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Issue 57 Winter 2004-05 New deal to develop Douglas Bailey Honour for bus guidance system bus driver Long-serving bus driver tagecoach Group and Stagecoach and Siemens team up to steer UK road revolution Douglas Bailey has been SSiemens Transportation made an MBE in the New Systems have signed an Year Honours List for his services to passenger agreement to develop a new ‘Optical guidance transport. bus optical guidance product Douglas (64), who is for the UK. has huge potential based at Chorley in The two companies are to investigate , started out as a adapting the Siemens’ system, currently in to help tackle the bus driver in in 1961 use on the continent, for use on conven- and has worked with Ribble tional buses in the UK. increasing road and Stagecoach. It involves a camera mounted in front During his career, he has of the steering wheel, which can read congestion that is clocked up 33 years of safe coded markings painted on the road. An affecting many driving without a single image processor follows the road markings blameworthy accident. and detects and corrects deviations by parts the UK.’ As well as being a leading activating a motor on the steering column. member of the Transport and Such is the accuracy of the system that General Workers Union, it keeps the vehicle on the required route Douglas is an employee with a tolerance of only a few centimetres. trustee of the Stagecoach This allows vehicles to pull in very Group Pension Scheme. He accurately to bus stops to ensure is also a director of the Bus passengers have a smooth level access to transport solution that will be a powerful Driver of the Year Awards the bus. tool in attracting people out of their cars and the Road Operators’ No heavy and expensive infrastructure Track to the future: Optical guidance technology is already in use on ‘tram on tyres’ style vehicles, and could benefit millions of people across Safety Council. is required to install the busway. The including in Rouen in France. the country.” Nigel Barrett, Managing optical guidance bars are painted on the David Wilson, Director of Siemens Director for Stagecoach North road surface and can be relocated at guidance, as part of a comprehensive flexible, can be delivered quickly and Transportation Systems said: “Siemens is West, said: “Douglas is a minimal expense. package of pro-public transport measures, represents excellent value for money. delighted to be part of this project. Guided highly respected individual Stagecoach and Siemens will also work has huge potential to help tackle the “Stagecoach has been at the forefront of bus systems are a cost effective and envi- who has contributed greatly together, and with local stakeholders, to increasing road congestion that is affecting research and development of new ronmentally friendly way of reducing city to the public transport scope the technical, operational and many parts the UK, particularly our technology and innovative environmental centre congestion.” industry. He looks after the statutory issues around the potential intro- heritage cities. projects as well as new thinking on Stagecoach and Siemens are already interests of his fellow duction of the technology on a pilot basis “The use of this cutting-edge marketing bus services. We are delighted working closely together on the introduc- workers and promotes the in a heritage city in the UK. technology on conventional buses will to continue this investment in the future tion of a £1billion order for new Desiro company and the wider bus Brian Souter, Stagecoach Group Chief allow us to deliver a step-change in the and we look forward to working with the trains at , the UK’s largest industry wherever he goes.” Executive, said: “We believe that optical quality of public transport provision. It is expertise of Siemens to develop a new commuter rail franchise.

The next-generation fuel additive, Envirox™, product is able to deliver will help us continue is to be rolled out across Stagecoach’s entire Bus fleet en route to greener, to provide value-for-money bus services that UK bus fleet after the success of a 12-month attract people to public transport. It will also commercial evaluation. help improve the environmental impact of our Tests of the product in the north west of operations and the quality of life in our towns and have delivered more cleaner, keener future and cities. than a 5% cut in fuel consumption and an “Stagecoach is committed to playing its part associated decrease in vehicle emissions. product in up to 1,000 vehicles across the Brian Souter, Stagecoach Group Chief in building a sustainable environment. Along Last year, Stagecoach signed an country. Executive, said: “We are extremely excited with our trials of agreement with Cerulean International Ltd, Now the fuel additive will be rolled out about the potential of this product. technology, this innovation is further evidence the -based subsidiary of the nanoma- over the next few months across Stagecoach’s “Fuel is one of the biggest costs in the that we are leading the transport industry in terials company Oxonica Ltd, to trial the 7,000-strong bus fleet. transport industry and the savings this developing new ideas.” New Corporate Fife keeps the cash rolling in

Affairs Director The charity ‘Cancer and Leukaemia in Childhood’ raised £200 from selling refreshments in his has received a cash boost thanks to the efforts of touring bus over the summer period. for Stagecoach in Fife bus driver Mike Reid. Only a few weeks previously, Mike raised Hamish Alldridge, the Scottish community £600 for St Andrew’s charity ‘Enable’ through a Virgin Trains has appointed fund-raiser for the charity, was presented with a sponsored bowling match involving Stagecoach Arthur Leathley as its new cheque for £1000 which Mike raised through a Fife bus drivers, members of Scotscraig Bowling Corporate Affairs Director. variety of events. Club in Tayport and their friends and family. Mr Leathley, who has over Duffus Park Bowling Club held a buffet Robert Andrew, Deputy Managing Director 22 years in the media and com- dance and draw, which collected £600 and a for Stagecoach , said: “We feel extremely munications industry, has held further £200 was raised during a bowling trip to proud to have an employee who shows such specialist transport, political Oban. dedication to fund-raising both in and out of and business roles at The Times Mike, who is also chairman of the fund- work. We congratulate him on his ongoing Helping hands: Robert Andrew (centre left), Mike (centre) and Hamish Alldridge newspaper and, more recently, raising committee of St Andrew’s depot, also achievements.” (centre right) alongside bus drivers and members of the Duffus Park Bowling Club. has been a senior director at The Waterfront Partnership, a PR lobbying firm. Virgin Trains Chief Executive Tony Collins said: “I look forward to Arthur leading Virgin Trains’ external commu- nications activity as we enter a Stagecoach on new stage in the development of the business. “We are moving from a project-driven to a consumer- driven business and Arthur brings with him the expertise and knowledge to drive forward communications for ‘path of growth’ this transition.” Commenting on his appointment, Mr Leathley said: tagecoach has cheered the financial markets with a strong “With fantastic new trains and RESULTS AT A GLANCE faster services, Virgin is rapidly Sset of results for the first half of the year. changing forever the The Group share price rose 14% on profit growth has been achieved Highlights perception of rail travel. We the back of an excellent performance for across our businesses despite the • Strong half-year of organic growth in bus and rail operations in UK and have a superb product and a the six months to 31 October 2004, with a significant increases in fuel prices and overseas unique chance to attract new significant increase in profits. I am confident that our robust • £241.4m of capital returned to shareholders passengers. City analysts were particularly portfolio of cash-generative businesses • Growth in operating margins in North American bus operations to 11.7% “I am looking forward to impressed at the company’s performance will continue to deliver further growth. from 6.8% being part of an exciting phase against a backdrop of increases in fuel “We have achieved increased • Innovative growth ideas fuelling good underlying performance at in developing train travel across prices affecting all public transport operating margins at our UK bus provincial UK bus operations – turnover outwith London up 6.3% the many regions served by operators. operations as the benefits of our • Continued revenue growth in London bus business with turnover up Virgin Trains.” The results included: innovative ideas and new products 22.1% Arthur Leathley replaces • Strong passenger growth at UK start to flow through. South West • UK Bus operating margins up to 10.9% from 10.8% -12.1% versus 11.4% Denize Quest, who has held the Bus, particularly outside London, Trains continues to deliver turnover excluding impact of operating leases, megabus.com and Taxibus post of Director Corporate with improved operating ahead of our original expectations and • Strong revenue and passenger growth at South West Trains – turnover Affairs since 1997. Chief margins customers are already benefiting from up 8.3% Executive Tony Collins thanked • Delivery of North American the introduction of the new £1billion • Shortlisted for InterCity East Coast and Integrated rail franchises strategy fleet of Desiro trains. Denize for her contribution to Financial Summary the business, adding: “Denize • Revenue and passenger growth “We have also met our objective of has made a tremendous contri- at South West Trains increased operating margins at our • Turnover from continuing operations £882.0m (2003 - £826.8m), up 6.7% bution in transforming the • Significant increase in the restructured North American • Total operating profit* £78.5m (2003 - £76.9m, £72.6m excluding , image of the business into that interim dividend to shareholders operations and, encouragingly, there Road King and disposals) of the premier train operator in Stagecoach Group Chairman Robert has been significant turnover growth.” • Operating profit £69.9m (2003 - £67.3m) the UK. All at Virgin Trains wish Speirs said: “I believe Stagecoach is firmly Earlier this year, Stagecoach share- • Profit before tax* £69.2m (2003 - £60.3m) Denize every success and on the path of growth and there are good holders benefited from a £241million • Profit before tax £57.2m (2003 – £44.8m) happiness in the future.” prospects for increased shareholder value return of capital programme. • Earnings per share* 4.0p, up from 3.2p across the Group’s portfolio of Signs for the start of the second half • Free cash flow £128.8m (2003 - £100.3m) businesses.” of the financial year are encouraging, • Interim dividend up 11.1% to 1.0p (2003 - 0.9p) Brian Souter, Stagecoach Group Chief with current trading in line with * excluding goodwill amortisation and exceptional items Pendolino Executive, added: “Strong underlying expectations. fleet now Contacts at full tilt The Editor, On Stage, Stagecoach Group, West Mark Whittle 01392 889747 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth PH1 5TW. National Transport Tokens Sajda Khan 01254 680180 The last Pendolino tilting train to Tel: +44 (0)1738 442111, Fax: +44 (0)1738 580407 undergo acceptance and commis- UK Rail sioning has been handed over to www.stagecoachgroup.com South West Trains Kathryn Rowe 0207 620 5238 Virgin Trains by ALSTOM. If you have a story for On Stage, please get in touch The tilting train, the last of 53, with your local contact below: Stephen Wade 01983 812591 Stagecoach Supertram Julia Shaw 0114 2759888 was reconfigured to passenger Stagecoach Group Steven Stewart 01738 642040 standard after being used as a test train and joined passenger Overseas service on the West Coast Main UK Bus Coach USA Line. Scotland Lisa Henry 01592 261461 North East Roger Bowker 001 201 225 7581 Virgin now has 38 125 mph Scotland Emma McNae 01292 613515 North Central Dale Moser 001 847 390 5800 tilt-capable Pendolino trains in Robin Knight 0191 567 5251 Jim Devlin 001 705 748 1170 service every day, with a further Colin Nicholson 01772 255752 four trains planned for 110mph Stagecoach 0161 276 2727 New Zealand Dennis Elliot 00 649 309 3500 Pendolinos or older trains. Karen Coventry The retention of these older Stagecoach Phil Cartwright 01246 222018 On Stage is published four times a year. Advertising connected trains will enable the modifica- Stagecoach South Midlands Adam Rideout 01788 562 036 directly or indirectly with Stagecoach is accepted. Charitable adverts tion programme on Pendolinos to Stagecoach East Philip Norwell 01604 676060 will be included without charge, otherwise rates on request. On Stage is distributed free to Stagecoach staff. Public subscrip- be completed without impacting Stagecoach West Anne Dickinson 01242 545224 on the service. It remains the tions are available at £12 for one year or £20 for two years. Cheque Stagecoach Wales Stephen Evans 01291 623565 payable to Stagecoach Group plc at the editorial address. The objective to have 46 Pendolinos Benjamin Franklin 020 8477 7249 Editor is unable to enter into individual correspondence concerning in service every day from June the affairs of The Stagecoach Group. 2005, with a further seven on Helen Martin 01243 536161 maintenance and repairs. Stagecoach South Helen Martin 01243 536161 Designed by Catchline Communications Group, Scotland.

