Campaign South Western Going green Drivers go the leads to rail franchise in the 'Full Monty' for good timing special Big Apple charity

The newspaper of Stagecoach Group Issue 64 Autumn 06

Company Stagecoach wins shortlisted for top award Stagecoach is in the running to be named Britain’s best bus operator – for the second year running. Four Stagecoach companies – West Scotland, Fife, Devon and South Western Cambridge – are in the running for the prestigious title at the 2006 UK Bus Awards. The company won more awards than any other UK bus operator at last year’s awards, collecting five honours. Stagecoach West Scotland, rail franchise which runs around 400 buses from Dumfries to Glasgow, took the headline Belmont International Bus Operator of the Year Award Group to build on past success as innovative bid delivers new contract and the award for the Best Large Fleet in 2005. Now the West Scotland business has been shortlisted for the tagecoach Group has beaten second year running for operating Soff stiff competition from excellence. other transport operators to win Stagecoach has a total of six finalists across four categories in a 10-year contract to run the new this year’s 11th annual awards, South Western rail franchise. which will be presented at a special The Department for Transport (DfT) lunch in London on November 1. announced last month that the Group had The other shortlisted Stagecoach submitted the winning bid for the franchise, entries are: which will run from February 4, 2007. • Stagecoach North West’s South Western combines the existing “Cumbria and the Lakes” South West Trains and Island Line promotion in the Bus in the franchises, both of which are currently Countryside category operated by the Group. • Stagecoach Supertram, which Stagecoach’s innovative bid for the operates the light rail system in franchise, which is worth more than £530 Sheffield, for the Street Transit million in annual revenues, will generate Award. £1,191 million (net present value) in premium payments to the DfT over the Les Warneford, Managing 10-year period. Director of Stagecoach UK Bus, Passengers on the network, who have said: “We are delighted that four seen a step-change in quality of service and of our companies have been punctuality in recent years, will also benefit recognised for their commitment from a multi-million-pound investment On track: Stagecoach Group has been chosen to run the UK's most important rail franchise. to excellence and are in the running programme. for the Best Bus Operator in Britain The Group expects the new franchise be entrusted by the Government with the and expertise of all of our people. to attract new passengers to rail travel and award. to deliver good value for shareholders and contract to run the UK’s most important “We look forward to building on improve services for existing customers, “Stagecoach is leading the way to generate annual operating profit (profit rail franchise. the success we have achieved over the and our exciting ideas for the franchise will in attracting more people to bus before finance income/charges, amortisa- “We submitted a high-quality, innovative past decade by delivering a comprehen- unlock the full potential of the network. travel. All of our shortlisted entries tion of intangible assets and taxation) in the and value-for-money bid, and the new sive package of train, station and security “South Western is the most complex show the dedication of all our early years of the franchise of £15 million franchise is an excellent result for passengers, investment, further improved performance, franchise anywhere on the UK rail network. employees across the country and to £20 million, as well as annual finance taxpayers and our shareholders. increased capacity, state-of-the-art ticketing Stagecoach has an unrivalled mix of the strength of our innovation, income of £3 million to £4 million. “It reflects the significant contribu- options and a range of other customer experience and energy that will ensure we marketing, operational expertise Stagecoach Group Chief Executive tion from local stakeholders and is also benefits. meet today’s challenges better than any and commitment to customers.” Brian Souter said: “We are delighted to recognition of the hard work, commitment “We believe there is a huge opportunity other operator and we are ready to deliver.” Heavenly train journey raises Wi-Fi the way forward charity cash A record-breaking high-speed train journey has raised more than £25,000 for the Heaven’s Angels campaign thanks to for London commuters support from Virgin Trains customers and staff. Readers of The Railway Magazine joined a number of Virgin Trains staff Web and email access free on Europe’s most frequent express service in digging deep into their pockets and buying tickets for the special 401-mile journey from Glasgow to London on ondon commuters can keep in touch on the move now that September 22. Virgin Trains completed the trip in LStagecoach has gone ultra high-tech. less than four hours, setting a new speed Oxford Tube customers will benefit “Many of our passengers on Oxford record for a Glasgow to London journey. from free email and web access thanks to Tube are commuters and students, so having The Virgin team beat a previous record of the company’s three-month trial of Wi-Fi free access to email and the internet will be a four hours and 14 minutes, which was set technology. significant benefit. The technology will also by British Rail’s Advanced Passenger Train The 25-strong fleet, operating 24 hours help us track the progress of vehicles on the in the 1980s. a day, has been equipped with the latest network and advise customers of any issues Heaven’s Angels provides specially wireless technology supplied by Telabria that are likely to affect our services.” adapted motorbikes to deliver healthcare Networks. Jim Baker, Founder and Chief Executive to remote parts of Africa, where tracks The service, which runs up to every 10 Officer of Telabria Networks, said: “Access are impassable for cars. One health worker minutes between Oxford and London, is to a broadband connection is becoming and a motorbike costing £5,000 can help very popular with students and profession- increasingly important for travellers. save 20,000 lives a year. als travelling to work. Telabria’s MobilAPi mobile broadband The trip demonstrated the successful It’s Europe’s most frequent express router delivers Wi-Fi service to passengers, upgrading of the West Coast Main Line service, stopping at Lewknor, Hillingdon, connecting to the internet via the latest and the introduction of Virgin’s state-of- Shepherds Bush, Notting Hill, Marble Arch generation of cellular data networks at the-art fleet of Pendolino tilting trains. and Victoria. broadband speeds. Virgin Trains Chairman Sir Richard The entire fleet was replaced two years “We are delighted that Stagecoach has Branson said: “This is a tremendous result ago at a cost of £8 million – the UK’s chosen our market-leading technology and a real reflection of the generosity and biggest investment in new vehicles on a to deploy across the Oxford Tube fleet, Roger Bowker. support of the staff and readers of The single route – allowing more than 6,000 raising the bar for cutting-edge passenger Railway Magazine who have ensured that passengers a day to travel on the service to services.” tickets have sold like hot cakes. This was London. The results of the trial will be assessed Long-serving director retires a historic journey for over 400 passengers The 81-seat double-decker coaches are and, if successful, the system will be made on board and through their generosity will fully wheelchair