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Going topless Reaching a in New new level of control

The newspaper of Group

Issue 54 Spring 2004 Stagecoach joins Danes in bid for rail franchise

tagecoach Group has linked up with Danish State SRailways (DSB) to bid for a major UK rail franchise. The Group has taken a 29.9% majority of passenger rail services in stake in South Eastern Railways Ltd, a Denmark and has further franchise company set up by DSB, to bid for operations in other Scandinavian the new Integrated Kent franchise in countries. logging on south-east . It is an independent Public Three other companies – GNER, Corporation, owned by the Danish Carry on .com! First Group and a consortium of Go- Government, and is managed by a That was the message Ahead and , of France – have Board of Directors and an Executive from bubbly actress been shortlisted for the to 10- Committee, who are responsible for Barbara Windsor when year franchise. the day-to-day business. she helped launch Integrated Kent, which will be let Executive Vice President and CFO Britain’s first low-cost from early 2005, of DSB, Søren internet bus service. will include routes Eriksen said: And, with tickets on the ‘Both Stagecoach “Stagecoach has available from just £1 throug- extensive through megabus.com, the hout Kent, parts of and DSB share a experience with initiative is catching the Sussex and South- train operations in public’s imagination for East London. It will commitment to the UK and DSB is catching a bus. also incorporate undisputedly one An astonishing 20,000 new domestic putting passengers of the best folk a day are calling up services on the performing train the website, with an Channel Tunnel Rail at the heart of our operators in incredible 25% snapping Link (CTRL). Europe. up a ticket. Graham Eccles, business’ “Therefore, the Now, following the ’s two com-panies success of trial routes in Executive Director can draw on their and the north of Rail, said: “We are respective core England, megabus.com is delighted to be competencies in linking London to 10 cities partnering DSB to delivering value in England and Wales. bid for the for public money. To celebrate the Integrated Kent rail Graham Eccles DSB and success of the service, franchise. Stagecoach Barbara, one of the Collectively, we Executive Director complement each country’s favourite TV, believe we have a other well.” stage and film stars, was strong mix of Rail Stagecoach’s delighted to spread the experience in experience in word that “fings ain’t what operating high- running South they used to be” when it volume commuter West Trains – the comes to the cost of and long-distance rail services. UK’s largest rail franchise with 1,700 hopping on a bus. “Both Stagecoach and DSB share a trains a day running out of London’s commitment to putting passengers at Waterloo Station – will be an Full report – page 3 the heart of our business, investing in important factor as the new franchise new trains and focusing closely on includes a significant commuter delivering a first-class operating element. performance. We look forward to The Strategic Rail Authority will Barbara Windsor tries to get working together to develop a strong decide the preferred bidder for the more of us on the buses with her bid for the franchise.” franchise and interested parties have promotion of megabus.com. DSB, which has an excellent to submit final bids by August this reputation in Europe, operates the year. heads the First class trains regions

The Scotland office at Aberdeen bus station best in business was recently crowned Regional Agent of the Year for Scotland. outh West Trains’ new bringing new journey opportunities The Desiro award was a joint “Chandler’s Ford station is really a Staff at the Aberdeen office SDesiro fleet has won a and providing an attractive gateway entry between , project to be proud of and I’d like to beat off competition from 300 to the South West Trains’ network. Siemens Transportation, the rolling thank everyone for their efforts other agents throughout top prize at a national rail Chandler’s Ford was officially stock leasing company Angel Trains, which have created a first class Scotland to pick up the award industry awards ceremony. opened in October 2003 and and , which also railway station. and have now been entered in The Desiro trains, manufactured includes a new station building, has Desiro trains operating on its “These awards recognise the the race for National Express by Siemens, were announced as platform and modern footbridge. network. Siemens was given a efforts that have been made to bring Agent of the Year for the UK. winners in the Rolling Stock The first Desiro trains were further accolade when it was a high standard of rolling stock and There are some 1,800 agents Excellence of the Year category at introduced to South West Trains’ awarded the ultimate title of Rail stations to our passengers and it was throughout the UK. the HSBC Rail Business Awards in network in October 2003. They are Business of the Year. a night that made me proud to be Stagecoach operates as an February. part of the largest train order in the South West Trains Managing part of South West Trains.” agent for National Express and South West Trains was also highly UK, worth around £1 billion, which Director Andrew Haines said: “The David Wilson, Director of overall sales at Aberdeen commended in the Station will see more than 150 new trains award for the Desiro trains is a Siemens Transportation, said: increased by 20 per cent last Excellence of the Year category for arriving in the region. fantastic achievement, especially so “Siemens is delighted to win this year. There was also a 34 per the new station at Chandler’s Ford, The Desiros have improved levels early on in the introduction award with its partners. Passengers cent increase in add-on which was built in partnership with of crash-worthiness and bring a programme. are already beginning to experience products such as insurance. Hampshire County Council, Network whole host of passenger benefits, “The trains are a credit to all the benefits of the Desiros and we Congratulations go to all the Rail and the Strategic Rail Authority. including air-conditioning, on-train involved and have delivered a real will continue to work hard together staff from Stagecoach East The brand new station offers an CCTV, a passenger information improvement in our passengers’ to ensure they achieve ever- Scotland who played a part in hourly train service to passengers, system and a smoother ride quality. experience of travelling with us. improving levels of reliability.” the winning of the award. Robert Andrew, Deputy Managing Director of Stagecoach Scotland, said: “We are delighted that the Top award takes account Stagecoach staff at Aberdeen bus station have received this accolade. of a great performance “They have worked extremely hard for the travelling public, offering Stagecoach Group Finance Director Group Finance Director in April 2000 information and advice on Martin Griffiths has scooped a top and is responsible for the Group’s journey options. professional award. overall financial policy and treasury “This award is well Martin (37) was named Young management. deserved.” Finance Director of the Year at the A Chartered Accountant, he also Financial Director of the Year Awards has responsibility for the overall in . management of the Group’s property The award was presented by BBC portfolio. New team Business Editor Jeff Randall at an Two other honours were event in the Edinburgh International presented at the awards. Stuart Conference Centre, attended by over Paterson, Johnston Press plc, was 400 leading professionals. named FD of the Year for the in place Martin was appointed Stagecoach corporate sector, while John Matheson, of NHS Lothian, received the top award in the Public/Not for for UK Bus Profit sector. Martin Griffiths picks up the The awards were organised by Young Finance Director of ASA International and sponsored by Stagecoach UK Bus has the Year honour at the Bank of Scotland Corporate Banking strengthened its management awards ceremony. and CA Magazine. team in the South Midlands as part of moves to develop the business. Contacts The division will now be managed as two separate The Editor, On Stage, Stagecoach Group, West Mark Whittle 01392 889747 operating companies. 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth PH1 5TW. National Transport Tokens Sajda Khan 01254 680180 Martin Sutton, the current Tel: +44 (0)1738 442111, Fax: +44 (0)1738 580407 Managing Director for the UK Rail area, has been appointed www.stagecoachgroup.com South West Trains Kathryn Rowe 0207 620 5238 Managing Director If you have a story for On Stage please get in touch with 01983 812591 Oxfordshire, with responsibili- your local contact below. Stephen Wade Stagecoach Supertram Julia Shaw 0114 2759888 ty for the , Witney and Stagecoach Group Steven Stewart 01738 642040 Banbury depots. He will be based in Oxford and also Overseas oversee the Oxford Tube UK Bus Coach USA operation. Lisa McCloy 01592 261461 North East Roger Bowker 001 201 225 7581 James Freeman, Operations Scotland Emma McNae 01292 613515 North Central Dale Moser 001 847 390 5800 Director, has become Robin Knight 0191 567 5251 Jim Devlin 001 705 748 1170 Managing Director Colin Nicholson 01772 255752 . Based in Rugby, Stagecoach Karen Best 0161 276 2727 Dennis Elliot 00 649 309 3500 he will manage the Nuneaton, Rugby and Leamington depots. Stagecoach Phil Cartwright 01246 222018 On Stage is published four times a year. Advertising connected Les Warneford, Managing Stagecoach South Midlands Adam Rideout 01788 562 036 directly or indirectly with Stagecoach is accepted. Charitable adverts Director of Stagecoach UK Stagecoach East Philip Norwell 01604 676060 will be included without charge, otherwise rates on request. Bus, said: “This new On Stage is distributed free to Stagecoach staff. Public subscrip- Stagecoach West Anne Dickinson 01242 545224 tions are available at £12 for one year or £20 for two years. Cheque management structure will Stagecoach Wales Stephen Evans 01291 623565 payable to Stagecoach Group plc at the editorial address. The allow Martin and James to Benjamin Franklin 020 8477 7249 Editor is unable to enter into individual correspondence concerning focus on the continued the affairs of The Stagecoach Group. development and growth of Helen Martin 01243 536161 their respective businesses.” Stagecoach South Helen Martin 01243 536161 Designed by Catchline PR and Communications, Scotland.

