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The newsletter of Group Issue 117 | September 2016 STAGE ON page 2 page 5 INSIDE MDs on the move | Sam is chuffed to bits in Try our UK Bus app! boss STAGECOACH has launched a new app which will Stagecoach UK Bus Managing Director Robert set to retire make travelling by bus even easier... and you can be Montgomery said: “In today’s fast-paced world, time part of making sure it’s a success. is really precious. Our new app will make bus travel CHRIS Bowles, Managing The new Stagecoach Bus app is available free of easier and give people more time to focus on the other Director of the Stagecoach charge for Apple and Android mobile phones. important things in their lives. Bus travel is changing Manchester business, is The company’s staff can contribute to the success rapidly. We’ve invested more than £1 billion in new set to step down after more of the new tool by downloading the app to their greener and more accessible buses over the past 10 than 42 years in the UK bus smartphones. The higher number of downloads of the years, many with free wifi. Smart ticketing and the industry. app achieved, means it will feature more prominently lowest bus fares in Britain also mean there are big Chris, who took up his in searches... good customer reviews will also increase reasons to choose the bus.” current post in 2010 and has worked with its popularity. To help make our new app a success, we’re Stagecoach for 20 years, will formally hand over Through the app, Stagecoach will offer mobile ticketing encouraging staff to tell their family and friends about the role to his successor, current Stagecoach on its local bus services for the first time, allowing it, give it a try, rate the app in the app store and report Merseyside and South Managing customers to instantly buy and download tickets any feedback to us via our intranet, The Loop. Director, Elisabeth Tasker on 1 November. straight to their smartphone. So, feel free to pay a visit to the app store, try it out Chris will remain with Stagecoach for up to 12 Mobile ticketing, offering Dayrider tickets, is now and give your feedback! months, reporting directly to Stagecoach UK Bus live across the company’s Manchester and Wigan Managing Director Robert Montgomery, to help business, and is expected to be rolled out across all develop the future strategy for the company’s of Stagecoach’s regional companies in the coming bus network in Greater Manchester, before months. Payments via the app can be made by PayPal, retiring in 2017. or via debit or credit card. and Wigan has a team The new app offers a simple journey planning tool of 2,350 employees, including 1,800 drivers, which uses interactive maps and the smartphone GPS running 800 buses out of six depots on 600 system to help customers identify their nearest bus routes across the region. stop and the most suitable bus service for their journey Chris joined Stagecoach in 1996 and became requirements. They can also find out information on Operations Director in Manchester in 1998, journey length and available fare options. moving to Stagecoach’s Ribble business in 2000, Passengers can also access live running times via their before being promoted to Commercial Director smartphone to check the status of their journey before for the North West in 2001 when the Ribble and catching the bus – giving them more time to finish Cumberland operations were merged. He was what they are doing before leaving for the bus stop. Managing Director of In addition, the app enables customers to pinpoint their from 2006 to 2010. location during their journey, helping them determine Chris said: “Public transport has been where they are on the route at any one time, how far transformed during my lifetime and I’ve been they are from their destination and when to get off the very fortunate to have worked with many superb bus. This will be of particular benefit to those who are people and partners.” not regular bus users or people who may be visiting a Elisabeth Tasker has 30 years’ experience in new location and are unsure of the route the bus will take. Continued on page 3 comes out on top EAST Midlands Trains has once again been named Trains was rated as the highest performing train of our own employees in continuing to deliver the best train operator in the most recent UK Customer operator with 77.7% satisfaction, 3.3% higher above best service they can for our customers. Satisfaction Index. the transport industry average. “It’s always great to be rated highly against other Carried out by the Institute of Customer Service twice Andrew Conroy, Customer Experience Director for train operators but our real focus is on becoming a year, the UK Customer Satisfaction Index looks at East Midlands Trains, said: “We have put a real one of the best customer service organisations in the satisfaction across a range of companies spanning focus on improving the experience our customers UK and we are pleased that the latest satisfaction 13 different industries. receive at our stations and on our trains, and this is scores are showing that we are moving in the right In the latest survey released in July, East Midlands testament to these improvements and the hard work direction.” 1 Did you know? employee Karen Duffy won a Virgin Group raffle and had lunch with Sir Richard Branson! ON STAGE

What a New Managing Laugh! Directors confirmed OVERHEARD – A Metro driver over the tannoy saying: “This is Byker, there’s Metro STAGECOACH has confirmed a number of Managing inspectors here so please have your tickets, Director appointments across its UK Bus business. passes or best running shoes at the ready Steve Walker, current Stagecoach North please.” Managing Director, has been appointed as the new If you have seen or heard something funny Managing Director of . – online, in the papers, on social media or just He took on the role from 12 September after while out and about – send your contributions for the company previously announced that former the ‘What a Laugh’ section in the next edition to Stagecoach North East Managing Director Phil [email protected] Medlicott had decided to leave the company. Mark Whitelocks current Operations Director, Scotland, has been appointed n Managing Director, Stagecoach North Scotland, Tribute to local hero effective from 1 October. re-designed one of In addition, Edward Hodgson, currently Managing New Stagecoach North East Managing Director Steve its buses to honour the memory of local hero Amy Director of .com Europe, will also take on Walker. Johnson, marking 75 years since her death. the position of