accessible with low floors available on a permanent basis. Roger Bowker (65), who has under- through deregulation. provide a lifeline for over 100,000 people and air-conditioning. They have reclining A secure e-commerce website, www. taken a number of senior manage- In 1988, when London Buses a year.” seats, generous legroom, seatbelts, toilets oxfordtube.com, allows customers to book ment roles for Stagecoach Group, divided its operations into 13 and power points for plugging in laptops single, return and period tickets online has retired after a transport career subsidiary companies, Roger managed and mobile phones. For passenger security, as well as access timetable and service spanning more than 40 years. East London and prepared it for pri- Operations they are also fitted with CCTV. information. He was most recently Chief vatisation. Both East London and The Wi-Fi trial will also include the first Oxford Tube also supplies breakfast and Operating Officer of the North Selkent were purchased by Stagecoach major deployment of Telabria’s mTracker newspapers on its early morning commuter East Region of Coach USA and has in 1994 and Roger took responsibility integrated vehicle tracking system. services. previously worked for Stagecoach in for both companies. This will give Stagecoach a real-time the UK, Sweden and Portugal. Roger was Chairman of into UK Bus at-a-glance view of its fleet and precise If you have been involved in a project Following his training in the Stagecoach Portugal when the Group locations of individual vehicles on the road aimed at improving performance then Tilling Group, Roger specialised in had operations in the country from Stagecoach has announced steps to via the web. we’d like to hear about it. schedules, traffic management and the mid to late 1990s. In 1997, he complete the integration of the Yorkshire Brian Souter, Chief Executive of marketing in Greater Manchester managed Swebus until it was sold Your On Stage contact is listed Traction and Lincolnshire Road Car Stagecoach Group, said: “We have made a from 1965 until 1980. in 2000. on p2. companies into the Group’s UK Bus huge investment in Oxford Tube over the He was then appointed General Shortly afterwards, he moved to Division. past two years and this new Wi-Fi pilot Manager of Rossendale Transport and Coach USA where he was Chief The Lincolnshire and East Midlands puts Stagecoach at the forefront of offering A tale Managing Director of Eastbourne Operating Officer of the North East operations, with the exception of next-generation on-board services for coach to tell? Buses in 1984, taking the business region in New York and New Jersey. Chesterfield depot, will merge into an customers. enlarged Stagecoach East Midlands company, with the head office based in Lincoln. Contacts While the enlarged company will be managed as one business, local trading Editor: Steven Stewart, On Stage, Stagecoach Group, Stagecoach South Helen Martin 01243 536161 identities will continue to be used in 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth PH1 5TW. Stagecoach South West Mark Whittle 01392 889747 Hull, Grimsby Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, Tel: +44 (0)1738 442111, Fax: +44 (0)1738 443076 National Transport Tokens Sajda Khan 01254 680180 Bassetlaw and Mansfield. Management responsibility for www.stagecoachgroup.com Chesterfield will transfer to Stagecoach If you have a story for On Stage, please get in touch with your UK Rail Yorkshire, whose head office will be based local contact below: South West Trains Lisa Davies 0207 620 5892 in Barnsley, although the Chesterfield local Stagecoach Group Steven Stewart 01738 642040 Island Line Stephen Wade 01983 812591 trading identity will be retained. The East Stagecoach Supertram Julia Shaw 0114 2759888 Midlands head office at New Street in UK Bus Chesterfield will be closed in due course. Stagecoach East Scotland Lisa Henry 01383 516454 North America Paul Lynch is confirmed as Managing Stagecoach West Scotland Allan Henry 01292 613515 Coach USA Dale Moser 001 201 225 7575 Director of Stagecoach Yorkshire, while Stagecoach North East Jodine Milne 0191 566 0236 Coach Canada Jim Devlin 001 705 748 1170 Gary Nolan will be Managing Director of Stagecoach North West Colin Nicholson 01772 255752 Stagecoach East Midlands. Gary joined Stagecoach from First Stagecoach Manchester Karen Coventry 0161 276 2727 Group, where he was Managing Director Stagecoach Merseyside Clare Tresnan 07711 950 019 of First South Yorkshire. Stagecoach East Midlands Phil Cartwright 01246 222018 On Stage is published four times a year. Advertising connected directly or A former Operations Director of indirectly with Stagecoach is accepted. Charitable adverts will be included Stagecoach Oxfordshire Chris Child 01865 405511 without charge, otherwise rates on request. Stagecoach East Midlands with almost 30 Stagecoach in Warwickshire Adam Rideout 01604 702112 On Stage is distributed free to Stagecoach staff. Public subscriptions years’ experience in the bus industry, he is Stagecoach East Adam Rideout 01604 702112 are available at £12 for one year or £20 for two years. Cheque payable to now responsible for around 600 staff and Stagecoach Cambridgeshire Zoe Paget 01223 423578 Stagecoach Group plc at the editorial address. The Editor is unable to enter an operation involving 270 buses. into individual correspondence concerning the affairs of The Stagecoach Tony Cox, acting Managing Director Stagecoach West Nathan Williams 07753 775 193 Group. of the Yorkshire Traction company, will Stagecoach Wales Nathan Williams 07753 775 193 return to his substantive position of Stagecoach South East Helen Martin 01243 536161 Designed by Catchline Communications Group, Scotland. Regional Director, South East. 2 Autumn 06 London bus operations sold as group focuses on growth New recruits Wi-Fi the way forward Stagecoach Group has completed the Stagecoach sold the business, which Following the disposal, the UK Bus Lincolnshire and Tayside. swap the car sale of its London bus operations to operates around 1,300 buses and division will focus on the bus market The Group believes the UK bus Macquarie Bank Limited. employs around 4,300 staff, for £264 outside London where it is pursuing a market outside London has scope for for the bus The sale, which received regulatory million. successful growth strategy. further growth in an environment where approval from the European Union and The management team at Stagecoach Over the last year, Stagecoach has Stagecoach can capitalise on its industry It would seem that six new colleagues in Transport for London, was completed London, led by Managing Director Nigel completed the acquisition of significant leadership, entrepreneurial flair and Nuneaton are at home behind the wheel for London commuters in September. Barrett, is staying with the business. bus operations in Merseyside, Yorkshire, innovation. of any vehicle now that they’ve swapped cars for buses. The former Peugeot workers, based at the Ryton plant, were recruited at the Web and email access free on Europe’s most frequent express service Warwickshire depot after a job fair at the factory. Timely campaign reaps The event attracted 32 applications for driving positions at the depot, some of which have been passed to sister depots in Rugby and Leamington. The six new recruits are currently in training, bringing the number of punctuality rewards Nuneaton drivers at the Warwickshire training school in Rugby to nine. Depot Operations Manager Bush Rafiq said: “This will help to ease the pressure brought about by an increased Atomic watches have helped Virgin hit targets volume of work.”