2 Spring 2004 Passengers take a mega-bite of internet bargain tickets

million bargain-hunters Ahave rushed to cash in Rush to snap up £1 megabus.com deal hits million mark on the £1 fares offered by the UK’s first low-cost internet bus service, megabus.com – megabus.com. Now the initial trial route has the reaction gone into profit only seven months after the new concept was “It is excellent news for launched. passengers.” Caroline Interest in megabus.com has Cahm, Chairman of the gone through the roof since it went live across the UK in March. National Federation of Some 250,000 passengers have Bus Users. already travelled on the ground- breaking service. “We welcome such Around 20,000 people a day are services because they logging on to the website, with an represent very efficient average of one seat booked for use of road space.” David every four visitors – an incredibly Begg, Chairman of the high hit rate. Megabus.com, which uses high- Commission for capacity double decker buses, has Integrated Transport. captured the public imagination since a new network of routes, “The megabus has a linking London to 10 cities in feelgood factor.” Simon England and Wales, was launched a Eastender Barbara Windsor drives home the Megabus message. Calder,Travel Journalist, few weeks ago. It followed similar The Independent. success on trial routes in Scotland megabus.com has been well weeks after we went live across the customers know megabus.com is the only and the north of England. beyond our expectations and we country. place they will get real bargain deals all , Stagecoach Group are seeing an encouraging growth “Prices for bus travel year round rather than one-off promotions “Megabus.com is a Chief Executive, said: “Interest in in passenger numbers only three have never been so low and with lots of small print.” fantastic bargain. To be The first megabus.com trial route, from able to travel across the Oxford to London, was launched in August country for only £1 is The megabus.com network last year and has already gone into profit going to be a huge for the first time – an amazing achievement incentive for commuters, for a new product. families and visitors.” The success of the Oxford-London Barbara Windsor,Actress. service is all the more impressive because Stagecoach already runs its upmarket Oxford Tube double-decker coach product “Thumbs-up for £1 every 12 minutes on the same corridor. London trip.” South Wales Megabus.com’s low-cost offer has com- Echo. plemented the Oxford Tube service and more passengers are now travelling with “I saw the deal advertised Stagecoach than last year on that key route, proving that megabus.com is attracting on a bus when going to new people to intercity bus travel. university one day. I Based on the same concept as low-cost thought it was too good to airlines, megabus.com is appealing to a be true but I was wrong.” wide audience, including students, Gary Payne, Student, commuters, families and ‘silver surfers’ – University. the over 55s market who use the internet. Seats on the no-frills ticketless service “Value for money? are yield managed in the same way as the budget airlines. Seats start from £1, with Definitely.” Frankie slightly higher fares for last-minute Taggart, Journalist, bookings or popular journeys. All reserva- Brighton Argus. tions are subject to a 50p booking fee.

Megabus.com has just scooped a major business award for innovation and technology. It’s a winner – and that’s official Stagecoach’s low-cost intercity bus service was one of three of Scottish Enterprise Tayside, said: “In • Customer Service Excellence; initiatives in the running for an Tayside we have enormous diversity in our • Best Performing Business (25 employees honour as part of the prestigious business base. The economy is being driven or under); Tayside Business Awards 2004. by businesses which are demonstrating the • Most Entrepreneurial Young Company; Dozens of companies from characteristics reflected by the Tayside • Business in the Community; Business Awards.” across the region entered the • Excellence in Skills and Learning; awards, which spotlighted the Hosted by broadcaster and TV • International Business; successes achieved by Tayside personality Kaye Adams, the awards were companies over the last 12 months. organised by Scottish Enterprise Tayside, • E-Business. Judges’ comments included: with principal funding from the Royal Bank Has your Stagecoach department or region “Excellent presentation, very of Scotland. won an award? If it has, let us know and dynamic from concept to imple- Awards were made in nine categories: we could feature its success in these pages. mentation.” Your On Stage contact is listed on p2. Another wrote: “Good presenta- • Best Performing Business (over 25 We are the champions: megabus.com controllers Donald Wight (left) and Don Adam tion and business model.” employees); (right) with megabus.com project manager George Connell (centre rear) and Shri Shona Cormack, Chief Executive • Innovation and Technology; A tale to tell? Shrikumar (centre front), from Kraya Solutions, who developed the website.

