traffi c jam behind, boosting your health transport. and helping Scotland Go Greener. The Group, which operates around 1,500 Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Brian buses across Scotland, is backing the campaign Souter said: “Public transport has a crucial role by giving consumers the chance to win free to play in cutting global carbon emissions and local bus travel for a year. we are also doing what we can as a business to More than a third of car passenger journeys reduce our own carbon footprint. are less than two miles, and road transport is one “Our research has found that climate change of the largest contributors to climate change. is of real concern to our customers. The Scottish Government’s Go Greener “They want to help do something about travel and transport campaign is promoting the it and taking public transport instead of benefi ts of leaving the car at home at least once commuting by car is an effective way for a week, particularly for shorter journeys. people to make a difference.” New bus orders SWT staff are STAGECOACH has confi rmed details of a £71 million investment in its greener, blooming smarter bus fl eet. The company announced earlier this year that it was to make a multi-million-pound marvellous investment in hundreds of new vehicles to benefi t customers across its provincial UK bus DEDICATED South West Trains staff operations. proved their green-fi ngered credentials In total, Stagecoach has ordered 434 new by helping Godalming Station win the vehicles in 2009-10, to be introduced across the ‘Godalming in Bloom’ Award. company’s bus operations in Scotland, Along with local businessman Renato and Wales. Rufus, Station Manager Daniel O’Smotherly Vehicle manufacturers , and his team of staff helped to plant and Scania, , MAN, and Volvo will maintain the fl owers in all 16 barrels and supply a total of 115 single-deckers, 200 double- fl ower beds to ensure passengers enjoy bright deckers, 43 midi-buses, 45 coaches and one South West Trains staff member Carole Ayres and colourful surroundings when using the mini-bus. with the Goldalming in Bloom award certifi cate. station. In addition, Stagecoach announced in June that it was introducing a fl eet of 26 new Astromega double-deck coaches to its popular Oxford Tube services, with a further four coaches going into service on megabus.com routes. All of the vehicles ordered meet new Euro 5 emissions standards, which come into depot digs in force on September 1, further improving the sustainability of Stagecoach’s bus and coach fl eet. STAFF in Dumfries have done Stagecoach UK Bus Managing Director, Les some depot DIY to improve their Warneford, said: “These new vehicles have surroundings. some of the cleanest engines in Europe and will Jim Rankin and his colleagues got on their bring signifi cant benefi ts to passengers and the gardening gloves to transform a piece of waste environment in local communities where we ground into a fl ower bed and, at the same time, provide bus services.” gave their smoking shelter a makeover. The newly landscaped fl ower bed in Dumfries.

SOUTH West Trains is to extend the UK rail network’s fi rst green cycle hire initiative Saddle up to save the planet following a successful pilot scheme. Earlier this year, South West Trains (SWT) folding bikes. ticket holders. joined forces with Brompton Bicycle to Now, SWT is making 50 bikes available for hire. Stewart Palmer, SWT Managing Director, encourage passengers to cycle as part of a fully The bikes have no travel restrictions and can be said: “We know that many of our customers are integrated low-carbon journey combining bike carried on all SWT services. looking for greener travel choices. and train. Season ticket-holders can hire a Brompton bike “Cycling is growing in popularity and this The company, part of Stagecoach Group, invited for up to a year for less than £2 a week, while initiative offers people the chance to reduce their some of its season ticket-holders to take part in a other daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual carbon footprint, while also contributing to a free trial of the scheme, using Brompton’s iconic bike hire options are available for non-season- healthier lifestyle.”