Managing Director, , Bus passengers in Hull can ride on the bus which from 1 October 2016. This follows the promotion of Europe to international company FlixBus. is dedicated to pilot Amy Johnson CBE, who previous Stagecoach South Managing Director Mike megabus.com continues to operate a number of was the first woman to fly solo from to Watson to the position of Regional Director South. European services on behalf of FlixBus. Australia. Steve Walker worked in the bus industry in As such, Edward Hodgson will now carry out a dual Michelle Hargreaves, Managing Director for Manchester before joining role, as both Managing Director of Stagecoach South Stagecoach East Midlands, said: “We wanted to in 2001. He took on the role of Managing Director, and Managing Director of megabus.com’s retail show recognition for one of Hull’s most famous Stagecoach Highlands in June 2010 and was business in the UK, as well as overseeing the on- women and, by dedicating this bus to her, we can appointed Managing Director of Stagecoach North going operations in mainland Europe. ensure that her memory lives on.” Scotland in May 2013. Mark Whitelocks is a product of the highly successful Edward Hodgson was previously Commercial Stagecoach UK Bus Graduate Development Director at Stagecoach South before spending three Programme which takes graduate trainees through a years in the US in the role of Director of Senior Management Scheme to help them become megabus.com. He returned to the UK in 2011 after the managers of the future. Mark has previously being appointed Managing Director of Stagecoach held managerial positions at West Scotland and in July 2014 also took on the and . He was also Highly role of Managing Director of . In Commended in the Young Manager of the Year Jon Donnelly, Stagecoach East Midlands Commercial October 2014, he moved from West Scotland to take category at the 2010 UK Bus Awards. In September Manager, and Rick Welton, Director of the Amy on responsibility for megabus.com Europe and, as 2013 he took on the role of Operations Director at Johnson Festival, with the Amy Johnson bus. Managing Director, led the rapid expansion of the Stagecoach East Scotland. megabus.com network within mainland Europe over Robert Montgomery, Stagecoach UK Bus Managing the past two years. Director, said: “I would like to congratulate Steve, n Stagecoach confirmed earlier this year the sale of the Edward and Mark on their appointments and look On the pull retail part of the megabus.com business in mainland forward to working with them in their new roles.” MEGABUS.COM US sponsored a team for this year’s Tank Pull Challenge which benefits the Gary Sinise foundation, better known as Lt. Dan from Forrest Gump. What a show The megabus.com team was victorious in the corporate fund-raiser category and the trophy is THE very first Londoner Live Show has been hosted now proudly sitting in the office of megabus.com at Stagecoach’s West Ham depot. Director Bryony Chamberlain. Inspired by “Top Gear Live”, the idea was to showcase the latest in ’s bus technology and design while contrasting it with examples of buses from previous generations. Vehicles on show ranged from the latest electric BYD double deck to the petrol The event was attended by hundreds of visitors. driven K type of 1921. Some 1,500 people attended the show and bought The organisers also made donations to St Francis souvenirs, models and books from a number of stalls Hospice Havering, the London Transport Museum within the east wing. Rides on vintage buses were at Covent Garden and the London Bus Museum at The megabus.com tank pull team. also provided from Canning Town Station with tours Brooklands. donated £1,300 around Docklands arranged as well. from its own sales stand to the same three charities. 2 How the smart GrassHOPPER landed a Scottish first on p4. ON STAGE

Catching the bus together n Manchester boss set Continued from page 1 AS MENTIONED in the last issue of On Stage, many to retire of the company’s bus businesses took part in the the transport industry. During the first part of her national Catch The Bus Week campaign recently. career she worked in transport logistics within the The event, organised by campaign group Greener heavy goods industry before joining Stagecoach Journeys, involves many bus operators from across Manchester as Operations Director in 2000. In the UK and aims to share the benefits of bus travel to 2011, she was appointed Managing Director of encourage people to try the bus. and South Lancashire. As you’ll see from the photos on this page, a She said: “I am delighted to be returning to the number of Stagecoach companies took part in some Stagecoach East Midlands held a popular roadshow and Manchester area. It is one of the biggest and interesting activities to mark the week. bus bake off event in Lincoln. most important regions in the country and has a public transport network to rival any other UK city, including London. “Buses play a key role in delivering connectivity, providing good value links to education, employment, health and leisure facilities and contributing significantly to the local economy. However, it’s clear there are tough decisions to be made in the future if we are to unleash the full Stagecoach Merseyside MD Elisabeth Tasker, Claire Stagecoach Manchester handed over a cake to Stepping potential of the bus network. Traffic congestion is Haigh, CEO of Greener Journeys and Liz Chandler from Hill Hospital to mark the first anniversary of the Hazel strangling the city of Manchester and I look forward marked the week in Liverpool. Grove Park & Ride facility.. to working with our partners to deliver solutions which will help buses flourish and deliver even better services to the millions of customers who Video ticket machines up and running rely on the bus network every year.” A NETWORK of video ticket machines, which will familiar with, including pre-booked ticket collection make it easier for passengers to get help and find and tickets for immediate travel. However, the screen n Long serving ladies the best value fare for their journey, is now live on the also includes a ‘Help Me’ button, which a passenger network. can press at any time and be immediately IT WAS Ladies’ Day at Stagecoach London recently It is believed to be first network of its kind connected to the dedicated contact centre as the company held a lunch event for its long- in the country and is directly linked to a in . serving female employees. dedicated contact centre with specially Staff can offer advice and guidance and, The lunch was hosted by Head of HR Services trained staff who