Spring 2004 3 Mercedes New York Sightseeing bends head for London given new dimension Stagecoach in London has won back a major contract. The route covered by the five- tagecoach is expanding its hugely year contract, which takes effect successful New York Sightseeing from June, is currently operated by S First and will continue to run operation with an order for 20 new between Oxford Circus and Ilford open-top double decker vehicles. at high frequencies. The new TransBus Enviro500 vehicles, to be Forty-two brand new articulated delivered later this year, follow the introduction of 40 buses, known as bendy-buses, like TransBus Trident open-toppers three years ago, which those found in central London, will transformed the quality of the on-the-road product. be introduced on to the route, Tourists – many of them from Britain – are snapping replacing the existing low floor up the wide range of NYC sightseeing tours, which double deckers. were expanded last year to include a Showbiz Insiders Articulated buses are able to Tour. carry around 135 passengers at a Brian Souter, Stagecoach Group Chief Executive and time – almost twice the number of Chief Executive Officer of Coach USA, said: “We are a double decker. seeing significant signs of recovery in the US tour Barry Arnold, Managing market and the time is now right to be investing in new Director of Stagecoach in London, vehicles for urban sightseeing services.” said: “We are delighted to have The triple-axle Enviro500s have 82 seats – 53 on the won this back. This route was once upper deck and 29 in the air-conditioned lower saloon, operated under contract to London which also features tinted glass. Buses by us and lost on tender in Space has been allocated for two wheelchairs in the 1999. lower deck, with access for passengers with disabilities “An order has been placed with by a powered ramp in the front entrance of the two- Mercedes Benz for the buses and door buses. work is under way to prepare a A three-camera CCTV system ensures passenger new depot at Stratford, from which safety, with coverage of the top deck, the centre exit the route will be operated. door and the area behind the bus when reverse gear is “We already operate articulated engaged. buses in south-east and central The new vehicles are slightly wider than the existing London, and are delighted to be Tridents – 2.55m instead of 2.5m – giving more internal the first operator of such vehicles space. They will also be powered by the latest Cummins in east-London as well. There is no 330PS EPA engine with exhaust gas recirculation. doubt they will bring an all-round David Quainton, Sales Director, TransBus higher standard of service.” International Body Division, said: “We are delighted to have won repeat business from Stagecoach for its demanding operations in North America. “This order builds on the long relationship between Stagecoach and our Falkirk plant which has been Rhondda supplying new buses to the group since 1987.” New York Sightseeing, which now employs up to gets the 140 drivers at the height of the season, had a phenomenal 2003, with July breaking all sales records and brisk business continuing right through into the low down autumn. New open-top double decker buses are heading for New York. The first of 12 brand new Super Low Floor buses has entered Passengers of Coach USA The coaches were purchased service in South Wales from the Northeast are enjoying new from Motor Coach Industries Inc. Stagecoach bus depot at Porth. levels of luxury thanks to a $6 (MCI), Chicago, Illinois, USA. Its Travelling in the lap of luxury All are expected to be in million investment in 17 new Chief Executive Officer, Tom service by the start of next month. motor coaches. Sorrells, said: “We are extremely Announcing the £1million Five of the new 55-seater being allocated to Shortline, based are continuing to invest in our pleased Coach USA has, investment, Stagecoach coaches, which were due to be in Mahwah, NJ. operations. once again, selected MCI’s Operations Manager Stephen delivered at the end of January, All of the coaches feature rest- “This $6 million investment in proven and dependable products Evans said: “I am extremely are being introduced to the rooms, video, and wheelchair lifts. new coaches will improve the to serve its customers’ needs. MCI pleased that we have these new company’s suburban operation, Brian Souter, Chief Executive quality of service we provide for is proud of its ongoing relation- buses coming to the Rhondda. based in New Brunswick, New Officer of Coach USA, said: “The longer distance commuter pass- ship with Coach USA and the “The investment has largely Jersey. performance of our Northeast engers and help facilitate organic trust and confidence that this new been made possible as a result of The remaining 12 vehicles are division is very encouraging and we growth.” purchase conveys.” the increase in journeys being made following the introduction by the Welsh Assembly Government of free travel for the Devon takes elderly and disabled. “Low floor, easy access buses delivery of make travel so much easier, not only for the elderly and those with mobility difficulties but also new Tridents mothers of young children who can simply wheel their pushchairs A new fleet of buses has been on board.” introduced in Devon on the There are also benefits for the Bayline route. environment as these vehicles are The ALX400-bodied Tridents fitted with the very latest low (left), which will operate a 10- emission Euro 3 engines. minute frequency between Newton The routes the new buses will Abbot and Brixham, have be used on will enable other low dedicated branding and made an floor buses in the fleet to be impressive sight at the launch on moved, bringing easy access Paignton seafront. buses to almost all main corridors Torbay Council has also in the area. improved bus stops on the route. 4 Spring 2004 Nora’s award Coach USA investment boosts charter business is Rugby first Coach USA has placed a multimillion- equipped with wheelchair lifts and a art vehicles will improve the quality of transit and sightseeing services dollar order for more than 60 new state- spiral entryway. service we can offer our customers.” throughout New Jersey, eastern New Nora Connor has become the first of-the art coaches. Brian Souter, Chief Executive Officer, The new vehicles are being York and southern Pennsylvania. employee at Stagecoach The new vehicles, ordered from Coach USA, said: “This new investment introduced in Chicago, Milwaukee, The North Central region operates Warwickshire’s Rugby Depot to gain manufacturer Motor Coach Industries will make a real difference to the Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and New York, 1,300 vehicles, including school and the new NVQ Level 2 award for bus Inc, will be divided between the comfort and reliability of our services on with the last of the buses arriving in May. transit buses. As well as tour, charter and industry personnel. company’s Northeast and North Central the road. Coach USA Northeast, which will sightseeing services, the company She started her NVQ studies in the operations. “We believe there is significant have more than 1,000 vehicles on provides commuter and university summer on the old format before It is the first order by Coach USA for potential to grow our charter business, completion of the order, provides long- shuttles, student transportation and switching to the new regime. the 56-seater J4500 vehicles, which are in particular, and these new state-of-the- distance express coach, commuter, scheduled airport services. Nora joined the company after she reached the age of 40 and decided there was more to life than staying at home looking after her teenage family. She responded to a Stagecoach advertisement to become a driver but for the last 12 months has been New low-floor buses working as a mentor, helping new recruits with on-bus training. NVQs put depot out in front make access easier Stagecoach staff in Leamington are tagecoach in leading the way when it comes to Shas added new low-floor picking up NVQs. Nearly 20 of the depot’s bus easy access buses to the drivers have just passed their NVQ number 21 route. Level 2 in Road Passenger Transport, This latest improvement is in putting the total number of successes addition to last summer’s increased at over 30 – more than any other frequency on the route – to every Stagecoach depot in South Midlands. 15 minutes – as part of the Havant Drivers are taking their lead from Quality Bus Partnership. manager Mick Rossiter, who has The partnership, which has studied in his own time to gain the praised Stagecoach for providing a qualification. quality service in the region, is Terry Dadzis, Stagecoach South between Hampshire County Midlands NVQ Co-ordinator, said: Council, Havant Borough Council “Mick and Leamington Depot’s and Portsmouth City Council. Assessor, Lucy Mitchell, have pulled Initiatives under way include bus out all the stops to give the priority schemes, relocation of bus company’s NVQ initiative every stops and raised kerbs to provide support. easier access to the new low floor “I couldn’t be more proud of vehicles. Leamington’s success and the attitude Andrew Dyer, Managing of the drivers. It’s the biggest single Director, Stagecoach South, added depot presentation to date and is his signature to the Havant Quality proving to be a worthwhile Bus Partnership at a ceremony investment.” attended by regional and local Mick and a selection of the drivers councillors and transport officials. received their certificates from Martin Andrew said the improved Sutton, Managing Director of number 21 route, between Stagecoach South Midlands. Portsmouth and Havant, is expected to boost passenger numbers. He said: “We are delighted to be Mum Julia Gaskin and children Callum and Louis demonstrate the number 21’s low floor access, watched, from left, by Councillor Alex Bentley, Portsmouth working in partnership with the City Council; Councillor Keith Estlin, Havant Borough Council; Andrew Dyer, MD Stagecoach South, and Nigel Tarrant, Havant Borough Council. authorities. Our service and vehicle Closing books enhancements, along with on-street “In just three years, the number follow a similar pattern and we aim Havant Borough Council’s goals infrastructure improvements by the 23 route has seen passenger to reduce travelling time by 10 per for reduction of car dependency are on her career councils, is a winning combination numbers increase by 30 per cent. cent on the service in the next three being complemented by plans for a for encouraging new users. We expect the number 21 route to years.” new Havant Bus Station. Jean Briggs, a founder member of the Stagecoach Group Pensions Department, has retired after more than 10 years in the role. Latest vehicles arrive Based at the Group headquarters in Perth, Jean joined the pensions set Joint working up in April, 1993, following the on route decision by the Group to move the scheme administration in-house. Apart from being Senior Scheme Nine New low-floor reaps reward Administrator, she ran the pensioner buses have been introduced on payroll, seeing it increase from under route 67/68 in Carlisle. Operating between Belle Stagecoach has linked up with led to passenger growth on the 77 200 to over 3,500 in the last 10 years. County Council and service between Chesterfield and Paul Goddard, Group Pensions Vue, Carlisle City Centre and Upperby, the nine new additions other local authorities to help Worksop. Manager, said: “Jean was a font of all improve transport on the A619 Paul Lynch, Managing Director knowledge for the more junior will join the existing easy access fleet, bringing the total number corridor between Chesterfield of , said: members of the team and will be and Staveley. “I am delighted that, by working missed in many ways.” of low floor buses in Carlisle to 22. Improvements to bus priority alongside the local authorities, Jean, who retired early at age 60, measures and the introduction of Stagecoach is able to offer its previously worked with Ribble in new bus shelters, timetable cases customers in North-East payroll in the mid-1980s before it was and specially branded buses are Derbyshire an improved service.” a Stagecoach company. She lives in Pictured, from left, are Graham Whiteley, Manager, being made as part of the recently Other enhancements to the Bankfoot, near Perth, with husband launched Bus Quality corridor are scheduled to follow, Jim and the couple are now planning County Council; Nigel Barrett, Managing Director, Stagecoach North West, and Partnership. including the introduction of to move back to the North West of The Partnership has already seven new Tridents. England to be closer to their family. Willie McPhail, Operations Manager, Stagecoach North West. Spring 2004 5 New control centre b