campaign to improve A punctuality on Virgin Trains Virgin Trains West Coast services has seen a substantial reduction in delays. proves top ‘Every Second Counts’ was launched in February this year with some innovative with business ideas, including the issue of atomic watches to key members of staff. Readers of Business Traveller UK In the first four months following the Magazine have voted Virgin Trains Best launch, the Moving Quarterly Average UK Domestic Train Service for Business performance figure – the number of trains Travel. arriving within 10 minutes of booked time Simon Bailey, Virgin West Coast Trains – rose from 80.8% in June 2005 to 88.9% Customer Services Director, received the in June 2006. In the same period, delays to award at a special ceremony in London. trains have been cut by over 27%. Delays The company beat runner-up GNER to caused directly by Virgin Trains are down by the prestigious new title. over 44% to under one-and-a-half minutes Simon said: “It’s great to be acknowl- for every train run. edged by the people who, day in and day Managing Director, Virgin West Coast, out, use our train services. I know the Charles Belcher said: “Every Second Counts people working on our trains and at our is about raising the profile of the importance stations will be particularly delighted that of train performance and working as a team their hard work and commitment has with our industry partners and suppliers. been recognised.” The atomic watches issued to our staff The honour follows a year of improve- have ensured that everyone involved in the ments at Virgin Trains, during which running of our trains has the same split Virgin West Coast enjoyed a 29% increase second timing.” in passenger numbers, saw punctuality rise Virgin Trains issued the watches after a to record levels and became one of the survey of station staff, drivers, train managers, top companies for customer satisfaction. onboard staff, suppliers and signalmen During this year, Virgin CrossCountry showed that there could be significant Tick tock: From left, Pete Waterman; Victor Tarfa, Wolverhampton Train Manager; Chris Bird, Euston Driver; Susan Nicol, West Coast Control achieved record numbers of business differences (fast and slow) in the timepieces Duty Manager; and Mark Goode, Wolverhampton Train Manager, at the campaign launch. travellers. being used. “This meant that in some instances staff Virgin’s Pendolino trains to enable Network drastically reduced.” their preferred travel choice – the company might not be in the right place at the right Rail engineers speedy access to the locations Virgin Trains has also improved the is now carrying over 20 million passengers a time,” said Mr Belcher, “and a mere 10 of trackside failures, particularly where road availability of performance information to year on the West Coast. Yet another seconds delay at the start of a journey could vehicle access is poor or slow. its staff and a Performance Hotline has And there is no doubt that passengers cause a domino effect, delaying not just that Network Rail Deputy Chief Executive enabled staff to alert managers to frequently using the West Coast services are now blooming one train but creating knock-on delays to Iain Coucher said: “Network Rail is recurring performance issues as well as reaping the rewards of the upgrading of other trains along the 401-mile route from committed to improving punctuality and making suggestions to reduce delays even the route. New track and signalling has been Glasgow to London.” reducing delays for passengers on the West further. accompanied by investment of over £1 good show! Also aimed at reducing delays is a unique Coast. Performance has been good with Passengers are voting with their feet as billion in 53 state-of-the-art tilting trains and A small Surrey station has been recog- arrangement which means boxes containing the number of late trains falling rapidly news of the performance improvements a 125mph timetable with more services and nised for its floral decorations by picking emergency equipment will be carried on all and delays caused by infrastructure issues spreads and are choosing Virgin Trains as reduced journey times. up an award in the Godalming in Bloom competition. Stagecoach South welcomed some new arrivals commitment to the Government-backed Kickstart The event is held annually by the local On the pulse with new buses recently at the official launch of 11 brand new, initiative and the ongoing Quality Bus Partnership town council. easy access Dart single-decker buses. with West Sussex County Council, which has With 10 hanging baskets decorating The new buses are dedicated to the Pulse improved bus stops along the route. the station, potted plants in the booking service between West Durrington, Worthing town Andrew Dyer said: “The new high frequency hall area and floral beds just outside the centre, Worthing Hospital and Lancing, and will Pulse service will benefit thousands of people station, it is easy to see why the judges help offer an every 10-minute service to bus who live and work on the route and provide an were won over with the flower power users. alternative to driving for many of the hospital’s on display. Nurses from Worthing Hospital joined patients and staff. Matthew Winnie, South West Trains’ Councillor Phillip Coote, West Sussex County “The new route is just one part of our re- Group Station Manager, said: “I am Council’s Deputy Executive Member for vamp of the current bus network, which will delighted that we have managed to win Transportation; Andrew Dyer, Managing Director provide faster links to the town centre and more this award for the second time and it’s for Stagecoach South, and Councillor Major Tom reliable services for bus customers.” all thanks to the hard work from staff at Wye at the launch. A new timetable for the Pulse and all other the station. The £1 million investment adds to the fleet Worthing bus routes is available from the website “This is a real accolade for them as of 72 buses operated from the Worthing depot. at www.stagecoachbus.com/south, the travel shop they keep the station looking pretty so Cllr Phillip Coote (centre) with Andrew Dyer (left) and Mayor of Worthing Cllr Major Tom Wye Together with the additional resources required for at Marine Parade, Worthing or call 0845 121 passengers can wait for their train in nice with Nursing staff and VIPs at Worthing Hospital. the new Pulse service, it demonstrates Stagecoach’s 0170. surroundings.” Autumn 06 3 Scottish awards shortlist recognises strong performance What’s in Stagecoach in Fife is in the running for a standards of safety. strong performance of our bus operations The Chairman of the Judging Panel, top honour at this year’s annual Scottish The awards, now in their fourth year, in Fife. Good operational management, Professor David Begg, said: “The standard a name for Transport Awards. recognise the achievements of those continued innovation, effective marketing, of entries this year has been particularly It has been short-listed for the who have delivered real improvements first-class customer service and investment impressive and I would like to congratulate Scottish Public Transport Operator of to Scotland’s transport infrastructure and in new vehicles is attracting more and more Stagecoach in Fife on this achievement.” Route 66? the Year Award for customer growth and services. people back on board our buses. We are The 2006 awards will be presented at Customers in Warwickshire are being given innovation, consistency and reliability of Managing Director of Stagecoach in Fife delighted the hard work of our employees a dinner in the Edinburgh International the chance to come up with a new name service, customer satisfaction and high Doug Fleming said: “This year reflects the is being recognised.” Conference Centre on November 16. for Route 66. Competition entry forms were distributed at stops along the route, which takes in Leamington, Warwick and Whitnash. The winner will be rewarded with a Ethanol-powered bus year’s free travel while the buses, which are four years old, will be refurbished with leather seats and a new paint job. “We want a new name to match the new image,” said Stagecoach in Warwickshire Marketing Assistant Lisa could be sweet success Downer. “The chosen name will appear all around the town and on every bus on the new Route 66.” • Two-week test of Scania vehicle evaluates carbon reduction technology Getting in • Trials in Merseyside, Yorkshire, Tyne and Wear, and Greater Manchester the swing • Buses of the future could run on sugar beets to protect environment for charity Cwmbran Depot entered a team for the tagecoach has conducted the Mayor of Torfaen’s Annual Charity Golf first UK trials of a bio-ethanol Tournament. S Welsh Comedian and TV personality powered bus outside London Owen Money and Olympic Athlete Jamie in a move that could lead to Baulch also attended the event, which took the company’s vehicles being place at Pontypool Golf Club. powered by sugar beets in the The four competitors from Stagecoach future. South Wales were Bill Davies, Justin Rosser, Paul Berrow and Rodney Teague. A Scania OmniLink ethanol bus was tested for two weeks in August to evaluate the green technology for potential use in Stagecoach’s 8,000-vehicle fleet in the Concessionary UK. The pilot study vehicle operated in fare changes Liverpool, Barnsley, Sheffield, Newcastle