2 Winter 2004-05 Another honour has been bestowed East Dunbartonshire Council, on megabus.com with a major Highland Rail Partnership, Stirling national award for innovation at the Scots take our innovation to heart Timber Transport Liaison Group, Scottish transport industry ‘Oscars’. Journey Solutions and NorthTyre The ground-breaking service was Third major award for UK’s first low-cost inter-city bus service Recycling Ltd - to win the innovation named the most innovative transport award. project at the Scottish Transport Stagecoach Group, said: “megabus.com hard work put in by everyone at the Scottish transport industry attended Since being launched in 2003, Awards 2004. has transformed inter-city travel in megabus.com, it is a tribute to the the awards in , which were megabus.com has won awards for It is the third top award for Scotland and across the UK, and we are loyalty of the customers who have got organised by the Centre for Transport innovation at the National Transport innovation won by megabus.com in delighted that our innovative service on board with us over the past year and Policy in to recognise and Awards and Tayside Business the past year and comes as has been recognised with yet another built megabus.com into the transport reward excellence in transport. Awards, as well as being a finalist at passenger numbers top 1.4million. prestigious award. success story of the year.” megabus.com beat off competition the recent National Business Awards Brian Souter, Chief Executive of “It is not only recognition of all the More than 275 people from across from five other shortlisted entrants – for Scotland. Passenger numbers set to hit 1.5m on megabus

million and climbing – Athat’s the passenger • Bargain £1 fares spark 500% growth in nine months tally for megabus.com, the UK’s first web-based low- • Service hailed ‘transport phenomenon of the year’ cost inter-city bus service. Passenger numbers have Using a mix of high-capacity grown by 500% in the last nine double-decker vehicles, bendy buses Crossing the country months as more and more people and luxury double-decker coaches, are attracted to the bargain fares the megabus.com network offers offered by the Stagecoach service. journeys of up to 575 miles from just • Aberdeen--Perth-Edinburgh megabus.com is based on the £1 per seat. • Aberdeen-Dundee-Perth--Manchester-London same concept as the budget Research shows it is appealing to a • Birmingham-London airlines, with wide customer base, • Bournemouth-London cheaper fares for ‘The response from including students, • Brighton-London passengers the commuters, families passengers has been • Bristol-London earlier they book and ‘silver surfers’ - and the service incredible – not just in over 55s who use • Cheltenham-Gloucester-London now links nearly 30 terms of the rush to get the internet. • Edinburgh-Glasgow (in association with Motorvator) towns and cities Passengers have also • Inverness-Perth-Edinburgh across the UK. the best value bus fares switched from trains • Inverness-Perth-Glasgow-Manchester-London Stagecoach in Britain, but and cars, as well as • Leeds--Chesterfield-London Group Chief travelling by bus and • Leicester-Milton Keynes-London Executive Brian customers’ high level of coach for the first • -London Souter, commented: satisfaction with our time. “megabus.com has Booking is via a • Newcastle-Leeds-London been the transport award-winning service.’ simple, dedicated • Oxford-London phenomenon of the and secure e- • Plymouth-Exeter-London year. The growth of Brian Souter commerce website, • Portsmouth-London the service has www.megabus.com, • Southampton-London been amazing in with credit and debit • Swansea-Cardiff-London such a short space of time. card transactions processed by “The response from passengers WorldPay, part of the Royal Bank of has been incredible – not just in Scotland Group. A £1 fare on megabus.com’s Inverness to London route, terms of the rush to get the best Travel is ticketless and each a distance of 575 miles, is equivalent to 0.17p per mile. value bus fares in Britain, but booking is given a unique reference customers’ high level of satisfac- number shown to the driver on automatically e-mailed the booking also choose to have their booking tion with our award-winning boarding. reference when purchases are confirmation sent by SMS message service.” For peace of mind, customers are confirmed online. Passengers can to their mobile phone.

October saw Geordies get bargain £1 megabus.com launch its Mega model competition £1 travel between Newcastle and London We had a terrific response to our On Stage coach travel to London in direct competition competition in the last issue to celebrate the first with the budget airlines. birthday of megabus.com. With two services a To mark the occasion, we had 10 replica 11- day between the North metre, tri-axle buses, produced East and London, and by Creative Master Northcord Limited, to give away. the route also calling at The replica of the 94-seat bus features the Leeds, means distinctive megabus.com livery and it has the passengers getting the Dundee-Perth-Glasgow route branding. bargain fares will be Amy’s one We asked you to name the first megabus.com able to travel the 274 trial route, which was launched in August 2003? The miles for just over a in a million! answer was, of course, Oxford-London. third of a pence a mile! The first 10 correct entries out of the hat were: Recent research by Meet Amy Maclean – she really is one in a R Baker, Ilford; Paul Chidgey, Oxford; Paul Ogilvie, megabus.com has found million! Newcastle; Sainath Kola, , New Zealand; that the low-cost Amy, of Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, had Jeremy Barrett, Petersfield; A Smith, Gatley; concept is already the distinction of being the millionth Christopher Bowles, Preston; Andrew Rapado, attracting passengers passenger to book her seat with Stagecoach Pontypridd; Andrew Churchill, Kidlington; and Paul from the rail network, through megabus.com. Siviers, Paignton. with 35% of customers Young and not-so-young are all now The model buses are in the post and will be saying they had taking advantage of this revolution in UK with the winners shortly. Many thanks to all those switched from the train. bus travel. who entered the competition.

