The newsletter of Group Issue 109 | May 2015 ON STAGE INSIDE Speaking up page 3 | In the best of health page 5 .com launches domestic services in Germany Stagecoach’s inter-city brand megabus.com has launched two domestic routes in Germany as part of the company’s on-going expansion in Europe. megabus.com has introduced one new route between Munich, Nuremberg, Leipzig, Berlin, Hanover, Dortmund and Cologne and another between Munich, Nuremberg, Kassel, Gottingen, Hanover, Hamburg, Bremen and Cologne, offering travel from just €1. The new services mean the megabus.com network in Germany now covers 13 locations. megabus.com has also established a new operational base in Munich, creating 23 jobs, with a further 27 employees to be stationed at a crew base in Hanover. A megabus.com Astromega vehicle on show in Munich The operator has forged strong ties with local businesses; Munich-based companies Josef customers, meaning they have more money to spend value and good customer service.” Ettenhuber and AGK Truck and Bus will assist with when they get to their destination. As well as using the domestic network, megabus.com fuelling, cleaning, parking and maintenance of the “We’ve been successfully operating coach services for customers in Germany can also connect to cross- megabus.com vehicles. the past 12 years, with international services to and border routes, helping to open up travel opportunities megabus.com Managing Director Edward Hodgson from Germany since 2013. Over the past three years, to more than 110 destinations on the megabus.com said: “This is an exciting development for public we have been serving a growing number of European network across the UK and mainland Europe. transport in Germany. It will provide more choice for cities and we are looking forward to creating new jobs The number of passengers using megabus.com’s passengers who will benefit from low fares and high and boosting tourism with our new network. growing coach network in Europe increased by more quality travel to some of the most popular places “Our services will complement existing transport than 60% in the past year as the company continues across the country. options for people and our experience in the UK shows to transform travel options for passengers “Our brand new fleet of coaches allows us to carry that coach and rail services can both attract growing megabus.com already carries more than 15 million more passengers and keep costs down for our numbers of passengers by offering customers good passengers a year across Europe and North America.

Big step for Waterloo Who will be your The biggest investment for decades on the UK rail network has now moved a step closer with the champions? appointment of a team of contractors who will be The deadline to nominate your 2015 Stagecoach responsible for planning and carrying out major Champions has now passed and hundreds of improvement works at Waterloo. nominations have been submitted over the past An artist’s impression of what the revamped Waterloo An agreement between the - Station could look like few months. Alliance, Skanska, Colas Rail, AECOM Over the next couple of months, all entries will be and Matt MacDonald is now in place and the services to run on suburban routes for the first reviewed and the judges will be asked to choose consortium will now work with the Alliance to scope time ever. their winners from a shortlist out plans to boost capacity at London Waterloo and Christian Roth, Fleet Director of the South West in each category. other inner London stations. Trains-Network Rail Alliance, said: “A huge amount Then, those shortlisted The agreement aims to develop detailed plans, of work has already been carried out to improve for an award will including: services and increase capacity but we know we be invited to our ƒƒ Reopening the former Waterloo International need do to much more. The unique alliance between 2015 Stagecoach Terminal to be used regularly by commuter South West Trains and Network Rail allows a project Champions Awards services. of this size to be delivered efficiently and it will have ceremony in London ƒƒ Lengthening Platforms 1–4 to allow 10-car a real impact on passengers’ journeys.” later this year. 1 Did you know? megabus.com now operates its first domestic journeys in France, between and Toulouse. ON STAGE What a Top coach industry award was recognised with a Laugh! top honour at the 2015 UK Coach Awards. Posted on Twitter: The company was awarded the Express Operation ‘Moving house on the rush hour tube, of the Year accolade at the 6th annual event after which is about to get totally rammed... impressing judges with its Express City Connect Today I’m “That guy”!’ network which operates across central Scotland. If you have seen or heard something funny – Stagecoach’s Tube service, which operates online, in the papers, on social media or just between Oxford and London, was runner-up in the while out and about – send your contributions same category. for the ‘What a Laugh’ section in the next edition ’s Express City Connect to [email protected] network operates high-quality coach services across Fife and into , Perth, , and . Facilities such as leather seats, on-board n Sid record attempt toilets, power sockets, air conditioning and free Engineering Manager Dave Simpson and Operations wifi have helped make the services an attractive Manager Jim Mooney, both from Glenrothes depot, with their trophy at the 2015 Coach Awards megabus.com UK mascot alternative to the car, achieving increased passenger Sid took part in the 10th numbers. “We now carry more than 4.2million passengers annual Mascot Gold Cup Stagecoach East Scotland Managing Director Andrew a year on our Express City Connect network and recently which doubled Jarvis said: “It’s fantastic to win this award, which is by investing in new vehicles, with free wifi, and as a world record attempt testament to the hard work of our employees who delivering excellent customer service, we look for the most mascots in are at the forefront of delivering these services to our forward to attracting