INSIDE Your 4-page silver 2525 YEARSYEARS ONON THETHE ROADROAD anniversary pullout

The newspaper of Stagecoach Group Issue 59 Summer 2005

Rail Division welcomes new Sharper focus Chief Executive Stagecoach Group has strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of Ian Dobbs as Chief Executive of the Group’s Rail Division. Ian Dobbs (50), who has 28 years’ experience in the rail industry in the UK and overseas, is a former Divisional Director of British Rail. More recently he was Chief drives growth Executive Officer of the Victoria Public Transport Corporation in Australia, tagecoach received a Innovation, investment and strong marketing boosts performance where he was responsible for the rail, Spositive response from tram and bus services. Speirs added: “I am pleased that the Currently a railway management the financial markets with a by Steven Stewart Brian Souter – ‘A clear hard work of our employees has been focus on first-class consultant and advisor to Government strong set of results for the rewarded with another year of achieve- service delivery.’ and the private sector, based in 2004-05 financial year. Brian Souter, Stagecoach Group Chief ment across the Group. We believe Melbourne, he will join the Group this The Group share price rose on the Executive, said: “We have achieved there are significant opportunities for month. back of an excellent performance for strong organic growth in our bus and rail organic growth and the expansion of Ian will have operational responsi- the 12 months to April 30, 2005, with a operations in the UK and overseas, our rail portfolio, both of which can bility for all of the Group’s rail interests, significant increase in profits. delivering on our strategic objectives for deliver increased value to our share- including South West Trains – the UK’s Innovation, investment and strong the Group. This excellent performance holders.” biggest rail franchise – Island Line, the marketing have all driven the strong has been driven by increased invest- Announcing the results, Brian Souter Stagecoach shareholding in Virgin Rail numbers that were reported to the City. ment, innovation, targeted marketing said plans were under way to introduce Group, which operates the Analysts were impressed at the per- and a clear focus on first-class service optically guided buses in Cambridge CrossCountry and West Coast franchis- formance of the company’s rail and bus delivery. within the next two years. He also es, and Sheffield Supertram. divisions in the UK, particularly against “Our Rail division has performed par- raised the possibility of a megabus- He will initially report to Graham a backdrop of significant increases in ticularly well, benefiting from the intro- style operation on the railways, Eccles, Stagecoach Group Executive fuel prices affecting the transport sector. duction of new trains and a significantly using dedicated high-capacity Director Rail, who has indicated that he Passengers have been flocking to improved operational performance. We carriages with variably priced seats intends to retire and step down from South West Trains after the introduction have delivered impressive growth in the that could be booked on the web. the Board in April 2006. of new high-quality Desiro trains and UK in both our provincial and London Earlier this year, Stagecoach Stagecoach Group Chief Executive the new timetable on the network has bus operations as a result of our Kick shareholders benefited from a Brian Souter said: “We are delighted Ian meant more than 90% of trains are now Start initiatives, sector-leading telemar- £241million return of capital is joining the Group at what is an arriving on time. keting campaigns and online sales. A programme. exciting time when we have a number The results included: focus on our core markets, supported by Signs for the start of of significant opportunities to grow our • Strong passenger growth at UK complementary bolt-on acquisitions, has the new financial year rail portfolio. Bus both inside and outside resulted in further revenue growth in are encouraging, with “Ian has wide rail and light rail oper- London. North America. In New Zealand, where current trading in ational experience both in the UK and • Significant uplift in passengers, we are the largest bus operator, we have line with the overseas. His high-level management punctuality and profits at the rail performed well in a difficult market.” company’s and competitive rail franchising experi- division Stagecoach Group Chairman Robert expectations. ence will help further improve our • Big increase in turnover from current operational performance and continuing operations in North RESULTS HIGHLIGHTS significantly strengthen the develop- America, particularly at New ment of our current and future rail bids. York Sightseeing. • Group turnover from continuing operations Ian, who is from Nottingham, is • Market-leading position main- £1,787.6m (2004: £1,641.1m) married with a teenage son and tained in New Zealand, despite • Profit before tax up 14% daughter. competition and cost pressures • Earnings per share up 34% He told On Stage: “Stagecoach is • Significant increase in the full • UK Bus passenger volumes up 1.5% outside one of the most dynamic players in the year dividend to shareholders London rail industry, with an excellent reputa- Stagecoach is also well-placed to • Rail passenger numbers up 4.8% tion for delivering quality rail services. I expand its rail portfolio and is shortlist- • Operating margins in North America up from am delighted to be joining the Group ed for the Greater Western, Thames- 4.4% to 6.7% and I am looking forward to the link/Great Northern and Integrated Kent • Full-year dividend up 13.8% challenge of developing further franchises. Stagecoach’s rail portfolio.” John steps in Running to schedule to help A team from Coach USA made light All agreed that that the event was a work of the annual Lincoln Tunnel great success, with employees, family revamp Fun Run, now in its 19th year. and friends having a wonderful time Its team of 124, organised by and at the same time raising valuable the bus stops Christine Schulz and colleagues, was funds for the New Jersey Special the largest among the 1,000 runners in Olympics. the 5km event, sponsored by Coach Warwickshire’s 5,000 bus stops are USA and the New York & New Jersey There was an impressive turn-out of runners flourishing under the care of Port Authority Police. from Coach USA. Stagecoach employee John Gwynne. A bus driver for the past 34 years, John is now the first dedicated publicity officer for the company’s three local depots at Nuneaton, Rugby and Leamington. He has taken on the task of ensuring the latest information on Soaring service wins routes, times and fares is available at all times. As an ex-driver he knows how important it is to provide customers with as much up-to-date roadside information as possible. John (57) said: “This has always been an issue and I am certain that innovation award the company is getting it right in the best way possible.” Stagecoach in Warwickshire Marketing Manager Adam Rideout tagecoach has won a added: “John is certainly starting to by Anthony Evans make his mark with the upgrading of Sprestigious honour at bus stops on many of our local the National Transport routes. He is conscientiously imple- Awards in London. free seven-day goldrider voucher menting what will be an on-going Gloucestershire’s Service 41, con- worth £16. By the end of 2004, programme of upgrading and necting Cheltenham to Tewkesbury passenger numbers on Service 41 cleaning bus stops across the and Northway, was proclaimed the had grown a further 17.8%. network. Most Innovative Transport Project The award was collected by “It’s an important role for both the 2005. Sholto Thomas, Operations Director company and our customers as he is Once a predominantly rural half- at Stagecoach West. helping us to deliver key information hourly service, the 41 has gone from He said: “This award is a tribute to through the rolling bus stop improve- strength to strength following the the dedication and enthusiasm of our ment programme.” 2003 purchase and branding of two Cheltenham staff who have helped to Meanwhile Stagecoach in low-floor vehicles for the route and transform Service 41, resulting in a Warwickshire has invested £27,000 in introduction of an enhanced 20- staggering 44% growth in passengers the bus stop infrastructure in Stagecoach East Midlands MD Paul Lynch, the Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield and leader minute frequency. in just two years. Nuneaton. of Chesterfield Borough Council Ray Russell attend the opening of the new Coach Station. Backed by local advertising and “Our success on Service 41 proves A striking new bus stop pole with extensive marketing materials, that Gloucestershire residents are new flags and cases will now greet Stepping inside tomorrow today including a discount ticket offer that prepared to travel by bus if the local passengers as part of a wider was door-dropped to 5000 house- service on offer is frequent, reliable initiative called Project Diamond. Chesterfield’s new Coach Station new building is also practical as it holds, Service 41 attracted 22.4% and comfortable; and we hope this Around 70 bus stops have already comprises the new Stagecoach sources its power requirements from more passengers in 2003. will encourage the local authorities been upgraded under the scheme to Travel Shop as well as spacious large solar power panels housed in Then, in 2004, to encourage even to work with us to enhance other include the latest travel information. passenger waiting facilities and a the roof. more people out of their cars and on routes within the county and The latest timetable information driver’s rest area. The new Coach Station is to the bus, a telemarketing campaign promote buses as a viable alternative lists the times when services depart The ultra modern facility, which currently being used by various was implemented. Targeting over to the car.” from each of the newly upgraded replaces the 1930s Bus Station, is services, including all Stagecoach 600 potential bus users, a series of With phase II of the telemarketing stops, which represents a big devel- part of a £1.5 million project to Express routes in the area, and phone calls and mailings was made. already under way and an hourly opment for Nuneaton and improve the centre of Chesterfield. provides excellent links with many Each mailing consisted of a letter, Sunday service also introduced at the Stagecoach as a whole. Not only pleasing to the eye, the local Stagecoach services. credit size timetable and wallet, end of last year, further growth on In addition, stops within the bus Tewkesbury Town Bus Guide and a Service 41 is anticipated in 2005. station will also be upgraded to include a map to the station, a map of the Nuneaton network and timeta- Contacts bles for each bus service departure Stagecoach South West 01392 889747 from the station. The Editor, On Stage, Stagecoach Group, Mark Whittle 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth PH1 5TW. National Transport Tokens Sajda Khan 01254 680180 Tel: +44 (0)1738 442111, Fax: +44 (0)1738 580407 www.stagecoachgroup.com UK Rail Niterider lifts If you have a story for On Stage, please get in touch South West Trains Lisa Davies 0207 620 5892 with your local contact below: Island Line Stephen Wade 01983 812591 Stagecoach Supertram Julia Shaw 0114 2759888 top award Stagecoach Group Steven Stewart 01738 642040 Mansfield’s late night transport initia- Overseas tive has won the ‘Managing the UK Bus North America Evening Economy’ award at a Stagecoach East Scotland Lisa Henry 01383 516454 North East Roger Bowker 001 201 225 7581 showcase conference run by the Stagecoach West Scotland Allan Henry 01292 613515 North Central Dale Moser 001 847 390 5800 Association of Town Centre Stagecoach North East Kate Williams 0191 567 5251 Coach Canada Jim Devlin 001 705 748 1170 Management and East Midlands Stagecoach North West Colin Nicholson 01772 255752 Development Agency. Stagecoach Manchester Karen Coventry 0161 276 2727 New Zealand Dennis Elliot 00 649 309 3500 The Stagecoach East Midlands Niterider services beat off opposition Stagecoach East Midlands Phil Cartwright 01246 222018 On Stage is published four times a year. Advertising connected from towns across the East Midlands. Stagecoach South Midlands Adam Rideout 01788 562 036 directly or indirectly with Stagecoach is accepted. Charitable adverts Since they were launched prior to Stagecoach East Philip Norwell 01604 676060 will be included without charge, otherwise rates on request. Christmas, they have been popular On Stage is distributed free to Stagecoach staff. Public subscrip- Stagecoach West Anthony Evans 01443 687682 tions are available at £12 for one year or £20 for two years. Cheque with customers and played an Stagecoach Wales Anthony Evans 01443 687682 payable to Stagecoach Group plc at the editorial address. The important part in helping make the Stagecoach London Benjamin Franklin 020 8477 7249 Editor is unable to enter into individual correspondence concern- town a more vibrant place as well as ing the affairs of The Stagecoach Group. assisting in curbing late night anti- Stagecoach South East Helen Martin 01243 536161 social behaviour. Stagecoach South Helen Martin 01243 536161 Designed by Catchline Communications Group, Scotland.