Winter 2004-05 3 Right route It’s the Superoute to a super service! for growth Bus passengers in Tyne and Wear now have an even better service A new fleet of buses on a thanks to the latest phase launch popular route had made the of the Superoute concept - service even more popular! frequent, top quality bus routes Passengers numbers on the with guaranteed service service shot up by standards. 17% in two months. Stagecoach North East Operations Manager Graham provides all six new Superoutes Harmer says that this success on and to coincide with the launch the appropriately titled Route 1 Stagecoach also introduced 27 follows the £1m investment by new lo-liner buses. Stagecoach South East and That’s an investment of over improvements through its £2.5 million, but it doesn’t stop council partnerships has the there! Stagecoach North East has potential to further boost bus more routes aiming to go travel. Full support: There was a great turnout at the launch of Superoute. Superoute in 2005 too! “We have offered an Councillor David Wood, Tyne themselves. Just as important are to-door journey. learned that there was a 2.4% alternative to the car by and Wear Passenger Transport the conditions of the bus stops, the “The whole project is all about patronage growth on Superoutes providing more new, easy Authority Chair, said: “Superoutes amount of time spent stuck in effective partnership working.” and Stagecoach is aiming even access buses running more are about more than the buses traffic and the quality of the door- Those attending the launch higher next year. frequently,” he said. “The introduction of new bus lanes, bus gates and transpon- ders on the buses, that enable traffic lights to recognise the approaching bus, has also shortened journey times. Caerphilly kicks off “A ‘real time’ information system at bus stops will be introduced during 2005 that will tell customers how near the next bus is to their stop.” £1.5m ‘justgo’ routes Good deed £1.5 million Kickstart earns praise Ainitiative has been An elderly woman who left her launched on two key handbag on a bus says she Caerphilly routes. cannot express how grateful she The first initiative of its kind in is to the driver who brought it Wales, and branded ‘justgo’, the event back to her. was attended by the Welsh Assembly Patricia Miller (85) left her Government’s Transport Minister, the bag on the Stagecoach East Kent leader of Caerphilly County Borough bus coming back from Asda in Council and Stagecoach Chief Sittingbourne. Executive Brian Souter. But kind-hearted driver The enhanced services increase the Kevin Arrowsmith made sure bus frequency from both Graig y the bag, containing money, Rhacca and Senghenydd to Caerphilly keys, credit cards and precious from every 15 minutes to every 10 photographs, was returned to its minutes, daytimes Monday to Saturday. owner. A half-hourly service from Knowing his elderly Caerphilly to Cardiff is retained, passenger would have been although passengers with mobility very anxious, he made sure the problems and/or buggies will particu- bag was put safely on the next larly benefit from the new low-floor Kicking off Kickstart: Brian Souter and Andrew Davies at the official launch. bus to Sheerness. vehicles when they travel to the “I cannot express how University of Wales Hospital or city 10,000 homes with timetables and state-of-the-art accessible buses If you have been up to grateful I am to that driver for centre shops. discount vouchers was also introduced on two routes in Caerphilly.” something innovative to aid making sure it was returned,” The launch had a festival implemented. Additional marketing campaigns your local community then said Mrs Miller. “It was very atmosphere with timetables, balloons Transport Minister Andrew Davies targeting local schools and senior we’d like to hear about it. Your kind of him to take the trouble.” and discount vouchers being handed said: “I am delighted to support this citizens, amongst others, are planned On Stage contact is listed on p2. out, while a horse-drawn stagecoach exciting initiative, and to be providing over three years, as Stagecoach in South rode around the town. £260,000 over three years to pump- Wales strives towards a target of 22% A tale to tell? Winning A door-drop campaign targeting prime a project which will see 16 new, growth in patronage. combination Starship enterprise A combined but increased service is proving extremely popular in one area of Manchester. beams in vital help North residents are now climbing aboard in numbers with latest figures Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Foundation, a charity which showing a 30% leap in Brian Souter has been on many provides extra equipment, support passengers on the six buses an types of vehicle over the years but and help to staff, patients and hour route. he had a first on his recent visit to families. also New Zealand – a Starship! The most visible part of the reports that growth has He wasn’t heading into orbit, of sponsorship deal is a Stagecoach cascaded through to other course, but taking a guided tour of Starship bus, the country’s first services. a children’s hospital near charity bus, from which all Further success is anticipated Auckland. passenger fares are donated to the as more low-floor buses, fully Starship Children’s Health is part Starship. The high-profile bus has accessible for wheelchairs and of Auckland District Health Board become a familiar sight to pushchairs, come on stream. A welcome visit: Dr John Becca, Director of Children’s Intensive Care, left, with Brian Souter during and, since 2002, Stagecoach has Aucklanders as its routes vary his visit to the children’s hospital near Auckland. been a sponsor of the Starship around the region during the year. 4 Winter 2004-05 Stagecoach has joined with police, local councils and representatives from ’s pubs and clubs to Nite Rider finds an army of weekend fans Stagecoach provide a comprehensive late night service from the heart of the town’s safe transport home. gives a wide-ranging service and Everyone involved has hailed the helps the entertainment centre. All buses are fitted with CCTV has proved extremely popular. service a success and passenger Around 10,000 people flock to and a combination of road restric- In the past the town centre has numbers continue to grow. Mansfield every Friday and tions and ‘taxi marshals’ has meant suffered from high levels of anti- Stagecoach East Midland’s Saints go Saturday to sample the nightlife, that large numbers of passengers social behaviour but by working Managing Director Paul Lynch said: which had led to problems as are now being taken home closely with the police and the local “Through close co-operation with marching on people struggled to get home in the smoothly and efficiently. authorities Stagecoach East various parties I believe we are early hours. With five separate routes and Midlands has operated the Nite playing a real part in helping to Stagecoach has extended its The new Mansfield Nite Rider departures at midnight, 0100, 0200 Rider network with very few make Mansfield a more vibrant and sponsorship of the St Johnstone provides quick, economical and and 0300, the Mansfield Nite Rider problems. safe place at night.” youth team for a further two years. The McDiarmid Park youth set- up has received support from its Perth neighbour since 2002, and Stagecoach will be backing the team to the tune of £15,000 spread over two years. Cambridge bus use Brian Souter, Group Chief Executive, said: “Stagecoach has grown into a global business but we have never forgotten our roots and we are committed to supporting the local community and, particularly, youth a runaway success development.” Earlier this year, Stagecoach’s low cost bus brand, ambridge has seen one • 50% increase is nearly double the level in London megabus.com, was unveiled as the Cof the biggest rises in new shirt sponsor of St Johnstone public transport use in the • Investment and marketing drives growth over three years Football Club. Stagecoach signed a one-year deal with the Perth club UK. and the megabus.com name will has carried more than 5.5million Bus use has shot up by nearly appear on the Saints first and passengers on its fleet of 52 buses 50% in three years – around double second team strips throughout the covering seven city routes. Around the growth achieved in London. 2004-05 season. Figures released by Stagecoach, 3.8 million passengers travelled by the main operator in the historic city, bus in Cambridge before the show it is now carrying an average of improvements to the bus network in more than 117,000 passengers a week November 2001. on its state-of-the-art citi branded Brian Souter, Chief Executive of Long-term network. Stagecoach Group, said: “This is one Statistics released by the of the most remarkable public plan for Department for Transport showed transport success stories ever seen in that bus passenger volumes in the UK – and even more impressive London increased by 25% between than the growth achieved in London. shorter bus 2000-01 and 2003-04. The passenger “Stagecoach took a significant growth on Stagecoach services in commercial risk by investing millions Award-winning Optare Solo Cambridge from 2001 to 2004 has of pounds three years ago in a long- minibuses will now be a been 45%. term strategy to encourage bus use in frequent sight on the roads of Passengers have flooded on to the Cambridge, particularly among car . buses in Cambridge after more than users, and that has delivered Stagecoach South East has £4million was invested in a fleet of 40 spectacular results. invested £600,000 in the new new low-floor vehicles, a simplified “We have been supported by an buses and they are the first Solos to join the fleet of 250 vehicles network and fares structure, 10- extremely proactive and forward- Winning service: Stagecoach Operations Manager Colin Stratford presents Quentin with his operating within the county. minute turn-up-and-go services, com- looking local authority as well as year’s free pass and souvenir montage. prehensive marketing and improved other agencies. This strong The Solos are shorter than information for passengers. partnership has delivered to people many other single deck buses Bus use has also been boosted by in Cambridge one of the best bus Coastline courts the commuters but can carry 29 passengers in a strong partnership with networks in the UK. comfort. Cambridgeshire County Council and “We believe the approach taken in The new Coastliner Xpress service in for all shoppers to the price of a single They are equipped with a other local organisations and Cambridge is a model for cities in the Chichester is proving to be a real in the weekends up to Christmas. ramp that bridges the gap businesses, which has included the rest of the UK and we are planning bonus for passengers – and one in The Coastliner Express is more between the road kerb and the introduction of important bus priority further innovative services for the city particular. frequent and uses a fleet of coaches to entrance and have large, low, measures. and other locations across the Quentin Shipway was first to climb provide the service between the flat floor areas that enable In the past 12 months, Stagecoach country in the future.” aboard when the service was towns every 30 minutes Monday to wheelchair users, parents with launched in November and received a Saturday. push chairs and shoppers with one year free travel pass and a framed Edward Hodgson, Commercial trolleys to travel easily. photo montage of the new coaches. Manager for Stagecoach South, said: Councillor George Bunting, Partnership approach creates Stagecoach South East also gave “We want to demonstrate how much Deputy Mayor of Shepway everyone free travel between more convenient it is to use the District Council, said that massive community benefits Littlehampton, Bognor Regis, Coastliner services compared to train Stagecoach’s investment was Chichester and Portsmouth on the first travel and offer a real incentive to welcomed as part of efforts to day, as well as reducing return fares shoppers.” reduce car usage in the area. Since the original investment three years week to work by bus. ago, Stagecoach has worked closely Services in Cambridge have grown with the County Council to improve the to such an extent that there are now 18 Driver Bob Hill has retired after a delivery of bus services in Cambridge services an hour linking the city centre lifetime behind the wheel – and Bob steps down and resources have been targeted on to the main railway station, providing a multiple changes of uniform! areas where there has been the greatest major boost to integrated transport. Stagecoach South East’s veteran potential to boost passenger volumes. There has also been a significant started his bus driving career at the after 40 years One example of the benefits of growth in car users using the five age of 24 at the Depot with partnership working has been the award-winning park and ride services in Aldershot and District Traction behind the wheel development of a dedicated bus and around Cambridge, where every Company and driving a Denis Lancet terminus at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. one of the 20 buses used by Stagecoach Half Cab with a conductor. Two years ago, there was only one large has low-floor access for people with dis- Now after 40 years behind the and the hundreds of passengers who have lay-by to cope with 50 buses an hour abilities and parents with young wheel, and the different uniforms of enjoyed his friendly manner and profes- calling at a site generating significant children. National Bus, and sionalism. amounts of traffic. A partnership Brian Smith, Director of Environment Stagecoach since 1992, Bob has Bob said that he would now be between the NHS Trust, the County and Transport at Cambridgeshire stepped down from the cab. spending time with the family and Council and Stagecoach saw the County Council, said: “The restricted Graham Harmer, Operations following his passion for steam railways conversion of a hospital car park into a central area in Cambridge and the Manager for Stagecoach in Aldershot, by visiting many of the country’s King of the road: Bob next to the Liphook dedicated bus terminus. As well as continued population growth of the said that Bob, from Liphook, would preserved lines that form part of our shuttle he’s driven for the past six years of benefiting patients and visitors, staff at area mean it is vital to get more people be greatly missed by his colleagues transport heritage. his 40 years’ service. the hospital now make 10,000 trips a using public transport.” Winter 2004-05 5 The best of t