outh West Trains has joined ‘Fat controllers’ at heart of improvements to the network Sforces with to open the UK’s first integrated control centre, which will transform the way the railways recover from breakdowns. The Wessex Integrated Control Centre (WICC) is the first of a series of seven similar operations across the UK rail network that will see the introduction of so-called ‘fat controllers’ to take charge of operations. It will simplify communications and promote more efficient ways of working between train companies and the infrastructure provider, so decisions are taken in the best interests of passengers. Based in London Waterloo station, at the heart of the railway network in the South West of England, it brings controllers from Network Rail and South West Trains together to work side by side in one location. Transport Secretary Alistair Darling, who officially opened the new centre in February, said the initiative would address the problem of fragmentation within the industry. “Passengers don’t care who owns the track and trains but they do care passionately that there is a person who is capable of taking decisions,” he said. Andrew Haines, Managing Director at South West Trains, said the centre heralded the start of a new era of partnership working for South West Trains and Network Rail. “The main aim of the centre is to improve performance and, ultimately, offer a higher level of customer service to our passengers,” he said. Robin Gisby, Network Rail’s Regional Director Southern, added: “Getting people back together has to be the right way to do things.” The WICC has been ergonomically designed so that all the controllers responsible for the minute-to-minute running of the railway are seated in the most appropriate place. Building work on the WICC began in November last year and took three months to The Wessex Integrated Control Centre overlooks the platforms at Waterloo Station. complete. It followed the first stage of integration in September 2002 when South West Trains’ The experts’ views managers were brought in to work alongside

Network Rail in signal boxes to provide input

Having everyone under one roof There is now a clear chain of Faults and incidents are inevitable on during decision-making.

makes communication much more command, which means there are the railway but this improved

efficient. Controllers can hear fewer operational interfaces and command and control will limit the Working together fo everything that is going on around much simpler channels of communi- impact of the subsequent delays. It is ‘ ‘ them and can act on it immediately.‘ cation, meaning information is com- estimated that tens of thousands of ‘ ‘ ‘ The WICC is bringing about better Before, the phones would always be municated quickly and efficiently. delay minutes will be saved each year, integration and improved working relation- busy, often because people from Previously, information was passed leading to a better, more reliable ships between employees from South West both companies were trying to between controllers via telephone or service for customers.The WICC Trains and Network Rail. contact each other at the same electronically; now communication is represents a major step forward for the Controllers work alongside each other time. face-to-face. rail industry and its stakeholders. so dialogue is improved and information communicated directly rather than over the telephone or by fax. Kevin Martin Alan Rawbone Andrew Harvey Responses to incidents are far quicker Duty Network Manager Service Delivery Manager Head of Train Service Delivery and as soon as one controller has the Control Centre factf

• Around 2,000 trains a day are controlled from the WICC. • The centre is responsible for over 600 route miles. • The project cost £2.5m and was funded by South West Trains, Network Rail and the Strategic Rail Authority. • There are 105 employees based at the centre with approximately 30 staff in the centre at any time. The centre is staffed 24 hours a day in three shifts from 6am to 2pm, 2pm to 10pm and 10pm to 6am. • The WICC makes and receives a total of around 1,000 phone calls a day. 6 Spring 2004 boosts rail integration