can offer face-to-face if needed, take control of the passenger’s Sarah Rennie. The longest serving female bus advice as well as remotely purchasing a screen and complete the purchase for drivers from each of our garages were invited to ticket for the passenger if needed. them. attend along with other long serving female staff This is part of the £50million investment Arthur Pretorius, Customer Service from supervisory and administrative roles. being delivered across the South Director for South West Trains, said: In fact, the accolade of longest serving female West Trains network to improve “We are delighted to be rolling out the employee is jointly held by Jill Chart, Garage passenger experience and also includes UK’s first integrated and large scale Operations Clerk at Bromley, and Sarah Rennie the introduction of 100 Customer network of video ticket machines. They herself, who have known each other since the Ambassadors in stations, 1,400 extra car parking will significantly improve the experience of our first day they joined the business 36 years ago. Jill spaces and a new website and smartphone app. passengers and provide real time guidance and help commented: “I have undertaken many different The state-of-the-art video ticket machines offer passengers make sure they get the best value fare for roles within the business and the industry gets into many of the features passengers will already be their journey, 24 hours a day.” your blood and I really enjoy the diversity of the people I meet and the challenges this brings”. Stagecoach London has worked hard to increase Portree’s new depot the proportion of females working for the company through a series of initiatives. STAGECOACH North Scotland has invested over Sarah Rennie added “It has been really interesting £750,000 in a purpose built depot in Portree. to hear the thoughts and ideas of women in front The new depot is now the base for 15 buses which line roles on how we can raise the profile of women operate throughout the Isle of Skye. The depot boasts in the industry in a more positive way. I would like the latest on site engineering and maintenance to congratulate all those who attended the lunch facilities with bluetooth vehicle lifts in addition to the today on their fantastic achievements”. latest compressed air technology. The new site also The new bus depot in Portree. includes parking and washing facilities for the vehicles. Left to right: Kim Thorby, These improvements will allow all maintenance work North Scotland, said: “We are delighted to open the Sarah Rennie, Jill Chart, to be carried out in Portree which previously would new depot which has good on site facilities for both the Mavis Amoakohene, have been completed at the Fort William depot, 107 engineering and driving staff. The previous depot gave Joyce Jordan, Roseclair miles away. us limited opportunity to maintain the vehicles so this Sanderson-Laing and Sally Trundley. Steve Walker, former Managing Director, Stagecoach will make our operations in Skye much more efficient.” 3 Did you know? SmartZone has celebrated its 5th birthday, and has increased passenger numbers by 5%. ON STAGE n Natalie’s a star Scotland’s first smart, VIRGIN Trains employee Natalie Simpson has been given a Star of the Month award after delivering great service to customers in need. multi-operator bus travel Following a last-minute change of platform, a family group with lots of luggage, two mobility- SMARTER travel has been introduced across simple. I look forward to seeing even more smart impaired elderly members and a deaf adult, along the North East as local bus operators and local ticketing schemes rolled out across the country in with four children were understandably stressed authorities launched Scotland’s first smart multi- the future” about catching their train. operator travel. Steve Walker, former Managing Director of But Natalie leapt to the rescue – despite being on The popular GrassHOPPER pass, which currently Stagecoach North Scotland, added: “It is fantastic to her way home after her shift! exists as a paper ticket only, is now smart, bringing see the GrassHOPPER ticket reach another milestone “Natalie was a sea of calm,” says Paul Larder, greater convenience to bus passengers across in its introduction. The fact that it can now be stored who nominated her for the Star of the Month City and . on smartcards, including our StagecoachSmart card, Award. “She made sure the family got to the The announcement means that customers can will deliver greater convenience to customers and train, found their seats and got their luggage store the GrassHOPPER ticket electronically on a cut down the amount of paper tickets issued. The stored onboard. Natalie made sure the Guard was smartcard – either a StagecoachSmart card, a First GrassHOPPER tickets have gone from strength to aware of the group then joined the train herself Touch card or a GrassHOPPER smartcard – meaning strength since the launch back in 2014 and we look and asked the onboard team if they required any they no longer need a paper ticket and can use one forward to welcoming even more passengers on our support!” smartcard when travelling with any participating buses now that the product has got even smarter.” operator. n The Smart GrassHOPPER ticket was launched in On board to Glasto Aberdeen by Bill Reeve, Commercial Director for THIS year, South West Trains ran its first ever Transport Scotland, on behalf of Scottish Transport services to take festival goers to and from the Minister Humza Yousaf. Glastonbury festival. Mr Yousaf said:“It’s great to see Scotland’s first Thousands of passengers travelled by train to and regional multi-operator smart ticketing scheme go from Waterloo direct to Castle Cary for the iconic live. Giving passengers the option to have one ticket event. that can get them on a number of bus services Keith Hawkins, On Train Depot Manager for the should help encourage more people out of their cars Launching the smart travel were Daniel Laird from , said: “Glastonbury is a fantastic and onto public transport . Aberdeen, Doug Bain who represented the independent show and we also put on a great show for the “I’d like to thank operators for their commitment to operators involved in the scheme, Bill Reeve from festival-going passengers. This was another making this product, delivered on the saltirecard, a Transport Scotland and Steve Walker from Stagecoach North Scotland. first for us – we have provided a new journey reality and in doing so making integrated journeys opportunity, which continues our entrepreneurial approach to creatively delivering