2 Summer 2005 Cosmopolitan Basingstoke BritBus Tour throws down a challenge reaches

There’s a truly international feel at the “We certainly welcome the contribu- 10 million Basingstoke depot, which now boasts tion to the team from our international drivers from seven different countries. friends,” said Robbie. across USA Operations Manager for Stagecoach in “Most of them have started with the Basingstoke Robbie Hall is laying down company as trainees and have qualified as Stagecoach’s association with the the challenge to other bus depots in the drivers alongside their fellow British popular BritBus Tour, to promote country to beat this impressive tally of trainees and have great respect from the British music in North America, different nationalities. more experienced drivers.” resulted in global media coverage Along with the 120 British drivers The international drivers are also and exposure to an estimated 10 providing a quality bus service to people popular with passengers as their polite million people. in the South East, there are representatives manner and cheerful nature overcomes As one of the venture’s major Operations Manager Robbie Hall (centre) with his international team (from left) Yusop Ali (Malaysia), from Holland, Poland, Spain and Italy. the occasional lack of understanding sponsors, Stagecoach enjoyed its Chellathambi Mohamed (India), Shaik Shariff (India), Johnson Susapillai (Sri Lanka), Vincenzo Colantonio Hailing from even further afield are despite their competence with the English share of the limelight when the bus (Italy), Fabien Rech (Spain), Genus Oke (Holland) and Artur Mieldzicz (Poland). drivers from India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. language. embarked on a 12-day trip from New York to Los Angeles in March. The BritBus Tour 2005 took a large slice of British life to thousands of Americans during the 3,000-mile journey, completed at a maximum speed of 48mph. Tyneside’s hi-tech It kicked off in New York’s Times Square with a British karaoke session from the top deck of an accompanying Coach USA bus. The patriotic flavour increased in the city’s Virgin Megastore with a British Tea Party while Atlantic quay to the future Records artist Ellie Lawson enter- tained the masses. Additional promotional stops yneside’s showpiece by Kate Williams were included along the way at Tcross-river Quayside Columbus, Indianapolis, St Louis, Amarillo, Albuquerque and Las Transit bus service, already operating in New Zealand, Vegas. operated by Stagecoach, is Japan and Hong Kong, the buses also The event proved an ideal scheduled to go live this boast sophisticated electronics opportunity for BritBus to forge month. enabling engineers to ‘dial’ in by links with television and radio in The multi-million-pound ground- laptop from anywhere around the both the UK and USA. breaking project, known as QuayLink, world. The next planned stage of will operate with 10 New Zealand-built The 10 bright yellow buses, big development is to launch a larger- hi-tech diesel-electric powered buses – enough for 50 passengers, will operate scale BritBus Tour USA in 2006, the first time the vehicles have been a mainly 10-minute service on two with pre-tour promotion and a UK used on a commercial contract in the routes in Newcastle and Gateshead. band talent search later this year. UK. As well as providing links to the Stagecoach North East won the Quayside, the two routes will also link contract to run the operation on behalf the central areas with major tourist A penalty of Newcastle City Council and attractions, including Gateshead Gateshead Council – and the buses Millennium Bridge, Baltic Centre for worth will start running in time for the start of Contemporary Art and the stunning the popular Tall Ships Race. new music venue - The Sage. Karen Buck, Minister for Transport Kim Teasdale, Stagecoach missing at the Department for Transport gave Engineering Manager, who is responsi- the thumbs up to the state-of-the-art ble for the QuayLink buses, said: “This South West Trains has sent out a vehicles at a special preview, which is a very exciting and challenging strong message to passengers who was also attended by Stagecoach project to be involved in. try and travel without paying their Group Chief Executive Brian Souter. “These buses look like nothing else fare. At £250,000 apiece, the vehicles are operating in the UK at the moment. In June, the network increased its penalty fare to £20 after the more than twice the price of a normal They are very quiet and smooth. I Chief Executive Brian Souter at the launch of the new hi-tech buses. bus, but they incorporate the latest think passengers will be very Department of Transport’s review technology. They have two sources of impressed.” istic scheme is vital as the regeneration transport increasing numbers of of the penalty fare amount. The power, are emission-free and use Keith Taylor, Project Manager, of Newcastle and Gateshead people around the Quayside area, new fine applies to all train battery-powered technology. Newcastle City Council, said: continues. while reducing congestion and operating companies that Manufactured by Designline and “Investing in this innovative and futur- “The QuayLink service will pollution.” currently have a penalty fares system. Passengers travelling to and from stations in the penalty fare A different attitude to accidents… area without a valid ticket may be liable to a penalty of £20 or twice Safety starts with you! – that is the poster have been printed to supply the single fare to the next station message to bus drivers in road safety more than 100 bus and coach at which the train stops. posters produced for ROSCO’s companies nationwide, which enter The penalty fare area covers Golden Jubilee year. some 40,000 drivers annually for the South West Trains’ network Promoting a positive driver ROSCO Safe Driving Awards. with the exception of stations west attitude was a recurrent theme in the It is the latest of a series of of Salisbury, stations between recent ROSCO workshop evaluation ROSCO posters on various aspects of Barnes and Hounslow (via forms. safety. The previous poster (Which Brentford) and between Eastleigh, The poster tries to reinforce that a lane are you in?) focused on the need Chandler’s Ford and Romsey. driver has to take responsibility for for ongoing driver training; posters While the majority of passen- his or her attitude and realise that last year addressed the issues of gers on South West Trains pay attitude may affect the potential for bridge bashing (Stop bridge strikes), their fares, the network has a duty accidents. speed limits (Must I always stick to to make sure they are not subsi- The Safety starts with you! this speed?) and obscured visibility dising the minority of passengers campaign is the second to be (It’s a jungle out there!). who want to evade them. produced with sponsorship by For more information, telephone The message is: buy your ticket Stagecoach. Tony Beetham, Secretary, ROSCO on before you board a train. Enough copies of the A3-sized 01865 775552. Summer 2005 3 Summer service aiming to replace the car Bringing calm