In control: Staff at the centre are working closely together to improve the response to incidents. Right: Transport Secretary Alistair Darling (centre) High-tech response to incidents at the official opening with Andrew Haines (right) and Robin Gisby. A major incident room, equipped • Eight of the most important with all the latest technology, locations in the WICC have been helps a top team of controllers installed with touch screen or a better service deal with incidents quickly. telephone systems, allowing During severe disruption, the quick and easy access to all the information, it can be circulated room will be used by the team important numbers. All the other throughout the control centre using the along with managers from telephones have been upgraded computer systems and new technology. operations, retail, fleet and to digital from the old analogue The ground-breaking system has control, as well as members of the system. involved the creation of a new role of Duty press office and station staff from • A system known as the ‘Gadget’ Network Manager, who oversees the Waterloo. has been installed, which allows decision-making process and is The incident room allows the WICC to share information responsible for the real-time delivery of controllers to develop strategies in with any other control centre in train services and helping to plan future a designated area away from the the country that has the same strategies. hustle and bustle of the main technology. This ‘Gadget’ is control room. It contains a bank linked to a server via an ISDN of LCD screens that can display all line and allows instant sharing the train-running applications, as of information between different file well as a TV function linked to a train companies. digibox so the team can keep up • Large LCD screens have been • More than 5km of cables were installed with the latest news via satellite put up at key locations in the in the WICC along with over 300 data television. WICC to allow all employees to and telephone points. In addition, an interactive view the same information at the • In addition to eight 40-inch plasma white-screen has been installed same time. The screens are screens, there are around 80 computer which is linked to a computer connected to a computer and screens in the control centre. system. Computer files can be can display information from the • To complete the move between the old displayed on the board and then various applications used to run and new control centre, a team of modified using electronic marker the railways including maps of around 30 specialists worked from 5pm pens. These new images can then track layouts and real-time to 9am to ensure the successful transfer be stored, e-mailed or printed. details on the location of of operating systems, while keeping the This facility allows controllers to services. railway running. The move, which modify plans and share • A new Local Area Network included transferring and installing information easily with the main (LAN) room has been built with around 20 different computer systems, control room and other operations a powerful server to support all was planned down to the minute. teams. the new IT systems. Spring 2004 7 A big plus £750,000 investment in public transport in for Scottish Public transport in Inverness has tainability and better air quality “We are committed to delivering congestion.” received a boost following the within Inverness. high-quality services and making As well as new vehicles, £750,000 investment by Stagecoach Safety for drivers and passengers public transport easier and safer to Stagecoach is introducing network passengers in nine new ‘green’ buses. are a priority too, with CCTV fitted use, as well as more environmen- enhancements in parts of Inverness The vehicles incorporate the on all the new buses. tally friendly. to make bus travel in the area a latest design features to benefit Robert Andrew, Deputy Managing “Our investment in new, state-of- more sustainable alternative for passengers, such as low-level access Director of Stagecoach Scotland, the-art buses is yet another residents and commuters, and to Stagecoach and other bus and for wheelchair users, parents with said: “We are at the forefront of incentive for people to leave their assist in the bid to beat increasing rail operators in Scotland young children and people with public transport development in the cars at home. People not only traffic congestion. The changes are have joined forces to offer limited mobility. UK and this investment demon- benefit from the convenience and part of a review of Stagecoach travellers a single ticket for Powered by ultra-clean Euro 3 strates our commitment to making comfort of the bus but can also services which led, in February, to use on both trains and buses. engines, the buses also demonstrate public transport an easy to use work together with Stagecoach in timing amendments and route The national PLUSBUS Stagecoach’s commitment to sus- alternative to the private car. Inverness to help cut pollution and changes. initiative has been developed by the Journey Solutions partnership of bus and rail operators, with £50,000 support from the Scottish Executive. Passengers can now buy rail tickets that also allow all- day bus travel within local NHS staff scheme zones, which cover most parts of mainland Scotland. Tickets can be bought for both the start and end legs of journeys from all participating rail stations. The add-on cost to the rail fare is less than the equivalent just the ticket day ticket in the area and costs less than multiple bus “It will also help us cope with our journeys, making it a simple tagecoach is at the heart major shortage of car parking space, and convenient system for Sof a major staff discount particularly through the rebuilding travellers. scheme for Manchester programme, and make it possible for Scottish Transport Minister hospitals. us meet some of the targets in our Nicol Stephen said: “This is a The tie up came about after Central travel plan while benefiting staff.” breakthrough in integrated Manchester and Manchester Children’s Ray Cossins, Commercial Director travel. Universities Hospitals NHS Trust put of Stagecoach in Manchester, said: “We “Scotland needs more forward its five-year development have been operating similar schemes joined-up public transport programme. with NHS Trusts for some time. initiatives like this to reduce The introduction of a discounted However, this is the first time the congestion on our roads, staff ticketing scheme for bus users interest free loan has been in place for grow our economy and was seen as one of the possible an annual discounted ticket. improve our quality of life. solutions to try to encourage staff to “We have worked with the Trust to Initial pilots of the make more journeys using public develop a pricing scheme which is PLUSBUS scheme were transport. attractive to the customer and hope carried out at Edinburgh The scheme will offer Trust that the extra discounts, offered by the Waverley and Perth rail employees, who number in the region Trust to its staff, will encourage stations and the system now of 6,500 over four sites, the customers to transfer to annual tickets covers 22 stations across opportunity to purchase weekly, and commit to Stagecoach for longer Scotland. monthly and annual tickets on site periods of time.” Robert Andrew, Deputy through the cashier’s office, with Director of Stagecoach interest free loans available for annual Scotland, was among the Andrew Howard-Smith, Nathan Ward, Colin Gallagher (all Stagecoach) and David White (CMMC Trust). Do you have any initiatives that are tickets. transport operators who attracting more people to try the David White, Car Park and Travel Trust, we have been able to attract include helping to achieve our goal of attended the PLUSBUS launch bus, then let us know. Your On Co-ordinator for the Trust, helped take immense interest from the first day. reducing the amount of journeys made at Edinburgh’s Waverley Stage contact is listed on p2. the scheme from idea to reality. “The discount tickets and staff to the Trust by cars with single station. He said: “Through the discounts interest free loan scheme will assist the occupancy and raise the number of made available by Stagecoach and the Trust in a variety of ways. These will staff who use public transport. A tale to tell? receives treatment

Stagecoach West Scotland is hoping the launch of Magic Bus in Ayrshire will spell success for the new 53 service. Operating on the to Bellsbank corridor, the service started in March and is offering a low cost alternative to travellers. The Magic Bus brand has been introduced to the Ayrshire network as an experiment to see if it will be as successful as its operation. Adult return fares are as little as £1.50, between Dalmellington and Ayr, and a magic-multi-ticket, offering 12 journeys for £8, has been introduced to offer further savings for regular travellers. Bryony Chamberlain, Operations Director of , said: “Magic Bus has long been a success for us in cities like Glasgow but now we are looking to trial this on inter-urban services. “We hope that this exciting experiment will give us the opportunity to develop this market further and to see if we can expand this brand onto other routes.”

8 Spring 2004 A total of 42 golfers took to the fairway tournament and set about putting for the inaugural Stagecoach New teams together. Zealand Golf Match in February. NZ tournament tees off in style It is hoped that next year’s event, to The event – which featured teams be held in either Rotorua or New from Stagecoach Auckland and At the time of the match a very while the Auckland team had a pleasant, warm welcome and a most enjoyable Plymouth, will generate greater Stagecoach – was held at violent tropical storm cut its way relaxed trip, arriving in good time. No night was had by all, even though the interest. Turangi, situated at the centre of the through the lower half of North Island doubt this had a part to play in the ‘Chiefs’ beat the ‘Hurricanes’ that day Tom Burt, Southern Area Manager, North Island, just minutes from where but, while improved weather would result, with Auckland winning the (NZ rugby teams and the Hurricanes are Stagecoach Auckland, said: “A big the Tongariro River flows into the have lifted the standard of golf, the spirit Stagecoach New Zealand Challenge Cup based in Wellington). thank-you goes to the company for its Mighty Lake Taupo. in which the match was played could comfortably. Back in September 2003, Doug support and also to the players, both Besides having an excellent golf not have been higher. Saturday evening was spent at the Hawkins and Tom Burt from Auckland men and women, who made this such course, Turangi is also known as ‘The The team from Wellington battled local Returned Services Association and Chris Rupapera from Wellington, hit a memorable event. We look forward Trout Fishing Capital of the World’. floods to arrive late on Friday in Turangi, Club, where the players received a on the idea of an annual golf to the challenge for the cup in 2005.” Making sure trains are spick and span