new services and routes to encourage more people to travel by rail.” Driving up charity donation Taking the next step FROM sweets in jars to washing cars and pushing a A DOZEN employees are the most recent group bed, staff have raised almost to benefit from Stagecoach’s Staff Development £2,000 for a local children’s hospice as part of an Programme (SDP). ongoing fundraising drive. The staff members from the UK Bus division Fundraising activities include donating the cost of an successfully completed SDP18 recently, which has Easter egg, raffles and competitions and a bed push helped prepare them to take on management roles. In event as well as three staff giving up their time to fact, four of the 12 trainees have already progressed wash other employees’ cars for a donation. their careers by being appointed into their first John Young, Stagecoach Yorkshire Commercial management positions. Director, said: “The success of fundraising efforts The group celebrated with a presentation evening in by the team has been fantastic and the ideas for Manchester, attended by Regional Director Scotland fundraising event have been great. We can’t wait Robert Andrew. Many festival goers chose to take the train. to see what they come up with next to support this To date, the programme has helped develop the careers great cause.” of six current directors and 85 current managers. n Name that bus Commissioner Charlie Zelle joined in as megabus.com named its latest vehicle as part of the company’s nationwide “Name the Bus” campaign. The 10,000 Lakes Bus was shown off to Commissioner Zelle in St. Paul who was thrilled that the people of Minnesota are served by megabus.com and that local people had the Regional Director Scotland Robert Andrew with the 12 opportunity to participate in the competition. Rawmarsh staff taking part in the charity bed push. successful SDP trainees. 4 Green awards shine a light on eco-driving stars on P6. ON STAGE n Cycle for John n PICTURE THIS STAFF at Depot took part in a cycle ride to raise funds for the family of bus driver John Kiltie THIS edition’s Picture This winner was taken by who was fatally injured in a disturbance near his Christopher Lowe who is based at Stagecoach’s home earlier this year. Sharston depot in Manchester. It shows a hybrid Different groups joined for different legs of the bus gingerly making its way back into the garage route but the completed route was from Girvan through flooding outside the depot. Congratulations to Largs in the west coast of Scotland. The to Christopher who will shortly receive his prize of Stagecoach employees have so far raised around £50 in M&S vouchers. £7,500 to assist John’s family. If you have any good photos for Picture This please send them to Lindsay Reid, On Stage, , 10 Road, Perth, PH1 5TW, or email them to [email protected] New vehicles in the Lakes A BRAND new fleet of buses have been introduced by Stagecoach and North Lancashire on the The Girvan cyclists get ready to depart. 555 route between Keswick and Lancaster. The launch coincided with an increased timetable of more frequent services and represented an investment of £2.5 million to providing sustainable n Sam’s special day travel throughout the region. SALISBURY station Matthew Cranwell, Managing Director at Stagecoach recently provided Cumbria and North Lancashire, said: “We are really a very special day excited about launching our new and enhanced out for young train vehicles which will continue to serve the local community who rely on bus services as part of their enthusiast Sam. One of the new buses out in service. The team invited Sam everyday commute.” and his mother Becky to visit the station where they met with Sam during his station visit. drivers, guards and Airport their managers. The youngster then spent time in the platform signal box, followed by a walk around connections the station. Sam was then taken to the depot where he got STAGECOACH East Scotland has recently improved the chance to look around the trains there and sit airport links for people in . inside a cab and to top it all off, both Sam and his The company has upgraded its fleet of JET747 mother were given a first class pass for a train buses with luxury vehicles, which provide the only ride to finish off their wonderful, train-mad day. direct link between Fife and Airport seven days a week. The operator has also launched a new link n IT lifesavers between Fife and Airport. The Express Jet Connect service is operated by four newly TWO members of the Stagecoach UK Bus IT team branded Volvo B12B coaches, which feature played an important role recently to help a woman air-conditioning, free wifi access, large luggage who was taken ill. East Scotland Managing Director Andrew Jarvis launched lockers, power sockets, an on board toilet and the new service to Glasgow Airport. As the team from around the UK gathered for their reclining seats. six monthly team meeting at the SSC, they met before dinner in the hotel. North East employee Bob Whitehouse spotted that the barmaid had collapsed out of sight behind the bar. Between Love is in the air himself and IT Field Engineer Shaun Presslie, they STAGECOACH East Commercial Director Ross Burton ensured the lady was placed into the recovery recently married his fiancée Pippa and, as part of the day’s position and looked after her until the ambulance celebrations, they used a FLF vehicle to transport arrived. guests to and from the wedding venue. It was later found out that the lady had a heart In addition, East employees Richard and Jemma Wood condition and the help Bob and Shaun provided married five years after they first met while working together in the engineering department of depot. potentially saved her life. Well done both. Ross and Pippa Burton on their wedding day.. Congratulations to both couples. 