and Manchester. Passengers with Cherwell District con- Ethanol can be produced from sources cessionary travel passes can now use the such as sugar beets, sugar cane, and other passes on the routes of any Stagecoach in forms of bio-waste. Oxfordshire buses in the district. Production and supply of ethanol as Changes to the scheme, that came into a fuel has expanded rapidly in recent effect in August, allow pass holders to travel years and interest is growing in its use on direct bus routes between the Cherwell to develop more environmentally-friendly district and adjoining district council areas public transport systems. such as West Oxfordshire, Stratford and Ethanol buses are already in operation in South Northants. Sweden, Spain, Italy and Poland, delivering significant reductions in carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and particulate matter. Customer Brian Souter, Stagecoach Group Chief Ethanol-powered buses like this one are a green alternative. Executive, said: “Buses are already helping is key the environment by reducing the number improver to ensure compatability with a environmentally beneficial.” recently expanded the use of biodiesel of car journeys in our towns and cities, conventional diesel engine. The UK Government is encouraging to 1,800 vehicles in the UK in a move A new Operations Director at Stagecoach but we are always looking at ways to Bo Martinsson, General Manager – the use of renewable fuels as part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and North East is set to take services to the improve the sustainability of our transport National Accounts, Scania (Great Britain) of its drive to cut carbon emissions. improve fuel efficiency. It is now used at next level by putting the customer at the operations. Limited, said: “Scania is delighted to be Construction of a new bio-ethanol 28 depots in Scotland, and the north-east heart of the company’s operations. “Ethanol is an excellent renewable involved in this groundbreaking series of processing plant is under way at British and north-west of England. Nigel Winter joined Stagecoach fuel, which has a number of environmen- trials with Stagecoach in the UK. Sugar’s factory at Whissington in West For the past year, Stagecoach has during the summer and has wasted no tal benefits. We are looking forward to “With around 600 ethanol-powered Norfolk and production is due to start also been using the next-generation fuel time in making moves to improve services. assessing the potential of this technology Scania buses delivered to municipalities later this year using excess beet previously additive Envirox™ across its entire UK Overseeing Stagecoach’s seven depots for our bus operations in the UK.” throughout Sweden over the past 17 years, used as insurance against crop failures. bus fleet. Tests delivered more than a 5% across Tyne & Wear and Teesside, Nigel is The Scania vehicle involved in the the technology is thoroughly proven in Stagecoach is involved in a number cut in fuel consumption and an associated responsible for all operational issues within trial uses pure ethanol with a 5% ignition service and widely acknowledged as being of its own environmental initiatives. It decrease in vehicle emissions. the firm including service delivery, staffing levels and cost control. megatrain.com clocks up 100,000 passengers Newcomer

Innovative budget rail initiative megatrain. Ian Dobbs, Chief Executive of “Our award-winning service has been available on off-peak South West Trains with a history com has clocked up its 100,000th Stagecoach Group’s rail division, said: recognised for its innovation, but the services, Monday to Saturday, linking The engineering team at Stagecoach passenger booking. “We are delighted with the success of best recognition is that passengers are London with Portsmouth, Southampton, Rugby has a new member – but while Lee New figures show that megatrain.com, megatrain.com, which is bringing cheaper voting with their feet and travelling with Bournemouth, Weymouth, Exeter, Walkington may be new to the area, he’s an which offers off-peak rail fares from rail travel to thousands of customers megatrain.com.” Salisbury, Yeovil, Bath and Bristol. old hand in the bus industry. just £1, is now attracting up to 1,000 across the country. Stagecoach launched megatrain.com The budget rail service was launched Lee originally joined London Buses 18 passengers a day. “megatrain.com’s flexible, value-for- in November 2005, introducing the following the success of megabus. years ago as an auto electrician and was More than 900,000 people have visited money pricing is changing the way fares cheapest tickets on the UK rail network com, which now has a national network latterly with the Isle of Wight’s principal the megatrain.com website since the are managed and helping to make the for decades. covering nearly 40 UK cities and carries bus operator for six years. service went live last autumn. most of the capacity on the rail network. More than 5,000 cheap seats a week are around two million passengers a year. 4 Autumn 06 Hovercraft Local partnership vital for service improvements The boss of Stagecoach in Warwickshire “As an example, we are looking at trying the local authority would need to remove trials set for has been talking about his first 18 weeks in to develop quality partnership routes in speed humps. the job – and the challenges that lie ahead. Nuneaton and Rugby. This means highway “We need the local authority to summer 2007 Phil Medlicott, who took over as improvements or some form of capital provide assistance with the road so that Managing Director in March, spoke of his investment from local authorities to assist we can plough that investment back in,” he Environmental groups have given desire for the company to continue working us. That has to be the way forward for continued. Stagecoach the green light to trial a closely with local authorities. Stagecoach in Warwickshire as a business.” He added that another of the challenges cross-Forth hovercraft link. “Any further enhancements will need Warwickshire County Council was also he intended tackling in the next 12 months After talks with Scottish Natural to be done in partnership with the local keen to see an increase in the frequency of was improving the company’s roadside Heritage (SNH), the three-week pilot Phil Medlicott. authorities,” said Phil. another route in Rugby but, Phil explained, publicity. study, initially earmarked for October, will now be carried out during summer 2007. Stagecoach will trial the 130- passenger vessel – a 26-metre BHT130 hovercraft, built by Isle of Wight- based Hoverwork Limited – on its Survey reveals bus proposed route between Kirkcaldy and Portobello using the latest diesel engine technology. Steven Stewart, Head of Media and Public Affairs at Stagecoach, said: “There is a broad consensus is real green machine that a cross-Forth link can deliver significant transport, economic and social inclusion benefits and we have had huge support for the project from politicians and the local community. Going by coach can help save both “Stagecoach has always taken its environmental responsibilities very seriously and we have a good track- your wallet and the environment record of delivering sustainable public transport services. The technology we are hoping to use is already proven survey undertaken by Stagecoach has revealed that airline in the UK and United States, with A travel is significantly more damaging to the environment no impact on wildlife and the local than going by bus. environment.” Scottish-based Marine Consultant In announcing its findings, the • Produces seven times less CO2 Alistair Macleod has carried out detailed company urged budget travellers to emissions exploratory work on the hovercraft dump “gas guzzler” airlines and switch • Offers cheaper fares for budget plans on behalf of Stagecoach. to low-cost inter-city coach travel to help travellers. Steven added: “Stagecoach remains save the environment. fully committed to getting a hovercraft Compared to Brian Souter, on the water as soon as possible to give planes, which pump “These figures show Chief Executive people a chance to see what benefits out particularly of Stagecoach this technology could bring to the harmful emissions into clearly that bus and Group, said: “Any region’s public transport system and the upper atmosphere coach travel is the transport has an economy.” where they do most impact on the Stagecoach estimates that running a damage, bus and greener way to travel environment, but two-craft operation would cost around coach travel is more and far less damaging we agree with £2 million a year. Around 9,000 fuel-efficient and than airlines. Not only the Government passengers a week – and up to 470,000 produces less harmful and environ- passengers a year – would be expected emissions, such as is megabus.com easy mental groups to use the service. CO2, per passenger on the wallet, it is that we all The crossing time between journey. need to look Kirkcaldy and Portobello would be The figures come easy on the planet.” carefully at approximately 20 minutes and the at a time when the how we can craft, with normal operating speeds Government is balance our of around 35 knots, could run in sea looking closely at the Brian Souter desire to conditions with waves of up to two environmental impact travel with metres. of