The newsletter of Issue 106 | November 2014 ON STAGE INSIDE Top Honours page 4 | The Apprentices page 9 Your 2014 Stagecoach champions Stagecoach has crowned its 2014 Champions, following a record number of entries this year. The winning employees, who have excelled in one of the six award categories, were honoured at an awards ceremony in London earlier this month. Gold, silver and bronze awards were given out across the categories of Health, Innovation, Customer Service, Environment, Safety and Community. The awards were judged by Chair of the Stagecoach Group’s Health, Safety and Environment Committee, Helen Mahy along with Stagecoach co-founder and Board member and Director of Corporate Communications Steven Stewart. The winners, who came from across the UK as well as from North America and Canada, received a trophy and a cash prize at the awards dinner. All of the Group’s divisions were represented with winners from UK Bus, , , Supertram, Coach USA and . Awarding the prizes, Helen Mahy said: “I would like All of the 2014 Stagecoach Champions celebrate with Group Chairman Sir to congratulate all of our champions. We had a record number of entries this year and the job of selecting people but they remind us of the fantastic work The 2015 Stagecoach champions process will begin the most worthy was as difficult as ever. that goes on across the business. in January and more details of how to nominate will “We have a great team of 35,000 employees across “We look forward to receiving even more be available in the next issue of On Stage. the Group who are crucial in delivering high-quality nominations and hearing about the wonderful For now, turn to page 2 to find out more about our bus and rail services every day of the year. Awards work of even more of our employees during next 2014 Champions. like these can only recognise a small fraction of our year’s awards.” Story Continued on page 2 East Midlands Trains named Top drivers operator of the year driver Daniel Wilton finished fourth in the UK Bus Driver of the Year awards at the East Midlands Trains has won the prestigious Trains, said: “This is an incredible achievement recent annual finals held in Blackpool. award for Passenger Operator of the Year at the for East Midlands Trains and I am so proud of our Daniel was one of 119 drivers who battled for 2014 National Rail Awards. 2,020 staff who work so hard to deliver a great the ultimate accolade for passenger transport Judges recognised a number of achievements service for our customers and at the same time professionals and was one of two Stagecoach the company has made in the past year. In 2013, have helped to deliver some major improvements employees to finish in the top 10 best drivers at the East Midlands Trains managed one of the biggest to our railway. competition with Thomas Grant from Stagecoach planned station closures the UK’s rail network “This award is also a tribute to our colleagues at Midlands placing ninth. has ever seen – all the time putting passengers Network Rail, Bombardier and others who work In addition, Andrew Brentnall from first and delivering innovative solutions such as alongside us to deliver a safe and reliable railway Midlands won the award for being the youngest the industry’s first 15% discount for passengers for our 66,000 customers every day.” competitor to get through to the national finals. during resignalling works at Nottingham. East Midlands Trains was also highly commended A total of 35 Stagecoach drivers reached the During the same year, the rail operator helped in the Putting Passengers First category while national finals following tough regional heats Network Rail to deliver the biggest transformation Melton Mowbray and Loughborough Stations across the UK. Managing Director of Stagecoach’s of the Midland Main Line route in many years received highly commended awards in the UK Bus division Robert Montgomery said, “I am and the company has transformed its customer competition for best Station of the Year. delighted and proud to see that, once again, we service with free station WiFi, a 24 hour customer The South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance picked have had a large number of our staff reach the finals contact centre and free breakfast in First Class. up a highly commended award for Salisbury in Blackpool. It’s great to see that our drivers are David Horne, Managing Director of East Midlands Station in the Large Station of the Year category. amongst the best in the country.” 1 Did you know? The South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance has introduced wi-fi on services operating on its mainline. ON STAGE

tell that Bernie needed medical attention fast. With Continued from page 1 Bernie unable to talk, Albert asked Bernie to tap Our 2014 Stagecoach Champions have been answers in response to his questions as he tried to awarded – below is more information about pinpoint his location. He quickly established Bernie the winning employees. was in his hotel room and kept him on the line while getting hotel staff to call 911. A few minutes Safety Champion: awarded to an employee later, the paramedics arrived at the hotel room and who has championed good safety or excelled helped save Bernie’s life. in dealing with a specific situation or incident. Silver Award – Lisa Rana, Coach USA Gold Award – Ian Smart, Lisa has introduced several nationwide wellness Scotland, UK Bus The 2014 Safety Champions. Ian Smart is initiatives to help Coach USA and .com Ian has an impressive 25 years’ service and has represented by West Scotland Operations Director employees. The first programme is a partnership built up a great reputation among customers and Alison McCluskie (right) between Coach USA and Weight Watchers and colleagues for being a safe and cautious driver. Ian the second initiative – called the Accelerometer recently received a safe driving diploma from the programme – promotes health through increased Road Operators’ Safety Council for 13 years’ accident physical activity and is being tested by 100 free driving. employees in 10 locations across the United States. Silver Award – Darren Ward, East Midlands Trains Bronze Award – Alison Hawkes, Stagecoach Darren has been the driving force behind a number London, UK Bus of initiatives which have included partnership working Alison was diagnosed with breast cancer in with unions, British Transport Police and Network 2012 and endured tough treatment and surgery Rail to boost level crossing safety; improving suicide over many months before returning to work in prevention and trauma support. 2013. She also developed a determination to do Bronze Award – Yolanda Perez, Coach USA Gold champion Ian Smart, who could not attend the something positive, taking part in a run in aid of Yolanda transports workers to the mines in Nevada event, pictured receiving his award from Stagecoach Breast Cancer Care and raising £1,200. Since then and faced a tough situation when an out-of-control West Scotland Operations Director Alison McCluskie she has got involved with a cancer support group truck became lodged against her vehicle’s left front helping under 45s and has also revealed (almost) bumper. Yolanda calmly braked slowly and steered all, literally, for a magazine article to be published both vehicles to safety on the shoulder of the highway. on the subject of breast cancer surgery scars.