5 Did you know? South West Trains is launching free Wi-fi at , Basingstoke, Farnborough, , and stations. GREEN SCENE n Green art winner Awards for eco-drivers KARIS Harrington, THE UK Bus division’s eco-driving champions have who lives in been recognised through an awards scheme held in Wolvercote, Oxford, tribute to a former employee. was crowned the Christopher Ball, Stagecoach Ecodriver Project winner of a Green Manager, sadly passed away in 2014. Christopher art competition for had worked tirelessly to roll out the GreenRoad eco- her entry “Shake Left to right: Jennifer Carr, driving technology to Stagecoach’s bus companies the Tree” which Oxford City Council, winner Karis across the UK and was a respected and well-liked will be showcased Harrington and Karen Coventry from Stagecoach in . employee. on Stagecoach in As a tribute to Christopher, an awards scheme in Oxfordshire’s buses, including its 21 new Euro 6 his memory was introduced last year and now green-engine fleet that launches this month. Merseyside winner Dave Birch with his trophy. the company has awarded the 2016 winners. The Stagecoach in Oxfordshire, in collaboration with Christopher Ball Memorial Award has been awarded driver Dave Birch, from Birkenhead depot, was Oxfordshire County Council, launched the GreenART to the best performing company in Stagecoach UK named top driver for the past 12 months after competition to celebrate Low Carbon Oxford Week, Bus, with glass bowls also presented to the best winning the same accolade last year. a local ‘green’ initiative which took place across the depot and best driver. Christopher Ball’s father John was once again county in June. Overall winner of the award – for the second involved in presenting the awards. He said: “I would The competition invited local artists to create a piece consecutive year – was Stagecoach Oxfordshire like to congratulate the winners of these awards. It is of art inspired by Low Carbon Oxford Week and all of for its employees’ consistently strong eco-driving good to know that Christopher’s hard work is being the admirable things local residents and businesses performance over the past year. continued and he would have been delighted that do every day to help look after the environment. The Stagecoach North Scotland’s Macduff depot won the GreenRoad system is helping to deliver such high winning artwork was chosen by the public. the top depot award, while Stagecoach Merseyside standards of driving across Stagecoach.” Martin Sutton, Managing Director at Stagecoach in Oxfordshire, said: “I hope our passengers will see the detail captured in “Shake the Tree” and feel Traffic lights Red Amber Green inspired to make one small change to protect our Shows me where my bus has been city.” Through the country or along the coast The colour green is what I look for most n Roundabouts or fast descends Turning devices into Aren’t always my favourite friends donations But good timing is all it takes Staff from Macduff receive the depot of the year title. To stop the jamming of those brakes STAGECOACH Yorkshire has joined forces with CMR Taking it smoothly like the samba Recycling to ensure all unclaimed mobile devices, Dance away from the dreaded amber such as phones, iPads and laptops, left on its fleet of Try and keep calm maybe count to ten buses are turned into cash for local good causes. As sometimes it can be hard a ken Devices that remain unclaimed for more than three So take your time try not to rush months will be wiped of all data by CMR Recycling Or you and your lights will tend to blush who will recycle or send them for secure disposal. But when a lesson’s learnt enough is said The recycling company will then make a donation So let’s be good and put those reds to bed. for each device to the Stagecoach Yorkshire depot’s preferred charity. The presentation to overall winner Stagecoach Macduff driver Duncan James Brown wrote this poem Oxfordshire.. about the eco-driver experience.

maintenance equipment including a pump and tools The Cycle Hub continues to offer secure entry, CCTV On your bike and 24 hour secure access. and Russell’s Bicycle Shed. Jonny Wiseman said: “Loughborough station is used Darren Ward, Head of Drivers for East Midlands Trains, CYCLISTS using Loughborough and Sheffield railway by more than 1.3million passengers per year and said: “Since opening Sheffield Cycle Hub in 2014, it stations received a treat recently. offers fast and reliable services to London, Sheffield, has gone from strength to strength and is now an Those using Loughborough Station now have access Nottingham and Leicester. We hope this superb new extremely popular facility for our customers.” to a £180,000 Cycle Hub offering 130 spaces, tools facility will be welcomed by passengers for many and secure access. years to come.” Darren Ward from East Midlands Trains; Philip The facility was officially opened today by Jonny Meanwhile, the new and improved Sheffield Cycle Darnton, Chair of the Wiseman, Head of Customer Experience Delivery for Hub has been officially opened following a major Cycle Rail Working East Midlands Trains, Prea Duhra, Integrated Transport expansion. Group and Executive Officer, Association of Train Operating Companies The second level of the Sheffield Cycle Hub provides Director of the Bicycle (ATOC), and Andrew Bailey, Sustainable Travel Officer, more than 150 extra cycle spaces, taking the total Association and Conrad Haigh, Head of Leicestershire County Council. number across the station to around 600 spaces. The Integrated Transport at The hub significantly improves the cycle facilities improved hub facilities also include a customer lift and the Rail Delivery Group at the station and now includes 130 spaces for cycle ramp to help customers push their bike up to the (RDG) at the launch in cycles on two-tier racks, CCTV coverage, free to use new mezzanine level. Sheffield. 6 Stagecoach East Midlands help dreams come true on P8. ON STAGE

LETTERS OF PRAISE n Top bus rally SEVERAL hundred of people attended the If you or one of your colleagues has received a letter of praise from a Peterborough Bus Rally with many travelling to the customer, please email a copy to [email protected] event on a free service provided by Stagecoach. or post it to Lindsay Reid, Senior Group Communications Manager, Three Stagecoach buses, all carrying branding Stagecoach Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW. We will publish for charities, provided a shuttle service between as many as possible. central Peterborough and the rally site at Sacrewell, where around 60 buses and commercial vehicles Dear Sir/Madam, were on display. I am a nursing student from Aberdeen and I have a buses and the tickets are cheaper for a student (as a nursing placement based between Peterhead and nursing student travel costs are always a worry). I had Fraserburgh that I revisit for 12 weeks annually. When put a complaint in last year after a week of multiple on this placement last year I had a lot of trouble with bus disasters and I just wanted to say that there is a the buses and being late, etc. and the cost of the huge difference in the service now and it’s so much buses. better. I just wanted to say that the improvements to the Thanks, Buchan line have not gone unnoticed, it’s fantastic Name supplied now. The buses are more regular and are much nicer The vehicles on display at the bus rally.