A new commercial service has been summer. “Passengers will enjoy a much faster Passengers on the XI will also be to the wild launched by Stagecoach in Two buses, branded in a distinctive journey time between points on the able to buy discounted tickets for Warwickshire, introducing an exciting green livery, will operate the service route and the entire journey from tourist attractions onboard and the in the West new link between Coventry and until September 25. Coventry to Stratford will take only an service is also useful for summer Stratford. Jim Mortimore, Stagecoach opera- hour and a quarter.” students at Warwick University. A special Stagecoach West Scotland The experimental Stagecoach XI tions manager for Leamington, It is also hoped the move will bring A return fare between the university bus is helping drive youngsters in express service will run via Warwick Warwick and Stratford, said: “The new wider environmental benefits if people and Kenilworth Castle will be £1.50 and north Ayrshire away from University, Kenilworth castle and service is an experiment at the moment travelling to see tourist attractions in the if a ticket to the castle is bought from vandalism. Warwick Castle. If successful there is a as we’re keen to test the water to see area opt for the bus instead of taking the bus driver then passengers will save The ‘up 2 U’ bus is equipped as chance it will be repeated next whether or not people will go for it. their cars. £1.50 on the entrance price. a mobile youth club with Playstations and an air-hockey table and has proved very popular with kids on its tour of schools and community centres. The anti-vandalism initiative, run We are the very model by the North Ayrshire Education Department and the Community Safety Department of Strathclyde Police, also involves an interactive play for the primary five pupils to highlight how vandalism is a mug’s game and can ruin the lives of of modern day travel people in their communities. The children are encouraged to remember the play’s message, riday the 13th may send by Helen Martin which is VVC: Vamoose to Vandalism Club. Fshivers up the spines of Apart from Stagecoach’s many but for staff at library is to show what happens once donation of £2,000 to the project, it Newcastle’s Walkergate passengers reach their destination – to is also running a competition for the depot it was more shivers of think of the bus as a means to an end. best poster and slogan, with the excitement than dread. Story was also asked to produce winning entry being reproduced on The Stagecoach depot was already some shots of four core Stagecoach the rear of a Stagecoach double buzzing with the visiting Manchester vehicles (Solo, Trident, Dart and MAN). decker bus. Trident and Barrow Solo but there was The photo shoot took place in also a lot of interest in the models Newcastle, which the agency recom- required for a planned photo shoot. mended as there was a good selection of A rail era Helen Martin, Marketing Manager for models available and they could easily South and East Kent, organised the achieve the mix of city and countryside slams shut shoot for Stagecoach. The idea is to shots from there. create a bank of lifestyle photography to The final day centred on Walkergate Marking the end of an era, a slam- be used in future UK-wide company and featured a number of models on the door train has made its last journey promotions. selected buses. Thanks go to David to the seaside – for charity. The Edinburgh-based design agency Copeland and Tommy Pilkington and South West Trains ran the special chosen to produce the photography – the drivers who brought the vehicles - event to commemorate the Story – has already developed a palette David Cramer (South Shields Dart), departure of the old units. of photography specifically for the Jason Garnett (Barrow Solo), Karen The train – one of the newly ‘where you want to be’ telemarketing Fairbrother (Manchester Trident) and refurbished Lymington Heritage The model drivers take a well-earned break from life in front of the lens! campaign. The aim of this new visual Brian Stonely (Sunderland MAN). Railway stock, 3-CIG unit and the blue 4-VEP unit 3417 ‘Gordon Pettitt’ – made its last ever trip on the mainline from London Waterloo to Bus buzzes pupils back in time Weymouth, filled with paying pas- sengers. Pupils from Compton All Saints the children toured the reconstruct- All funds raised from the event Primary School near Winchester ed bus depot before enjoying a trip will be donated to the new have revelled in the chance to step on the Stagecoach owned 1929 Lymington Hospital, which is back in time. Leyland Titan open top double- currently under construction. Lilli Davies (7) won the decker bus. Afterwards they viewed Graham Eccles, South West Stagecoach-sponsored day trip to the many other exhibits on the 36- Trains’ Chairman and Managing Amberley Working Museum near acre site before heading home. Director, said: “Slam-door stock has Arundel, an attraction dedicated to been part of life in southern England the industrial heritage of the South If you have been up to something for the last 40 years and every day East. The competition was part of that has helped your local community they have brought hundreds of Hampshire County Council’s then we’d like to hear about it. thousands of people into London. ‘Miracles’ environmental initiative. Your On Stage contact is listed on p2. “Many people who have fond The excitement began when the memories of the old units took this youngsters hopped on a Stagecoach opportunity to pay their final Coastliner Xpress bound for A tale respects and raise money for charity Amberley. Dressed in period to tell? at the same time.” costume, provided by the museum, The Compton All Saints Primary pupils get into the spirit of Amberley. Sizzling safe service earns staff a treat More than 250 employees from who work hard to provide buses to Present at the event were Roger and Al Koval, Maintenance Coach USA’s Elizabeth Garage, New the highest standard, also attended. Bowker, Chief Operating Officer of Manager. Jersey, enjoyed the warm hospitali- Apart from tucking into the the Northeast Region; John “It was great to see the ty served up at a special barbecue. food, many danced to music played Emberson, Southern District employees having a good time and The event was held to show by a fellow employee who is a pro- General Manager; Fred Sprengel, enjoying the company of their col- management’s appreciation for the fessional disc jockey. Prizes were Regional Director of Safety, Security leagues,” said John Emberson. “I dedication of all Elizabeth’s drivers also raffled off throughout the & Training for the Northeast hope that this will be an annual who operate daily in difficult con- event on the garage lawn. The Region; John Reddan, Regional event. We look forward to a suc- ditions and who need to be con- thank-you card responses, sent in Director of Human Resources for cessful year with everyone’s stantly aware of driving safely. by many employees, showed how the Northeast Region; Jim teamwork and dedication to A feast of fun: the barbeque proved a great success. Maintenance and cleaning staff, popular the event had been. Rutherford, Operations Manager, safety.”

4 Summer 2005 Icemen Hollywood stars climb on board touched Some of the best-loved stars of the national rail marketing campaign campaign also includes national and Craig Inglis, Sales and Marketing silver screen are helping encourage since privatisation – using scenes regional press, radio, outdoor and Director for Virgin Trains, said: “We by Frost more passengers to jump on the from classic train movies such as online advertising, as well as promo- have delivered on our promises of train. Murder on the Orient Express, Some tions and direct marketing. new trains, more frequent and faster In an £8 million marketing blitz, Like it Hot, The Railway Children and The Return of the Train campaign services and these improvements are An unblemished record as a Virgin Trains is using computer The Lady Vanishes. coincides with massive growth on winning new passengers every day. driver with the Peterborough wizardry to allow the most famous The stars marvel at Virgin Trains’ Virgin Trains’ West Coast and After committing £2billion to rail, this Petes hockey team is not the only Hollywood faces of yesteryear to 125mph tilting Pendolino train, as it CrossCountry franchises. It links the ground-breaking campaign will reason Ray Frost has been drive home the message that the train speeds through some of Britain’s golden era of cinema with the speed ensure the British public feels proud honoured by the Canadian is best. most stunning scenery. and convenience of the Pendolino of the UK’s railways again and that Hockey League club. Movie legends Cary Grant, Sir Seven million people will see the trains, which offer onboard shops, our recent unprecedented commer- As team coach driver for the John Mills, Tony Curtis and Jack advert on cinema screens, with many laptop and mobile phone sockets and cial success continues long into the last 10 years, Ray has been a Lemmon feature in the biggest more catching the ad on TV. The audio entertainment at every seat. future.” great support to the players with his calm and steady influence. These qualities have been recog- nised with the club’s prestigious Vince & Lottie Garvey Award in respect of a significant off-ice contribution. Ray, who joined Coach Canada in 1967, received his Apprentices test award at a Peterborough Petes’ Awards luncheon. Aaron Garfat, the team’s Marketing Manager, said the players looked on Ray very much as a friend, rather than simply their driver. “Ray understands that most of the players are away from their the team spirit homes for long periods of time and tries to make them as com- fortable as possible,” he irst year engineering by Clare Willis apprentices had to give a presenta- and company representatives were explained. Fapprentices attended an tion on what they had learned during very impressed by the enthusiasm “We are proud to have him as Outward Bound Centre in the week and how they would put and attitude of the apprentices part of our team. When the team Appledore, North Devon, meet with the other Stagecoach this into practice in the workplace. during the week and felt they were a apprentices from around the The apprentices were supported credit to Stagecoach UK Bus. wins, he is the first person to as part of their block congratulate them, but when they country. at different times during the week by The next event on their calendar lose, he is also the first person to release course at S&B Activities during the week Paul Lee and Mark Horide, will be the Apprentice of the Year in try and cheer them up.” Training in Bristol. included abseiling, raft building, Engineering Directors, Dorothy Manchester during August. The week, held during April, was team assault course, climbing, team Hermiston, S/NVQ Manager, and all Information is currently being sought aimed at team building, motivation challenges and the infamous ‘high week by Clare Willis, S/NVQ from the apprentices’ workplace, and leadership. It was also the first ropes’. Administrator. S&B Training and also from their Motoring off opportunity all 33 first years had to At the end of the week all The Outward Bound Centre staff peers. on a mission