Environment Champion: presented to an Innovation Champion: for the employee with individual who has championed greener best new business idea across the Group. working practices and sustainability. Gold Award – London West Ham Garage, Gold Award – Dan Moule, , Stagecoach UK Bus UK Bus This year the judges decided that the West Ham Dan is the green team champion at Plumstead Depot depot as a whole deserved to be shortlisted in London. He has put in place a new system of following a number of nominations in this category. metal recycling which led to the local metal recycling The Environment Champions with Stagecoach Chief Executive Martin Griffiths (left) and Board Director The team at West Ham, particularly on the company paying the depot a much higher price for Helen Mahy (right). Sarah Hall is represented by engineering side, have shown numerous examples the items than had been achieved before. Dan’s Bill Brittain (centre) of innovation including analysis of vehicle defects, initiative has inspired other green team members to tracking of warranty claims, the development of a follow his lead and maximise the value of the waste. fuel additive flushing kit and a money-saving brake Silver Award – Sarah Hall, South West Trains calliper test and repair system. As a result of Sarah’s work and that of her team, Silver Award – Treana Hudson, Stagecoach the company has won awards for reducing energy Supertram use and the title of Green Station of the Year. Just as Treana has devised the Supersafe community importantly, she has helped her staff gain nationally initiative to help promote independent travel recognised qualifications. for more vulnerable passengers, with mascot Bronze Award – Ray Pass, Stagecoach UK Bus Supertram Man at the heart of the campaign. Ray has a key role in the Green Travel to Work Treana has worked tirelessly to raise the profile of programme and as well as public transport promotes Our 2014 Health Champions from the UK the campaign in local schools and amongst elderly cycling and car sharing. He also works in partnership and North America group forums and Supertram Man is also now with other companies and organisations, from the part of local football club Sheffield Wednesday’s police and health service to rail operators and local community programme. authorities, to deliver practical improvements. Bronze Award – Sarah Pridie, Coach Canada Sarah has been shortlisted for her excellent work Health Champion: for the employee who has in getting the GPS telematics technology working done most to promote employee health within better for the business by maximizing the scope of the Group. the technology. Her work has helped in a number Gold Award – Albert Flores, Coach USA of ways and Sarah also works one-on-one with Albert’s quick-thinking actions saved the life of a mechanics so they understand her requirements. colleague even though they were 400 miles apart. He Story Continued on page 3 took a call from his colleague Bernie White and could This year’s Innovation Champions with their awards 2 Stagecoach Group wins at UK Bus Awards ... find out more on page 4. ON STAGE

Continued from page 2 n Dally in the alley Community Champion: recognises employees who have made a significant contribution to the megabus.com US local community through charitable fund-raising Student Ambassadors or volunteering. participate in a number Gold Award – “Driving of community events Santas” team, UK Bus throughout the year During December each year, local residents of to promote brand Newcastle, South Shields, Sunderland, Teesside Our Community Champions receiving their awards awareness. Recently and Hartlepool are taken to their destination by the team exhibited at the “Driving Santas” as part of Stagecoach North an event in Detroit titled, megabus.com US mascot East’s fundraising efforts. In December 2013, across “Dally in the Alley”. It Chuck takes part in the yoga session the Stagecoach North East depots, staff raised an was a worthwhile trip impressive £25,250, beating the 2012 total of just with over 400 email addresses obtained and 900 over £20,300. branded giveaway items distributed. Silver Award – Glen Fiddy, East Midlands Trains The company also promoted how ‘spiritually As one of only two members of staff at Melton peaceful’ a megabus.com trip could be with Mowbray station, Glen has transformed the facility The Customer Service Champions receiving their awards mascot Chuck participating in a Dally in the Alley and earned praise from customers and staff alike. yoga session! He got local primary schools involved in a successful when taxis became available, and people were community artwork project and in his own time, he hesitant to put themselves forward, he started a pub has given the station a fresh coat of paint, scoured quiz with whoever got the question right winning a n Getting on board antiques markets to collect old railway pictures for place in the next taxi. the station waiting room and has even come into Silver Award – Graham Miles, , work on days off to clear the snow. UK Bus Bronze Award – Peter Clay, East Midlands Trains Graham was nominated by around 20 regular Peter’s inspiration, enthusiasm and persistence customers who say he is an “excellent bus driver and kickstarted what is now an annual East Midlands impossible to replace”. He runs a door-to-door service, Trains charity train initiative – an idea also now taken taking passengers’ shopping across the road, even up by other train companies. The first charity train into the house for some elderly passengers. He even organised by Peter raised £25,000 for the Railway knows exactly which shopping trolley and bag belongs Children. to whom and also helps mums with their buggies. Bronze Award – Yvonne Clay, East Midlands Trains Customer Service Champion: presented to the Yvonne is seen as the “mother figure” at East individual who has gone the extra mile to deliver Midlands Trains’ Norwich depot and she has built up Photo shows Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Martin great relationships with colleagues and customers Griffiths (left) and Daljit Singh from The Prince’s Trust with exceptional customer service. the new Stagecoach apprentices Gold Award – Dominic Hill, The South West as well as raising money for railway charities and Trains-Network Rail Alliance volunteering for the Mid-Norfolk Railway. When dealing Stagecoach has employed a group of new Dominic delivers amazing customer service on a with a customer who was worried about missing a apprentices at its UK Bus division through a consistent basis. One example was after a landslide flight, Yvonne gave him her phone so he could advise partnership initiative with The Prince’s Trust. when he was faced with 200 passengers with ground staff he was running late. She also called a taxi The five current new recruits – Garry Thomson no immediate transport available. Dominic kept for the customer to have it ready and waiting to take (23), Jordon Tennant (20), Regan Smith (16), passengers well-informed and in good spirits and him to the airport. Declan Jack (18) and Michael Alcroft (20) – were recently welcomed to the company by Stagecoach An artist’s Group Chief Executive Martin Griffiths. £210m train order impression The group, who were previously unemployed, of one of were offered apprenticeships after taking part The South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance has the new in The Prince’s Trust ‘Get into’ programme. progressed plans for a £210m fleet of new trains Desiro City Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Martin