the huge expansion steps to While the service would require in low-cost air travel. protect the initial public investment, Stagecoach Stagecoach’s survey compared planet. believes that within a few years the environmental performance of “These figures show passenger volumes could grow to make its budget megabus.com service with clearly that bus and coach it commercially sustainable. low-cost airline easyJet on the popular travel is the greener way to Stagecoach Glasgow to London route. travel and far less damaging took a full page Results of the survey show that, on a than airlines. Not only advert in the per passenger basis, megabus.com is: is megabus.com easy on national press Oxfordshire's • More than six times more fuel- the wallet, it is easy on the to highlight the top team efficient than easyJet planet.” green message. It might seem strengthened an unusual form of wedding Love is in the air Stagecoach in Oxfordshire has strength- transport but a ened its management team. bus was the only Congratulations to Stagecoach West’s Operations Manager in October 2003, The appointment of Roshina Khan as way to travel very own Rupert and Sarah Cox who having previously held similar positions Assistant Manager for Oxford Local Bus for Sarah and recently married in Dorset before jetting in Worthing and Canterbury. sees the creation of a new position within Rupert. off to Dubai on honeymoon. the company. Both started as Stagecoach graduate If you have interesting news about Roshina will work alongside Oxford trainees and are the only ones to ‘post- your colleagues then we’d like to Local Bus Operations Manager Simon graduate’ to marriage. hear about it. Commercial Manager Rupert Mathieson, and will focus on customer Your On Stage contact is listed is based at Head Office in London service. on p2. The 33-year-old joins the bus industry Rd, Gloucester, where he has worked from Biffa Waste, where she worked for since September 2003, following nearly three years as a traffic supervisor at previous roles for Stagecoach in A tale its Didcot depot. Hull, Chesterfield and Cambridge. to tell? Sarah moved to Cheltenham depot as Autumn 06 5 Cowdenbeath trio calls time at 100 Oxford’s Three Fife drivers have retired after colleagues alike. clocking up more than 100 years of service To show their appreciation, a farewell investment between them. retiral party was organised by staff at Richard Bowman, Peter McGuire and ‘Wee Jimmy’s’ in Cowdenbeath, which was David Jamieson were among the longest attended by friends, family, work mates and in new bus serving drivers at the Cowdenbeath depot past bus conductresses. and will be missed by passengers and Cowdenbeath Operations Manager routes Sandy Scott said: “The staff will certainly miss these three very familiar faces. On Bus users in the Oxford area are enjoying Liz Waterson and Archie Low (centre), behalf of the depot team, I would like to the benefits of new routes, low floor buses Cowdenbeath depot, congratulate Mr and congratulate them on their well deserved and tickets. Mrs Bowman (left) and Mr and Mrs Jamieson retirement and wish them happiness in the Improvements have been made to the (right). years ahead.” service after Stagecoach in Oxfordshire was awarded a number of four-year tenders from Oxfordshire County Council. Passengers are now enjoying new low- floor single deck vehicles representing a £300,000 investment. Three state-of-the-art Millennium award winning Optare Solos operate on Sarah shortlisted three services as Stagecoach in Oxfordshire extends its comprehensive network of low floor buses throughout the city. The new 28-seater buses – the first of their kind in Stagecoach livery in the city – are now wheelchair and buggy ‘friendly’. The new routes serve Minchery Farm, for national title Greater Leys, Jericho, Cutteslowe and Marston. Stagecoach in Oxfordshire Managing Director Martin Sutton said: “We are New Operations Director recognised for major achievements very pleased to be awarded these new routes, which further demonstrate our commitment to the city of Oxford. arah Longair, recently “To people in areas we don’t currently determination in her early management serve we shall be bringing them quality Sappointed Operations career with Stagecoach. bus services together with a full range of Director at Stagecoach West “She has made a significant contribu- competitive tickets including a weekly ticket Scotland, has been shortlisted tion to the business in a short period for £11 which offers unlimited travel on for the Chartered Institute of time and we are delighted she has any Stagecoach bus in Oxford city.” received independent recognition by of Logistics and Transport being shortlisted for this award.” (CILT) Young Manager of Sarah, who is also a qualified bus the Year award. driver, took up her post at Stagecoach Idea reflects A former Stagecoach graduate trainee, West Scotland in September. Sarah (25) was nominated for the award She was previously Operations well on depot for her achievements in tackling driver Manager at Stagecoach Manchester’s cost control, attendance, staff morale and Princess Road depot, which employs welfare issues, industrial relations and more than 400 drivers operating over 180 bright sparks liaison with schools. vehicles. Nuneaton depot has come up with a simple Sarah has a BSc (Hons) from Sarah said: “I am delighted to have been solution to its bus checks predicament. Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh selected as a finalist. To be recognised for Rather than asking colleagues to stand and completed Stagecoach’s two-year such a prestigious award after such a short behind buses to check the brake lights graduate training programme, which period of time is something that I am are working, it has installed four sheets gave her experience of the operations, immensely proud of and it is testament of reflective plastic at the depot’s exit, engineering and commercial aspects of to the investment that Stagecoach makes so drivers are able to check their lights the business. in all of its employees.” themselves. Now a trained graduate assessor for Sarah Longair. The CILT awards, which will be Before each bus leaves the depot, the Stagecoach UK Bus, she is involved in presented at a dinner this month, are open driver must ensure all brake lights are the selection of graduates each year. She The award is part of CILT’s transport management. to organisations of all sizes, including working and the bus is ready to go out on is currently undertaking a CILT Level 5 Annual Awards for Excellence, made Les Warneford, Managing Director companies, the armed forces, public the road. Professional Diploma in Transport and to individuals and organisations that of Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “Sarah has utilities, charities, health services, local Normally, someone would have to Logistics. demonstrate achievement in logistics and shown excellent ability, commitment and authorities and government agencies. stand behind the bus to check but, thanks to the team’s bright idea, this is no longer the case. Depot Manager Bash Rafiq said: “We Anniversary for talented vehicle painter wanted to do something to help our drivers and improve safety. We looked at several A talented painter, who prefers buses – it’s for my own satisfaction more different materials we could use and found to canvases, has celebrated five years of than anything.” this reflective plastic to be the perfect working for Stagecoach in Oxfordshire Graham looks after the buses from solution as it doesn’t reflect the sun and is by adding the finishing touches to his the Leamington, Nuneaton, Rugby, unbreakable.” 200th bus. Whitney, Banbury and Oxford depots, Freehand signwriter and commercial who prepare them for him by stripping vehicle painter Graham Williams off all the old paint, leaving them New skill for has worked for Stagecoach from the ready for Graham to prime, mask and Banbury depot for the past five years, paint. bus supervisors painting buses for the company in Graham’s skills are highly sought Oxfordshire and Warwickshire. after as he’s probably one of the last A team of 12 Stagecoach in Oxfordshire The 62-year-old from Bicester takes freehand signwriters and commercial supervisors has completed first response around a week to complete a single vehicle painters in the area. When he’s training and received first aid certificates. decker bus in the five Stagecoach not working on Stagecoach’s buses, Oxford Local Bus Manager Simon colours. He paints the entire vehicle, he’s busy restoring vintage cars to their Mathieson said: “The first response course including the roof, wheel rims, rubber former glory. enables them to effectively assess and deal window seals, wheel arches and inside Banbury Depot Manager Trevor with situations where first aid is needed the front grill. Bayliss said: “Graham is a real asset internally. Graham said: “I take pride in every to Stagecoach and the job he has done “We believe we have a duty of care to single bus I paint. I don’t have to do for us over the past five years has been our employees to look after them should as much as I do but I always like to do fantastic. I just hope he continues for anyone become injured. It’s another skill we Graham Williams paints his 200th bus. a job the best I can in the time I have a few more years to come!” are able to offer our supervisory team.”