Stagecoach East provided two buses (an Enviro 200 and an Enviro 400) carrying Cancer Research Topless in Thanet (UK) liveries from its Peterborough and OPEN-TOP buses returned to Thanet this summer after depots, whilst Stagecoach East Midlands provided an absence of nearly 25 years thanks to Stagecoach an Enviro 300 carrying its Lincoln Poppy Livery South East. from its depot at Lincoln. The Lincoln bus also did The new Number 69 bus ran between , one of the shuttle services to the nearby Nene Boating Pool and , Stone Bay during Valley Railway which was running a ‘Thomas’ the summer. The open-top double decker helped weekend. Also on show was a new Coasthopper customers enjoy the scenery along some of the The route 69 open-top bus ready for service. Enviro 200MMC from Stagecoach in . region’s finest coastline at Stone Bay and Dumpton Gap. years we wanted to celebrate by doing something The service is part of Stagecoach’s year long special. Open-top buses were a popular part of the n Special birthday on the celebration of the 100th anniversary of East buses. summer scene in Thanet during the 1960s and ‘70s Philip Norwell, ’s Managing so we decided to bring them back and recreate a bit of Oxford Tube Director, said: “Having reached the milestone of 100 nostalgia and a lot of fun for the summer holiday.” OXFORD Tube passenger Michael De Souza celebrated his 40th birthday by fulfilling a lifelong dream of getting behind the wheel of one of the Real ale bus route Getting into character Oxford Tube coaches – even if it was stationary. After writing to the coach operator about his STAGECOACH South West joined forces with the North memories of travelling to and from London on the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) to produce a Oxford Tube as a child, Michael was invited along to new guide to visiting some of the region’s best pubs the Oxford depot to celebrate his milestone birthday by bus. Michael’s passion for the Oxford Tube began as a The ‘21 pubs on the 21 bus route’ guide includes pubs young boy. He and his Aunt would travel to Oxford perfect for families, pubs with history, pubs with live for days out and travel up from London on the music or sports and ones that serve great food. Oxford Tube. The pubs are all located on, or close to, Stagecoach’s Oxford Tube Managing Director Martin Sutton said: flagship 21/21A North Devon Wave bus service. Chris (L-R) Elliott Mizen from Nottinghamshire County Council, “We love hearing stories from our passengers. It’s Harbour, Operations Manager for Stagecoach in North Louise Wright, Stagecoach Publicity Officer and Janet so interesting to hear the different tales that take Warriner, Stagecoach Marketing Assistant. Devon, commented: place on board our coaches. Michael’s story is full “Our 21 service runs up FOUR new character buses have been launched in of nostalgia and it’s great to share some history to every 10 minutes, 7 Nottinghamshire by Stagecoach East Midlands. together.” days a week until late The company has rebranded its Sherwood Arrow into the evening, making service by introducing character vehicles Robin Hood, Oxford Tube it the ideal choice for the Sheriff of Nottingham, Maid Marian and Friar Tuck. Manager exploring the pubs The buses encouraged families to leave the car at David Rouse featured in this new home and enjoy hassle free travel during the busy presents Chris Harbour, Stagecoach Michael De guide. I’ll certainly be Operations Manager, with school holidays. Souza with taking the opportunity members of CAMRA outside Michelle Hargreaves, Stagecoach East Midlands a birthday to visit a few places I’ve one of the pubs featured in Managing Director, said: “The characters seemed to be cake. not been to before!” the guide. well received by children and adults alike.” 7 Did you know? Coach USA recently held its first Safety Conference for employees. ON STAGE

SOUTH West Trains recently ran an online auction as n Wedding party on board part of it’s 20 for 20 fundraising activities to mark the A HAPPY couple 20th anniversary of the South West Trains franchise. travelled from the A range of high-profile items were available for bids church to their including a golf glove signed by Colin Montgomery, wedding reception on an All Blacks t-shirt signed by Sean Fitzpatrick and an the number 99 bus in England Rugby Squad 2015/16 signed ball. Bexhill. This year, South West Trains is aiming to raise £20,000 Keira Henley and South West Trains for four charities that are doing great work in the Matt Salt headed The happy couple Keira communities that it serves - Autism Wessex, the On off to their reception and Matt boarding the bus Course Foundation, Southbank Sinfonia and the Active in on on Devonshire Road, Bexhill. Communities Network. the bus and local operations manager, Richard Tandy made the bus If you, or one of your colleagues, have a claim to fame – perhaps a hidden talent, a meeting with a fit for the occasion decorating it with white ribbon celebrity or an interesting hobby – please email details to [email protected] and posh bows. “We just