Griffiths by announcing its intention to award the contract to trains said: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome our manufacturer Siemens and leasing company Angel new apprentices into the company. We offer Trains. one of the best apprenticeship schemes in the The 30 new five-carriage Desiro City trains will boost Trains-Network Rail Alliance, said: “These exciting bus industry and we hope it will be the start of a capacity on services at South West Trains, providing plans will deliver the biggest step-change in capacity rewarding new career for this group of employees. for more than 18,000 extra peak-time passengers and service to our customers on the network in Daljit Singh, Head of Private Sector Relationships every day travelling into London Waterloo, the decades. As well as providing extra space for for The Prince’s Trust in Scotland, said: “The country’s busiest station. The train order will also passengers using our services now, the combination Prince’s Trust is delighted to help young people allow for a further 6,000 daily peak-time passengers of investment in the infrastructure and these new ‘Get into Bus Engineering’ with a fantastic once infrastructure upgrades are completed on the trains will create space at Waterloo that is the package of training and work experience. Thanks mainline and Hounslow loop. essential first step to allow an increase in capacity for to our work with Stagecoach we have been able The first of the 150 new carriages will begin arriving our longer distance, mainline services. We will also to give even more young people the chance to in 2017 and all will be in service by early 2018. continue to work with industry partners to develop reach their full potential.” Tim Shoveller, Chief Executive for the South West options for the longer term.” 3 Vintage fun day for Stockton’s 40th birthday ... find out more on page 8. ON STAGE n In memory of Steve Top honours at UK Bus Awards A team of Coach Stagecoach Group’s bus employees and companies A special Keeping Communities Connected award USA Van Galder Bus won top honours at the 2014 UK Bus Awards. was given to for its response Company employees won the Gold Award to major transport problems caused by severe storms have raised more in the Marketing Initiative of the Year category for in the Devon area last winter. than $3,000 in its successful marketing of its Skegness Seasider Stagecoach Manchester was awarded Silver in the memory of Stephen Members of Team SVG who took routes. The company, which has delivered passenger City Operator of the Year category – just a year after Van Galder, founder part in the fundraising walk growth through a range of marketing initiatives, winning the overall Bus Operator of the Year title at and long time impressed judges by turning six open top buses last year’s awards. General Manager of the Van Galder Bus Company in into named classic seaside characters to take Stagecoach London’s Romford Garage scooped Wisconsin who passed away earlier this year. people to top tourist destinations in and around the Silver award in the London Bus Garage of the Family, friends and staff participated in the annual Skegness. Year category while Assistant 90-minute Bert Blain Memorial Heart Walk which Former Stagecoach Manchester Service Operations Manager Shayne Howarth was Highly promotes physical activity and heart-healthy living in Performance Manager, Chris Icely – who retired in Commended in the Unsung Heroes Award. a fun, family environment. It is a celebration of life and August – was named the Gold winner of the Unsung Stagecoach UK Bus Managing Director Robert encourages people to take a pledge to live healthier Heroes Award. Chris, who joined the bus industry as Montgomery said: “It’s fantastic to see our companies lifestyles while raising funds for life-saving heart a conductor in 1978, was praised by the judges for and individual employees being recognised for their research and education. his sustained career and commitment to delivering hard work and excellence. Once again, they have all excellent service over many years. done us proud and thoroughly deserve these awards. Engineering Director Tony “Across the UK, we are delivering high-quality bus n Retirement for Mike Cockcroft won the Gold Award in the Engineer of services for our customers day in, day out, offering the the Year category. Tony, who joined the Stagecoach country’s best value fares, high passenger satisfaction Popular bus driver Mike Merseyside team two years ago, was praised by and smart ticketing. Along with our partners, we look Reid has retired after almost 30 years of service. judges for introducing a fresh, approachable forward to continuing to improve services for our Mike joined Stagecoach in 1985 and was based at manner and for his professionalism and passion passengers and to encouraging even more people the company’s St Andrews depot. for developing staff at all levels. to make use of our greener, smarter bus services.” Awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the Queen’s New Year Honours list, Mike is well-known locally for his charity work and was awarded the honour on 6th April 2013 for his charitable services across Fife megabus.com strengthens management team and Angus. Mike has raised around £65,000 for good causes over the past 25 years. Stagecoach has ƒƒ Clive Jones, Commercial Director, megabus.com Andrew Jarvis, Managing Director, Stagecoach East announced that it UK and Europe. Clive has been a key influence on Scotland: “Mike is very popular with colleagues and has significantly the design of the megabus.com network in the UK well liked by passengers, who are sorry to see him strengthened the and Europe since 2005. leave. He has been an excellent ambassador for the management team at its ƒƒ Joanne Howe, Operations Director, megabus. local community and for the company. megabus.com business com Europe. Joanne joined the Stagecoach with a number of new Graduate Scheme in 2006 and has had operational Mike and his wife appointments as the management experience in Stagecoach South, Pam are presented brand continues its Stagecoach Yorkshire, with a stay at the expansion in the UK and and Stagecoach London. Fairmont Hotel in mainland Europe. ƒƒ Craig Woodall, General Manager Belgium, St Andrews after A new management megabus.com Europe. He has held operational his last duty on New megabus.com the open top bus Managing Director structure has been put management roles in Edward Hodgson in place and includes the following completion of the internal staff following appointments: development programme. n ƒƒ Edward Hodgson Managing Director, megabus. ƒƒ Peter Hoornveg, Consultant, European Markets. 