A Stagecoach New Zealand bus is about to embark on a series of adventures that will put its former daily rounds in the shade. The vehicle was sold to the Salvation Army in Winton and is to be used as a mobile youth club. Instead of rows of seats, the upper deck now has a lounge/classroom area with desks, computers and a televi- sion. The lower deck now has around 10 remaining seats and also boasts a kitchen area. Analayst joins marketing team A team that splashes together stays together! The first year apprentices pose for our photographer. Stagecoach has boosted its marketing team with the appoint- ment of Neil Mackinnon as Data & Market Analyst, based at the UK Bus HQ in Perth. It’s green and its all go in NZ Neil will work closely with UK Bus Research and Development Stagecoach New Zealand has embraced just as importantly, reduce greenhouse Manager Elaine Rosscraig and the a greener future by using the next-gen- by Dennis Elliot emissions. Stagecoach will be reducing operating companies across the eration fuel additive Envirox™ across its C02 emissions by at least 1,900 tonnes country. He will also support the 1,000-strong bus fleet. every year”. Stagecoach telemarketing unit The move follows a successful 12- has to be imported, refined and distrib- The Minister of Transport, the Hon with all data requirements for month commercial evaluation in the uted. In turn, transport and refinery-pro- Pete Hodgson, launched the initiative current and future campaigns. UK, where extensive testing of the cessing impacts will also be reduced. and urged more firms to follow suit. Previously, Neil worked in the product delivered more than a 5% cut in Ross Martin, Executive Chairman of He said: “Stagecoach has highlight- public sector with the Scottish fuel consumption and an associated Stagecoach New Zealand, said: “As a ed an area I have great interest in. Executive and in the private sector decrease in vehicle emissions. large consumer of fuel we have been Companies need to move with the times in New Zealand, focusing on the Stagecoach New Zealand uses 17 affected by its rising costs. This innova- and make positive business decisions property sector. million litres of diesel annually so a 5% tion enables us to continue to offer regarding the welfare of the environ- Transport Minister Pete Hodgson pours in the saving means 652,500 litres less fuel that affordable public transport options and, ment.” additive that offers a greener future. Summer 2005 5 Schoolboy’s skills earn apprenticeship Start spreadin A Basingstoke schoolboy has been showing off his engineering skills to the team at Stagecoach South East. During his week’s work experi- ence, Chris Herrington so Big Apple’s newest tourist buses honour an Am impressed the Stagecoach team of 21 engineers, body fitters and cleaners that Engineering Manager Gerry Fisher offered him a full time apprenticeship when he leaves school in the summer. “Chris has proved during his time with us that his heart and soul is in the job,” said Gerry “We are delighted that he has accepted our offer of the four-year apprentice- ship.” Chris admitted that he has some knowledge of motor mechanics as his father is a self-employed car mechanic. However, his experience didn’t run to working on anything quite as big as double and single decker buses. Pole position on the track

Stagecoach in South Wales is the proud sponsor of Wales’ premier motorcycle race meeting in 2005 – the Aberdare Park National Motorcycle Road Races. This long-established two-day family event, organised by Aberaman Motorcyle Club, draws up to 10,000 visitors to the woodland circuit in Aberdare Park. Attracting some of the biggest names in British motorcycling, the race action includes classes from 50cc to 600cc as well as single and quad contests. Stagecoach is using the event to highlight recruitment opportunities within the region and promote the Aberdare/South Wales bus network. History? It’s a piece of cake!

Over 100 years of motoring history were celebrated at the Portsmouth bus depot in June as the Big Bus Show got into full swing. The event, which raised £1,300 for The Rowans Hospice in The parade of 3 of the new Alexander-Dennis Double Deckers led by New York Scottish Pipes & Drums. Purbrook, was organised to com- memorate the 90th anniversary of Southdown Motor Company and the 25th anniversary of Stagecoach. $7m fleet of new coach Management trainee Alex Hornby arranged buses from most of the 16 companies operated by Coach Canada has taken delivery of a new $7m fleet of providing Stagecoach across the UK as well as 15 state-of-the-art coaches. Toronto-K many vintage buses in the green The new 56-seat coaches are being introduced on now enjo and cream livery of Southdown the 570km Toronto-Kingston-Montreal route, which is a Jim ad from various clubs and private key corridor for the business with excellent potential for the two owners. Visitors also enjoyed future growth. Coach Ca different activities, stalls and Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Brian Souter and arrive in displays of bus memorabilia. Jim Devlin, Coach Canada President, launched the new hassles of One of the highlights of the day vehicles with special introductory fares for customers. The n was the cutting of a bus cake by “Coach Canada remains firmly committed to and bette South East Traffic Commissioner Coach Christopher Heaps, Stagecoach around 40 Regional Managing Director One of the new state-of-the-art coaches in the To Andrew Dyer and VIP guests. for the Toronto – Montreal route. also a ma

6 Summer 2005 ng the news…

ew York City’s tourism by Roger Bowker Father Duffy, who constantly Dougie receives his special award from Her reminds us of how special this city Majesty The Queen. merican hero Nindustry has had a is,” says Tom Lewis, President of $10million boost from always near the heaviest fighting, Gray Line New York Sightseeing. Stagecoach. putting himself in danger as he “These new vehicles shall serve the Queen honours The unveiling of a new fleet of moved from unit to unit. His deco- visitors of NYC well. This is a very open-top double decker buses was rations included the Distinguished special time for New York City and Dougie’s held at a celebration at Times its tourism industry.” Square and the event also honoured The triple-axle Enviro500s have the US’s most decorated military “These new vehicles shall 82 seats – 53 on the upper deck loyal service chaplain, Father Frances Patrick serve the visitors of NYC and 29 in the air-conditioned lower Duffy. well. This is a very special salon, which also features tinted Chorley driver Dougie Bailey, who The hugely popular New York glass. Space has been allocated for was awarded an MBE for services to Sightseeing operation from Gray time for New York City two wheelchairs in the lower deck, the bus industry in the Queen’s New Line will see 20 new open-top and its tourism industry.” with access for passengers with dis- Year Honours, has been presented double decker vehicles on the abilities via a powered ramp in the with his award. streets of Manhattan. The new front entrance of the two-door Dougie has worked in the industry TransBus Enviro500 vehicles follow Tom Lewis, buses. A three-camera CCTV system for 43 years and at the Chorley Depot since 1970. the introduction of 40 TransBus President of Gray Line ensures passenger safety, with Trident open-toppers five years coverage of the top deck, the He is well-known across the UK ago, which transformed the quality centre exit door and the area for his work with the TGWU, Ribble of the service. behind the bus when reverse gear Central Negotiating Committee and Tourists – many of them from is engaged. Stagecoach Cab Designing Britain – snap up the wide range of “We are delighted to have The new vehicles are slightly Committee. He is also a Stagecoach NYC sightseeing tours, which were won repeat business from wider than the existing Tridents – Pensions Trustee and plays an active expanded to include the NYC 2.55m instead of 2.5m – giving role in the UK Bus Driver of the Year. Showbiz Insiders Tour, Three-Day Stagecoach for its more internal space. They are Buses also occupy most of VIP Package, Coney Island Day Trip demanding operations in powered by the latest Cummins devoted Dougie’s spare time as he is and a host of other exciting NYC 330PS EPA engine with exhaust gas heavily involved in Ribble Bus packages. North America.” recirculation. Preservation Trust. Last year Equally exciting, the first Enviro David Quainton, Sales Director, Stagecoach North West Managing of this new fleet was named ‘Father David Quainton, TransBus International Body Director Nigel Barrett ‘sold’ prototype Duffy’, in honour of the legendary Division, said: “We are delighted to Leyland Olympian 2100 to Dougie for chaplain. Sales Director, Transbus have won repeat business from the princely sum of £1 for donation to Father Duffy was a military International Stagecoach for its demanding oper- the Trust. chaplain and priest in the Times ations in North America. One of the recent highlights of his Square area in the 1920s, and “This order builds on the long career was when he worked at the served the theatre district Service Cross and the Distinguished relationship between Stagecoach Bow garage in East London driving community for over a decade. He Service Medal. and our Scottish plant in Falkirk, Routemasters on the No.8 route became US’s most celebrated army “It is an honour and a privilege which has been supplying new shortly before they were de-commis- chaplain in the Great War. He was to have our first Enviro named after buses to the group since 1987.” sioned. Bryony takes up new MD position