wanted to do things our way,” said Keira. “Matt and I thought why not take the bus and travel as ordinary passengers.” Jacob’s dream comes true n Tramendous deals PROCEEDS from Stagecoach East Midlands’ TO CELEBRATE the summer, Supertram has Skegness Seasider books helped make a young boy’s announced a special offer on family tickets and a dream come true. range of ‘Tramendous’ special offer deals. The money was donated to Dreams Come True, a Family Tram dayrider tickets were available at charity that helps children and young people with the discounted price of only £8 and passengers serious and life-limiting conditions to fulfill a dream. were also able to use their Supertram tickets to As a result, three-year-old Jacob from get their hands on a range of Tramendous Deals. who has Hurler Syndrome, was able to visit CBeebies Working with local companies, Supertram offered Land in Alton Towers. top discounts and freebies to customers including The £1,000 raised allowed Jacob’s family to take him money off food and drink and discounted entry to to the theme park for a whole weekend, including local facilities. staying at a woodland villa in the enchanted village. James Stewart, Head of Customer Service at Michelle Hargreaves, Managing Director of Stagecoach Supertram, said: “We’ve joined forces Stagecoach East Midlands, said: “We are just with local retailers to provide our customers with pleased that we could help Jacob’s dream come some great offers at locations across the city. true. Stagecoach East Midlands continues to From free coffees to 2 for 1 entry, we have a great support Dreams Come True and we hope to make choice of goodies for the summer holidays.” more dreams a reality for children like Jacob in the future. They are such an important charity, and our customers and staff continue to do great fund-raising n for them. Thank you to everyone who has donated At-desk-dining Jacob enjoying his weekend at CBeebies Land. so far.” SOUTH West Trains employees had a treat recently as Teaffany’s – a team of fundraising staff – launched their very first at-desk dining service at Friars Bridge Court. For only £3 per person, staff enjoyed a range of Super service homemade sandwiches, a scone with jam and GREAT customer service was rewarded at cream and a choice of either carrot cake, chocolate Stagecoach West’s recent Customer Service Award cake, lemon cake or battenburg. All were washed Ceremony in Cheltenham. down with a cup of freshly brewed tea or coffee. At the event, Ben Davis was named Male Driver Thanks to everyone’s generosity on a very hot of the Year for the second year in a row while Amy afternoon, a massive £400 was raised for the Sansum was awarded the Female Driver of the Year South West Trains charity appeal 20 for 20. accolade. Diane Walton was named Frontline Hero for her commitment to excellent customer service as a Travel Shop and Enquiries Clerk over the last 20 years and Neil Brooking was named Runner-up Driver of the Year. In total, 25 drivers were short-listed and rewarded Staff handed out the tasty treats. for their contribution to customer service, based on The winners with Stagecoach West MD Rupert Cox commendations received from customers. (centre). 8 Celebrating years and years of great service on P10. ON STAGE n Dropping in Mining Expo attendance GLOUCESTER Operations Manager James COACH USA recently exhibited at a top mining Expo. Williams recently visited a local primary school For the past 30 years, the Elko Convention & Visitors with the company’s vintage 1967 London Authority has hosted the annual Elko Mining Expo. Routemaster. It is one of the oldest and most respected mining James gave the children a talk about buses and expos held in the United States and draws around held a colouring competition. The winning piece of 8,000 people, nationally and internationally, to its artwork is to be used as a template for a mosaic exhibits. which Stagecoach staff plan to make and present Coach USA Elko is a leading service provider for the to the Friendship Cafe at Chequers in Gloucester. industrial sector, with an emphasis on supporting the The company has an on-going relationship with mining and construction industry so took stand at the Friendship Cafe as staff recently helped the most recent event. The Elko business segment refurbish the Cafe during Stagecoach Green Week. operates 120 motor coaches, transports over 3 million passengers, and operates 7.8 million miles n In the pink annually, with 35% of those annual miles being off- Coach USA Elko’s Ryan Veater (VP & General Manager) road or in extreme inclement conditions. and Mike Pjevach (Senior Vice President) at the Expo. A TEAM of South West Trains ‘Pink Ladies’ recently took part in a 5k race across Basingstoke – all to raise fund for Cancer Research UK. So far they have raised a massive £2,426 and the money is still A South East cultural twist coming in! After the race they all had a big picnic, followed by a Men v Ladies football match – won by the ladies, of course!

The South West Trains Pink Ladies. The new bus livery.