outh West Trains has Staken further steps to ‘Surj-ing’ improve its passengers’ travelling experience by introducing an intensive up ladder training course for employees who keep the Surj Bhullar (above) is carriages clean. following in the footsteps of The new Train Presentation two colleagues who joined a Centre of Excellence at Fratton bus operator’s Staff steps up the level of training given Development Programme and to employees thanks to a week- have since become managers. long course combining classroom- The 28-year-old is the latest based learning with practical on- recruit to the Stagecoach South train assessments. Midlands Staff Development Keeping South West Trains’ clean Scheme, which should lead to a is a massive job, with each train junior management role in eight being thoroughly cleaned every months’ time. night, as well as at regular intervals Surj, who joined Stagecoach throughout the day. South Midlands nearly four South West Trains employs years ago, is looking to emulate around 300 train presentation staff, John Bellinger, now managing who work around the clock to the Oxford Tube, and Bash clean more than 1,000 carriages and Rafiq, who is Operations remove between 35 and 40 tons of Manager at Rugby. rubbish each week. Stagecoach South Midlands The five-day course, held at the Operations Director James centre, covers every aspect of Freeman described the Staff cleaning from removing graffiti and Development Programme as a chewing gum to emptying tanks ‘unique’ vocational training and washing windows. Participants scheme for people who were are taught how to handle chemicals already working in the Market town enjoying new bus fleet safely, what tools to use for which company and had experience of job and the standards a train must bus operations at the ‘sharp meet before it returns to service. end’. He added: “At the same Abingdon is the latest part of the specially built to give our passengers a mental regulations and the interior has The centre at Fratton is the first time these people need to have country to benefit from a fleet of new more comfortable journey. The seats all the information anyone would of its kind in the country and South ambition to expand and extend low floor buses thanks to a £700,000 are a new design and each passenger need on how to save money using our West Trains is planning to open a their career, which gives us revamp of the popular X4 service. has more legroom to make the 20- services. second Centre of Excellence at access to a rich pool of talent Launched in August last year, the minute trip as relaxing as possible. “We have also specially selected a Clapham in April. among the operating staff – X4 runs every 10 minutes, during the Each vehicle is, of course, buggy and team of drivers who will be dedicated Maggie Beecher, Head of Train people who joined the buses in day, to give the people of Abingdon wheelchair accessible. to work on the new low floor route Presentation, said: “The work the some cases as a stop gap and their best ever service into Oxford. “The new buses really do set a lot and nothing else.” train presentation team do is the then realised it was a really Adam Rideout, Marketing Manager of firsts for our fleet. They have a new first thing passengers see when worthwhile career. What’s also of Stagecoach in Oxfordshire, said: style of branding so that our they get on the train so important is that we are “This new investment will set new passengers will recognise the service The launch of the low floor buses on the X4 “The new training centre and the finding them from within our standards in quality and reliability. instantly, they have engines built in service, earlier this year, at Abingdon Market course will bring about a real own organisation in the South “The new X4 vehicles have been America that meet current environ- Square. change in terms of employees’ pro- Midlands.” fessionalism, motivation and Surj started as a bus driver in standards of work. This will result the spa town and was promoted in cleaner trains and a real to controller at the depot 18 End of the road for improvement in the service we months later. He spent two provide to our passengers.” years in the role, handling the Leyland Nationals On completing the course, day-to-day running of buses employees are presented with a and travellers’ enquiries. certificate and can put their He is currently undergoing Stagecoach in Warwickshire example, NOE 602R, knowledge towards gaining a the first stage of his said goodbye to the last of (pictured) dates back to nationally recognised NVQ qualifi- development programme at its 85 Leyland Nationals at March 1977, managing to cation. Nuneaton under the guidance the end of March. clock up 27 years of service The course will be delivered to of manager Bill Breen – Surj’s It celebrated what was in the County. Sadly, NOE all the existing train presentation former assistant manager at the end of an era by 605R (also pictured) went staff, including managers, and will Leamington. Surj said: “I can’t running special final-day out of service in October then become part of an ongoing thank Bill enough for giving me services for bus enthusiasts. 2003, having completed programme to train new entrants my first chance.” The last surviving over 26 years’ service and provide refresher courses. Spring 2004 9 Santa Bus makes a difference Secure A total of £400 was raised for a who has been a driver for 40 years, said: Hampshire hospice over the festive “This is on behalf of our generous season thanks to Stagecoach Portsmouth passengers who made donations and status and its generous passengers. were keen to support the important A special ‘Santa Bus’ operated on work of the hospice. The atmosphere on many routes for a week over the the bus was great and much appreciated adds up Christmas period and passengers made by children and adults alike.” donations to charity. Our picture shows the Stagecoach Five South West Trains’ stations have Stagecoach’s bodyshop team team with Erika at the cheque been awarded Secure Station status members – Simon Davis and Bryan Gigg presentation. by the British Transport Police, – who created the special panels for the Crime Concern and the Department bus, were joined by David Rossiter, If you have been up to something for Transport, bringing the total on Operations Manager for Stagecoach in unusual to aid your local community the network to 36. Portsmouth, and Michael Crockford, the then we’d like to hear about it. Your The latest stations to be awarded driver who dressed as Father Christmas, On Stage contact is listed on p2. Secure Station status are Earlsfield, to present a cheque to Erika Lipscombe, Raynes Park, Teddington, St Matron at The Rowan Hospice. A tale to tell? Margaret’s and Vauxhall. On presenting the cheque, Michael, Working in partnership with the British Transport Police, South West Trains had to ensure that stations passed rigorous analysis set down by the . Tony Holland, South West Trains’ Security and Information Manager, Highland challenge said: “We are continuing to work tirelessly at South West Trains to introduce further security measures at our stations in the hope that more people will be encouraged to use our trains. “The safety and security of our to help fight cancer passengers and staff remains our number one priority. One of our initiatives to make our passengers riends and family of a Stagecoach Kevin Bickerstaffe, a senior Now Kevin, friends and It was in October 2000 that more secure was the introduc- Femployee whose wife died of breast claims negotiator at family are planning the 24-hour Pauline noticed a lump on her breast, tion of TravelSafe Officers who Stagecoach’s PSV Claims challenge walk through remote, which was found to be cancerous. patrol stations and trains. cancer are set to tackle a gruelling 54- Bureau in Perth, lost his wife, rough terrain in Scotland on Despite a mastectomy, chemotherapy Dr Vincent Cable MP added: “I mile walk this summer to raise Pauline, last year at the age of July 10 to raise funds for the and radiotherapy, she was told in am pleased that the staff at awareness of cancer prevention. just 42. World Cancer Research Fund. May 2002 that the cancer had spread Teddington and St Margarets stations into her lymph system and she died have been recognised in their aim to in October 2003. make every passenger’s journey a “Sadly, what happened to Pauline more pleasant experience. I wish is not unusual,” said Kevin. “You them well as they continue to make HOW TO HELP PREVENT CANCER read many such stories in magazines improvements.” and, sad though they are, in Pauline’s The Secure Station scheme was own words, ‘these things sometimes launched in 1998 to encourage 1 Maintain a healthy weight. Choose a diet rich in a happen’. stations to improve security for both Try to avoid being underweight or 5 variety of plant-based “Throughout the whole traumatic passengers and staff. To date, South overweight and limit the amount of foods. period, we tried various other West Trains and Network Rail have weight you gain during adulthood. Eat plenty of starchy or alternative treatments but the cancer invested around £4 million installing protein rich plant foods just kept growing. Despite what a combination of help points and and opt for wholegrain doctors can do, it’s convinced me CCTV cameras across the network. varieties where possible. that prevention is better than cure. “That’s why we are trying to raise money for the World Cancer Eat plenty of vegetables, Longer nights 2 Research Fund, which is the only fruit and other plant- major UK registered charity based foods. Select foods low in fat. dedicated solely to the prevention of out in Oxford Try to eat at least five portions 6 Opt for low fat versions of foods and cancer.” a day of a variety of vegetables drinks. Cut down on meat products and red WCRF, which was founded in Eleven years of round-the-clock bus all year round. meat – choose the leanest cuts and trim off 1990, aims to raise awareness that the services in Oxford have been com- visible fat. Eat fewer cakes, biscuits and risk of cancer is reduced by healthy plemented by a new service. pastries. food and associated lifestyles. Stagecoach is now running buses The walk will take the group between Oxford city centre and Drink alcohol only in Do not smoke along part of the West Highland Way, Woodfarm every 30 minutes moderation. 3 or chew from Balmaha through between midnight and 3am on For drinkers: men should tobacco. Rowardennan, Inversnaid, Friday and Saturday nights. 7 Inverarnan, past Crianlarich, through drink less than two drinks a Tobacco is a Adam Rideout, Marketing Tyndrum, of Orchy, King’s day, women less than one. major risk factor Manager for Stagecoach Oxfordshire, House Hotel and on to Altnafead, just for cancer, as said: “We spent several months before the Devil’s Staircase. well as heart looking at ways to improve the night WCRF has produced a number of disease, and is bus package, researching which free leaflets covering a range of Be physically active. increasingly areas of Oxford would benefit most 4 subjects, including testicular and Although any amount of activity is good implicated in other from the late night services. prostate cancer. To order the leaflets, for health, try to be physically active for chronic diseases, so it is “Having analysed our findings, or to find out more about WCRF and an hour a day in total, and exercise more for your long-term health to we decided to launch the service its work, log on to www.wcrf-uk.org vigorously for one hour each week. persevere in your attempts to give up. and, if it proves popular, more late or phone WCRF UK on 0207 343 night buses could be introduced in 4200. the future.”