150th anniversary celebration com UK and Europe. In addition to this role, He has 40 years’ experience of operating express Rail passengers on the Isle of Wight took part in a he will also continue to be Managing Director coach services and other travel businesses in the special anniversary recently to commemorate 150 of Coaches Limited which also Benelux countries and Germany. years since the opening of the railway line between delivers services under the megabus.com brand. ƒƒ Tony Simmons, Operations Director, megabus. Ryde St Johns Road and Shanklin. Stagecoach is currently recruiting for his other com UK, formerly Operations Manager As part of the celebrations a series of plaques were previous role of Managing Director, Stagecoach Northampton at Stagecoach Midlands. In addition unveiled by a mock Queen Victoria – who was a West Scotland. to being responsible for delivery of the UK megabus. frequent visitor to the island during her reign – at ƒƒ Elizabeth Esnouf, Development Director, com network, Tony is also currently overseeing the four stations on the network. megabus.com UK and Europe. She has played service delivery at the newly opened Brussels depot. a major role in the development of megabus.com In addition to the megabus.com appointments, David ‘Queen services in the UK and Europe over the past two Frenz, Stagecoach Manchester Operations Manager Victoria’ unveils years as well as having experience of contracts at Hyde Road, has been appointed Operations Director, one of the for major events including leading Stagecoach’s Scottish Citylink Coaches. He replaces previous commemorative plaques involvement at the 2012 Olympics. She will aslo Operations Director David Beaton, who has taken up continue to work on special events. a post with Coach USA. 4 Did you know? Staff at Group HQ raised £285 on Jeans for Genes Day which supports children with genetic disorders. ON STAGE n Twitter selfie n picture this Staff at Stagecoach West celebrated the company’s This edition’s Picture This winner was taken by arrival on Twitter with a team selfie. The Twitter team Dave Parsons who works for Stagecoach East had balloons, party poppers and a Space Odyssey Midlands. It shows Rocky the Skegness Seasider theme tune, while Managing Director Rupert Cox cut with a famous Lancaster bomber. a ribbon before sending the first tweet. Congratulations to Dave who will shortly receive his prize of £50 of M&S vouchers. If you have any good photos for Picture This please send them to Lindsay Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW, or email it to [email protected] Stagecoach companies mark The Stagecoach West Twitter team selfie National Customer Service Week Stagecoach companies across the UK got on board n Ron’s fundraising feat with this year’s National Customer Service Week campaign by participating in a range of activities. East Midlands Trains ticket office Clerk Ron Wiltshire National Customer Service Week is run by the has exceeded all fundraising expectations by raising Institute of Customer Service and aims to raise more than £49,000 for the British Legion Poppy awareness of customer service and the vital role Appeal and the money is still coming in. it plays in successful business practice and the Ron, who has been selling commemorative poppy growth of the UK economy. badges for the charity, has joined Twitter and eBay to Employees from all of Stagecoach’s bus companies, and from rail franchises South West promote his fundraising and has achieved his target Stagecoach North East’s Ray James hands out ahead of schedule. He’s even had support from some Trains, East Midlands Trains and Stagecoach breakfast goodies to a customer high-profile people including Dame Kelly Holmes, Supertram, took part in a series of local activities Les Dennis and Strictly Come Dancing’s Kristina aimed at highlighting the importance of continuing Rihanoff. As he always says, every penny counts. to deliver good customer service day in, day out for passengers. Below are examples of some of the activities that n Twitter launch complete took place throughout the week: ƒƒ Directors and managers from across the The launch of the Stagecoach Merseyside account Group carried out front line duties, as well as earlier this month marked the completion of the roll participating in temporary job swaps with other out of Twitter across UK Bus. All regional operating members of staff companies now have individual accounts providing ƒƒ Stagecoach’s bus and rail companies held Tweet Managing Director of Stagecoach Merseyside service updates and customer service alongside the Manager sessions, inviting feedback from Stagecoach West, Rupert employee Joeann Hughes marketing and promotional campaigns. In most areas staff and customers Cox, went back to the floor was nominated by her service updates are delivered directly from operations ƒƒ Breakfast events were held where staff handed to assist cleaner Cynthia operations manager as a teams to customers during key commuting times. out breakfast items to commuters Hopson with her job customer service star Social Media Project Manager Gemma Toolan said ƒƒ Social media competitions gave passengers the “We’re delighted to be able to offer this service to our opportunity to ‘ride with the driver’ and win a cab customers, helping keep them better informed and ride on board South West Trains and Stagecoach offering a quick, convenient platform for them to talk Supertram directly to us. I’m particularly happy we’ve completed ƒƒ Free bike security marking was offered at our roll out in time to provide this level of information Sheffield station and support during the winter period.” ƒƒ Free travel packs were handed to East Midlands “This is just the beginning,” she added, “we’re Trains commuters already seeing a positive impact and plan to continue Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Martin Griffiths Local school pupils visited Grimsby bus depot to see to grow the accounts and engage with customers, said, “Customer service is at the heart of everything the work that goes on behind the scenes gaining valuable insight and providing a better level we do at Stagecoach every single day and this of customer service.” week was a chance for us to celebrate that. Our East Scotland team of employees across the UK has helped Marketing If you have any comments or queries regarding Manager anything you’ve seen on social media or have a ensure we already offer high standards of customer Sarah Elliott suggestion please let us know through your normal service, but we know we don’t always get things worked in communication channels or contact the Social Media right and we will continue to work hard to improve Aberhill depot team directly. even further for our passengers.” paint shop for a day 5 2014 Apprentice of the Year named ... find out more on page 9. ON STAGE n Coffee and cake letters of praise Ecclesfield bus cleaner The letters below, which were sent by passengers, Janet Turner recently held a Macmillan coffee demonstrate excellent customer service at Stagecoach and cake morning at East Scotland and megabus.com in the US. the depot on her day off. The event was held If you or one of your colleagues has received a letter of praise from a customer, please email a copy to on the first anniversary [email protected] or post it to Lindsay Reid, Senior Group Communications Manager, of her husband’s death, Stagecoach Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW. We will publish as many as possible. after he sadly lost his battle with cancer. The Dear Stagecoach, Dear Stagecoach, sale raised £393 on the The table of tasty delights Sir – My 15-year-old granddaughter recently I was on the Megabus from , IL to Iowa at the coffee morning. day of the event plus a mistakenly boarded the wrong bus going to St City, IA on Friday, September 12, 2014 and the donation of £100 from Andrews from Dunfermline. Telephoning home, she driver was top quality! Due to construction at the Paul Lynch, Managing Director of Stagecoach was advised to inform the driver that she was on Iowa City bus stop, the temporary drop off was in Yorkshire. When adding £110 made in gift aid, the wrong bus. Needless to say, we were worried, a parking lot on Harrison. It was very confusing. the grand total was a fantastic £603.50. imagining she’d be stranded in Leven. The driver pulled in to the driveway at the Sheraton We were preparing ourselves to travel to pick her up Hotel to make the