Best of the best: John (left) and Dave with their award. Dave was actually unable to attend the presentation due to his Benevolent Fund commitments, which goes to show why he won the award in the first place! A Capital result for London’s best

Stagecoach London’s Company Welfare Advisor Dave Day was the winner in the Sports, Social and Charitable Category at this year’s London Bus, Tram and Dial-A-Ride Awards. BTEC Manager John French was runner up in the Training category. Other Stagecoach London nominations were Plumstead Bromley was runner-up in the 'London Bus Garage of the Year' category. SIr Bill Morris is pictured Franklin Tumfo collects his award from Sir Bill Morris, with Elaine Rosscraig from UK Bus who Coachmaker John Abrahams; presenting the award to Diana Hannan with Ken Jenkins (left) and Martin Head. Copyright: 'Picture Partnership' Alan King alongside. Copyright: 'Picture Partnership' Copyright: 'Picture Partnership' Service Controller Ash Ahmed; Service Controller Jeff Steel; Senior he UK’s Bus Industry Service Controller Martin Onyeyiri; Romford Bus Mechanic Geoff TAwards have once again Walful; Plumstead Drivers Carl recognised Stagecoach’s Scantlebury, Hugh Finnegan, Gwen pioneering role in public Timms and Ron Golding; Catford Innovation and se transport. Drivers Bob Shirley and Clement Stagecoach left with three Stillwell; Service Quality Manager runner-up awards from the Alan Parkes; Training Supervisor London event in November. Sally Trundley; recently retired BBC Television Newsnight Upton Park Driver Cyril Codrington; economics correspondent Upton Park Vehicle Engineer Barry Stephanie Flanders hosted the bus win UK recogniti Friend; Operations Supervisor ‘Oscars’. Mohammed Azim; and Temporary Even to be short-listed in any Driving Instructor Ray Lawley. category is an achievement for a Mayor of London Ken bus operator and Stagecoach Stagecoach once again in the spotlight at B Livingstone said: “Many congratula- notched up placings in the tions to everyone who has been Eureka!, Transport of London and nominated for these awards. They Bus Employee of the Year techniques more commonly through successful with his positive and cheerful megabus service at are all outstanding ambassadors for categories. employed by retailing chains partnership working with the approach towards his job and and universities. public transport, providing The nomination for the Eureka! to gain results. transport police, Transport his efforts to make all his Stagecoach UK exceptional customer service day-in, Award was for an individual The Bromley Garage in For London, along with a passengers feel welcome on Managing Director day-out. marketing campaign that was used London gave us another number of city schools. the bus. Franklin would even Warneford told On “The increase in bus ridership to to encourage model shift among runner-up prize through its The third award, in the stop and clean the bus by “We’re delighted th six million journeys a day could not non-bus users. Stagecoach’s highly reliable service. It also Employee of the Year himself at every terminus, a efforts to boost bus have been achieved without the approach of issuing telemarketing received recognition for the category, honoured task that isn’t even included for passengers across massive commitment of staff to vouchers for free bus travel steps made to stamp out anti- megabus.com driver Franklin in his job description! By have been recognised make services cleaner, safer and through the post was recognised social behaviour on London Tumfo. choice, he’d even give up his judges. more reliable.” for its innovation - using buses. This was achieved He impressed passengers holidays to promote the “We’re particularly

Bluebird driver swoops off with top award Coach Canada Pr

Stagecoach Bluebird’s Ted Reid Ted’s triumph led to combined Jim Devlin, President of Coach Canada, notched up a notable victory in the prizes of £1500 and his celebratory has received the Motor Coach trade’s prestigious Bus Driver of the period continued into late October Association’s (OMCA) Lifetime Year competition. when he received his 25-year long Achievement Award at its 75th Annual Company winner and second service award. Conference in Toronto. overall in the national results, Ted, Our top man behind the wheel Jim, who is based in Peterborough, who is based at the MacDuff depot, was “over the moon” with his is only the sixth person to receive this fought off opposition from over 100 success which gave him the award which recognises those who other finalists representing a variety opportunity to take his wife, Pamela, have dedicated an outstanding amount of the UK’s bus companies. and grandson Lee, for a weekend of time to the motor coach industry. The competition, which held its break in Blackpool. “No award can reflect the amount of national final in Blackpool in Robert Andrew, Deputy Managing time and energy that Jim has put into September, consisted of a driving Director for Stagecoach Scotland, his business, our association and the test on a simulated route, a said: “Stagecoach is delighted and industry,” said Brian Crow, President Highway Code test along with one very fortunate to have a driver such of the OMCA, “but this award is an on PSV Law & Mechanical as Ted, whose commitment to acknowledgement of his significant Principles. serving our customers in the North contribution.” East is valued greatly. Jim’s industry contributions include: Wheel of fortune: Ted with Bob Hall, Bluebird “We congratulate him on this Chairman of OMCA, Director Motor Operations Director, and Robert Andrew. excellent achievement.”

6 Winter 2004-05 Passengers nominate customer service stars

Customer service employees from all over the South West Trains’ network were shown just how much they are appreciated when hundreds of passengers sent the best! in nomination forms to say how impressed they were. During National Customer Service Week in October, the train company asked passengers to send in nomination forms naming members of staff that had given South West Trains proves them excellent customer service. The forms came flooding in from all over the network from passengers who felt they just had to get in touch and say how good they thought one of our a winner in cyberspace! members of staff was at their job. More than 180 members of staff were nominated during the week and some employees received many handfuls of nominations. Among the cream of the customer service crop were the employees listed below who all received more Passengers log on to award-winning website than 10 nominations.