6 Autumn 06 Divison tops the league in Interplanetary travel NVQ training Colleagues in Warwickshire have something to celebrate after the division proves star attraction was named the Group’s number one NVQ training facility. A recent audit was carried out at Warwickshire and, after passing with flying colours, it was highly commended Re-branding exercise sees passenger numbers start to rocket for its practices. The assessment team has managed to reach a pass rate of 7% more than its he planets are now fully in nearest rivals, which had been ahead of Torbit – and have captured the Warwickshire earlier in the year. imagination of Bedfordshire’s It has achieved a 60.8% pass rate – an increase of 12.1% since the start travelling public. of the year. Saturn, Jupiter, Venus, Pluto, Mercury NVQ Co-ordinator Terry Dazis and Mars – all new branded buses – are said: “We have an incredibly strong just over a month into action and already assessment team in Warwickshire, attracting significant growth in patronage. which has worked tirelessly to get us “The trends are looking very good,” to and keep us at the number one spot. said James Freeman, Managing Director of We’ve also received amazing support Stagecoach East. from all management at Stagecoach.” “The level of awareness is surprisingly Stagecoach in Warwickshire high in such a short space of time and we Managing Director Phil Medlicott are seeing meaningful increases in passenger added: “I’m incredibly pleased with numbers. what the team has achieved over the “Local people have taken them to their past year. It’s all down to Terry and hearts, which is a very pleasing sign.” his assessors, Marie Wilson and Mark He said the old bus numbers had Gee, who have worked hard to increase “disappeared without trace” with people Warwickshire’s pass rate to the level preferring Jupiter to No 142. it is.” And he added: “Astronomers may throw The company encourages its Pluto out of the galaxy, but the Bedford to people to keep learning and improving Northampton buses, with their vivid purple themselves while part of the team. All branding, are carrying more passengers.” Stagecoach colleagues are invited to James said Stagecoach had learned from take up the training after three months’ experience that people could be won over employment and 309 employees have to travelling by bus – even when they had In orbit: A passenger boards Mars, one of the new planet-branded buses. taken the NVQ training in the past access to their own car. year. He said this had happened where the of the concept to other areas. between Bedford, Wootton, Marston between the bus operator and Bedfordshire network was simple and straightforward and The Mars network of routes, with vivid Moretaine, Cranfield and the university, and County Council and is a vital part of dealing the service easy to understand and reliable. red and black branding, is half-hourly between the vivid purple Pluto buses have reduced with growth and congestion issues within Over the years, Bedfordshire’s network Bedford, Biggleswade, Sandy, Shefford and the travelling time between Bedford and the county.” Bon appetit in had become complex and difficult to Henlow. Northampton to just 50 minutes. comprehend. Often the timetable had been Bright yellow Saturn buses are half-hourly The blue Mercury buses take a quicker If you have been involved in a project worked around the needs of schoolchildren between Clophill and Bedford and hourly route from Sharnbrook to Bedford than was aimed at improving performance then Voyager shops resulting in ‘inexplicable gaps in timetables between Bedford and Luton. previously the case. we’d like to hear about it. Virgin CrossCountry Voyager has and uneven frequencies’. Jupiter buses, with orange displays, have James added: “The intention of these Your On Stage contact is listed unveiled a new range of hot snacks, Stagecoach had decided that the time been increased to a half-hourly frequency changes has been to improve the main on p2. sandwiches and alcoholic drinks. had come to overhaul the pattern of between Bedford, Ampthill and Flitwick, services through the county and, as a result, Hot food tempting passengers Bedfordshire’s interurban services and the with the route already showing signs of encourage more people to use them. A tale includes Gruyere cheese, mushroom first ‘planet’ to be introduced was Mars, significant growth in patronage. “This is the starting point for the to tell? and tomato panini with English which has now been followed by an extension Green Venus buses run half-hourly development of quality bus partnerships mustard, beef bolognese with pasta, and chicken tikka masala with rice. Soup will also be on offer. The sandwich range is being Door-to-door taxibus makes the right connections extended with chicken salad on malted bread, and cheese on white bread, East Coast train operator GNER has passengers from their home addresses which customers can customise with joined forces with Stagecoach to launch within a 13-minute time slot, which will pickle or mustard. a unique new service with the help of be confirmed at the time of booking. New wines are also available, while Peterborough City Council. Season ticket holders can make a ‘block double espresso has been added to The Door-to-Door TaxiBus service booking’ allowing them to be collected the range of Fair Trade hot drinks. collects pre-booked passengers from from home at the same time each As well as food and drink, the their homes in the Hampton area morning and returned to their door Voyager shops sell a wide selection of the city and takes them direct to each evening. of books and magazines for the Peterborough railway station. Andy Campbell, Managing Director journey. GNER is investing over £200,000 of Stagecoach Cambridgeshire, said: Virgin CrossCountry Head of during the next two years in the scheme, “We are delighted to be working in Sales and Supply Richard Baker which will also take passengers home partnership with another quality said: “Our Voyager shops are all again in the evening. The service could transport provider. about quality and good value and our be expanded to cover other areas if “The Door-to-Door TaxiBus will enhanced range reflects our determi- successful. be a hit with commuters in particular. nation to offer greater choice to our The service connects with morning Additionally, Citi 6 will extend to the customers.” and evening peak arrivals and departures railway station, offering a much-needed at the station from Monday to Friday, ‘Station Hop’ to and from the city and offers a direct journey time between centre.” Six-day Hampton and the station of around 12 More details of the Door-to-Door minutes. TaxiBus service and GNER train times Stagecoach provides the vehicles and fares are available online at: www. wonder and drivers, while Peterborough City gner.co.uk. Details of all Stagecoach Lloyd MacDiarmid, a bodyman with Council is also supporting the scheme bus services in Peterborough can be Stagecoach Rugby, has passed his PCV by part subsidising a parallel regular bus found at: www.stagecoachbus.com/ driving test – after only six days in the service on Saturdays. peterborough or by calling Traveline on The Door-to-Door TaxiBus service is proving to be a great success. driving school. The TaxiBus collects booked 0870 608 2 608.

Autumn 06 7 Bus drivers are singing in the rain

The camaraderie and 'can do' attitude The right train of thought of Stagecoach people impressed the County ecumenical officer for Warwickshire when she undertook a tour of the depots. With Chris Lewis, Stagecoach in Warwickshire Chaplain, as her guide, Kay Dyer visited Leamington Spa, Rugby and Nuneaton in monsoon conditions. “I was amazed – and encouraged for10 more great years – to find that the British spirit of camaraderie and determination is alive and well,” she said. “The professional way that problems were overcome was a credit New South Western franchise will deliver to any business. The rain was like a monsoon but drivers were still smiling and welcoming passengers as though it was a sunny day. major passenger service improvements “Their knowledge of the routes was amazing, down to being able to describe who the regular passengers were that reduce ticket office queues. would be standing at each stop on their FRANCHISE HIGHLIGHTS • Introduction of automatic gates at route. The South Western franchise 13 additional stations to improve security and reduce ticketless travel. “It was certainly a day to remember he key highlights of the and I thank everyone for welcoming me The South Western franchise combines two existing franchises: into their workplace to see a day in the Tnew franchise – developed life of a Stagecoach depot,” she added. following extensive consul- South West Trains and Island Line. It includes services from London Station enhancements tation with more than 100 Waterloo to Woking, Basingstoke, Southampton, Portsmouth, local, regional and national Exeter and Reading. Bournemouth, Weymouth, Guildford and • Major station refurbishment at 14 Stagecoach Salisbury are also served, with the Island Line operating between large stations. stakeholder groups – • Investment of around £40 million include: Ryde and Shanklin on the Isle of Wight. in core station improvements, shareholders The new 10-year franchise will run from 4 February 2007, with including better subways, lighting, the last three years conditional upon preset performance criteria waiting rooms, booking halls, toilets, get positive Fleet improvement and capacity being met. shelters and seats. • Lighting, painting and cleaning • Significant increase in capacity, with improvements at all 185 stations. update 21% more mainline peak capacity and a 20% increase in peak suburban CCTV to a central monitoring point, option to increase this to cover 95% Shareholders were given a positive capacity. and the installation of CCTV on of footfall. update at the 26th Annual General Customer service and information • Deployment of 17 additional Class every mainland train. • Accreditation of 25 secure station Meeting of Stagecoach Group. 