correction. With help from the when we received another call informing us that she Iowa City police, she was able to back out the bus n Charity challenge was safely on her way home. as though it were a matchbox! She did an amazing The bus driver had phoned the depot supervisor job! All aboard the bus cheered her on and gave her has donated a double and, on arrival at Leven, another bus and driver were an ovation when we arrived at our destination. decker bus to Glyn Williams who plans to use it in a waiting to bring her home. The Megabus driver from Iowa City to Chicago on special charity challenge. Glyn, his son and grandson We are extremely grateful to the three employees Sunday, September 14, 2014 at 9:40 a.m. was a will use the bus to travel to Erzberg, Austria to take involved and on approaching Stagecoach to offer our very fine gentleman. He deserves kudos as well. part in the worlds most extreme one day enduro thanks we were informed ‘they were just following The drive was smooth as can be. Thanks. motorbike race in 2015. The trio also plan to live on their duty of care towards the customer’. This was Name supplied board the vehicle during their trip. All money raised very gracious and deserves recognition. will go to support children’s cancer charities. Name and address supplied

Stagecoach Managing Director Sacred soil arrives at Waterloo John Gould shakes hands The South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance helped Soil from Southampton. The soil was then presented with Glyn to transport ‘Sacred Soil’ collected from the Belgian to representatives of the Flanders Fields Memorial Williams as battlefields of the First World War to London Waterloo Garden in Waterloo Station. the company Station as part of the Centenary commemorations of Jim O’Brien, Waterloo Station Manager at the South hands over the bus. The Great War. West Trains-Network Rail Alliance, said: “The railway The soil, which came from the Ypres Town Cemetery, played a vital role in the First World War, particularly was taken from Waterloo to Wellington Barracks where the line from Waterloo to Southampton. We are it forms part of The Flanders Fields Memorial Garden. pleased to commemorate that role as well as the n Well deserved retirement The Alliance provided transport for soldiers from memory of the thousands of soldiers who never the 17 Port and Maritime Regiment and the Sacred returned by joining the Sacred Soil ceremony.” North East PA Pauline Goodwin is retiring after 23 years’ service. Special charter Downing Street to Neville Hill Pauline began her career in 1991 and, since then, In August, 18 Coach Canada drivers and buses Prime Minister David Cameron and Chancellor George has supported three transported over 1,000 passengers for an 8-day Osborne swapped Downing Street for Leeds recently different managing North East Managing charter from multiple points throughout Ontario as they visited East Midlands Trains’ Neville Hill depot. directors (Eric Hutchinson Director Phil Medlicott to the International Pathfinder Camporee in Depot Manager Linda Wain gave them a tour of the at Busways Travel Services wishes Pauline all the Oshkosh, Wisconsin. depot and explained the work that goes on behind the (BTS), John Conroy at best for her retirement scenes on a daily basis. Stagecoach North East, and current Managing Director Phil Medlicott), The Coach Linda Wain providing excellent administrative and organisational Canada with PM David support for the busy regional bus company. vehicles Cameron lined (right) and Pauline played an invaluable role in the team but up and Chancellor now looks forward to spending more time with ready for George her grandchildren, enjoying her love of walking passengers Osborne (left) and relaxing. 6 Did you know? Services from megabus.com’s new Brussels depot are now underway, linking Brussels with France, Luxembourg and The Netherlands. green scene n New vehicles for Cambridge operations Getting on your bike Cyclists using Woking Station can now enjoy Stagecoach has announced that it is investing significantly improved facilities following the more than £6.5million in a fleet of new buses and completion of a £400,000 scheme to introduce coaches for its Cambridge operations. a new ‘Cycle Hub’. A total of 18 new Elite coaches will go into The new hub was opened by Robert Goodwill service on the popular X5 service which operates MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for between Cambridge and Oxford and Stagecoach Transport; Councillor John Kingsbury, Leader of has ordered a further six Scania/ADL Enviro 400 Woking Borough Council and Arthur Pretorius, buses to go into service on the Cambridgeshire Customer Service Director for the South West Guided Busway which connects Cambridge, Trains-Network Rail Alliance. Huntingdon and St Ives. The new facility includes 216 spaces for cycles, Managing Director of Stagecoach East Andy free-to-use cycle maintenance equipment, Campbell said: “This is great news for our including pump, tools and stand, 24/7 CCTV for customers. Delivering high-quality, good value additional security and a real-time information travel is what we do best and we look forward to display screen. attracting even more people on to our greener, Arthur Pretorius said: “We hope this facility will smarter services in the months and years to come.” encourage more people to travel to the station by Both sets of new vehicles are expected to go into bike as well as making it simpler for those who service by the end of 2014. already do so and we will continue to invest across our network and provide even more spaces and opportunities for our passengers. n Helen’s hydrogen visit (L–R) Arthur Pretorius, Customer Service Director, South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance; Councillor John Kingsbury, Leader of Woking Borough Council and Robert Goodwill MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport Stagecoach Board Director and Chair of the Group’s Health, Safety Blooming lovely and Environment Godalming Station was recently awarded a highly Committee, Helen commended certificate in the town’s Godalming in Mahy visited Bloom Competition. Stagecoach North Jeremy Burton, Duty Station Manager, said: ”I Scotland recently would like to thank the station team for all for where she was their hard work. With the proposed bridge and lifts shown one of the to be built in the near future, things are looking company’s new very good for Godalming and I would recommend hydrogen buses. Helen even got the chance to everybody to pop into the station, enjoy a sandwich sit in the driving seat of the vehicle which will from Daisy’s and take a walk around the lovely Employees Paul Habgood and Paul Wherrell with their go into service in Aberdeen. town centre.” certificate outside Godalming Station n New speedy service launched South’s new star fleet Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire has Stagecoach South has introduced six new launched a new super-quick bus service, making buses for its Bognor Regis town network, it easier than ever for people to travel between as part of an investment worth more than Liverpool and Chester. £700,000. The service connects the two cities in around 45 Managing Director for Stagecoach Andrew minutes and runs seven days a week. Dyer said, ‘Bus services around Bognor Elisabeth Tasker, Managing Director at Stagecoach, Regis have a very bright future. We believe said: “This is set to be an incredibly popular route, that by continually improving the quality which connects people in Liverpool and Chester