Bryony Chamberlain has been appointed as Managing Director of Stagecoach Warwickshire. Formerly Operations Director at Stagecoach West Scotland, she took over at Warwickshire in May when outgoing Managing Director James Freeman left for Stagecoach East. The youngest managing director in Stagecoach’s UK Bus Division, Bryony joined the graduate training scheme in 1996 after gaining a BSc in mathemat- ics from Durham University. After training with Stagecoach East Midlands, she quickly progressed to Assistant Operations Manager in hes for Canada Manchester, Operations Manager in Aldershot and Basingstoke and then Divisional Traffic Manager in g fast, frequent and friendly services on the Sunderland. Since 2002, she has been Kingston-Montreal route and customers can Operations Director of West Scotland. oy luxury travel,” said Brian. In Warwickshire, Bryony will be dded: “With air travel prices on the rise between responsible for Stagecoach’s cities, and gas prices reaching record highs, Nuneaton, Rugby and Leamington anada is the affordable alternative. Travellers depots, with some 180 buses and the downtown core and avoid the airport coaches and 400 staff. f security checks and pre-flight wait-time.” Les Warneford, Managing Director new coaches have improved fuel consumption of Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “I am er environmental performance. delighted Bryony is taking up this h Canada employs 800 people and operates important position. It is a credit to her 00 vehicles in Canada. It is the biggest operator ability and enthusiasm that she oronto area, with a 25% market share, and is The Dedication ceremony (left to right.) Cristyne Nicholas, President & CEO, NYC & Company; William Castro, Manhattan Borough Commissioner of Parks becomes our youngest managing ajor transport provider in Montreal. & Recreation; Sir Philip Thomas, British Consul-General; Tom Lewis, President, Grayline New York; Major General Joseph Healey, USA (Ret) 69th Regiment; director.” Tim Tomkins, President, Times Square Alliance; Father Joe Kelly, St. Malachy's, The Actor's Chapel Summer 2005 7 Demand You won’t be mad getting off your trolley

prompts Public transport in New Zealand’s capital city got likely reduce the incidence of dewirement. The a new look recently with the delivery of the first new bus also ‘kneels’ to the kerb to assist Sunday two upgraded trolley buses to Stagecoach passenger loading. Wellington. Among the many other benefits offered by the With a striking, futuristic appearance, the new new trolley are an improved braking system, service version preserves the environmental benefits the better signage and a new auxiliary system that electric trolleys deliver. will improve bus reliability. Stagecoach in Warwickshire has The upgraded trolley is the Super Low Floor broken new ground in Rugby by (SLF) Bus with a wheelchair access ramp and an The SLF buses are a welcome addition to Stagecoach introducing a Sunday service for the aluminium body, which weighs less and will Wellington’s fleet. first time in the town’s history. The service began in June and runs every half hour on the popular ‘Rugby 4’ route. In response to a growth in Special demand, the weekday freq-uency on Rugby 4 will be increased from 15 minutes to 12 minutes, making five Star launches effort buses an hour in each direction. Newer buses with additional low- floor capacity will soon replace the to aid current models, providing a boost for the many mums with pushchairs who use the service. athletes In addition another popular route £4m bus fleet will get low floor buses for the first Stagecoach backed this time, increasing the accessibility of the summer’s Special Olympics in town centre for more people. Glasgow with £20,000 of Stagecoach Marketing Manager transport sponsorship. Adam Rideout added: “These two The company was responsi- developments are really significant ble for transporting some 2,500 and show our commitment to the athletes as well as their coaches town for improved bus services. Both and families to and from the 11 the new Rugby 1 and 4 will be venues during the Great Britain branded and all roadside infrastruc- National Summer Games from ture will be upgraded.” 2-9 July. Steve Stewart, Stagecoach Group’s Head of Media and Public Affairs, said before the Nick’s cavalry event: “We are delighted to be providing the transportation to on standby! the athletes, coaches and families taking part in what will be a great sporting occasion. “Every year, Stagecoach and its people help hundreds of ini- tiatives that benefit all sections of the community. The Special Bubbly Barbara Windsor helps launch Carlisle’s state-of-the-art fleet. Olympics is a fantastic cause and we wish all the competitors every success.” ctress and soap star by Colin Nicholson Nigel added: “It’s not that long Games Director Gordon ABarbara Windsor ago that we were surveying the McCormack said: “Organising launched Stagecoach’s remains of our waterlogged fleet transport for several thousand The company has also launched a under five feet of dirty water but, people across several sites is a investment in a new marketing campaign targeted at 35,000 only six months later, bus services in Stagecoach has thrown its weight logistical nightmare. With £4million fleet of state-of- households in the city, offering passen- Carlisle are being transformed. behind solicitor Nick Marshall’s Stagecoach’s kind donation, we gers discount travel to encourage more “This multi-million-pound invest- charity cycle from Land’s End to John the-art buses for Carlisle. have overcome that hurdle and It is a major boost for bus services in people to take the green option of the ment in brand new accessible buses O’Groats in seven days. are very grateful for its the city only six months after bus. is a tremendous vote of confidence The firm will demonstrate its support.” Stagecoach’s entire fleet in the area was Barbara Windsor, whose father was in our customers, our employees and support by having a Standard Red Nineteen teams from written off following some of the worst a bus conductor, joined Stagecoach the city of Carlisle.” VLT Routemaster double decker bus throughout Great Britain took floods to hit the north-west of England in Group Chief Executive Brian Souter Brian said: “We are already follow the intrepid cyclist during the part in the event, with eight living memory. and Stagecoach North West Managing running buses in the city at frequen- entire Lancashire stretch of his teams from Scotland, one from The 39 new low-floor vehicles will Director Nigel Barrett at Carlisle railway cies of up to every seven minutes journey. Wales and ten from England. make all city services in Carlisle easy station at the launch, which featured a and these new buses will mean it For the past two years, Nick has Special Olympics Great access for the elderly, people with dis- pipe band and street entertainers. makes even more sense to catch the set himself a challenge for charity and Britain, set up in 1978, reaches abilities and parents with young “I know how important bus services bus. to date has completed marathons in out to the 1.2 million people in children. are to the local community and the “People across the country are London and Paris. the UK with a learning disabili- Stagecoach has given the Carlisle fleet floods that hit Carlisle at the turn of the getting back on board our buses, By completing the 864-mile trip in ty. The organisation enables a makeover, with new-look citi branding year were horrendous,” said Barbara. particularly where they see conges- seven days, he aims to raise £20,000 people with a learning disability and better bus stop and timetable infor- “These brand new buses are going tion increasing on our roads, and we for the National Children’s Home, to use sport to acquire confi- mation for passengers, as well as to make a real difference to local are extremely excited about the which assists children from vulnera- dence, social and life skills. reducing fares for the next two months. people.” future of services in Carlisle.” ble and excluded backgrounds.

The people in a Kent district have been Splendid seeing stars – not heavenly bodies, but Stars in their eyes the livery on nine new midibuses launched by Stagecoach. service Stagecoach has invested a further wheelchair users and parents with public transport more accessible and £750,000 in the Thanet Stars service, buggies. attractive to local people and the proof Congratulations go to Stroud Travel which builds on the success of the Dr Stephen Ladyman MP, Minister is the increasing numbers of journeys Shop’s Patricia Goodchild for Thanet Loop service launched last Of State For Transport and the MP For being made by bus in Thanet. We’ve winning an Extra Mile Award, October. South Thanet, cut a specially made worked with our partners in the presented to her by Gill Silsbury, The midibuses, complete with dis- cake at a launch ceremony held in Thanet Quality Bus Partnership to National Express Key Account tinctive livery, will replace existing June at the recently opened Bus Hub at improve buses. This new investment is Manager – South. vehicles on services in Margate and the Westwood Cross Shopping Centre. the next stage of putting an excellent She was chosen for the award A star is born: The specially-designed Thanet Stars Ramsgate, providing new links to Paul Southgate, Stagecoach’s public transport network in place and because of her first class customer cake was a treat at the launch ceremony. Westwood Cross. The fleet, with Super Managing Director in East Kent, said: shows the confidence that we have in service and impressive sales record. Low Floors, will offer easy access for “The Thanet Loop has helped to make the area.” 8 Summer 2005 The Morecambe, the merrier Queen honours A great time was had by all when have their photographs taken in front of Stagecoach Morecambe depot threw its doors open a bus with a destination blind of their to the public one day in May. choice, which proved very popular! Even the bad weather couldn’t keep An assortment of enthusiasts’ and policy guru the crowds away from what turned out suppliers’ stalls and the chance to view to be another highly successful open and travel on many vintage buses added day at the depot. to the day’s entertainment. A variety of events took place to Engineering Manager Jim Speed and ensure that there was something for all Assistant Operations Manager Malcolm ages to enjoy. Children (and a few O’Halloran and their staff were on hand adults!) had a great time on the bouncy all day to ensure everyone had a fun castle, while visitors were also able to day. A display of vintage Ribble vehicles Winner Tom breaks