even more people on to our a race. customers all year round. greener, smarter coach services in the future.” Sid, who is not known for his speed over the ground, put in a good effort but did not win the title. However, overall the group ‘I make the difference’ awards of mascots are thought to South West Trains has recognised employees Awarding the prizes, Arthur Pretorius, the South have done enough to set from across its Customer Services department at the West Trains-Network Rail Alliance Director a brand new world record first ever ‘I Make the Difference Awards’. The winning for Customer Service, said: “I would like to so congratulations to all Sid (left) with a fellow employees were honoured for their outstanding congratulate all of our winners. We had a large involved. mascot at the event contributions to customer service at an awards number of entries and heard some incredible ceremony, sponsored by TPT station retailing and stories. It made the job of selecting the most STM Security, at the Kia Oval in London. worthy very difficult. n Read all about it Awards were given out across 15 categories to “We have a great team of 2,500 employees a variety of employees working as guards, gate working within the Customer Service Over 600 pupils at a primary school in South line staff, community, environmental, performance department who are crucial to making the Shields are to benefit from a new static library for and safety champions and security personnel. The difference for passengers on our trains and at their school with the donation of a recently retired winners of this year’s Station Pride Awards were our stations day in, day out. Awards like these double decker bus from . also announced. can only recognise a small fraction of our The bus will be fixed as a static library in the The winners, who came from across the network, people but they remind us of the fantastic work grounds at Westoe Crown Primary School and received a certificate and a cash prize at the awards that goes on across the business. will receive a make-over – including the removal lunch. All of the train operator’s customer service “We look forward to receiving even more of seats and a new carpet fitted – with pupils, departments were represented with winners from nominations and hearing about the wonderful staff and parents getting involved in decorating to stations including Fratton, , , work of even more of our employees during transform the old bus into a brand new library. and . next year’s awards.” Brian Sleightholme, Operations Manager for Stagecoach North East’s South Shields depot, said: “Being able to lend a helping hand to community projects like a new library for a school on our doorstep is always important, especially when it VIP treat for David comes to youth learning and development.” Five-year-old bus enthusiast David Elston, from by a trip through the , was given a dream come true VIP tour of bus wash. David was bus station, thanks to Stagecoach. also presented with a David, who has autism, was invited by Stagecoach number of gifts from after his mother Donna contacted the company Stagecoach including David got into the driving explaining David’s great passion for everything his very own model seat during his visit relating to Stagecoach buses. Stagecoach bus. Stagecoach staff Steve Thorpe and Lee Bridle gave Steve Thorpe, Stagecoach’s Marketing Officer, The Westoe Crown Primary pupils with their new the youngster a personal tour of the Chichester bus said: “It was a real pleasure to meet David and library bus station and garage site to see all the buses followed we hope his passion for buses continues.” 2 Military service convoy ... find out more on page 5. ON STAGE

South Managing Director retires n First class brekkie Director, said: “Andrew has had an extensive career in Customers travelling with Managing Director the UK bus industry and I would like to thank him for can now enjoy a first class experience from start Andrew Dyer (pictured) his loyalty and commitment to Stagecoach over many to finish with the launch of a new complimentary has announced plans to years. Most recently, his knowledge and experience breakfast offer in the company’s five main First retire in July. has been invaluable as part of the integration of the Class Lounges. He will be succeeded former Green operations into the business Neil Micklethwaite, Customer Service and as Managing Director and we wish him all the best in his retirement. Commercial Director for East Midlands Trains, of Stagecoach South “I would also like to congratulate Mike on his said: “By providing a light breakfast in the lounges by Mike Watson with appointment. Over the past two years, he has it means that people can have the best of both effect from 1 July established strong community links in the south worlds – a light breakfast at the station and then 2015. Mike has been west and I am sure he will bring that same spirit a full English on the train.” Managing Director at for the of partnership and focus on customer service to past two years. his new role.” Andrew Dyer has 45 years of service to the bus Mike Watson has been Managing Director, n VIP vehicle visit industry and for a short time also previously held a Stagecoach South West, since July 2013 and has Bus enthusiasts got a treat recently as an management role in the rail industry. He has worked been in the bus industry for nearly 20 years. Before Scania Metropolitan MD 60 vehicle undertook a with Stagecoach for 21 years. joining Stagecoach, Mike spent five years with tour of bus garages in east and south east London His career started in 1970 with a holiday job in as General Manager of the St Helens depot including Plumstead, Barking, Rainham, Catford sweeping floors and bus conducting. and then as an Area Manager in Yorkshire. He joined and West Ham. Since then he has worked at Charlton-on-Otmoor Stagecoach as Operations Director at the North East Organised by Visions Services, in Oxfordshire, the National Bus Company business in November 2011. International, the in and , Cheltenham & A recruitment process is now underway for the tour used ’ Omnibus Co and South West Trains. He was Managing Director post at Stagecoach South West. freshly restored appointed Managing Director of Stagecoach South in Stagecoach has also confirmed that from 1 May Metropolitan bus, 1999, a post which he has held ever since. 