of our service, we will encourage more with some of people to leave their cars at home and try the best leisure, the bus. People are also becoming more shopping and environmentally aware and realise the bus tourism activity in is good for the environment with great value the North West.” travel ticket options and we look forward to One of the X8 Guests at the launch of the new vehicles welcoming more customers aboard”. vehicles in service 7 Did you know? Supertram employee Glynn Lowrie recently starred on television quiz show 15 to 1. ON STAGE n A worthwhile cuppa Claim to fame Supertram staff held This week’s claim a MacMillan Coffee to fame comes from Morning at their Coach USA employee Nunnery Depot in Angelito Cabigao Sheffield to raise money who had an exciting for the cancer charity. Angelito encounter with music The morning was well superstar Pharrell attended with members of staff bringing Williams while on a in homemade cakes and buns and raising trip to New York. If you, or one of your a grand total of almost £100. Human Resources colleagues, have a claim to Manager Angelito met fame – perhaps a hidden talent, the American singer, music producer and fashion designer a meeting with a celebrity or at Pharrel’s clothing store in the city’s SoHo district. n On the run an interesting hobby – please Angelito is pictured on Pharrell Williams’ right hand side, email details to lindsay.reid@ Sunderland driver with a baseball cap and shirt with a yellow star on it. stagecoachgroup.com Michael Heskett recently raised money for charity after taking part in the Great North Run. After finishing the race Stockton celebration in 384th place in a There were celebrations in Stockton recently as time of one hour and the depot marked its 40th birthday, with crowds of 26 minutes, Michael people visiting the local bus company to take part in raised more than £170 a family fun day. for North of England From the older generation who experienced the Children’s Cancer Michael Heskett with his nostalgia of historic buses, to children as young as Research (NECCR). medal after the race two who were excited to sit in the driver’s seat of the Some of the vintage buses on display at the family fun day latest gas bus, it was a day to remember for all. Alongside the vintage buses from Teesside bus interest group, The 500 Group, were Stagecoach’s latest n Best shuttle modern eco friendly buses, with ‘green’ gas and hybrid buses for visitors to view. Stagecoach North East Managing Director Phil Medlicott said: “It was fantastic to see so many people Coach USA’s Indiana BEST AIRPORT SHUTTLE coming along and joining us in a celebration of Stockton’s bus history, and many thanks to The 500 Group Airport Supersaver Coach USA Airport for its help and support to make this open day a great success.” Service Team won Best Supersaver Airport Shuttle in The New Dispatch 2014 Reader’s Choice Contest. Supporting the Poppy Appeal Pedal power The airport Supersaver Stagecoach helped support the Royal British Legion’s A team of rail staff have raised nearly £10,000 for

adnum=60549412 provides daily bus adnum=60342217 2014 Poppy Appeal as staff and passengers honoured The Samaritans and Macmillan Cancer Support services to O’Hare International and Midway and remembered service personnel who have lost after completing their latest challenge – a 200 Airports in Illinois from Notre Dame, South Bend, their lives in the line of duty. mile cycle ride from Derby to Portsmouth Harbour Michigan City, Portage, and Highland, Indiana and Members of the Armed Forces and veterans were in just three days. Crestwood, Illinois. Every year thousands of survey offered complimentary train travel on East Midlands The team included staff from South West Trains- ballots are sent out to New Dispatch readers and Train and South West Trains services on a number of Network Rail Alliance and East Midlands Trains. the survey has 100+ categories for readers to dates in October and November. Kris Newton, a Commercial Guard based at the nominate their favourite services. Military personnel and veterans also carried out South West Trains Fratton Depot, organised and collections at selected stations served by Stagecoach took part in the ride. He said: “It was incredibly n rail companies and rail employees who have challenging and plenty of hard work but also Award for Supertram Man previously served in the Armed Forces were invited tremendous fun. There was a great atmosphere Supertram was received ‘Highly Commended’ award to wear their own military decorations while at work. among us all throughout the three days as we all in the Customer Service initiative category at this Stagecoach Bus companies are also providing all encouraged each other to finish the journey.” year’s Light Rail Awards. drivers, who want to wear them, with a poppy. The company was commended for its use of In Sheffield, Supertram placed large-sized poppies mascot ‘Supertram Man’ to engage with the local on 12 trams in memory of the lives lost during war. community. Margaret Kay, Managing Director Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Martin Griffiths of Supertram, said: “Since the introduction of said: “Arranging these events at our companies helps Supertram Man last year we have seen a substantial us to play a part in remembering those who have decrease in ‘moving accidents’ on our trams. Also been lost in action and allows us to pay tribute for the the Supertram Man has proved extremely popular sacrifices made by servicemen and women around appearing at local events throughout Sheffield.” the world.” The successful fundraising cycle team 8 Did you know? The European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) has awarded the South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance a 5-star rating for business excellence. ON STAGE n On the move The Apprentices A bright green bus donated by Stagecoach Cumbria Stagecoach’s top UK Bus apprentices have been and North Lancashire is helping to drive fitness and recognised at the company’s 10th annual Apprentice sporting activities to hundreds of people around of the Year Awards. Cumbria. Stuart McMaster from Stagecoach West Scotland The launch of Carlisle Leisure’s Activate on the was awarded first place in the third year apprentice Move bus marked the beginning of a countywide category, sponsored by Optare. James Thornborrow programme of activity. from Stagecoach London took second place and Ian The bus has been converted and now features gym Dyer from Stagecoach East Midlands, was awarded equipment including Watt bikes which will enable third place. GP referral programmes to be carried out on board Stagecoach Yorkshire apprentice Sam Harris as well as a consultation room available. Sports received the first place award. Sam was also equipment will also be transported, which can be previously the winner of the year one award. Kyle The winning apprentices from the Stagecoach 2014 used in schools, community centres and village halls. Stewart from Stagecoach North Scotland and Apprentice of the Year Awards Christopher Stobbs from Stagecoach North East were awarded second and third places respectively. Dorothy Hermiston, Stagecoach UK Bus Deputy Winner of the year one category was Michael Training and Development Manager said: “This Creed from Stagecoach South, with Daniel Poole year’s winners have excelled themselves and set an from Stagecoach London in second place and Ben exceptionally high standard over the past 12 months Dawson from Stagecoach South West in third. and they thoroughly deserve their awards.”