Peter Nash. with tradition Stagecoach UK Bus Head of Commercial Policy Peter Nash has been made an MBE in the Queen’s ew York’s Rockefeller by Mike Alvich Birthday Honours List. NCentre hosted The Big Peter, who has a career in public Apple Chapter of the rants, shops, sightseeing and trans- transport spanning 35 years, was Hospitality Sales and portation. given the honour for his services to “All of these groups share a the bus industry. Marketing Association common denominator – to provide Starting out as a management International (HSMAI) 2005 visitors with the best possible trainee with the National Bus annual awards in June. memories of their stay in our great city. Company in 1969, Peter spent four Present at the glittering black tie Being the first non-hotel recipient of years in Yorkshire before moving on event were employees nominated for this special award makes the recogni- to join the Tyne and Wear Passenger the prestigious title of General tion all the more important to me.” Transport Executive. Manager of the Year, Sales and HSMAI is a professional association During the period leading up to Marketing Executive of the Year and whose members are committed to the the opening of the Metro system in HSMAI Professional of the Year. sales, marketing, management, 1981, he played a major role in the However, new ground was broken education and planning disciplines development of the integration of bus this year when the first non-hotel within the hospitality industry. and Metro services in Tyne and Wear. candidate was crowned HSMAI Big Criteria for the General Manager of In 1986, when bus services were Apple Chapter 2005 General Manager the Year Award are: an established deregulated, Peter took up the role of of the Year. And winner Tom Lewis, career of involvement, commitment Commercial Director of Busways General Manager of Gray Line New and achievement within the hospitality Travel Services Limited and helped York Sightseeing, was delighted with industry; recognised as both an out- ensure the successful transition of his award. standing industry and community Busways into a private operator. He said: “As we all know, hospital- leader and admired and respected for Three years later, Peter was a ity encompasses many industries: their professionalism and dedication director of the company that success- hotels, attractions, theatres, restau- by peers and employees. Tom Lewis proudly displays his award for General Manager of the Year. fully completed a management /employee buyout at Busways and in Stagecoach Devon agreed in a 1994 saw the company join the heartbeat to support Exeter residents Stagecoach Group. Reaching the heart of the community participating in the British Heart During his career, Peter has been Foundation’s ‘Hearts First Great West involved in a number of major pio- Walk’. neering developments in public More than 300 people walked the transport, including being a founder perimeter of the city for the sponsored director of Network Ticketing Limited event, which aimed to raise around – the first multi modal ticketing £15,000 for the nation’s heart charity. company established outside Participants could either walk six, London. eight or 13 miles. Stagecoach Devon In 1999, Peter became chairman provided a bus service between the of the newly-formed North East shorter distances and supported tired Transport Information Service and he walkers after they had run out of is also chairman of ITSO (Integrated steam. Transport Standards Organisation). Stagecoach also offered marketing Shortly after moving to the North support by donating LED advertising East, Peter became a member of the space and on-bus poster positions. regional Confederation Passenger Trevor Boyland, Ken Hawkins and Transport (CPT) committee and in Andy Bradford from Stagecoach Devon 1995 became the Stagecoach repre- worked as bus drivers, marshals and sentative on the CPT Council. He also registration desk officials on the day. represents the Group on the Bus Customer Services Manager, Mark Commission. Whittle, said: “Although Exeter In 1999 Peter left the North East to Leukaemia Fund is our charity of the move to Macclesfield. He continued year, we were happy to offer this to work for Stagecoach Group on support as many members of our staff commercial issues as part of the UK and their families have, in one way or Bus team and in 2000 took up the another, been supported by the British role of Commercial Director for Heart Foundation in the past.” Stagecoach Manchester. Jessica Boston, of the British Heart Peter, who now also provides Foundation, said: “It has been fantastic competition compliance advice to the working with Stagecoach on this event UK Bus Division, has also played an and we are grateful for all its support active role in the community and in All aboard – Stagecoach lends support to the charity hike. and hard work.” recent years became a Justice of the Peace. Summer 2005 9 Queuing up for qualification Waterden The latest group of bus drivers from Paul Southgate, Stagecoach’s Stagecoach in East Kent & Hastings Managing Director for the region has qualified with an NVQ level 2 for joined Bill at an awards evening to leads Transporting Passengers by Road. present certificates to each of the 23 More than 200 drivers out of 614 drivers from depots in Ashford, have now taken the voluntary Dover, Canterbury, Folkestone, the way course, aimed at enhancing driving Hastings, Herne Bay and Thanet. and people skills, offered by “It is all about striving to provide Every staff member at Waterden Stagecoach. The next group, a high standard of service and care Road garage is now BTEC exceeding 50, has already started for our customers and the NVQ trained, leading the way within with more ready to follow, so NVQ courses help individuals to develop Stagecoach London. Coordinator Bill Webb and his fellow their skills,” said Paul. “We now have Transport for London assessors Keith Locking, Bob Bailey many other staff following their developed a unique training and Dick Stacey certainly have their example.” programme to improve driving Top marks: Paul Southgate (left) and Bill Webb (far right) are pictured with some of the NVQ recipients. work cut out! and help employees manage customer requirements. Classroom training involves a five-stage syllabus and is On course for celebrations conducted over two one-day workshops. Four members of the Stagecoach Nigel Deacon, Operations Topics covered include an team in Winchester cracked open Manager for Stagecoach in introduction to the bus industry; the bubbly recently to commemo- Winchester, said he was delighted operating bus services; health, rate achieving significant mile- more drivers have embraced the safety and security; driving stones in their careers. training. skills and working with others. Drivers Paul Hayward, Mike He added: “It is all about One day is devoted to dis- Hiles, Tony Rafferty and Paul striving to provide a high standard ability awareness to enhance Duke all achieved their NVQ of service and care for our their understanding. Level 2 for Transporting customers and the NVQ courses Drivers are assessed on all Passengers by Road after six help individuals to develop their areas of the BTEC exam. Those months of studying, practical skills. We now have many other that achieve the required training and assessments. staff following their example.” standard receive a Level 2 So far, 29% of the 100 drivers Business and Technology in Winchester have taken the (From left) Nigel Deacon presents an NVQ Education Council (BTEC) qual- voluntary course provided by certificate to Paul Hayward, joined by NVQ ification, which is nationally Stagecoach as a way of enhancing Assessor, Ian Dunster and drivers Mike recognised, a badge and certifi- their driving and people skills. Hiles, Tony Rafferty, Paul Duke. cation. Kevan gains Dumfries bids farewell to Donald Banbury team One of the longest serving drivers at the town, Donald has spent most of forges ahead certification Dumfries depot has retired after 35 his career on long-distance routes, years service. working on the London route as well Drivers at Banbury Depot in Donald McKay has handed in his as Highland tours before finishing Body fitter Kevan Ross is the Oxfordshire have delighted waybill for good. out his time on the Glasgow Express latest Stagecoach bus engineer to Operations Manager Trevor A popular and well known face in service from Dumfries. gain NVQ Level 3 certification for Bayliss by achieving their NVQ Maintenance of Automotive Level 2 in bus driving. Vehicles. With 18 out of the 26 drivers One of 21 engineers, body now vocationally qualified, fitters and cleaners who maintain Banbury is well ahead of the buses at the company’s schedule. Trevor’s other depot Basingstoke depot, Kevan gained at Witney is also forging ahead the qualification for his body of schedule with a current pass cladding skills. The part-time rate of 60 per cent. course involved both a written Stagecoach in Oxfordshire and practical syllabus and took NVQ assessors Keith him six months to complete. Broadbury and Tim Fuller are The Basingstoke engineering now at Witney. team service and maintain 72 single and double decker buses. The Department of Transport reg- Kevan’s studies have paid off. ulations require servicing every 28 days but every Stagecoach bus is The NVQ curriculum now Making mechanically checked and forms an important part of the Donald (centre) is pictured with his wife Maureen at a presentation dinner with former serviced every 21 days as part of company’s ongoing training and Stagecoach colleagues, (from left) Eric Johnstone, Shop Steward, Hugh Fowler, Dumfries his Mark the company’s national policy. staff development programme. Operations Manager and Alex McSorland, Ayr Operations Manager. Congratulations to Mark Sedgwick, a fitter at Stagecoach Chief Executive Brian Hartlepool, who has attained Souter recently stepped in to boost the Boost for Alex’s Inca trek his NVQ Level Three. fund-raising efforts of Inverness driver Mark joined Stagecoach as Alex Mackenzie. an apprentice in 1982 and Alex is due to participate in a five- the required target. The generous boost worthwhile cause. since completing the NVQ has day trek in Peru to raise vital funds for brings the total donated by the “Although I have now surpassed my joined the Institute of the the Highland Hospice. To secure a company to £1,200. initial fundraising target, I shall Motor Industry as an associate place he must raise £2,500 and had Alex said: “I was completely endeavour to continue raising as much member. recently hit the half way mark in surprised but very grateful to receive a as possible before leaving for Peru in He was presented with his reaching his target. further cheque of £1,000. On behalf of September.” new qualification certificate by Now, on Brian’s recommendation, the Highland Hospice, I would like to If you would like to help Alex in his Alan Richardson, Engineering Alex savours the stunning scenery on the Great the Charitable Committee has donated say thank you very much to Stagecoach quest to raise money for the Highland Manager for the Hartlepool Wilderness Challenge 2004. £1,000 and pushed Alex’s total beyond for its generosity towards this very Hospice, contact him on 01463 790358. depot.