2015, Norfolk Green will become part of Stagecoach one of 164 delivered Robert Montgomery, Stagecoach UK Bus Managing East and trade as Stagecoach Norfolk. between 1975 and 1977 and built by Andrew Levy, Legal Director Scania and Metro- Speaking up Phone: +44(0)20 7620 5976 Cammell-Weymann. Email: [email protected] (L-R) Paul Almeroth of Ensignbus, Steve Barker We would like to take this chance to remind Address: Stagecoach Group plc, Friars Bridge Court, Plumstead depot union rep and 89-year-old former employees about our whistleblowing policy 41-45 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NZ Plumstead driver Dave Edwards called Speaking Up. For normal, everyday enquiries employees are Michael Vaux, Stagecoach Group Company advised to contact their line manager in the Secretary n Youngsters get on the buses first instance. However, the Speaking Up policy Phone: +44(0)1738 642043 provides a way for employees with serious Email: [email protected] Children receiving treatment for brain tumours concerns about the interests of others or the Address: Stagecoach Group plc, 10 Dunkeld Road, were given their very own open top double decker Group to come forward. Perth, PH1 5TW bus for the afternoon in , thanks to . Staff are actively encouraged to report any Lindsay Reid, Stagecoach Senior Group Youngsters at the Nottingham Queens Medical concerns about malpractice, including bribery, Communications Manager Centre enjoyed tours around the site on board corrupt practices and financial impropriety. Phone: +44(0)1738 642019 Rocky, a member of the Skegness Seasiders family. Measures are in place to ensure complaints are Email: [email protected] Stagecoach also donated £1,000 as part of treated confidentially. All complaints are logged, Address: Stagecoach Group plc, 10 Dunkeld Road, on-going fundraising efforts for the Children’s investigated and appropriate action taken. Perth, PH1 5TW Copies of the recently updated Speaking Up policy Brain Tumour Research Centre (CBTRC) charity. Jazmine Estacio, General Counsel, Coach USA are available online at www.stagecoach.com Louise Wright, Publicity Officer for Stagecoach Phone: +1 (0)201 225 7587 or from your line manager. For any questions, East Midlands, has a personal connection with the Email: [email protected] advice or further information please get in touch CBTRC after her daughter, Leah Brockbank, battled Address: Coach USA, 160 South Route 17, with one of the following contacts: with a brain tumour for three years and was treated North Paramus, New Jersey 07652 at the centre. Leah passed away on 1 January 2013 and now Louise continues to raise money for the charity, with support from family, friends and Supertram satisfaction for passengers Stagecoach colleagues and customers. Research has shown that 92% of Supertram Supertram Managing Director Margaret Kay said: Stagecoach East Midlands hands passengers are satisfied with their tram services. “We’re focused on offering great value, integrated over the cheque The results of the Passenger Focus Tram Passenger travel so people can make the most of tram and with Rocky the Survey showed that Supertram’s overall passenger bus services in the city and we will continue to work Seasider in the satisfaction score was above the average score of 90% hard to further improve the reliability and punctuality background for the six UK light rail networks covered in the survey. of our services in the months and years to come.” 3 Belles Express launched ... find out more on page 6. ON STAGE n On board the hacktrain n picture this Passengers travelling with East Midlands Trains recently saw the start of Europe’s first This edition’s Picture This winner was taken by ever HackTrain as 40 hackers joined the East driver Stephen Giddings who works for Trains service for the first leg of a three Midlands. It shows a vehicle on a foggy morning in day unique event that will saw the creation of Mawsley, Nothamptonshire. revolutionary concepts by a team of top hackers. Congratulations to Stephen who will shortly receive Europe’s best developers took their journey on the his prize of £50 in M&S vouchers. HackTrain, using the London to service If you have any good photos for Picture This please as a mobile office as they work against the clock send them to Lindsay Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach to create start-ups, apps and prototypes that Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW, or email could be presented in front of CEOs and investors it to [email protected] in a bid to become the HackTrain champion. n Top team driver New agreement good driver Dave Fox has been Pretty muddy recognised for his dedication and commitment for passengers by a local hockey club. Rail passengers on South West Trains will benefit Dave – who has been the dedicated driver for challenge from a £50 million package of improvements under the Oshawa Generals Hockey Club for 25 years an amendment to the current South West Trains – was awarded a framed team jersey by way franchise agreement between Stagecoach Group of a thank you from the squad. and the . The agreement means millions of pounds worth of passenger improvement initiatives will be introduced between now and February 2017. Passengers will not have to wait for a new franchise to benefit from these initiatives and taxpayers will gain better value from public investment. Planned improvements include more capacity on trains, space for passengers, improved technology and better ticketing and enhanced customer service. Chief Executive of the South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance Tim Shoveller said: “These exciting Dave Fox (right) is presented with his team jersey changes will deliver the biggest package of customer focused benefits for years.”