Stagecoach Commercial Manager Michael Sanderson hands over the keys to the bus to Carlisle Leisure’s Desmond Webb development manager Richard Foster When former Stagecoach Gloucester employee Desmond Webb sadly passed away recently, it was revealed that he had planned an interesting funeral n On the Wolf Run for himself, involving a vintage bus. Desmond took up employment with the local bus Four Stagecoach company in Stroud in 1952. After 32 years he took Midlands early retirement but later took a part-time post with employees have a local coach company which was taken over by completed the Stagecoach. He worked until the age of 77 years ultra tough 10K and reached his self-imposed target of holding a Wolf Run to raise PSV/PCV licence for over 50 years. more than £500 At his funeral service in Gloucester, the for charity. congregation joined into a rendition of Frank The event, which Sinatra’s ‘My Way’ and Nat King Cole’s ‘Smile’. is held in aid of (L–R) Emma Fisher, Jayson Smith, The words from both pieces of music summing prostate cancer Craig Woodall and Stuart Russell up very well Desmond’s life over the years. A vintage bus was involved in Desmond Webb’s funeral research, is so called because it takes in woods, obstacles, lakes and fields in Offchurch, Southam, Leamington Spa. The four super-fit Stagecoach entrants were Tanya’s Tokyo Trip Operations Manager Jayson Smith, Assistant Operations Manager Craig Woodall and Supervisors West Scotland driver Tanya Bryden, from Ayr Depot Emma Fisher and Stuart Russell. recently travelled on an expenses paid trip to Tokyo, Tanya takes Japan as part of a brand new TV series for TV ASAHI, part in one of Japan’s national TV networks. The TV series filming in Japan n Birthday bash looked at the differences between public transport jobs in Japan and other countries around the world. She had a fantastic time in Japan experiencing Stagecoach South West’s Gold bus service Tanya was selected for the trip as she has an a completely different culture and differences in celebrated its first birthday recently and to mark outgoing and friendly personality which makes working practices. Find out more about Tanya’s the occasion, staff gave away slices of bus her a favourite with both her customers and her Japan trip by visiting YouTube: shaped cake to customers. colleagues. http://www.youtube.com/unirider2 (L–R) Engineering Manager Malcolm Rundle World’s biggest coffee morning and Operations East Midlands Trains recently supported the World’s Biggest Coffee in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Manager Simone Smith-Torbay with Passengers were given the opportunity to make a donation on board trains and in booking offices or Managing Director to enjoy a slice of a cake in a number of First Class lounges. East Midlands Trains employees also got Michael Watson involved with head office and maintenance depot staff holding their own cake sales to raise additional and the bus birthday cake funds for the charity. 9 Celebrating 50 years on the railway ... find out more on page 11. ON STAGE

This recipe for Special visits Welsh Cakes was provided Coach USA recently hosted special visits from two by Rosemary Members of Congress. Williams, megabus.com and Congressman David McKinley Assistant partnered to conduct a unique town hall meeting Operations with wheels. Dubbed the “Megabus Mobile Town Hall Manager at with Congressman McKinley,” the event presented Aberdare depot, students at West Virginia University and Fairmont Stagecoach State University the opportunity to interact with Congressman Paul Ryan (second left) with the South Wales. the Congressman in a roundtable discussion on Coach USA employees a megabus.com journey from Morgantown, West Welsh Cakes Virginia to Washington, D.C. The Congressman is a frequent user of megabus.com to commute to Washington, D.C. from Morgantown, WV when Congress is in session. Ingredients Coach USA company Van Galder Bus in Janesville, Wisconsin also recently had a special visit from Congressman 12 oz self-raising flour, 2 tsp baking powder, Paul Ryan. Congressman Ryan is Chairman of the House of Representative’s Budget Committee and ran for Vice 6 oz butter, 4 ½ oz caster sugar, 4 oz currants, President in 2012. He spent an hour with Mike Pjevach, SVP – Midwest Region, Sean Hughes, Associate Director 1 large egg, large pinch of mixed spice (optional), of Corporate Affairs and Allen Fugate, General Manager of Van Galder Bus. milk for binding, butter for greasing The group discussed the history of the company and how it was part of Coach USA, transportation related issues What you will need that Congress is facing and took a tour of the facility. Congressman Ryan has been taking a Van Galder Bus since ƒƒ Griddle, bake stone or heavy based iron pan he was in grade school and has continued through the years using the airport route service and charter service. (do not use non-stick pan as cakes will burn before they are cooked) ƒƒ 2 ½–3 inch cutter ƒƒ Rolling pin Bus passengers dig deep Stoptober in London Method Stagecoach’s Stagecoach London ƒƒ Heat the griddle/bake stone/pan over a Chichester went all out to get staff low–medium heat depot has raised to sign up for Stoptober ƒƒ Sift the flour, baking powder (and spice if using) an impressive and give up smoking. into a large bowl and then rub the butter into £1,187.45 for NHS staff from the “Stop the flour with fingers until it resembles fine the charity ‘Help Smoking Service” visited breadcrumbs. Stir in the currants and sugar for Heroes’. London garages to sign ƒƒ Beat the egg and stir it into the flour mixture Local Operations Simon Tramalloni hands over up drivers and others to with enough milk (approx. 2–3tbsp) to gather the cheque to Help for Heroes Manager Simon representatives the scheme and there the mixture into a ball of firm dough Tramalloni was good take-up from ƒƒ Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface recently visited Tedworth House to present the cheque employees. and roll out to approx. ¼ inch thick. to the team of volunteers and staff at the ‘’Tin Hut’’, To help inspire staff at West Ham, Ciggie, the Cut out rounds, and gather the off-cuts to re-roll one of the headquarters for Help for Heroes. obnoxious cigarette, paid a visit and Recruitment and make more The money was raised throughout the year on local Officer Sandra Mckenna and HR Support Clerk, ƒƒ Lightly smear the griddle/bake stone/pan with Stagecoach buses across the Chichester & Bognor Becky Stevens (pictured), were two early converts a little butter and cook the rounds for approx. 