10 Summer 2005 Scotland celebrates string of SVQ successes

edicated Stagecoach Kirkcaldy’s Strathearn Hotel Managing Director for Stagecoach Gallacher, Cliff Laing, Roselyn Demployees recently welcomed Fife and Perth award Scotland, said: “Working towards Reid, Robert Mitchell, Brian celebrated attaining winners, while the north-east recognised qualifications forms a McDonald, Scott McIntosh and Scottish Vocational workers enjoyed their ceremony at significant part of the working day Wilma Smith Aberdeen’s Patio Hotel. of many employees. It is important Perth Engineering Staff: Qualifications (SVQs) at Both events were an ideal to give credit to those who have Calum McGregor and Robert award ceremonies opportunity for drivers to receive achieved qualifications throughout Petrie across the country. praise for gaining Road Passenger the past year and continue to Aberdeen: William Watt, Ian Workers from Perth, Fife and Transport Level 2 qualification. support and encourage this voca- Cabel, Ray Mitchell, Duncan the north-east gathered together Engineers were also congratulated tional training”. Buchan. at various venues to reap the on achieving qualifications in Stonehaven: Callum Adams, rewards of months of hard work Maintaining Automotive Vehicles The class of 2005 was: Ian McHardy. Perth and Fife engineers receiving their SVQ and devotion to career develop- Levels 2 and 3. Peterhead: Derek Strachan, awards with Deputy Managing Director of ment. Robert Andrew, Deputy Perth Driving Staff: Alexander Angela Gibbon, David Stagecoach Scotland, Robert Andrew (front row, Handsley, Gregory Pearce, Brian second from right) and Engineering Director of Hutchison. Stagecoach in Fife, Sandy Brydon (front row, Elgin: Ian Fraser, Stephen centre). Alexander, Stanley Morrison. Inverness: Nadil Subah. Fife Engineering Staff: Bob Bell (Aberhill); William Bence (Glenrothes); David Catto (Aberdeen) and Alec Murray (Glenrothes). Fife Driving Staff: Mike Brewster (Glenrothes); John Morrison (Aberhill); Harry McDonald (Dunfermline): Steve Perth drivers receiving their SVQ awards with McLaren (St Andrews): Danny Fife drivers receiving their SVQ awards with Deputy Managing Director of Stagecoach McMullan (St Andrews); Brian Deputy Managing Director of Stagecoach Scotland, Scotland, Robert Andrew (front row, centre) Radcliffe (Dunfermline); George Robert Andrew, (front row, centre) and Operations and Operations Manager of Stagecoach in Perth, Smith (Cowdenbeath) and Clark Director of Stagecoach in Fife, Doug Fleming (front Robert Robinson (front row, second from left). Watson (Aberhill). row, second from left). Long Service Awards

between them. area on special late night services from North West Stagecoach Holdings’ UK Bus Division Lancaster University. His length of service is Managing Director, Les Warneford, was also by far the highest ever recorded in the whole Stagecoach North West paid tribute to its long on hand to congratulate the colleagues, who Stagecoach Group and his long service badge serving employees and retirees at a special come from Carlisle, Chorley, Kendal, had to be ‘made to order’. dinner in Penrith in April. Morecambe, Preston and West Cumbria. Also of note was the first of two presenta- A total of 27 people cracked open the Cliff Lord was given a special mention on tions within a week to Chorley driver Douglas champagne at the North Lakes Hotel in the the night as someone who, having reached Bailey who went on to receive the MBE from knowledge that they have clocked up a stag- retirement age, agreed to continue working Her Majesty The Queen shortly after the event The Stagecoach North West stalwarts receive well-earned praise. gering 852 years of unbroken service for the company in the Morecambe/Lancaster for services to public transport in Lancashire.

function with their partners and 35 years’ service – David Grimsby; Norman Gadie, John East Midlands were presented with their Rattray, Brian Sutcliffe, Paul Williams, Joseph Kemp, all awards by Les Warneford, UK Abbott, all Grimsby; Ronald Hull. East Midlands’ annual long service Bus Managing Director. Lloyd, Allan Rogers, Robert 25 years’ service – Roger presentation dinner at Hotel Their total years of service Drewery, Alan Hunter, Michael MacDonald, David Winder, Elizabeth Hull, North Ferriby in April came to an amazing 1,040. Pearson, Tony Bray, all Hull. William Pattison, Colin Fox, was a most successful and enjoyable 30 years’ service – Kevin Stuart Smith, all Grimsby; evening . 40 years’ service – Mark Murray, James Cork, Raymond Raymond Thompson, Raymond During 2004, 33 employees Winterton, Grimsby; William Snell, Keith Charles, James Windle, Paul Craggs, David achieved qualifying periods of long Chapman, Grimsby; Alwyn Bavin, Bryan Doyle, Robert Thompson, Colin Wilson, service: many of them attended the Buttle, Hull. Jarvis, David McIntyre, all Frederick Mills, all Hull.

The annual long service presentation Landek, David Hardy, all Mansfield. dinner, held at Hassop Hall Hotel, near Derbyshire 30 years’ service – Trevor Hubbard, Bakewell, Derbyshire in March, was as Anthony Herberts, David Booth, all popular as ever. Chesterfield; Sheila Harrison, Head Office; During 2004, 28 Stagecoach in 45 years’ service – Tony Stacey, Rodney Booth, Mansfield. Derbyshire employees achieved qualify- Chesterfield; Roy Talbot, Mansfield. 25 years’ service – John Lake, William ing periods of long service. Many 40 years’ service – Brian Barnett, Mann, Lesley Grozier, Melville Mason, attended the function with their partners Chesterfield; Phillip Goodall, Mansfield. Phillip Simpson, all Chesterfield; Valerie to be presented with their awards. 35 years’ service – Stephen Lilliman, Answer, Graham Geliher, Derek Davidge, Their total service came to 865 years John Cotton, John Heath, all Chesterfield; all Mansfield; Harry Price, Betty Hatton, Ian service. Alan Wilkinson, John Cordy, Gyula Whalley, Gerald Brown, all Worksop.

Summer 2005 11 Dedicated to the cause of customer service New boss

Congratulations go to Tony Gibbons, service and has made a big impact, Tony, along with the other a driver from Newcastle’s Walkergate recently attending a promotional day finalists, was invited to a special for Ashford depot, for being selected as a finalist involving the Hadrian’s Wall bus. awards lunch in July at Newcastle in the Public Transport Employee of Commenting on Tony’s profession- United Football Club, where the the Year competition, held by the alism, Simon Brooks, Hadrian’s Wall winners were to be announced. Good Newcastle Evening Chronicle. Tourism Partnership, said: “I was luck Tony!! Tony, a Stagecoach driver since extremely impressed by Tony’s 1993, was nominated for his commit- knowledge, friendliness, willingness Customer commitment: Public Transport ment and exceptional customer focus. to help and his commitment to the Employee of the Year finalist Tony Gibbons with He drives the AD122 Hadrian’s Wall Hadrian’s Wall bus.” the Hadrian’s Wall bus.