n Special naming ceremony The Stagecoach Seven team prepare for the charity Stagecoach South has announced the winner event (missing from photo: Gyana Marins) of a competition to name a Hayling Island bus, following the launch of five brand new single deck Seven members of staff at Stagecoach’s buses in the area. depot will be standing up to cancer The winner of the competition was Gil Carter who by running in Cancer Research UK’s exciting chose the name ‘Peter Chilvers’ after a former new Pretty Muddy event in June. island resident who was an inventor, engineer and The Stagecoach Seven signed up for the Alliance Chief Executive Tim Shoveller and Rail Minister promoter of sailing and windsurfing. challenge in support of their many friends, Claire Perry celebrate the announcement Stagecoach South Marketing Officer Steve family, colleagues and customers who have Thorpe said: survived cancer and for those who sadly lost “We wanted their battles. Right on cue to give our Pretty Muddy is a women-only, non-competitive Rail passengers had the chance to challenge new vehicles a 5k obstacle course – with added mud. snooker pro Ken Doherty to a quick game of snooker ‘local’ identity Stagecoach East Operations Director and Group whilst travelling through recently that both we leader Zoe Paget said: “We’ve had a look at the as East Midlands Trains helped launch the World and the local course online so know what to expect but we’re Snooker Championships. residents who not sure how muddy we’re going to get or how Money raised from the challenge went towards catch our many changes of clothes we’ll need. Some of Sheffield Children’s Hospital and Ashgate Hospice. buses can be the team aren’t sure about the mud but I keep Jason Cocker, East Midlands Trains Route Manager, proud of.” telling them how good it will be for our pores!” said: “This is the second year we’ve supported the To support the team with a donation visit championships in this way and it generates a great Local Operations Manager for Stagecoach Bob Jackson www.justgiving.com/stagecoach-7 deal of excitement amongst passengers and staff.” presents Gil with his prize 4 Did you know? An animation video has been released, showing the work going on to improve the South West Trains network. ON STAGE

letter of praise n reopens One of our customers at after repair has penned a poem to sing the praises of her Work to repair storm damage to the Island Line on the finished ahead of schedule bus service. after engineers worked hard to complete the project as quickly as possible. Dear Sir/Madam, Island Line Manager and Head of Customer I recently wrote a poem about the Thanet Loop and it will be published in a book called Experience Andy Naylor said: “We are very “Home is where the heart is”. I love the Thanet Loop and rely on it a lot to get to work. grateful to our passengers, local residents and businesses who have all been so patient over the The Thanet Loop travels the towns in a speedy Taking people to work and some to school last couple of months. We know that the work and reliable way Even some passengers who sit with their wool has had an impact on a lot of people but now Know when you need a bus; you won’t have to It takes youngsters to see their friends that it has been completed and the embankment wait all day. And others to places their lives depend. strengthened against future bad weather, we look Some of the people you meet are local folk forward to resuming the service our customers On this fine day the bus you will get. They’ll chat whilst hopping on to avoid a soak. have grown to know and love.” Remember to smile and treat the driver with respect. The driver may smile and say his job is fun With its great prices and plenty of space Another will grumble, it’s for the wife and bills You sure can’t beat the Loop to get around this place. n must be done. Egg-stra special They come every ten minutes until late at night Thank you for reading customer service Those colours and the noise are a familiar sight. Name supplied. Over Easter, If you or one of your colleagues has received a letter of praise from a customer, please email a copy to the Basingstoke [email protected] or post it to Lindsay Reid, Senior Group Communications Manager, Station team, along Stagecoach Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW. We will publish as many as possible. with Amy Sullivan and David Kwang from Fratton Depot, organised a great In the best of health weekend full of fun Stagecoach North East has been recognised for Basingstoke Station activities to engage supervisor Allan with customers, its commitment to improving the health of its staff in Brown with his Easter Newcastle after receiving the Bronze Better Health giveaway goodies make their day and at Work Award. also have fun! Employees at Walkergate bus depot received the Station Supervisor Allan Brown organised an award as part of an initiative to promote health and Easter egg appeal which resulted in over 60 wellbeing in workplaces across the region. The The first Stagecoach vehicle at the head of the procession Easter eggs being donated to the children’s ward company has signed up to the minimum four-year at the Basingstoke Hospital. In addition, the station programme and will build up to achieve Silver, Gold also ran an Easter egg colouring competition. and Continuing Excellence standard over the next Celebrating Staff also dressed up as SWT bunnies and three years. distributed Easter eggs around the station and To achieve the Bronze Award, Stagecoach North East military service onboard of trains. took up the challenge of promoting health among provided a convoy of nine Camila Lobo, Duty Station Manager at staff, with a series of workplace health campaigns and buses to a special remembrance event in Basingstoke, said: “We had a really positive fitness activities taking place over the past 12 months. Gloucester, titled ‘Saluting the response from the public and it was fantastic Tommy Blacker, Assistant Operations Manager at the Regiment’, which celebrated twelve generations to see how happy people were when we Stagecoach Walkergate depot, said: “Everyone at of military service with particular focus on nine approached them!” the depot has taken this scheme on wholeheartedly servicemen from the Gloucestershire Regiment; and have achieved great personal goals already as eight of whom hold the Victoria Cross and one a result. In fact, there has been so much enthusiasm of whom holds the George Cross. n By royal appointment and support for the project that our standard was Each of the Stagecoach vehicles contained Four buses were provided by Stagecoach almost good enough for