4 Regis area. to the scheme. minutes on each side, or until they are slightly risen and light gold brown (be careful not to cook them too quickly on a high heat or they will burn before the centre is cooked) In the driving seat Top fundraising Can be served a number of ways – warm or cold, A train maintenance buttered (naughty but nice), with a sprinkling of depot open day held by caster sugar, or simply plain. East Midlands Trains marked the 175th anniversary of Derby’s n Cheque presentation railways has raised a Members of East Midlands massive £20,000 for Trains’ Etches Park The South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance has Adam in the driving seat the Railway Children’s maintenance team donated funds towards the Swanage Lifeboat Station charity. Appeal by presenting a cheque for £1,000. Gloucester youngster Adam Willis was thrilled to have The open day was part of a range of events taking place The cheque was presented to Neil Brooks, Gavin Steeden the chance to sit in the bus driver’s seat recently. throughout the year to mark the 175th anniversary of and Angela Adam – whose grandfather works as a driver with Derby’s railways. Morris by Stagecoach – was born with a Chromosome deletion David Horne, Managing Director for East Midlands Phil Dominey, which is associated with behavioural and severe Trains, said: “I am hugely proud of the team for their Stakeholder learning difficulties. hard work in arranging such a successful event. It really Manager for For years Adam has shown a great interest in buses has gone down as a real highlight in our history and I am the Alliance and he had a great time for which his family have very pleased to have been able to support the Railway Photo credit to Chris Caruana (pictured). thanked Stagecoach staff. Children’s charity with such a significant contribution.” 10 the people page ON STAGE n Half century celebration Getting to know you... Sarah Clark, Stagecoach South West ■■ Who are you? My name is Sarah Clark and offices in America. I’ve just joined Stagecoach South West as the I was to attend a Communications Coordinator. company-wide ■■ What do you like most about your job? I am Innovation Summit very new so I’m really enjoying getting to know and on the first the team I’m working with and learning about day of the event I Stagecoach group. My role is very varied – that accidently sat in the is what I enjoy most about what I do – every CEO’s chair – he had day can be different! to move to another South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance Signaller ■■ What do you like least about your job? I can seat! Not the best Adrian Bowers has celebrated 50 years on honestly say that there is nothing that I don’t way to introduce yourself! the railway. He is pictured with colleagues Will like about what I’m doing! ■■ Favourite music? I have a very eclectic taste in Paterson, Benjamin Rudkin, and Will Shepherd. ■■ Favourite food? I love all Italian foods, but music, from the classics like Billie Holiday and Adrian has always worked in the Wessex area pasta is probably my favourite, namely lasagne! Ella Fitzgerald, to current music – I really love and is currently based at Guildford. ■■ Least favourite food? I don’t eat any shellfish... London Grammar at the moment. I’m not allergic to it, I just don’t like the idea ■■ Person you would most like to have dinner of it! with? I’d love to have dinner with George R R n Nigel bids farewell ■■ What are you most proud of? As a child I was Martin. I’d ask him about his plans for the last very much into sports and played hockey for the Game of Thrones book as it will be a long time Staff bid farewell to school team and took part in the county team before it’s finished! Stagecoach Cumbria athletics championships. ■■ First thing you would buy if you won £1 and North Lancashire ■■ Favourite holiday destination? I do love million? I’m not much of a spend thrift so I’d employee Nigel Loynes visiting Italy – not just because I get to eat my probably pay off my mortgage firstly then have recently as he retired favourite foods, but also because there is lots of a lovely holiday. after 45 years’ service. beautiful scenery to take in and the culture for Nigel, who was based arts and architecture is outstanding. Getting To Know You features in every edition of at Kendal depot, was ■■ Most embarrassing moment? In my previous On Stage and we want to hear from as many presented with a job I was involved in a management training staff as possible. To suggest the next participant, engraved wine goblet programme which required me to visit our head email [email protected] Nigel Loynes on his last and holiday vouchers day at Kendal depot by his colleagues. Retiral party for Ian employee Ian Fitzgerald has n Long Service retired after almost 30 years’ service. Ian joined Stagecoach in April 1985 as a driver and went on to Stagecoach South Wales recently held a become a Delegated Driving Examiner for Stagecoach dinner in Cwmbran to recognise long-serving Stagecoach South East employees bid farewell in East Kent. Ian’s colleagues thoroughly enjoyed employees at the company. to Ian Fitzgerald (third from left) working with Ian and wished him well in his retirement.

Colleagues Tribute to David Atkinson bid farewell Tributes have been paid to Stagecoach South to Pete Wales inspector David Malcolm Atkinson who (fifth from left) recently passed away aged 65. David was married to Alison and had two sons, Malcolm and Kevin, who also have families of their own. David had 45 years’ service at n Contacts Brynmawr Depot after starting as a conductor, then becoming a driver before being promoted Pete hangs up his keys Editor: Lindsay Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach to Depot Inspector where he formed part of the Gloucester driver Pete May has retired after Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW depot management team. completing more than 39 years of company service. Email: [email protected] David was a lively character who made his Pete started his career with Bristol Omnibus in1975 If you have a story for On Stage, please contact presence felt wherever he went. He was well and then worked for Western Travel prior to its Lindsay Reid as above. The copy deadline for liked and respected by everyone who knew him ownership by Stagecoach. Pete will be a very missed the next edition of On Stage will be Friday 12 and this was evident by the number of colleagues member of the team in Gloucester as he was a December 2014. past and present who attended his funeral. reliable and trustworthy member of staff. 11