Red & Tan’s project to revamp and County, said: “We’ve had an promote bus travel in greater New immediate and dramatic response to York City has been getting the Colour code revamp gets green light our mailing from the community. thumbs up from the public. Scores of residents have called to In the latest phase, all 11 routes thank us for putting together such a in Jersey City and Bayonne have It follows Red & Tan’s upgrading network map, route descriptions, and orange livery of Stagecoach useful guide to the buses, and been colour-coded on a new of motor coaches on its newly- fare information and summary Group, which will make the buses they’ve been requesting additional network map, timetables and branded Staten Island Express timetables have been mailed to stand out from the competition of copies. updated website. Buses have also commuter service. local households. plain white buses. ”This project seems to be been fitted with corresponding And more than 100,000 Eventually the entire transit fleet Emory Edwards, General opening doors for us with both colour placards. brochures, including the new will use the standard rural red, blue Manager, Red & Tan in Hudson existing and new riders.” 10 Spring 2004 Les qualifies for a quieter life

One of the original members of the success. His area covered Stagecoach Stagecoach UK Bus in-house S/NVQ Manchester, North West and West team, Les Udale, has retired. Scotland and he made a big impact Les joined Stagecoach in 1990 as a with his customers. driver and won several safe-driving A retirement lunch and presenta- awards. He achieved his NVQ in 1994 tion were held to mark the occasion and went on to become the company and colleagues wished Les and his scheme co -ordinator for Stagecoach wife Pat a long and happy retirement. North West. Donna Beighton, previously the Stan, who put the finishing touches on his As one of the four original company scheme co-ordinator for career as a Trimmer. advisors Les was instrumental in Stagecoach East, has now taken over Les Udale with his Stagecoach colleagues. making the new in-house approach a Les’ role. Retirement all sewn up Stan Bolam, trimmer at Stagecoach North East’s Walkergate depot, has Pendolinos slam retired after almost 49 years’ service. Stan was just 16 when he started with Newcastle Corporation in May 1955, in the days when the trolley buses were still going strong. Since then he has witnessed the company change hands several times before becoming part of the Stagecoach Group. brakes on waste All his friends and colleagues at Walkergate wish him a long and uge energy savings and dust reduction are two of happy retirement. Hthe top features on Virgin’s new Pendolino trains, serving on the West Coast route. In what is a first for high speed Meanwhile, the state-of-the-art new Hitting a intercity trains, their brakes pump Pendolino has won its first interna- electricity back into the power tional award for on-board service. lines. The tilting train’s innovative new level The Alstom-built tilting trains use shop has won the bronze Mercury electric regenerative braking which Award in the hotly contested On cuts dependence on conventional, Board Service category of In Flight dust-producing disc brakes and Catering Association’s competition, puts power back into the supply for judged in Nice. other trains. The shop sells a range of Pendolinos will use ‘reverse convenience products including thrust’ traction motors to slow books, magazines and compact down, generating up to five discs as well as high quality self- Megawatts of electricity for the service food. National Grid, dramatically Pendolinos are currently reducing creation of dust. replacing older trains on West Coast Alstom engineers have worked Main Line services between London closely with infrastructure provider Euston, the , Network Rail to ensure Pendolinos , Manchester and meet rigorous UK power supply Glasgow. Stag-coach makes an impression requirements and that the upgraded The competition, organised by West Coast power supply can the global trade association for in- Now here’s a first class effort we can absorb the full reverse power flow, flight catering around the world, Stagecoach in recently having a successful season and all tip our hats to. should several trains brake in the attracted 14 short-listed entries strengthened its links with local the eye-catching bus is helping to Engineers Brian Janikos, based at same area. from a wide field of nominations. football club Mansfield Town by promote the twin message, Slatyford, and James Morrow, who Chris Green, Chief Executive of Entries were judged for innovation painting a bus in the team’s ‘Support the Stags – Travel with works at Walkergate, have become , said: “Our new trains and customer satisfaction. distinctive livery. Stagecoach’. the first bus fitters in Stagecoach will prove a valuable benefit to the Around two-thirds of the 53- Mansfield Town, known Our picture shows, from left, North East to achieve NVQ Level 3 environment while using impressive strong Pendolino fleet on order has locally as The Stags, plays an Mansfield MP Alan Meale, Mechanics. important role in the local Stagecoach East Midlands MD state-of-the-art braking. been delivered and now operates community and the special bus Paul Lynch, Mansfield Town “On test, a Pendolino travelling almost 40 per cent of West Coast has been turning heads wherever Manager Keith Curle and the at 110mph stopped easily within Main Line services. From it goes. team’s Commercial Manager, Bob one signal section in pouring rain, September, the trains will run at up Mark of great The promotion-chasing side is Gorrill. and the disc brake cut in only as the to 125 mph and tilt on curves to cut train came to a stop.” journey times. achievement