Silver!” further information about each of the nine local Yorkshire to assist the Queen in handing out servicemen on-board. Michael McMullen Maundy money to 178 pensioners at a service (centre) from the Nathan Griffith-Williams, Marketing Manager in Sheffield Cathedral duringH er Majesty’s Newcastle upon of Stagecoach West, said: “Stagecoach began recent visit to the city. Tyne Hospitals NHS working with the Royal British Legion back in 2013 The Stagecoach vehicles transported the Foundation Trust with when we unveiled the first ever dedicated ‘Poppy Maundy money recipients and local dignitaries Tommy Blacker, Assistant Bus’ and this is a fantastic second step in a very Operations Manager to and from the church service as part of at the Stagecoach strong relationship between us. We’re hoping to the event. During the service, the Queen Walkergate depot, and take these dedicated buses into schools around distributed specially-minted money to the men Stagecoach Operations the county and help to educate students on the and women, all from the Sheffield area. Manager David Wakefield rich history of the servicemen.” 5 Did you know? and South is now the official transport partner of Tranmere Rovers Football Club. green scene n Get on your bike The Belles Express launched International transport charity Transaid is The Belles Express looking for volunteers for its latest fundraising – a new luxury hourly challenge – The Three Day Celtic Challenge: coach service between Brecon Beacons to Dublin. Gloucester and North The 350km challenge takes place over just – has been three days, from 18-21 September 2015. launched by Stagecoach Anyone interested in taking part can visit West. www.transaid.org or email The new coach service @transaid.org for more details. has air conditioning, great value fares, wifi, onboard WC, leather n Praise for gas buses seats and power A survey has revealed that 92% of passengers sockets. It’s also more across prefer Stagecoach’s gas cost-effective than The new Belles Express vehicles buses to standard vehicles. travelling the same Ninety-three percent of passengers who distance by train. Rupert Cox, Managing Director of Stagecoach West, responded to the survey said that the gas bus Given the aviation history of both Gloucester and said: “We’re changing the daily commute for many offered a ‘smoother, more comfortable ride’, Bristol, Stagecoach West chose a classic 1940s passengers, giving them more luxuries than they’d while 94 percent agreed that the bus was retro airline feel for the coach to tie in with both find on their alternative routes, and also saving them ‘quieter, with much less engine noise’. the history and the current local manufacturing. some money at the same time.” Customers said that other aspects played an important part in their decision to use the buses, such as improved environmental performance, with 42 percent stating this as Splash of colour a main factor and 50 percent saying it was a GREEN WEEK 2015 bonus when choosing a bus service. in Stagecoach’s Green Week takes place this Access to free wifi has also been a driving year from 1–5 June, with lots of activities focusing factor for passengers, with 50 percent saying A nine-metre long mural has been unveiled by on the theme of ‘Getting greener together’. it was part of the reason for choosing a gas Stagecoach South West as the final phase of it’s These include: bus and almost 40 percent agreeing that it is modernisation of Paignton Bus Station. a positive bonus when riding the bus. The mural features many of the Bay’s popular ƒƒ Green initiatives and competitions visitor attractions and represents the latest project ƒƒ Green giveaway events and roadshows completed in partnership with English Riviera at companies across the UK n Funding for cycle facilities Attractions (ERA), and the English Riviera Tourism ƒƒ UK Bus and megabus.com (Canada) Company (ERTC). It is designed to not only brighten competitions for customers to win free travel Cyclists using stations on Stagecoach’s rail up the bus station but also provide inspiration for ƒƒ Park Run events in the UK and US networks will soon benefit from enhanced cycle anyone looking to plan a day out in the Bay. facilities at stations across the network thanks to Helen Scholes, Marketing Manager for Stagecoach ƒƒ Employee environmental awareness events investment from the Department for Transport. South West, commented: “ is blessed with ƒƒ Competitions and information through social East Midlands Trains has been awarded £1.441m such a fantastic range of attractions, the majority media channels to pay for cycle schemes at 16 different stations of which are easily accessible using our buses. ƒƒ Local companies attending green community across the network, while South West Trains has I’m delighted I could work with ERA to produce this events welcomed the Transport Minister’s announcement mural and I hope it helps bring even more visitors ƒƒ Paper amnesty and recycling schemes that over £3.7 million has been committed to to their doors.” further improve cycling facilities at 36 stations ƒƒ Stagecoach green teams getting involved on its network. in Local environmental projects including The money will pay for a range of facilities including litter picks and planting activities additional racking, cycle hire and new cycle hubs. ƒƒ ‘Leave your car at home’ days David Oldershaw, Area Station Manager – ƒƒ Green quizzes and competitions with top Leicestershire, said: “This is fantastic news for prizes for employees cyclists using our network. Over the last 18 months we have installed more spaces than ƒƒ ‘Wear something Green’ on World ever before and this trend is set to continue with Environment Day this investment.” Look out for information about Green Week Phil Dominey, Stakeholder and Accessibility activities within your local business during Manager for the South West Trains-Network the week. Rail Alliance, said: “This funding will allow us to enhance our cycling facilities even further and roll out our popular cycle hubs to even more stations across our network.” The new mural at Paignton Bus Station 6 100 years of women on the buses ... find out more on page 9. ON STAGE n Top dog Claim to fame Mike Ferianc, Safety Manager for Butler Motor Transit, Lenzner Coach Lines, Coach USA Erie, and Gadabout Tours, along with his wife Bonnie, recently attended the prestigious Westminster Dog Show in New City at Madison Square Garden where they showed one of their dogs, Alaskan Malamute Soko. At the show they Caroline Fairbank received an Award of Merit. The couple have 10 other dogs, all Alaskan Malamutes, and own a kennel just outside Butler, PA.