450 units ordered by DfT, as well • Retention of guards on every train. car parks. Chairman Robert Speirs told the • New passenger charter with clear as a rolling stock refurbishment • Provision of personal alarms to meeting at Perth Concert Hall that the targets and simplified compensation programme to deliver extra capacity. all guards and on-train revenue Group had made a good start to the structure. • Maximum length trains on almost all protection staff to deter assaults. financial year ending April 30, 2007 and Fares and Ticketing • Better customer information with peak services. • Additional plain clothes British trading was in line with the company’s passenger information systems • Additional morning peak service Transport Police officers on the • £19 million investment in Smartcard expectations. extended to cover every train on the from Basingstoke to Waterloo. network. technology to make ticket purchasing He said: “We believe there are mainland network and most Island • Plans to introduce 10-car trains on • Creation of Travel Safe Alliance much easier. further opportunities to increase Line stations. Windsor to Waterloo services in in the London metro area to share • Promotion of internet purchasing shareholder value by growing our bus • Provision of an additional 2,000 car 2010. information and best practice. and telesales. and rail businesses in the UK and parking spaces across the network. • More effective deployment of • Extension of Stagecoach’s budget North America. We will also evaluate TravelSafe Officers and security rail service megatrain.com. other opportunities to grow our rail Security guards that better match the current • Flexible ticket options, with different portfolio. Overall, the Group has made Performance pattern of railway crimes/incidents. prices, depending on the time of a promising start to the financial year.” • More visible staff presence to • Accreditation of 13 additional travel. Mr Speirs also welcomed recently • A commitment to further improve improve personal security. secure stations giving a total of 62, • Installation of a further 160 self- appointed Board member Sir George performance through modifica- • Every mainland station linked by covering 80% of footfall, with an service ticket vending machines to Mathewson at the meeting. tions to trains, as well as improved management of stations, to ease congestion and speed up train boarding/alighting. David drives • A line speed and signalling enhancement on the main suburban buses forward network to save running time. A driver at Stagecoach North East has been awarded “Highly Commended” at Island Line this year’s National Transport Awards for the National Frontline Employee • Investment to ensure the continued of the Year. viability of the existing Island Line David Hands was over the moon rolling stock and infrastructure. with his award, which he travelled down • Will roll out many of the initiatives to the Park Lane Hilton to receive in proposed for the mainland part of July. The awards dinner featured Michael the business, including smart cards. Portillo as the after-dinner speaker. However, we will also maintain the David said of his award: “It’s nice to important local focus of the service, have something to show for your hard making the Island-based general work. It’s a shame we didn’t win but manager responsible for all Island second in the country isn’t bad!” Line matters. The award is given to an employee • Will work with DfT to place who “has gone beyond the call of Island Line on a firm footing as a duty in their role and delivered a better Community Rail Partnership. service as a result”.

8 Autumn 06 Mega growth for Rugby depot The right train of thought An expansion of megabus.com in Rugby has led to Stagecoach in Warwickshire appointing new day and night controllers. Martin Dunckley is the new day controller, working from 11am to 8pm, while Gary Packer covers the 8pm to 2am shift. The new megabus work started in Rugby in May, with 10 rosters on the for10 more great years M6 corridor between Birmingham and London. The three initial vehicles have since increased to eight and the number of drivers has risen to 32 to cover the M1 corridor between Nottingham and London. Stagecoach in Warwickshire continues to recruit both for its megabus and stage carriage workforce, which itself needs 55 drivers. Rugby Operations Manager Wayne Simpson said: “With the expansion of megabus, the growth of the business has been phenomenal and we are now running a duplicate service at weekends. “We now operate 31 rosters and run a total of 247 megabus trips a week from Rugby depot.” ‘Sticket’ is just the ticket

A sticky problem in Chesterfield is being tackled with a little help from Stagecoach. Working with Chesterfield Borough Council, the company has launched ‘Sticket’ – a bus ticket passengers are encouraged to use for their unwanted chewing gum. The problem was highlighted recently with the removal of more than 2,000 pieces of gum from a 100-square metre area of the town. Early indications are that the ‘Stick it in a ticket then bin it!’ campaign is proving to be a great success. Stagecoach Operations Director Richard Kay said: “People often just throw their used ticket away so we thought it would be great to offer people a use for them which will help keep our streets, buses and town cleaner and more pleasant.” Putting the Boot in! Training at UK Bus has taken a step forward with the appointment of Management Development Advisor David Boot. Working within the training and development team, David will be responsible for delivering in-house courses in the operating companies. Initially, he will work on a supervisor/inspector training programme and support current training and development initiatives. David has more than 20 years’ experience of preparing and providing management development programmes for a vast range of private and public sector organisations.

Autumn 06 9 Reward for the ‘bear’ necessities £4m spend sees new Ever keen to help out good causes more than happy to help out, as for the local community, Managing the team members of St John who bus fleet Director of Stagecoach Cambridgeshire attended the Cambridge Teddy bears’ Andy Campbell donated £250 to the Picnic launch event did an excellent St John Ambulance Service to assist job. head north with their campaign to fund a mobile Luckily the cases that were dealt Bus passengers in the north east of England first aid unit. with were minor and the only medical are to benefit from a multi-million pound Andy (pictured getting treatment assistance required was needed to investment in new vehicles by Stagecoach. from St John Ambulance staff) was soothe heat rash and wasp stings. The company is introducing 23 new easy access double-decker Enviro 400 vehicles, manufactured by Alexander Dennis, on routes 62 and 63 in Newcastle. Stagecoach customers in the Sunderland and South Shields areas are also set to benefit from an investment in A little bit of green 20 new single-decker buses, which will be introduced in the run-up to Christmas. The total investment in the new fleet is around £4 million and all of the vehicles are designed to a high specification. Features include clean and spacious interiors, low entrances that kneel to kerb in the Big Apple height, a special buggy parking area, space for a wheelchair, as well as the latest Euro 3 engines to help improve the environment. Clean air buses help New York City breathe easy The life of a ew York’s first clean air Nsightseeing buses have five-pound been unveiled. Twenty-one of the iconic red double- note decker Gray Line New York Sightseeing buses, which host millions of passengers This humorous poem was sent in by a bus driver annually, now use technology that in Manchester. reduces 85 % of the harmful pollution from their diesel engines. This is the story of a five-pound note, New York Sightseeing operates Which, for part of its life, was in a bus double-decker buses, motorcoaches, driver’s float! trolleys, and minibuses throughout New York City and is a subsidiary of Coach It was born in a bank, all crisp and clean, USA, a Stagecoach Group company. Little did it know that some people were A $400,000 grant has enabled Gray mean. Line New York to demonstrate the effectiveness of innovative emission It travelled around in pockets and purses, controls and use ultra-low sulphur Until its appearance became dirty and diesel fuel over the past 18 months worthless. before it becomes widely available this autumn. People treated it with contempt, The buses, which were unveiled Was this the way its life was meant? this summer, are expected to remain The Honourable James F Gennaro, Chair of the Committee on Environmental Protection of the New York City Council, hosted the partners in service for another seven years, responsible for the city's first clean air sightseeing buses at a special unveiling at the City Hall steps on July 11. Deep in the depths of dark, dirty pockets, providing clean air benefits to both city It spends its life without any light. residents and visitors. of a wider agenda