THE South Downs National Park finest cultural and Stagecoach Commercial Director Mark Turner said: “The n First look for staff historic locations are featured on a stunning new bus South Downs National Park offers some magnificent livery. and breathtaking views. Working in partnership with the SUPERTRAM Stagecoach South East has unveiled a new livery South Downs National Park Authority we have designed gave staff a first depicting some of the most iconic and picturesque a new livery that resonates with the area it serves and look at the new locations along the popular route 60 that runs between promotes the bus as the best way to experience the Citylink tram , West Dean, Singleton and Midhurst. landscapes and attractions found along the route.” and offered the chance for employees to ask questions East Midlands appointments about the new EAST Midlands Trains has appointed two new Andrew and Lawrence replace Neil Micklethwaite vehicles. directors. who has moved to the role of Commercial Director for Testing of the Andrew Conroy (47) will take up the post of Customer Stagecoach Rail and will be responsible for helping to first of the new Inside the new trams. Experience Director with immediate effect and shape Stagecoach’s commercial strategy and plans. vehicles is Lawrence Bowman (35) joined as Commercial Director Jake Kelly, Managing Director for East Midlands Trains, currently underway and all seven are expected to in August. said: “Firstly, I would like to thank Neil Micklethwaite enter service in early 2017, allowing some of the Andrew Conroy joins the board from his current role for his contribution to East Midlands Trains over the existing fleet to be stood down for maintenance as Head of Customer Experience Delivery where he past four years. I am particularly pleased that we work. has been responsible for the delivery of the service have been able to replace Neil with two very strong Long term, four of the new trams will be used on East Midlands Trains customers receive at stations internal candidates. It demonstrates our continued the new tram-train pilot service to Rotherham. The and on trains, leading a team of some 1,000 front-line commitment to developing and recognising our new trams feature a larger low floor area than the employees. internal talent and the appointment of Andrew and current fleet. They also have state of the art CCTV, Lawrence Bowman has moved from his current post Lawrence puts us in a great position as we seek to passenger communication equipment and climate as Head of Business Planning for East Midlands Trains continue transforming the travel experience for our control. to become Commercial Director. customers.” 9 THE PEOPLE PAGE ON STAGE n New recruits GETTING TO KNOW YOU... COACH USA has announced the appointment of Jason Louis as Vice President of Safety and Dominic Jason Bulman, Marketing Coordinator for Manuele as Vice President of Fleet Maintenance. ■■ Who are you? ■■ Favourite holiday Jason and Manuele will report directly to Linda Jason Bulman, Marketing Coordinator for destination? Burtwistle, President & COO of Coach USA. Coach Canada. Cancun. Jason will oversee safety strategy and work with ■■ What do you like most about your job? ■■ Most embarrassing operations and maintenance teams throughout Working with a great team of people, and the moment? Coach USA, Coach Canada, and megabus.com. ability to dream up and produce marketing Getting my belt loop Jason has more than 15 years’ experience in the campaigns and designs that are seen daily by stuck on a door transportation industry. thousands of people. handle while trying Manuele’s responsibilities include overseeing ■■ What do you like least about your job? to quietly exit a maintenance activities for the entire fleet of Coach Can’t quite think of anything! conference room. USA’s companies in the United States and Canada, ■■ Favourite food? ■■ Favourite music? which includes megabus.com. He previously worked Steak dinner. Foo Fighters. at UPS and brings more than 28 years’ experience. ■■ Least favourite food? ■■ Person you would most like to have dinner with? Liver! Dave Grohl. ■■ What are you most proud of? ■■ First thing you would buy if you won $1 million? My two sons, Jonathan and Zachary. Buy a farm.

‘Getting To Know You’ features in every edition of On Stage and we want to hear from as many staff The long-serving employees. as possible. To suggest the next participant, email [email protected] n Marking long service STAGECOACH North East has recognised STAGECOACH North East bid farewell to Brian employees that have demonstrated loyalty and Sleightholme, a much loved and respected Operations Brian steps down dedication to the company in its annual long Manager, who retired after almost 44 years’ service in East, said: “It has been my pleasure to work with service awards. the transport industry. Brian over the years and he is very much respected This year, 66 long-serving staff were Brian, 65, worked his way up the career ladder at the by his colleagues and peers for the sheer amount of acknowledged after accumulating an impressive depot on Dean Road after beginning knowledge he has brought to the role. He has given 2,290 years of service between them. They his career as a conductor with Tyne and so much and will be very much missed by all were recognised for their prolonged hard work Wear Passenger Transport Executive (PTE) in at South Shields and the wider Stagecoach and commitment over the years at a celebration October 1973. team. We wish him every success for a long dinner and awards ceremony. Brian said: “I have enjoyed all the roles that I and happy retirement.” have undertaken here, especially managing Janine Fowley, 36, originally from Preston, has Brian a team and seeing new people come in, Sleightholme. taken over from Brian at South Shields depot n Neil gets on board become part of that team and progress up the following three years as Operations Manager ladder. I feel South Shields has a good group of people at the depot in , where she successfully ran NEIL Wilmin has been appointed of whom I am very proud.” the operations for bus services across the Engineering Manager for Robin Knight, Commercial Director, Stagecoach North region. Stagecoach’s Kettering and Corby depots. Neil has worked in the bus industry since 1983 when New role for Dutch he left school and started an ASHFORD Operations Manager Dutch Docherty was engineering apprenticeship with Neil Wilmin, given a fond farewell from his team of Gurkhas as he new Engineering takes on a new role as Service Delivery Manager in United Counties at Northampton. Manager at He is now responsible for the Stagecoach . good running of 66 Stagecoach Kettering and Dutch joined Stagecoach in May 2000 following a Dutch Docherty during his farewell meal. buses. Corby. career as a Regimental Sergeant Major in the Royal Horse Artillery. were four employed and now 40 per cent of drivers at During the past six years as Operations Manager in the depot are Gurkhas. n Contacts Ashford, he significantly increased the number of They enjoyed a meal before Dutch moved on to his Gurkha bus drivers at the company – previously there new role. Editor: Lindsay Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW Email: [email protected] If you have a story for On Stage, please contact Retirement for Terry Lindsay Reid as above. The copy deadline for TERRY Mead, Operations Manager at Stagecoach East’s Fenstanton Depot, has retired after the next edition of On Stage will be Friday over 40 years’ service. Terry initially joined the industry after leaving his job as a work study 14 October 2016. analyst to join his father, Gerald, who was the manager at the bus company in Terry Mead. before it became a Stagecoach company. 10