A website designed for South West to the company’s Managing Director via • Passengers at Salisbury thought that George Jolley certainly lived up to Trains’ customers is the best in the the internet. his name and many wrote in to comment on his happy disposition and business, according to judges at a South West Trains’ Customer Service kindness. One passenger added: “He is a credit to the company and national publishing award ceremony. Director, James Burt, said: “We are always offers assistance, without being asked.” Customers who surf their way to the determined to communicate effectively award-winning site will find a wealth of with our customers and launching this •“An outstanding railwayman”, “one of the best” and “proactive and highly useful information including website and magazine is part of our efficient” were just some of the comments that came flooding in for destination guides, a list of what’s on strategy to do this in a modern and Tisbury’s Paul Brighten. Paul was also thanked by some passengers for around the network and a guide to the innovative way. going beyond the call of duty to help and ‘brightening up their day’. South West Trains’ fleet, plus all the “The website has proved very features from e-motion magazine, which popular and its accessibility has helped • Cathy Prescott received several nominations from Ascot passengers accompanies the site. South West Trains to engage with new praising her for her friendly smile and helpful, efficient service. One The website, e-motionmagazine. customers.” traveller who did not speak very good English wrote in to thank her for co.uk, came top in the online publishing Michelle Klein, from the Illustrated the efforts she made to understand and help him. solution of the year category at the London News Group, said: “The website o was 'Highly Commended' in the 'Eureka! Award'. Association of Publishing Agencies’ provides South West Trains and its • Many passengers also sent in nominations after receiving excellent service customer magazine awards that were customers with a new channel to from Malcolm Berridge at Chertsey and said he had gone out of his way held in London. communicate and interact. to help them. One said that his decision to change his commuting habits The e-motion website and magazine, “Customer response to the magazine and travel to work by train instead of car was based entirely on Malcolm’s which were launched in November and website has been overwhelmingly helpful manner in sorting out routes, times and connections for him. 2003, are produced by South West positive and the website has seen a Trains in partnership with the Illustrated consistent increase in traffic in the 12 • More than a dozen New Milton passengers sent in nominations for ervice London News Group. Designed to give months of it being live.” Mervyn Bullock and said he was good-humoured, courteous and polite. South West Trains a voice its customers “It is a pleasure to be served by him and nothing is too much trouble,” can relate to, e-motion’s aim is to said one regular traveller. encourage open and honest communi- Would you believe it? cation. In its first six months, the website • An old hand at Sway station, Ian Faletto received several nominations Judges said the website was well- received over 3.5 million hits, with from his loyal customers who praised his “exceptionally efficient and designed and original and praised its over 10,000 visitors a month. courteous service”. One nomination form was sent from a passenger who innovative approach, especially the ion Check it out for yourself on had been using the station for 50 years who said the station was better online webchats which give customers www.e-motionmagazine.co.uk than it had ever been. the chance to put their questions directly • Michael Colley received many nominations from satisfied customers at Bus ‘Oscars’ Swanwick who were impressed by his knowledge of service and Tele-campaign to get Britain customer care. One commented: “Michael shows excellent customer colleges for Franklin and proud that service qualities and goes out of his way to understand passengers’ one of our team has been individual needs.” Bus recognised for his admirable on the buses wins award r Les attitude towards public • Teddington station’s Alan Hopgood was nominated for his unfailing cheerfulness, sound advice and good sense of humour. One passenger n Stage: service. Stagecoach has won a national telemarketing campaign and we are said he “personified customer care” and another said he had provided hat our “We know the profession- award for its sophisticated telemar- looking forward to thousands more consistent good service for many years. services alism of so many of our front keting campaign to get more people people getting on board with us the UK line staff is appreciated by to travel by bus. and enjoying the benefits of public • John Andrews received many compliments from passengers at his home d by the our customers and it is The Perth-based transport transport.” station of Winchfield, many of whom commented on his helpfulness, gratifying to see that operator scooped a bronze award in The DMA Awards attract around even when there is service disruption. One passenger said: “He is superb y happy honoured.” the Telemarketing category at the 1,000 entries each year and awards at his job and always provides excellent information about tickets and prestigious 2004 Direct Marketing are made in more than 30 travel.” Awards. categories. More than 1,000 guests Stagecoach carried out four pilot attended the awards at the South West Trains’ Managing Director Andrew Haines said: “South West projects in Perth, Grimsby, Haverhill Grosvenor House Hotel in London. Trains is 100 per cent committed to delivering the highest standards of customer and Hartlepool to encourage non- Stagecoach launched its esident honoured service, and it is only through our people that we can achieve this. I am bus users to try public transport. £250,000 nationwide telemarketing delighted that so many of our customer service employees were recognised by Prospective passengers were campaign in October and expects to Coach Canada, Director Tourism our passengers in this way.” asked about their current travel target up to 20% of its bus networks Toronto, Director American Bus choices, their satisfaction with over the next two years, with a Association Foundation, numerous existing bus services and offered major focus on mums and government advisory and industry seven days’ free travel to encourage commuters. committees, submissions to Sparkling prize heads to New York them to use the bus. The “where you want to be” Government agencies, boards and the The offer was such a success that campaign will use a mix of bus Tom Lewis, District Manager of Senate of Canada… and the list goes 20% of people contacted by posters, press advertising and direct Coach USA Central District, has been on. Stagecoach decided to switch to the marketing to convey the benefits of presented with the prestigious Gray Brian added: “Through Jim’s bus and now the same approach is travelling by bus. Line Diamond Award. efforts, his companies have set a high being rolled out across the UK. Detailed geo-demographic Gray Line New York, part of the standard of performance in the Elaine Rosscraig, Research and research, similar to that used by the Coach operations, received this industry. He has an intuitive sense of Development Manager for retail sector, is being undertaken by honour at the 2004 annual Gray Line what needs to be done and does it. He Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “We are Stagecoach to focus on people convention, held this year in Sydney, is well known for fighting for a delighted to have had national whose lifestyle is most suited to Australia. principle; he has taken on both federal recognition for our innovative switching to bus travel. Of the 150 Gray Line licensees and provincial institutions when he campaign, which was up against A new telemarketing unit set up around the world, the New York thought they were wrong, won and set some high profile businesses. at the company’s headquarters in operation was selected this year for precedents that have benefited the “There has been an astonishing Perth will concentrate on a new the award which recognises the industry.” response from non-bus users to our town or city every six weeks. most success in promoting the brand worldwide.