The Fastpitch team Steve Stewart, Head of Media and Mark Winterton recently retired from competed with the best during the Public Affairs for Perth-based Softball team turns to Stagecoach Grimsby depot after 40 years of recent Men’s Softball World Stagecoach Group, said the company valued service. Championships in Christchurch, New was delighted to be able to help the GB Mark was a conductor and a Zealand. men with their special transportation driver before working as an inspector Stagecoach UK sponsored the team requirements during their World – a post he held for 24 years. and transport was provided by Championship tour of New Zealand. During his retirement he will be Stagecoach New Zealand. He explained that Stagecoach New able to spend more time on his The GB men are one of the world’s Zealand was the biggest bus operator in hobbies, which include reading and top ranked teams, having gone from the country and a key part of the local history. foundation level to the World community. It was hoped that Grimsby Operations Manager Ron Championships in five years and having Stagecoach’s transportation expertise Smith said: “Mark was one of a small recorded its second top-three finish in and background support would help team who played a very important the European Championships. GB do well at the World role in ensuring the smooth and Driving instructor Peter Dunthorne, Championships. The GB Fastpitch team which travelled courtesy of Stagecoach New Zealand. efficient operation of the Traffic from Auckland’s North Shore depot, GB national team manager Mark Office. He is a character and will be drove the team to Rotorua, Napier and Berman said: "Having Stagecoach as a the ground, we would not have been the future." missed by everyone at the depot. Hastings for their warm-up games, and sponsor and in charge of our trans- prepared for the challenges of the The New Zealand Black Sox won “I would like to thank him for his then to Albany, Auckland, for the Vic portation really made a difference. We World Championships and our tour may the World Championships, which took long and loyal service and wish him Guth Trophy tournament. The team can truly say that, without that not have happened. We plan to be place between January 29 and February a happy retirement.” then flew to Christchurch. assistance and the help of colleagues on regular users of Stagecoach now and in 8, for a record-breaking third time. Spring 2004 11 Still Supertram-tastic 10 years down the line Buses play celebrates a decade of serving the community upertram has clocked Sup 10 years of key role delivering lifeline tram Buses have a central role to play in services to the delivering the Government’s community in South transport strategy in the UK, a senior Yorkshire. minister has told industry chiefs. The milestone for the service, Tony McNulty, Under Secretary which serves the city of Sheffield of State at the Department for with three light rail routes, was Transport, emphasised that marked in March with the unveiling partnership was the key to attracting of a specially wrapped celebratory more people to public transport. tram. He praised the Kickstart initiative, Graham Eccles, Stagecoach championed by Stagecoach, and also Group Executive Director Rail, called for greater political will from Andy Morris, Managing Director local authorities to introduce bus Light Rail, and Roy Wickes, Director priority measures. General of Mr McNulty, who was speaking Passenger Transport Executive, at the Confederation of Passenger were among those at the event at Supertram staff beside the new tram that was introduced as part of the celebrations. Transport UK’s annual dinner in the Nunnery depot site. London, said: “Around two-thirds of Guests and the media boarded The whole system opened for but, by the late 1970s and early all public transport journeys are by the special liveried tram for a trip to passenger service after a five-year 1980s, the idea of a light rapid It’s a fact! bus – over four billion every year. Meadowhall terminus using the construction phase that created transit or tram system gained And, as the prime movers of people same piece of track that saw Britain’s first state-of-the-art momentum. from ‘A’ to ‘B’, buses are absolutely Supertram first begin operation in tramway. The original tram system Supertram stands out among • The system’s three routes central to our integrated transport 1994. in the city was abolished in 1960 major infrastructure projects in covers 29km across the strategy. that it was built on time and to city. “Coaches also make a vital contri- budget. Since its completion, • Superttram links five bution, increasingly providing an passenger numbers have alternative option for commuters as park and ride sites with continued to rise steadily, the busy city centre. well as contributing to the tourist reaching almost 12 million this economy. Very simply, we want to year. • A fleet of 25 trams were champion buses and coaches. During the course of the engineered by Siemens “The Government has responsi- birthday week, conductors gave in Germany and built at a bilities in the drive to encourage away badges and balloons to cost of £50 million. people to choose to travel by bus – children travelling on the trams • Each vehicle is 35m long, so does the industry and so do local and promoted a competition to authorities. Local authorities must 2.65m wide and weighs name Supertram’s new animated nearly 52 tonnes. show leadership and vision and take character tram. tough decisions for the long-term To mark the 10th anniversary, • Vehicles can each carry benefit of their area. each member of staff was 250 passengers. “We are encouraging local presented with a personalised mug authorities to implement bus • Low level accessible showing a photograph of floors account for 40% of priorities, which can reduce Supertram. Employees with 10 congestion and meet the bus the space on each years’ service themselves also vehicle. passenger’s principal desires: a quick received a specially engraved pen. journey and a dependable timetable. Carl Williams, General Manager, • Over 90% of the supports The Government recently said: “It’s a credit that so many for the overhead announced a consultation on staff have been with us for the 10 electrical system were reducing the 21-month minimum years. I’m sure I could speak for placed on buildings to period between making and everybody when I say we’re really avoid planting poles on bringing into force a Quality Contract proud of how well Supertram has city centre walkways. scheme if the partnership approach Britain’s first state-of-the-art tram system is 10 years old. progressed.” fails to deliver improvements. The period may be reduced to as little as six months, which is already the case in Scotland. Drivers’ starring role in ad’ campaign The 3% increase in bus patronage across England in 2003, which ’s “realistic and of becoming a bus driver, and other firms’ reversed a decline in the number of refreshing” driver recruitment adverts advertising campaigns came in for passengers in previous years, was were voted Best Campaign at a recent criticism for portraying an unrealistic welcomed by the Minister. Manchester Evening News awards picture of the job. Among the areas he focused on ceremony. Ward Diamond account director Sam was , where Stagecoach The whole Manchester team can take Diamond said: “Hearing the drivers’ has invested millions of pounds in pride in the achievement as Stagecoach thoughts first hand gave us a really clear new buses and increased bus drivers played a big part in producing idea of what we should be saying in the frequencies and generated the ads. adverts, and how we should put our passenger growth of 20% over four Personnel Manager for Stagecoach message across.” years. Manchester Jim Crenigan was present at The drivers were asked to provide Mr McNulty also welcomed the the ceremony to accept the award on feedback on the initial advertising “fresh ideas put forward by bus behalf of the team. concepts, which helped to shape the final operators” and singled out the Last year, recruitment advertising product. Members of the team also posed Kickstart initiative, which has been agency Ward Diamond visited the as models for the campaign imagery. successfully tested by Stagecoach in Manchester depots to meet drivers and The end result was a series of adverts New Zealand and in Perth, the home carry out focus group discussions. A lot of that the Manchester Evening News judges of the company’s headquarters. interesting opinions came out of the described as realistic, refreshing and Pictured at the award ceremony are from left, Adele Swift of the Evening News, Sam Diamond, sessions, such as the good and bad points simple in execution. Jim Crenigan and Andy Quigley (all from Stagecoach). 12 Spring 2004