South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance Commercial Media n Pedal power If you, or one of your colleagues, have Manager Caroline Fairbank was the envy of many after a claim to fame – perhaps a hidden meeting Hollywood superstar Bradley Cooper. Representatives from South West Trains- talent, a meeting with a celebrity or an The actor was in London working on a feature film which Network Rail Alliance and East Midlands Trains and interesting hobby – please email details was being filmed at London’s Waterloo Station where Stagecoach Rail Business Development will soon to [email protected] Caroline caught up with him for a photo. be representing Stagecoach in a led team charity cycling event taking place between Land’s End to John O’Groats. Sixteen riders in total from the Group will take turns New sleepercoach reservation system on a 24-hour constant rotation to complete the Stagecoach has launched a new bed reservation 970 mile route to support several charities including system on its megabusGold.com overnight The Samaritans, Mind and Victim Support. sleepercoach routes in the UK. The Stagecoach Charitable Committee has donated The new online service allows customers to reserve an old articulated sleepercoach which will enable the kind of bed they would like when booking their riders to rest and sleep whilst on the move. The tickets for no extra cost (simply the price of their Group is also funding the drivers and fuel for ticket and 50p booking fee). Under the new system, the event. passengers travelling on overnight sleepercoach Anyone who would like to donate to the cause services – which have lie-flat beds – also have the can do so at the following link: option to reserve two adjacent lower bunks for single http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser- The megabusGold.com sleepercoach interior occupancy, if they would prefer more space, for an web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage. additional fee of £25. offer an even better service and being able to offer action?userUrl=BTPLEJOG2015&isTeam=true megabusGold.com Managing Director Edward this new reservation system is one way for us to Hodgson said: “We’re always looking for ways to deliver even more for our passengers.” n Taking to the road , Strathclyde Nikki is top apprentice Recognising loyal service Partnership for Transport (SPT) and North East Midlands Trains’ travel adviser Nikki Palmer Loyal service was recognised recently at Stagecoach Council (NAC) have welcomed the arrival of has been named Stephenson College IT Apprentice Cumbria and North Lancashire marking 708 years of Arran’s new bus fleet. of the Year 2014. long service from 25 long serving staff. The low-floor, wheelchair-accessible vehicles Nikki, who is based in the booking office at Beeston Managing Director of Stagecoach Cumbria and are the result of a £1.5m investment by SPT and Station, has worked for the company for 14 years North Lancashire Nigel Winter said: “Having so many will significantly enhance the provision of bus – nine of them as an on-board Customer Host and long-serving employees is proof of the commitment services for the people of Arran and its many five as a Travel Adviser in the booking office. and dedication our staff have to customers and the visitors. Stagecoach has been awarded a package She said: “I love my job and find dealing with the passenger transport industry in the area.” of contracts to operate the island’s bus network customers very interesting. I’ve always enjoyed Cliff Lord (pictured in the centre seated), who retired using the new vehicles until 2019. technology too and wanted to keep up with IT but from his Data Monitoring role at Morecambe Depot going to college to study at a regular time each week in 2014, celebrated 65 years’ service. He started his wasn’t possible due career with Pennine to my shifts. Motors at Ingleton “Thanks to the in 1947 as a IT apprenticeship conductor and scheme I’ve been moving onto Ribble able to learn in the Motor Services in workplace at a time Morecambe from The long-serving Stagecoach (L–R) Guy Bodie, Stagecoach Operations Manager that fits in with my Nikki receives her certificate 1949, which later employees with Managing and John Thomson, Engineering Manager, with two working hours.” from Mark Walker, Faculty Head became Stagecoach Director Nigel Winter (right) of the new vehicles at Stephenson College North West Ltd. at the ceremony 7 Did you know? Stagecoach Group donated £5,000 to Save the Children for the aid operation following the recent earthquake which struck Nepal. ON STAGE n Recognising excellence Maxwell Jones East Midlands Trains has successfully retained It is with sadness that Stagecoach Midlands its five star rating under the Recognised 4 has paid tribute to employee Maxwell Jones who Excellence (R4E) accreditation. passed away in February, aged 62. The assessors praised the company’s focus on Max started work in the bus industry in 1974 at employee engagement, highly dedicated and Potteries Motor Traction Company. He later worked motivated staff and focus on customer satisfaction, at numerous bus companies including Hants and demonstrated throughout the organisation. Motor Services, , United Automobile Services Ltd and Ltd. n Paint yourself funny Max joined Stagecoach in July 1997 as Traffic Stagecoach South joined forces with Tangled Manager at Corby depot before moving to the post Children’s Hair Salon and Imagine Face and of Assistant Operations Manager in . Body Art to raise almost £300 for Comic Relief He was appointed Pricing and Data Analysis in a ‘Paint yourself funny’ event. Manager at Midlands Head Office in 2006. Imagine Face and Body art were on site all Max, who leaves behind his wife Ruth and day painting funny faces for people of all ages. daughter Rowena, played the clarinet and There was a funny photo competition and other composed music, was fluent in Welsh, loved fine activities on the day as well as a Stagecoach dining and spent many hours gardening. His wit goody bag to take home. and humour will be sorely missed by everyone. The late Maxwell Jones Pete Robinson, Operations Manager for Chichester, said: “It was great to see how many people, including the staff, embraced the day. A number of our buses wore red noses and our On-track to raise money staff got involved baking cakes and wearing something red for the day”. East Coast got involved as two alongside staff at military helicopters escorted a train into York Newcastle station. station to support a team of Royal Navy sailors on a Virgin Trains East Coast Managing Director David fundraising mission. Horne met the team at York station and said: With limited resources and no means of money, “When we heard about the team’s mission to raise the sailors from 815 Squadron Royal Naval Air money for such a good cause we wanted to do all Squadron (RNAS) Yeovilton landed by helicopter on we could to help – and the helicopter escort was the roof of the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle a great bonus for our customers. A key part of the with the task of making the 332-mile journey back challenge was that the sailors had to earn their to their base in to raise money for the passage on our train to York and so they helped to Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC). load passengers’ luggage and our catering supplies Two of the fundraisers who took part in the day They began their five-day mission by working on board at Newcastle before heading to York.”