Winter 2004-05 7 Katherine blazes career trail for Geordie teenagers Head Office The options for jobs for teenage girls behind the wheel after observing me at first but now he proudly tells puts a real in the Newcastle area are generally how happy and friendly the bus everyone that I’m a bus driver,” considered to be restricted to retail drivers were. Of course, she was Katherine said. sales or temping work. also keen to follow in her father’s “I also think I’ve learned a lot box into Certainly, one of the more footsteps, himself a former about how to interact with people unusual jobs for a young girl to Stagecoach driver. and am looking forward to taking on Boxing Day! choose is that of a bus driver… but Katherine admitted that, before more routes.” George Mutch, that is exactly what Katherine she received her comprehensive Divisional Traffic Manager, Slatyford Christmas comes but once a year, Orange did! training, she was slightly intimidated Depot, Stagecoach North East, said: according to the old saying, but At just 18 years of age, she is the by the size of the buses. However, “It is great news for the bus industry for many living in poverty in youngest bus driver at Stagecoach after passing her PCV driving test, her as a whole that Stagecoach has areas of Eastern Europe there are North East and set her heart on a life confidence has grown and she was managed to attract a bright young often no gifts to open on the big soon on the road, driving a minibus woman into the industry. day. Upward mobility: Katherine behind the wheel of on three complicated routes in and “We hope Katherine’s success will But caring staff at Stagecoach her minibus – leading the way for other around Newcastle. encourage more young people to have again pulled out all the Tyneside teenagers to follow. “My father was really nervous for consider bus driving as a career.” stops to make a difference for those less fortunate than ourselves. The annual Shoebox Appeal run by Blythswood Care is dedicated to shipping shoeboxes packed by the public full of Joint bid to develop useful presents for those who really need them. Those receiving the boxes are suffering poor living conditions in Eastern European countries. Last year, over 85,000 Christmas shoeboxes were sent over from the UK in conjunction with the East Coast services Shoebox appeal. For the third year running, staff at Stagecoach’s Head Office in Perth have combined efforts Value for money and past track record seen as key to winning franchise and filled up shoeboxes. This time a total of 26 boxes were nter city–railways ltd, a joint venture between the filled – even more than last year. Head receptionist Rosemary IVirgin Group of Companies and Stagecoach Group McFarlane, who organised this plc, has submitted its bid for the InterCity East Coast year’s collection, was delighted rail franchise. with the response. The company, which was formed “We have worked very hard on this “Once again we would like to specifically with the objective of and have consulted extensively with thank the staff and Head Office developing the East Coast bid, is one stakeholders in shaping proposals for taking the time to give some of four bidders shortlisted for the that deliver excellent value for less fortunate people a little franchise by the Strategic Rail money. Christmas cheer!” she said. Authority. “We believe that our track record The inter city–railways bid in delivering record investment and delivers significant benefits to improvements for passengers within Wider aisles passengers and taxpayers, including: our existing franchises puts us in a • innovative solutions to deal strong position to enhance services with the forecast passenger further for East Coast customers. and smiles as growth over the next 10 “We look forward to working years with the Strategic Rail Authority 455s return • improvements to the level of during its evaluation of the bids, and Serving clubland: Stagecoach West Managing Director Ian Manning and Supt Walker celebrate the performance of InterCity to a final decision regarding the South West Trains has welcomed seasonal launch of the night bus. East Coast trains franchise.” (Picture courtesy of The Citizen, Gloucester). the first of its £67 million • enhancements to passenger The company believes that refurbished 455 trains back to facilities at stations and on operating the East Coast franchise London Waterloo. trains alongside the existing CrossCountry Clubbers’ bus proves a winner And the guest of honour was • positive fare and ticketing and West Coast operations would A late-night bus service targeting pub Stagecoach guaranteed the service none other than King Henry opportunities for passengers bring considerable benefits to and club-goers has been running as a over the Christmas period, with buses VIII, delighted at the fact that • proposals for closer customers. An expanding inter-city commercial operation by Stagecoach running on two key routes on Fridays the aisles were wide enough to working relationships with operation would enable greater West. and Saturdays until 3am. bring along all six wives! Network Rail and other flexibility in ticketing, allowing The scheme, trialled in Gloucester Dean Walker, Superintendent for After the short greeting operators. tickets to and from Scotland to be city centre, was initiated by the city’s the Forest and Gloucester Division, ceremony at London Waterloo, A key element of the bid used on either route. Licensed Victuallers Association and said: “We are delighted at the success King Henry, his six wives and involves inter city–railways making In the bid, inter city–railways fully originally funded by the local pubs of the night buses, which goes to other guests headed for – substantial premium payments to embraces the Government Rail and clubs, Gloucestershire show that by working in partnership, Hampton Court Palace of course! Government over the 10 years of the Review, and looks forward to the Constabulary and Gloucester City we can achieve positive results for Hampton Court station is just franchise. implementation of the new Railways Council. the benefit of the whole city.” one of the destinations that the Bid Director Simon Bailey said: Bill. 455 train serves, carrying thousands of passengers to the popular Hampton Court Palace for events such as the yearly Rallying round to help hospice flower show. The class 455 train is known When it comes to rallying around, the was raised through the sale of programmes as the workhorse of South West Bus Rally really can make a and donations. Trains’ suburban network and difference. Hospice fund-raising manager Sue operates from London Waterloo The organisers of the annual event, Bedborough accepted the cheque from via Clapham Junction to held at the Stagecoach bus depot in Stagecoach South East Engineering Richmond, Dorking, , August, presented a cheque for an Director Keith Dyball. Chris Ingram and Shepperton and Windsor. impressive £1,500 to the Sittingbourne Graham Young, who organised the rally Managing Director Andrew based Demelza House Hospice for with fellow members of the Herne Bay Haines said: “This project Children. Vintage Bus group, were also at the cash underwent a huge consultation The Herne Bay Bus Rally is now one of handover. period so I feel it is fair to say the most important in the South East for “We are delighted have achieved this that the train has been designed bus enthusiasts and the general public who total to help Sue and the hard working by its users. are fascinated by the range of vehicles that fund-raising team,” said Graham. “We “If this train is good enough make the journey to the seaside town. thank everyone for their help and for King Henry, it’s good enough Cheque it out: Keith, Sue, Chris and Graham proudly As the event was free to the 3,000 generosity that allowed this figure to be for our royalty – our show off the princely sum raised at the rally. people who attended the event, the money reached.” passengers.” 8 Winter 2004-05 Mike returns Alex walks on the wild side When it comes to the call of the wild, it the Great Wilderness Challenge again from duty in seems Stagecoach in Inverness driver next year, he has also proposed to Alex MacKenzie just has to answer it. attempt a five-day sponsored trek to the Afghanistan He has recently completed his sixth Lost City of Machu Picchu in Peru during Great Wilderness Challenge, an annual October. Engineer Mike Holloway recently physical endurance event entailing a 25- Sponsorship money raised in the returned from a peacekeeping mile trek over rough territory in the Peru event will also go to the Highland tour of Afghanistan, followed by magnificent mountain scenery of Wester Hospice, which provides specialist a joint-military exercise with Ross in the Scottish Highlands. palliative care to patients throughout the Georgian servicemen in the Having now collected all outstanding Highlands, , Skye, Lochalsh and former Russian republic. sponsorship pledges, Alex managed to Wester Ross. Mike, from St Marks in raise the exceptionally high sum of Anyone wishing to sponsor Alex for Cheltenham, has been a member £1525 for the Highland Hospice charity the Great Wilderness Challenge or the of the Territorial Army for over in Inverness. trek to Machu Picchu can do so by either All part of the six years and the Afghanistan Sponsorship from Stagecoach Group contacting him by telephone or mail – venture was his first operational in Perth and from his own colleagues in Home – (01463) 790358, job, ma’am! Highland hiking: Alex takes a break above tour. Inverness brought in £400 towards this Work – (01463) 239292, or at: Carnmore and Fionnloch on the Great Wilderness The 28-year-old’s peacekeep- total figure. Airigh ‘n Eilean, 8 Forest Drive, Balloch, Dedication to the job means going Challenge 2004. ing duties, which included Not only will Alex be taking part in Inverness IV2 7HT that little bit further, even when you patrols and rebuilding Kabul think it’s going unnoticed. schools, was particularly But every now again, glowing challenging. One of the soldiers praise comes from passengers that he was serving with was killed show that a bit of extra care rarely and three more injured in an escapes attention. attack outside their camp. Miller bus makes A classic example concerns On his return, Mike was Shortline Company coach driver promoted to Lance Corporal and Allan Clarke, who works out of the Stagecoach extends its congratu- garage in Elizabeth NJ. He is involved lations. with an important contract conveying staff from a wide area of New York and New Jersey to New York Life’s Driving up literary history new corporate headquarters in Westchester, New York State. Recently the company received a standards Service recounts legendary tale through a branding first letter of commendation about Allan, who drives the Queens-Nassau route, Staff at nce upon a time…in from a very impressed passenger, have been driving up standards Veronica Ricks. after successfully obtaining SQV OMansfield there were “His conduct is professional, qualifications in Road Passenger these nine Stagecoach East courteous and considerate,” Veronica Transport. Midlands buses. stated. “His passengers are treated Seven drivers based in And each one of them told part with care and their comfort and Ardrossan, Ayr and Kilmarnock of the story of Mansfield Miller – a safety is a priority. depots have recently been local legend that is now running “I am one of the first to get on the awarded with their certificates hand in hand with an almost bus and last to exit and this attention after completing a number of legendary upsurge in bus travel on makes my two-hour trip each way a practical tests as well as a its mobile namesake. great deal more comfortable.” customer service course. The Mansfield Miller celebrates Take a bow, Allan! Operations Director Bryony the tale of the meeting of Good Chamberlain said: “People are King Henry II and local miller John vital to our business. It is Cockle deep in Sherwood Forest. Anniversary important that we offer our staff Now the opportunity to receive a qual- has adopted this piece of folklore to turns back time ification for doing their job help promote an improved service. correctly, but at the same time Nine new low-floor buses have Stagecoach West celebrated the 75th ensuring they become more been branded with striking livery, anniversary of both the Cheltenham customer focused, which in turn each depicting a scene from the Medieval message: The mobile Miller’s tale makes history in Mansfield. District Traction Company and the will help to improve the services story, and representing well over £1 first motor bus operation in we offer to our passengers.” million in investment in public certainly different.” whopping 42% in the year since the Gloucester by running 20 historic The newly-qualified transport in Mansfield. Helping out with the launch, frequency increased and the new buses on key customer routes. employees included Ardrossan Managing Director Paul Lynch attended by local MP Alan Meale, buses were placed on the route The vintage buses descended drivers Duncan McDonald, said: “When we branded this were local musicians, dressed in To mark the launch of the upon the area from as far away as William Anderson, Iain Conn and service we wanted something that period costume, who provided a Mansfield Miller, Stagecoach also Carlisle. Many were originally built in Stephen Flaherty. Kilmarnock- had local interest. We believe that soundtrack of medieval tunes. offered free travel on the service on Bristol and displayed the distinctive based drivers Brian Ross and the branding of buses with a The Mansfield Miller service the launch day for any local green livery of the Bristol Omnibus Vincent Fulton, plus William historical storyline that can be operates every 10 minutes on the residents who had King or Miller as Company. Jones from Ayr, also received their followed by passengers is unique route and already its distinctive their surname. Vintage buses in Stroud Valley SVQ qualifications. and we are extremely pleased that livery has become a familiar sight in While most of them would not be livery or the traditional cream and red the Mansfield Miller can claim this and around the town. able to claim ancestry back to the colours of Cheltenham District also ‘first’. The frequent and comfortable original main players in the story, brought a touch of colour and Tour operator “Reading a book or newspaper new buses are also proving a hit many latter day Kings and Millers of nostalgia to the Gloucestershire streets might be commonplace on a bus with passengers. Mansfield sampled a great free day – some of them managed on the day joins the fleet but actually reading the bus is Patronage has increased by a on the modern Mansfield Miller. by former drivers and conductors.

Stagecoach South Wales has acquired a local coach and bus A partnership between Stagecoach operator. Bluebird and The Highlands & Highlands take the low road Phil Anslow Travel is well Islands Strategic Transport known throughout the region for Partnership (HITRANS) has led to example of how Stagecoach is are yet another incentive for people its contract and tendered work, the introduction of new low-floor striving to deliver high-quality to leave their cars at home. People private hire and excursions. easy access buses in the Elgin area. services and make public transport not only benefit from the Anslow’s bus and coach A grant totalling £160,000 will easier and safer to use for all. convenience and comfort of our operations will be incorporated enable Stagecoach to operate four In addition to these improved state-of-the-art buses, but can also into the established South Wales new super low floor Optare Solo facilities, a further grant from work together with Stagecoach fleet but it will continue midibuses on the route, which HITRANS will help fund the intro- Bluebird in helping cut pollution operating under the Anslow serves passengers from Dufftown duction of CCTV on two coaches and congestion.” name for the immediate future. through to Elgin and . based at Macduff. This will not only Moray’s Councillor Roma Anslow’s Pontypool depot The new buses feature low-level protect drivers and the vehicles, but Hossack added: “It is indeed will be retained to help relieve access for wheelchair users, parents will also play a major role in gratifying that the requirements of capacity at Cwmbran and also with young children and people enhancing passengers’ security. the disabled and young families are We’ll take the low road: Robert Andrew, Cllr aid the further development of with limited mobility. They signifi- Robert Andrew, Deputy being positively recognised in the Hossack and Peter Findlay, Public Transport the local service network. cantly enhance the current facilities Managing Director of Stagecoach field of transport. I congratulate Manager, Moray Council, mark the launch of the available on this service and are an Scotland, said: “These new vehicles Stagecoach on this initiative.” low-floor buses. Winter 2004-05 9 HQ staff thumped but charity wins