Mark is gearing up for new challenges at Ashford. Megabus helps Former Royal Marine Mark Spratt has been appointed Operations Manager for the Ashford region. Mark, from Deal, is now responsible for the 56 drivers, engineers and administration personnel who operate Stagecoach’s fleet of 22 buses in anti-poverty rally the region. His career began on the buses eight years ago before he was by Steven Stewart promoted to NVQ Assessor and then to Assistant Manager and Depot Manager at the company’s Canterbury and Dover operations. tagecoach showed its support for Paul Southgate, Regional Sthe anti-poverty rally in Edinburgh Managing Director of Stage- in July by making available 1,000 sub- coach, was delighted with the sidised seats on dedicated buses trav- news. elling north from London. He said: “Having started as a People keen to make their voices heard at the 6 driver Mark understands the daily July rally could snap up a seat on one of the 12 north- problems faced by his team. He bound megabus.com double-deckers for only £8 has what it takes to ensure that return. the important commuter and The convoy travelled to the Scottish capital the regional services we provide in night before the rally, arriving the morning of the the Ashford area are operated event. The buses returned south on the evening of 6 efficiently.” July after the rally. Brian Souter, Chief Executive of Stagecoach Group, said: “Having operated buses in Africa we Stagecoach have seen, at first hand, the huge scale of the poverty On the road to success: Ali Nicholson (third from left) with some of Aldershot depot’s other female drivers, congratulates new problem and the devastating effect of the Aids driver Brenda Painter. pandemic. tops London “We have consistently assisted health and orphan projects for more than a decade and this year we are Ali leads the way in training league giving £50,000 to help Ugandan orphan programmes. “We support the objectives of the Make Poverty Stagecoach in London has come top History coalition and Gordon Brown’s aid for trade In the driving seat when it Manager for Stagecoach buses in company’s busiest depots in the of the Freight Transport Association’s initiative and we hope our offer of low-cost transport comes to training is Ali Aldershot, is delighted that Ali, south. Forty-seven services are (FTA) league for the second consec- to the rally in Edinburgh has helped get the message Nicholson, Stagecoach’s first who comes from the town, took operated in Hants and Surrey utive year. across loud and clear.” female bus-driving instructor in up the challenge. using a fleet of 85 buses and a FTA inspectors carried out 1683 Stagecoach has worked with the Make Poverty the South. “We are very proud of Ali’s team of 140 drivers – 11 of vehicle inspections across the six History coalition to establish appropriate safety and Ali joined the company at achievement,” he added. “She whom are women. The latest major operating companies in security measures. Dedicated stewards were on duty Aldershot in 1999 as a trainee now joins the team of 10 instruc- recruit, trained by Ali, is Brenda London (Stagecoach, First, Arriva, when passengers boarded the buses at Greenline driver and has now qualified as tors which trains an average of Painter from Bordon who has Go-Ahead, Metroline and London Coach Station in Victoria, London. a PSV instructor. 350 drivers each year.” now completed the six-week United) in 2004 and the average There was also a family-friendly travelling envi- Graham Harmer, Operations Aldershot is one of the driver training course. number of penalty points per bus ronment on board and no alcohol was permitted. was eight. Around 310 inspections were conducted within Stagecoach London, where the average penalty per bus was 5.6. Bow topped the A match made in heaven … for Raith fans chart with only 3.7 points per vehicle. Peter Sumner, Engineering Stagecoach in Fife staff had a ball when Watson (Supervisor, Cowdenbeath), Director, said: “This demonstrates they were treated to five-star hospitality Colin Clarke, (Supervisor, the pride that we take in our vehicles at Stark’s Park in Kirkcaldy. Cowdenbeath), Jackie Ferguson and the importance placed upon Employees from Cowdenbeath and (Administration, Cowdenbeath), Cliff passenger comfort by our team of Aberhill, the two depots with the top Low (Driver, Cowdenbeath), Pete engineers.” scoring Key Performance Indicator Wilders (Driver, Cowdenbeath) and Jim The FTA represents the transport Reports for April, won the chance to see Fitzimmons (Supervisor, Aberhill). interests of companies moving goods Fife side Raith Rovers tackle Scottish by road, rail, sea and air. League rivals Hamilton Accies. If you have been up to something Inspections are carried out every The prize, offered by Operations month and assessments are based on Director Doug Fleming, also included a innovative in your local community then we’d like to hear about it. the number of vehicles at each tour of the ground and a three-course garage. meal in the Raith Suite before the match. Your On Stage contact is listed on p2. Each inspection covers ramps, Stagecoach has supported local brakes, fuel, bodywork, electrical, football throughout the past year by tyres, chassis as well as cleanliness sponsoring the Raith Rovers Youth A tale and Transport for London’s statutory Development Team. to tell? notices. Caption: David Watson receives a signed football. The lucky team included David 12 Summer 2005 SilverJubilee Special 1980-2005

tagecoach marked 25 years at the Sfrontier of transport with a week of celebrations in Scotland for the staff and community that have helped drive the company’s success. 25 YEARS AT THE The business was launched in Perth in 1980 by Chief Executive Brian Souter and his sister, Ann Gloag, with just two buses. A quarter of a century later, it is now an inter- national transport group with 30,000 employees in the UK, United States, Canada and New Zealand. FRONTIER OF A special marquee was built on Brian Souter’s estate at Ochtertyre near Crieff, Perthshire, in June for a number of events to mark the milestone.. “We have come a long way in 25 years, but we have never forgotten our roots in Perth or the people that have helped our business get to where we are today,” said TRANSPORT Brian. “We wanted to do something for our staff and for the community to mark this Stagecoach pays tribute to everyone who made the journey possible milestone and to say a big thank you for the part they have played in the Stagecoach success story.” More than 300 people attended a long service and retirement awards evening when staff with 25 years service or more were recognised at a special dinner followed by music and an impressive fireworks display. One of the highlights of the celebrations was a family fun day for staff across the company. More than 2,000 employees, some from as far away as Devon, enjoyed all the fun of the fair as well as Robbie Williams and Tina Turner sound-a-likes. During the day, vintage buses ferried staff to and from the fun day attractions and there was plenty of camaraderie during the day. One retired Perth driver recalled how he was asked to pull his bus over into a layby by Brian Souter and transfer his passengers from a Volvo coach to a Bristol double deck. When the driver asked why the bus was being changed, Brian replied that he had sold the coach! Around a dozen heritage vehicles rolled back the years in and around Perth to operate on a number of routes to mark the anniversary. Passengers also got an added bonus, with Stagecoach rolling back the cost of a ticket to 1980 prices. The buses – some more than 70 years old - were driven by volunteers from the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum at Lathalmond in Fife, which has preserved dozens of old vehicles. Among the historic vehicles in service were be HGM 335E - Bristol FLF, RCS - Leyland Tital PD3, UCS 659 - Albion Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Brian Souter with members of the Watoto Choir from Uganda. Lowlander LRS, RAG 578 Daimler CVG6, DGS - Leyland PS1, PC1 - Leyland Royal Tiger, HDV 639E Bristol MW, FRD 199 - by Steven Stewart with a spectacular fireworks display. tion it showed that the earlier Glasgow to Bristol Lodekka, EVA 324 - Guy Arab, and Many things have changed over the past London express coach service had a fare of GVD 47 - Guy Arab. quarter of a century, but one thing has £6.75, 40% cheaper than the Scottish Bus The marquee at Ochtertyre was also the Stagecoach 25th anniversary dinner. Waiting stayed the same: the 2.5 million customers Group’s fare of £11 (more than £40 in today’s venue for the 2005 Scottish Business staff at the dinner got into the transport that trust Stagecoach to get to their destina- prices). Some 25 years later, megabus.com Achievement Award Trust charity fund- theme of the evening, dressing up as tion every day are still getting great value for customers can now make the same trip for raising lunch, attended by Transport “clippies” and train conductors. Guests were money. just £1. Even the average megabus.com fare Secretary Alistair Darling and trust patron the also treated to some traditional Scottish Brian received an interesting gift from on that trip is just £8, marginally more than Princess Royal. music as well as a youth jazz band and the Alan McNight of Hyde Road depot, which the price was in 1980. This is clear evidence Guests from the world of business, Watoto Choir from a children’s orphanage in was an original 25 year old poster advertis- that Stagecoach continues to deliver afford- transport and politics attended a formal Uganda, before the evening was rounded off ing inter-city coach services. On examina- able transport. 25 YEARS AT THE FRONTIER

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1 ON SONG: Attendees at the Long Service 7 JUBILEE BANQUET: First Minister Jack Awards enjoyed a special song, courtesy of McConnell and his wife, Bridget, chat to George Williamson. guests at the 25th anniversary banquet.

2 CONGRATULATIONS: Stagecoach Group 8 ALL THAT JAZZ: music was also provided by Chairman Robert Speirs with company the South Ayrshire Jazz Band. founders Brian Souter and Ann Gloag. 9 CLOWNING AROUND: two of the many perform- 3 LOYALTY HONOURED: Some of the dedicated ers at the Stagecoach Family Fun Day. Stagecoach staff recognised at the Long Service Awards. 10 DEDICATION: Bluebird employees Patricia Durno (30 years’ service) and James Wallace (38 12 4 BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT: The Princess Royal years’ service) were among staff presented with Brian Souter at the Scottish Business with awards by Brian Souter. Achievement Award lunch held at Ochtertyre. 11 TARTAN TOUCH: Comrie Pipe Band entertained 5 SETTING THE STAGE: Ochtertyre House, the the 2,000 staff and their families who venue for a number of events to mark attended the fun day. Stagecoach’s 25th anniversary. 12 SMILE: Youngsters from all over the country 6 TAKE A BOW: The Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra enjoyed the Family Fun Day entertainment. entertains guests at the 25th anniversary 13 banquet. 13 MARKING THE OCCASION: Inside the marquee, specially erected for the celebrations. ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR (right): Families from as far away as Devon travelled to Ochtertyre for the special fun day.

ROLLING BACK THE YEARS: a dozen vintage vehicles made special journeys in and around Perth to say thank-you to the local community

WIN your copy of the STAGECOACH 25TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK

A new book has been produced to mark 25 years As well as covering the businesses the Send your answers on a postcard to: of Stagecoach – and we have 20 copies to give company has bought and sold over the past away in our latest On Stage competition. quarter of a century, the book contains many The Editor The hardback book, written by transport jour- amusing anecdotes from the past 25 years. On Stage nalist Doug Jack, charts the history of the Stagecoach Group company from its foundations in Perth in 1980 For your chance to win a copy, just answer the 10 Dunkeld Road through to the present day. following question: Perth Full of glossy colour photography from PH1 5TW Stagecoach’s bus and rail operations around the In what city and year was globe, the book also features a foreword from co- The closing date for entries is August 31, 2005 and founder and Group Chief Executive Brian Souter. Stagecoach founded? the Editor’s decision is final. Good luck!