n Good to talk Coach USA representatives recently spent a Travelling safely day on Capitol Hill, Washington DC, meeting with Stagecoach is part of a new pilot Under the Travelsafe Partnership, a dedicated team Members of Congress to discuss transportation scheme which will significantly boost the ability to of 16 police constables, police community support issues that impact the bus and coach industry. tackle and prevent crime and antisocial behaviour officers, special constables and security personnel on ’s bus and tram network. will provide regular patrols on the region’s networks for the next three years. Matt Davies, Operations Director at , said: “Safety is our number one priority and while instances of crime and antisocial behaviour on our buses are (L–R) Sean Hughes, Coach USA Associate Director low, the TravelSafe Corporate Affairs, Congressman John J. Duncan Jnr, Dale Moser, CEO Coach USA and Elizabeth Burks Partnership will provide of Steptoe, which provides legal and Government a reassuring presence affairs support to Coach USA Representatives from travel operators across Manchester at the launch of the initiative for our customers.”

8 Did you know? East Midlands Trains handed out empire biscuits to customers to mark St George’s Day. ON STAGE

The below Mascots in unison at Sandy Park recipe for ‘Curry in a hurry’ was Some of the mascots submitted by on the day, Supertram including driver Richard Stagecoach’s Hop bunny Singer as it’s (second from one of his left) favourites.

Curry in a hurry Ingredients Mascots from across , including Stagecoach The ‘mascots in unison’ event was to promote 1 tbsp sunflower oil, 1 red onion thinly sliced, South West’s Hop bunny, recently descended upon the Rugby World Cup games coming to Devon 1 garlic clove, 2 tsp ready-prepared ginger from Exeter’s Sandy Park, home of the premiership rugby and to celebrate Devon’s Top Attractions 30th a jar, ½–1 tsp ready-chopped chillies from a jar, team Exeter Chiefs, for some half-time frivolity during Anniversary year. 200g can chopped tomatoes, 200g raw peeled the Chiefs v London Welsh rugby match. prawns or chopped skinless boneless chicken, 2 tsp gujarati masala or garam masala, 3 tbsp low fat yoghurt, handful coriander leaves roughly Red Nose Routemaster Three peaks for Leon chopped or torn. rides again Virgin Trains East Coast employee Leon Boldock, Method from the accounts team in York, finished the For the second year running Barking Driver Tony Heat the oil in a pan, add onion and fry until they Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in just seven hours Miles “borrowed” one of West Ham’s traditional colour. Crush the garlic into the pan, add ginger to raise money for The Railway Children charity. Routemasters to operate and fundraise on Route 5. and chilli, cook briefly. Add tomatoes and quarter When asked how he got on he said: “57,863 steps, During the journeys between Romford and Canning of a can of water and bring to the boil. Simmer £500+ raised for a very worthwhile cause, 106 jelly Town collections were made for Red Nose Day and for two minutes. Add prawns or chicken and babies consumed, 40 kilometres, four weathers over £300 was raised over six journeys. gujarati masala. Cover and cook for 2–3 mins (fog, wind, sun and snow), three peaks conquered, Tony was helped by colleagues dressed as for prawns and 5–6 mins for chicken. Reduce two aching legs and one MASSIVE thank you to characters from “On the Buses”, Mandy Allaker the heat to a simmer, then stir in the yoghurt everyone who supported me and made donations as Doris, Charles Bell as Jack and Amanda a tablespoon at a time. to Railway Children!” Washbourne as Olive. Serve If you’d like to support this great cause, there’s still Sprinkle with coriander and serve with warm time to donate by visiting garlic and coriander naans and a crisp salad of www.justgiving.com/Leon-Boldock cucumber, shredded lettuce, sliced red onions and wedges of lemon. Driving challenge Stagecoach Midlands assisted recently as MP for Daventry Chris Heaton-Harris took part in a n Women on the buses bus driving challenge. 2015 marks 100 years since the first women The MP took several Stagecoach Midlands buses The Red Nose Routemaster fundraising team were recruited to work on London’s buses. To around a series of challenges in car park 49 at honour this, the Museum the Silverstone Circuit under the guidance of – supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund Stagecoach driving instructor Paul Hill. and Friends – is Getting smarter Chris Heaton-Harris said: “I’ve always wanted helping females in the industry today to deliver Bus passengers across South Tyneside are to have the opportunity to drive a bus and know a community exhibition sharing the stories of the first in the north east to benefit from a that the driving skills required are more difficult women in 1915 and celebrating the impact transformational new multi-operator smart than most people.” they have had in the 100 years that followed. ticketing scheme that will mean they can catch To raise awareness, museum staff have any bus to their destination. been visiting London bus garages, including The new SmartZone initiative gives