Stagecoach staff at the Group’s only member of the Stagecoach headquarters in Perth have rallied side to score a goal on the night round to raise £280 for this year’s was Stewart Lindsay, who works in Children In Need appeal. Group Finance. A special dress down day, plus Every goal scored for either side proceeds from prize draws meant raised money for the charity and, the money flooded in. after the handshakes and the shirt One of the highlights was the swapping was over, the real annual seven-a-side challenge winners come full-time were the football match between children that the money will Stagecoach and a youth team from benefit. On the management ladder: Alex Hornby St Johnstone FC, which is And there was an added boost at . sponsored by the company. for Children in Need as Stagecoach The Saints youth side made Group agreed to match the fund- Losing team, winning result: The Stagecoach squad and Saints youth home advantage count and raising efforts of staff, meaning Graduate wins team who provided a mighty boost for the Children in Need appeal. thrashed Stagecoach 15-1. The £560 is on the way to the appeal. coveted place

Alex Hornby has been awarded one of just three graduate management trainee positions Kickstart at centre with Stagecoach. Alex (22), from Liverpool, gained the placement with Stagecoach South East following a two-day assessment course attended by 18 other university hopefuls. He will now spend 12 months of community loop with Stagecoach in Kent to gain practical experience and an appreciation of all the new Kickstart initiative, departments. This will range New fleet transforms Thanet travel with six-an-hour service from depot operations to Ashaped by public engineering and he will also use demand, has been his bus driver’s licence gained a launched to link three few years ago and spend some communities through a time on the road. more accessible and Stagecoach South East Managing Director Paul reliable bus service. Southgate says that after the year And Transport Secretary Alistair spent within the network of six Darling cut the banner at depots, it would be expected Stagecoach’s Westwood Bus that Alex, who studied transport Depot in to launch the management at Aston University, fleet of new easy-access buses that would be offered a full time will form the heart of the new junior management role within Thanet service, branded the one of Stagecoach’s 16 bus ‘Loop’. companies in the UK. The Kickstart initiative is jointly funded with the Department for Transport and Stagecoach has invested over £1.6m in a fleet of Sharper skills 18 easy-access Dart single-deck buses to provide a new service every 10 minutes between at Andover Ramsgate, and . This is complemented Cutting edge:Transport Secretary Alistair Darling MP with the other dignitaries at official launch of the Thanet Loop. Stagecoach bus drivers Helen by a supporting £550,000 from Lawley, Mark Jackson, Neil Government Urban Bus Challenge Thanet Council’s Cabinet Kent County Council’s Girling and Colin Hill are the funding and Kent County Council Member for Transportation, Highways Advisory Board ‘The funding will not only latest based at the Andover local transport funding. Councillor John Kirby, added: Chairman, Graham Gibbens, bring real benefits to the depot to have completed their Mr Darling pointed out that bus “Thanet is already served by land, believes that the Thanet Loop is NVQ level 2 for Transporting services provide vital links for sea and air and now by a first class essential to boost business across people but will also Passengers by Road. people to access employment, bus service. the board. They and four other healthcare, shopping and leisure “We have listened to local He said: “Next year, the service create sustainable bus colleagues now have their certifi- facilities, adding: “I’m delighted people’s comments and believe will include the retail park, helping cates and NVQ badges that to see that the funding we that the Thanet Loop will meet those who work there as well as services that will become acknowledge their enhanced awarded in January will not only their needs for an improved, fast, those who will be shopping there. driving and people skills. Jim bring real benefits to the people in reliable and accessible service. “We fully support the scheme commercially viable in Mortimore, Operations Manager, Thanet but will also create “These buses offer easier, safer and we hope to see at least a 20 their own right.’ said that a further eight drivers sustainable bus services that will and quicker access around the per cent increase in the number of were undergoing the voluntary become commercially viable in area and should encourage local passengers in the next three part-time course which takes an their own right.” people to use the service.” years.” Alistair Darling average of four months to complete. “This is a bus industry recognised qualification which It’s also a woman’s world behind the wheel tops up the drivers’ skills for what is a very demanding and Stagecoach’s Thanet bus depot is her four-week driver training behind the wheel of the new pressurised job,” said Jim. “We not the all male environment that programme in November following ‘Loop’ buses that were launched by are delighted that the drivers are many would believe. an ongoing recruitment drive. the Secretary of State for Transport taking up the challenge.” Manager Michael Denne is “We are researching to see if Alistair Darling. Stagecoach South East delighted that 15 of the 121 drivers Thanet now holds the record for the employs 850 drivers across its based at his depot are now women. highest percentage of women bus Can your depot top Thanet’s eight depots where a fleet of 480 The longest serving female driver drivers working from one depot claim to fame? single and double-decker buses joined the company in October within the UK Stagecoach network,” If so On Stage would like to provide an important commuter 1979. The latest member underwent said Michael. hear from you. Your contact can network and school contract “Both the male drivers and our be found on p2. transportation. There are It’s a woman’s world too: Thirteen of customers have great respect for currently 226 drivers with their Stagecoach’s female driving contingent their ability to do the job.” to tell? NVQ certification and a further based at the Thanet depot. Many of the female drivers are A tale 50 under assessment.