6 north america / uk bus on stage

Quick-thinking drivers praised QUICK-THINKING Stagecoach forces suffered from epilepsy. Yorkshire bus drivers Michael Buckle and “I became increasingly concerned as she Bernard Boyle have been thanked by a began to walk towards where the buses pass woman they helped after she suffered an through. epileptic seizure. “At this point I went over and began talking Alison Burgin, who was diagnosed with calmly to her, trying to bring her round. epilepsy when she was 16, experiences from Bernard was keeping members of the public Paul Harding (left) with re-enactment four to six different types of seizures, and can away so as not to crowd her, and my main volunteer Alan Stainsby at Bodiam Castle. have up to 23 episodes in one day. concern was that she didn’t fall and hit her head. Michael, who was on a break from his “When she came round, she assured us that Knight (bus) rider shift at the time, said: “I spotted Alison at the she was OK but her speech was impaired, so we Interchange and as a joke I shouted ‘cheer up, stayed with her for a while until she was more STAGECOACH is helping to love’, as she seemed to be in her own world. coherent.” promote public transport in East Sussex “She turned round and we had a brief Both Michael and Bernard have received a by joining forces with a historic local conversation. letter of recognition from Stagecoach for their landmark. “The next thing I knew she started making actions, and now personal thanks from Alison. The agreement means that anyone who noises then began to walk off, staggering. I Alison added: “I owe so much to Michael and arrives at Bodiam Castle using a Stagecoach knew immediately what was happening as a Bernard for helping me out and I was really bus will be entitled to 50% off the entry fee. colleague of mine when I was in the armed lucky that they were there.” To mark the occasion, Mark Toynbee, Visitor Services Manager for the National Trust at Bodiam Castle, invited Stagecoach’s Tracey provides cash Hastings Depot Manager Paul Harding to try on some of the armour contained within the boost for hospital castle and used for school education visits and re-enactments by volunteers. STAGECOACH Yorkshire engineering clerk Tracey Meikle has helped raise over £1000 for the hospital in which she is being treated for cancer. Mobile classroom Tracey was among competitors in Weston Park A NEW educational project is Hospital Cancer Charity’s Dragon Boat Regatta. set to drive forward the skills and Mum-of-three Tracey said: “The event is a qualifi cations of Stagecoach staff. fantastic way of raising funds for an amazing A special mobile learning unit will travel charity. Tracey, standing in the middle row, with her around the regional depots giving employees “Weston Park provides such a high level of care dragon boat team, competitors and friends. the chance to access free courses in English, to patients and their families. I just wanted to give maths and IT training, improving education something back.” year in the race. and training opportunities for Stagecoach’s Tracey was diagnosed with cancer at the age of “So far, I have managed to raise just over 3,000 employees across its 16 depots in 28 after having a hysterectomy. She underwent £1,000, which is a fantastic achievement for Yorkshire and the East Midlands. two further operations in the fi rst six months of everyone. 2008, and is awaiting another. “I also want to say a big thank you to She added: “The regatta has become a bit of an Stagecoach who were really supportive during my Many happy returns annual ritual for me now – this year was my ninth time off work.” is helping to celebrate 110 years of public Super seat sale on transport in the city. The company has re-liveried two buses to megabus.com mark the anniversary and both have been fi tted with commemorative adverts. MEGABUS.COM, the market-leading A book entitled ‘From Trams to Trolleys, to budget inter-city coach service, is offering Low Floor Buses’, written by Commercial 50,000 seats for $1 on its services in North Offi cer Paul Morfi tt, has also been produced. America to help consumers beat the credit crunch. Part of Stagecoach Group, the service has carried more than 3 million passengers since its Brilliant Brenda launch in April 2006. between September 14 and November 19, 2009. West In the past six months, one million canny Dale Moser, President and Chief Operating employee Brenda Law has been at her consumers have snapped up bargain travel on Offi cer of megabus.com in North America, said: fundraising best, helping to raise £84 megabus.com services in North America as airline “Americans are doing all they can to stretch for Demelza House Children’s Hospice and car industries have been hit by the economic their dollar in the current economy, especially on in Kent through various charity downturn. leisure items such as travel. collections, as well as a further £300 for Now megabus.com is offering 50,000 seats for “megabus.com’s low fares make travel very Comic Relief. just $1 on megabus.com departures in 30 cities affordable and, at $1, there’s no reason to stay at across North America (subject to availability) home.”

7 people page on stage

– Alban Joseph

The quickfi re roundround trip with a full load of skiers at Who are you? -10oC. Alban Joseph, Supervisor, Stagecoach West. Dream job? What do you like most about your Helicopter pilot. job? Favourite animal? The diversity of the task – the opportunity Cat. to deal with different challenges every day. Most like to be What do you like least about your job? stuck in a lift with….. People moaning and whingeing. Angelina Jolie. Favourite TV show? Ski Sunday. The Quickfi re Round features in Biggest achievement? every edition of On Stage and we Passing my Mountain Rescue Diploma. Worst job? want to hear from as many staff as Had a few – working in a factory making possible. bearings. To suggest the next participant, email Most embarrassing moment? [email protected] Had a few of those too! Being stripped Rebecca’s naked in a cable car and doing a complete special day Moonlight IT WAS a day to remember recently for Rebecca Grant from PSV Claims in Perth as she married boyfriend Matthew West at marathon Perth City . STAGECOACH Group Construction Claire was lucky enough to be driven to the Manager Brendan MacKinven took part in wedding in the Perth Lord Provost’s car and, if the 26.2-mile Moonwalk to raise you look closely, you’ll see that the happy couple money for Breast Cancer Research. even managed to get a Stagecoach bus in the Brendan completed the walk in an impressive background of one of their wedding photos! 6 hours 38 minutes and raised a total of £1065, Brendan with his Moonwalk medal. including a donation from Stagecoach. CONTACTS Celebrating 2,275-year service record Editor: Lindsay Reid, On Stage, has recognised the loyalty and dedication of employees in Stagecoach Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, its annual long service awards. Perth, PH1 5TW This year, 78 employees were acknowledged after accumulating an impressive 2,275 years of service between them. Tel: +44 (0)1738 442111 Four members of staff were recognised for their 40-year service records, while 15 had notched up 35 Fax: +44 (0)1738 443076 years, 24 had been in service for 30 years, 11 had a 25-year service record and 24 celebrated two decades Email: with the company. [email protected] www.stagecoach.com driver James MacDonald – known to all as Hamish – recently If you have a story for On Stage, Hamish takes celebrated his retirement after 46 years please contact Lindsay Reid as above. driving buses in the Highlands. Hamish began his career as a bus driver with The copy deadline for the next the high road Highland Omnibuses in August 1963 and, edition of On Stage will be the second throughout the years, has worked for Rapsons, week of October, Citylink and Stagecoach. 2009. He said: “Back when I started, the buses were very basic. Some of them didn’t have any indicators and we had to seal up the old windows with newspaper to protect ourselves from the weather! “I leave with many happy memories and want to convey my best wishes to workmates and wish Hamish (seated centre) with colleagues at the all at Stagecoach continued success.” recent long service awards in Caithness.

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