customers the Stagecoach depots. flexibility to use one smartcard to travel across the Women are invited to create their own exhibition borough with multiple bus operators and offers with London Transport Museum. A series of unlimited travel from less than £1.80 per day. free creative workshops are being held for any The development comes just months after women working in the London area. Britain’s biggest bus operators pledged to deliver To find out more or to book a place, email smart ticketing to millions of customers across [email protected] during 2015. Daventry MP Chris Heaton-Harris behind the wheel 9 the people page ON STAGE n Final dispatch Getting to know you... George Russell, Rail Operator at Waterloo, has retired after 25 years working at the station. Sean Hughes, Director Corporate Affairs, North America He dispatched his last train, the 12.50 ■■ Who are you? ■■ Most embarrassing service, from platform 5 while his colleagues Sean Hughes, Director Corporate Affairs, moment? looked on. George will be missed at Waterloo for North America. Good question. It takes all the help he has given others. On his final day ■■ What do you like most about your job? a lot to embarrass me. his colleagues laid on a buffet and a presentation I love the people that I work with. Also, I love I’m not sure! took place. that when I walk into State Houses or Capitol ■■ Favourite music? Hill everyone knows megabus.com and loves Springsteen, Rolling our product. Stones, Kenny Chesney ■■ What do you like least about your job? (I always get the look Preparing for the unexpected because I never when I throw country in know what will cross my desk. there but it’s true!). ■■ Favourite food? ■■ Person you would most like to have dinner with? Steak or Italian. President Lincoln or Pope John Paul II. ■■ Least favourite food? ■■ First thing you would buy if you won £1 million? Cauliflower I’d buy a vacation house. ■■ What are you most proud of? My career and the amazing opportunities ‘Getting To Know You’ features in every edition that I have been given. of On Stage and we want to hear from as many ■■ Favourite holiday destination? staff as possible. To suggest the next participant, George on his final day at Waterloo for skiing. email [email protected] n Bidding farewell Stagecoach East Midlands has bid farewell to Long service Farewell to two long-serving employees. Tom Duckmanton, Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire part of the admin team at Mansfield Depot, has celebrated its longest serving employees at Brendan has retired after 44 years of service, while a special awards evening in . Long-serving HQ employee Brendan Mackinven Gainsborough Driver Bob Joyce has retired At the awards – which highlighted the commitment retired recently as Group Construction Manager. after 33 years’ service. and hard work delivered by the company’s Over the past 26 years Brendan made a huge Colleagues wish both well in their respective longstanding workforce – six drivers, including contribution to the Group, with many new depots retirements. Jimmy Moogan, Geoff Hives, Albert Griffith and constructed over the period. Most were built in Robert McIntryre from Liverpool’s Gillmoss depot, the UK but he also worked on the construction were rewarded for a collective total of 270 years of a depots in Hong Kong, Portugal and Kenya, in the bus industry. In total, 107 Stagecoach as well as a Boeing 747 maintenance hangar Merseyside and South Lancashire employees at Prestwick Airport. received an award for reaching between 20 and Following Brendan’s retirement, Stuart Farr 45 years service. (previously Project Development Manager) The awards also highlighted bus drivers who have has been promoted to the post of UK Bus been accident-free for a number of years, including Construction Manager. Dave Birch from Birkenhead. Meanwhile, Merseyside and South Lancashire Operations Director Rob Jones has celebrated 25 years in the transport industry after starting Paul’s return as a bus cleaner. Paul Clark has returned to Stagecoach East Mansfield Operations Manager Keith Elliott Rob said: “I just want to keep doing what I’m doing. Midlands after completing a spell with the Kowloon with Tom Duckmanton (right) It’s an exciting industry to be involved in. I love my Motor Bus Company (KMB) in Hong Kong, the largest job and the people I work with.” privately owned bus company in the world, where he was working in a commercial role. n Contacts Paul, who started his career with , returned to the UK and took up the role of Editor: Lindsay Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach Operations Manager at Hull depot last month. He said: Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW “I am absolutely delighted to be rejoining Stagecoach Email: [email protected] and leading the very committed and talented team If you have a story for On Stage, please contact already at Hull. There are some fantastic opportunities Lindsay Reid as above. The copy deadline for to grow the business with the upcoming European the next edition of On Stage will be Wednesday City of Culture in 2017 and I will be working hard 17 June 2015. to further improve our services to our customers”. 10