10 Winter 2004-05 PEOPLE A millennium of service

tagecoach New Zealand has been honouring its longest- 35 years – Earl Anderson, Workshop (Mt Roskill Depot); Tusi Lealifano, Sserving people, who between them have clocked up an Foreman, and Eneliko Fatialofa, Operator (Wiri Depot); Carol astounding 1,280 years of service. Operator. McNamara, Leading Operator (Wiri 30 years – Salevasa Auelua, Operator; Depot); Tony Makse, Operator Long service awards were presented Depot when Cityline Hutt Valley came Kevin Gallagher, Operator; Nick (Swanson Depot); Paul Needham, to 45 staff with 25 years or more service. into being in 1991 and in 1996 he Leota, Operator; Leiono Metuariki, Operations Assistant (City Depot); A magnificent achievement was marked became the Workshop Foreman with a Operator; Norman Richardson, Tom Patelesio, Operator (Mt Roskill with an award to Bruce Mulhare from staff of four. Mechanic, and John Sepo, Operator. Depot); George Simon, Operator Cityline Hutt Valley, who had An added bonus at some of dinners, 25 years – Peter Coventry, Shiftman; (Swanson Depot), and John Taylor, completed more than 45 years’ service. held for staff and their partners, was the Gloria Daue, Operator; Felise Chong Operations Manager (North Shore Bruce, who retired in December, presence of Stagecoach Group Chief Nee, Mechanic; Leo Kaio, Operator; Depot). Wesley hits started as a motor mechanic with New Executive Brian Souter, who was Fa’aotaota Muaulu, Operator; Matt 25 years – Michael Aperehama, Zealand Rail Road Services (NZRRS) in attending these popular annual events Mahima, Operator; Mike Scott, Operator (Wiri Depot); Maliana the road 1959, based at the Woburn Garage, in for the first time. Operator, and Elizabeth Tanga, Apolosi (City Depot); Harry Aranga, Lower Hutt. He became a Senior Motor Recipients were: Operator. Operator (City Depot); Judy Brown with YMCA Mechanic in 1979 and three years later (Mt Roskill Depot); Bill Geaney, was seconded to the Planning and Cityline Hutt Valley Stagecoach Auckland Operator (Shore Depot); Jim McAteer Wesley Hands, Assistant Development Unit, in the Mechanical 45 years – Bruce Mulhare, Workshop 35 years – Clarry Parsons, Operator (Mt Roskill Depot); Rebecca Nathan, Operations Manager at Perth Section of NZRRS to assist in a review of Foreman. (Mt Roskill Depot). Operator (Shore Depot); Charlie depot, has decided to follow his bus services. 25 years – Norm Napier, Operator, 30 years – Sanele Alefosio, Operator Rakuraku, Operator (Wiri Depot); Ian ambition, to work in the In December 1983 he became and Rachael Smith, Accounts Clerk. (City Depot); Bob Crowson, Revenue Stewart (Mt Roskill Depot); Jim Tepu, community with youth groups. Acting Technical Assistant, based in Controller (Auckland Regional Office); Operator (Swanson Depot); Meke He will take up a post with the Wellington, and also helped out in Stagecoach Wellington Allan Dalton, Operator (Papakura Ulugia, Operator (Wiri Depot), and YMCA in Perth, in December, Dunedin for a time in 1986. Bruce was 40 years – William Leau’pepe, Depot); Davy Henry, Operator (City Keith Winks, Operator (Mt Roskill working throughout north Leading Motor Mechanic at Waterloo Operator. Depot); Graham Jackson, Operator Depot). Perthshire to set up youth and community programmes, using an Stagecoach and Joseph Bethwaite, who retired last ex-London Transport double year, were both presented with their 40 decker bus. Manchester years’ service award. Wes joined the company in May Also amongst the recipients was Frank 1991 and has worked in Perth and With the news full of stories about factories Llewellyn, with 35 years’ service. Frank is a Workington depots. Born in closing down and call centres moving to driver and the Senior Steward for the Motherwell, he has lived in Perth foreign soil, it’s refreshing to see an Transport and General Workers Union. for 13 years. His interest in buses industry where people still have the Mark Threapleton, Managing Director started when he was 21 years old, opportunity to work for a company for a for Stagecoach Manchester, gave a presen- whilst studying for the Church lifetime. tation to thank all members of staff and ministry. For the second time this year, their families for their support over the There is no doubt Wes will be Stagecoach Manchester has held its long years. missed for his sense of humour service awards, this time for 25 employees “We have very loyal, hard working and and his close relationship with from all departments including supportive employees, which is unique in staff, and he is wished every engineering and operations. the current climate,” Mark told On Stage. success in his new position. All were thanked for their dedication “The evening was also about thanking Wes intends to continue his and loyalty to the company, clocking up a partners for their support too. Everyone relationship with Stagecoach by total of 660 years’ service between them. enjoyed the evening and we look forward Centuries of service: The Manchester recipients with Mark driving buses when he’s not Ian Bennett, an allocator at Hyde Road, to the next one this year.” Threapleton (front, extreme right). working for his new employers. Stagecoach Another three East Scotland collect NVQs recently held its annual Michael Luckham, Dean Houldin long service awards, and Dean Jackson are the latest paying tribute to staff Stagecoach bus engineers at South who have shown East’s Chichester depot to gain outstanding loyalty to the their NVQ level 3 certificates for company. Maintenance of Automotive At a celebration dinner Vehicles. in Kirkcaldy, Fife, 37 The three men, who have all members of staff from all Scots’ night – The award-winning staff with Robert Andrew been part of the maintenance over East Scotland team for four years, completed the received awards and, years service to the company. “It is extremely rare to find staff with “Stagecoach is very fortunate and is part time NVQ course within 12 between them, had Robert Andrew, Deputy Managing service to any company ranging from delighted to have such dedicated and months. clocked up a total of 1125 Director for Stagecoach Scotland, said: 25 to 40 years. committed staff.” Dave Etherington, Engineering Manager, said there was now a total of five engineers who had the certification. Romford anglers land national title “NVQ curriculum now forms an important part of the on-going training and staff development Five Romford anglers returned from eight-man team event. programme,” he explained. Birmingham in October having won the Supervisor Alan Dare and his team – “We hope to have all the team All England Bus Passenger competition. Michael Crump, Alfred Jones, Geoff NVQ qualified next year.” Bus operating companies from Walfull and Dave Williams – won the The engineers at Chichester around the country headed for five-man team competition and are service and maintain the fleet of Droitwich, Birmingham, to take part in pictured with the All England Bus 53 single and double decker the competition which has been running Passenger Shield. buses. Regulations require for almost 40 years. Stagecoach London was also servicing every 28 days but each It consists of three contests; an represented by Bow Garage, which Stagecoach bus is mechanically individual round, and a five-man and managed to take fifth place. checked and serviced every 21 Next year’s competition will take days as part of the company’s Hooked on success: Alan Dare and his winning team place at Meadowland in Coventry and national policy. proudly show off the trophy they landed. Romford is determined to retain its title.

Winter 2004-05 11 Coach USA bus stuffed with goodwill Comfort in the

Coach USA has been given a big Allied to Combat Hunger), also commuter belt thank you for its starring role in a singled out Coach USA operator drive to collect food and funds for Herve Sanchez for praise. Herve was Commuters travelling the long the hungry. on duty during all three days and distances to and from Wellington, The three-day event in November helped hang banners and balloons in New Zealand, can now stretch out was the 11th annual Stuff-A-Bus the set-up and unload hundreds of in a bit more comfort. Drive held in Yonkers, Westchester bags of food from the bus. A new fleet of 12 buses for the County, and a bus from sponsors “He was courteous and profes- service was launched Coach USA was well and truly stuffed sional and his assistance was much by Stagecoach Group Chief – with over 2,000 pounds of food and appreciated,” said Janine Spadaro, of Executive Brian Souter, along with thousands of dollars in cash WFAS Radio. Hutt City Mayor David Ogden. donations. She also said that by sponsoring With a 1950s Bedford on The donations came from the Stuff-A-Bus Food Drive, Coach display beside the new MAN generous shoppers who took time USA has been a tremendous help. 12.223, it was easy to see the out in the build-up to Thanksgiving Food PATCH’s mission is to improvements in bus design over to think of others less fortunate and alleviate hunger and minimise food the last half century. were collected in the decorated waste by soliciting, storing, sorting Bus builder Designline, which Coach USA bus. and distributing a steady supply of has made 12 new buses for The organisers, local station WFAS quality food to Westchester’s Eastbourne services and another Thanks for giving: Coach USA played a vital part in collecting for those in need. Radio and Food-PATCH (People emergency food programmes. eight buses for Cityline Hutt Valley, focused on improving two key areas – comfort and performance. Over 500,000 people use the Eastbourne services every year and most travel the long distance to Wellington for work and school. TaxiBus helps relieve The new buses were designed for comfort, with greater legroom and better passenger visibility. All the buses are Super Low Floor so they are able to ‘kneel’ on request. This is important in improving the accessibility of rush hour stress public transport to elderly residents and people with disabili- ties outh West Trains has Sintroduced a pioneering taxibus service offering Bus joins line-up cheap, convenient transport for Swindon Town both to and from Petersfield Station. Adverse weather posed a major A first for England, the TaxiBus problem for Swindon Town FC’s scheme was introduced in Scotland half-term soccer schools, until some time ago by Stagecoach. It Stagecoach West made a timely offers people the chance to leave intervention. their car at home and travel to the Richard Hall, Operations station in comfort, removing the Manager at Stagecoach in Swindon, need for car travel and parking. supplied two double-decker buses At present, passengers in the to transport the budding football covered area simply call a central stars to various sports halls around hotline number and arrange to be the town. picked up either outside or near In fact, the children were so their homes. excited by the prospect of travelling The innovative service combines on the buses that the club told the plus-points of taxi and bus readers of its match day programme travel; it provides a regular service for a Sheffield Wednesday Cup from a convenient location, low On the road: The new TaxiBus at Petersfield. game that a Stagecoach bus journey fares and removes the daily might become a permanent struggle to find a parking space. Dutton, officially launched the would be pleased to see it extended “Originally launched in attraction at future soccer schools! The nippy eight-seater people- service in November alongside the to outlying villages around this Dunfermline, Scotland, by carriers will regularly chauffeur Mayoress and station manager Sue town.” Stagecoach, it offers local rail users people to Petersfield station and Grier. South West Trains’ Head of the chance to leave their car at New services back for just £1 each way and 50p Cllr Dutton said he was delighted Customer Service, Andrew Fairbank, home and make that journey to the for children after 8.20am. The that people now had the chance to said: “We are keen to identify station in speed and comfort service is available from early travel to and from the station at a opportunities for innovation and without having to find a parking launched morning to mid-evening on modest price. Urging passengers to integration that will provide a better space. I hope that local rail users weekdays. embrace the service, he added: service to our customers, and will take the opportunity to try it MPs have given their support to Town Mayor, Councillor Brian “Should this service be a success, I TaxiBus is exactly that. out.” enhanced bus services in the Swindon area. Stagecoach West’s newly branded ‘popin’ services aim to On the right lines to better behaviour encourage people to travel by bus through the introduction of an Supertram has thrown its weight Executive (PTE) by the local improved ‘turn-up-and-go’ daytime behind a campaign to help curb authority. timetable, plus additional early unruly behaviour on public The scheme gives operators the morning and evening services. transport. chance to highlight the dangers of To date, around 3,000 free single Largely aimed at secondary unruly behaviour on public journey vouchers published in the youngsters, SAFEmark is a working transport and schools the local paper have been redeemed agreement between schools, local opportunity to voice concerns over and passenger numbers across the transport operators and the South safety issues pertinent to them. Kingsdown, Highworth and Yorkshire Passenger Transport SAFEmark has, in the past, helped Freshbrook areas have grown by an Executive. It is implemented solve issues for both parties and has average 17.3%, year on year. through the Passenger Transport created good working relationships The two Optare Solo buses – the between schools and operators. first new vehicles in Stroud since Signing up: Tinsley Junior School in South It has been so successful in South 1999 – have step-free entrances, Yorkshire comes on board the SAFEmark scheme Yorkshire that it is now being rolled dedicated pushchair areas, wider at an event attended by school council and local out to primary schools in the seats, greater leg room, climate transport operators with Nigel Wragg and Julia Sheffield area over the coming control and brighter interiors. Shaw, representing Supertram. months. 12 Winter 2004-05