to reduce pollutants New York Sightseeing, welcomed the at Gray Line New York are committed From January 2007, emission from diesel emissions in New York, opportunity to participate in the clean to providing environmental innovations So... Stagecoach drivers, if you’re given a control technology must be installed on which has a childhood asthma rate air demonstration project. and new visitor sightseeing experiences clean, crisp, new fiver, older diesel-powered sightseeing buses among the highest in the United States. He said: “Having served visitors to that contribute to the enhancement of Please, oh please, don’t have a fright! operating in the city. The law is part Tom Lewis, President of Gray Line New York City for 80 years, all of us tourism in the city.” Outstations play essential role Service with miles of smiles The growing importance of bus outsta- listen to what people tell us, particularly in tions has been stressed by Stagecoach in rural areas, where our drivers live and work Stagecoach in Darlington has started a Oxfordshire. and serve those communities. At Chipping new initiative to improve customer service Bus outstations or satellite depots are Norton we have a dedicated team of seven on-board its buses. essential in continuing to provide rural areas full-time drivers, who know their passengers Passengers can nominate their driver with a dependable public transport system and the relationship with the customer is to receive a monthly Customer Service both now and for the future. very strong . Award, based on helpfulness and attitude. Without the bus outstation, Stagecoach in “They are building relationships day in People can nominate by text, or by Oxfordshire says it would be “very difficult” day out – they won’t get away with giving less post, detailing either the driver name or to maintain a strong relationship with than their best. More than ever, passengers number. communities that rely more and more on benefit from having drivers who are in the The votes are tallied at the end of public transport. community and understand the needs of the month and the driver with the most Stagecoach, which has three outstations local people.” nominations receives a cash prize of in Oxfordshire, says an increasing number of £150. people – particularly those with concessionary If you have been involved in a project The scheme has been introduced to travel passes – are regularly using the services aimed at improving performance then help instil a “customer-focused” approach that these satellites provide. we’d like to hear about it. within the company. Marketing Manager Jodine Milne said: “Expectations of service Demand for the bus on these routes has Your On Stage contact is listed levels on public transport have increased recently led to the number of double deckers on p2. at the outstation increasing from three to five dramatically over the last few years. Our to meet the need for greater capacity. A tale drivers are working really hard to achieve Stagecoach Local Service Manager Simon excellent customer service in their jobs Simon Mathieson with one of the outstation buses. Mathieson said: “It is important that we to tell? and we want to offer some recognition for their efforts.” 10 Autumn 06 New buses and familiar faces have given a quick win initiative that will deliver a much Passengers Kickstart to a £1 million partnership between Stagecoach kickstarts Route 55 needed boost for bus provision in the area Stagecoach West, the Department for while making a real difference to passengers Transport and Wiltshire County Council. in Wiltshire. asked to vote Eight new double-decker buses with Bassett to Swindon. Swindon in conjunction with Route 55. “Our Kickstart schemes have already dedicated space on board for a wheelchair or The scheme will see the Chippenham To mark the beginning of the initiative delivered outstanding results elsewhere in the for company’s buggy have been purchased for the new Route – Swindon daytime service increase to every and the partnership, Ian Manning, Managing UK and I’m sure we can expect the same from 55 Kickstart scheme. 20 minutes from Monday to Saturday, and Director for Stagecoach West; Fleur de Rhé- Route 55. More than £1 million has been star performer And six of the new buses feature every 30 minutes on Sunday. Philipe, Wiltshire County Council’s Cabinet invested in new vehicles and a more frequent photographs of local people who entered a Wootton Bassett customers will also Member for Transport; and Senior Traffic service as a result of our partnership with South West Trains has again asked competition to become the faces of Route benefit from an enhanced Route 54 to serve Commissioner Phillip Brown jointly launched the Department for Transport and Wiltshire passengers which member of staff 55. Three new single deckers have also been the surrounding estates, with a new 10-minute Route 55 at Bowood House. County Council, which I’m sure will encourage gives exceptional customer service. purchased for Route 54, connecting Wootton Monday – Saturday daytime frequency to Ian Manning said: “This is a practical, more people to leave their cars at home.” As part of October’s National Customer Service Week, South West Trains invited passengers to pick out its customer service stars. It was a chance to recognise and applaud members of staff across the network and included everyone Drivers all revved up working on the platforms and behind the ticket office window, cleaners and staff on board trains. Managing Director Stewart Palmer said: “We are committed to delivering the highest standards of customer service and staff were amazed but for the ‘Full Monty’ delighted with the entries we received from passengers last year. “This is a fantastic opportunity he Kettering bus drivers’ to recognise what people at stations Charity to benefit when curtain rises on ‘Just The Ticket’ and on trains do for us, day in and Town routine will be ‘Just The day out, and can still manage to smile Ticket’ when it’s performed on and assist us despite some of the stage later in the year. huge challenges they may be facing.” Five drivers, who volunteered to ‘bare all', Stagecoach East, Kettering, reflecting on the garage approaching the younger drivers with,” said Lesley who, together with Alan, is Every year, thousands of customer will have only their busmen’s hats to cover a couple of charity events that had been to see if they would be prepared to do a choreographing the routine. service professionals celebrate their modesty when the curtain closes on cancelled through lack of support. tasteful ‘Full Monty’ for charity. Although a venue and date have still to National Customer Service Week, their courageous routine. “I bet people would all turn up if it was To Lesley’s surprise, 10 volunteers came be decided, ‘Just The Ticket’ has already which aims to highlight the crucial Drivers Chris Bennett, Dale Burns, Adam a strip show,” joked Driver Alan Rutter. “I’m forward and they were all put to the test. captured the imagination of drivers’ families role that members of staff play in Cullinan, Adrian Foster and Stefan White sure there wouldn’t be any lack of support Five were chosen for ‘Just The Ticket’ and and friends. “We have promises of lots of providing a service to passengers. – aged between 20 and 40 – have volunteered for something like that.” Sunday rehearsals are now under way at a ticket sales – even before we have set a price,” Last year’s overall winner, John for ‘Just The Ticket’. His comment was endorsed by fellow club in Finedon. said Alan. “We are confident we can sell Mather from Winnersh Triangle, said: It all started out as a joke. A small driver Lesley Cooper who reckoned it was an “We assured them we wouldn’t make between 250 and 300 tickets and will need “I am still so proud of my award and group was sitting in the garage canteen of excellent idea. For a laugh, she went round them do anything they were uncomfortable a venue big enough for a large audience and was totally shocked at winning it. staging.” “I was touched that so many The choreography for the routine is passengers took the time to actually about half-way through and both Lesley and nominate me. I appreciate how busy Alan are impressed with the way the drivers everyone is and I just try my best to are working hard as a team. “It’s amazing make things easier for them when how dedicated they are,” said Alan. “They are they travel with us.” really working so hard.” Lesley said they would certainly surprise people. “They are putting in lots of hours and last Sunday’s rehearsal, which started at Kate drives six o’clock, didn’t finish until 10. “Movements are based on ‘The Full Monty’, but they will definitely be our own to success in creative ideas,” she explained. Adrian said they were enjoying the record time rehearsals and looking forward to the ‘live’ performance. Lesley has asked Stagecoach Not only is Kate Fryer turning out East if it could find her five flat hats and her to be a great driver, she’s passed her Operations Manager, Brian Haddon, said NVQ Level 2 with top marks. she could be sure of as much help as they In fact, 22-year-old Kate is could give. believed to be the youngest person “They are doing this for all the right to have passed the qualification reasons – it’s good for morale and will benefit throughout the entire Stagecoach charity,” he added. Outstations play essential role Group. The organisers of ‘Just The Ticket’ are She has achieved the NVQ hoping to raise £1,000 for the Cransley training in record time, taking just Hats off to the boys: Lesley Cooper, Adrian Foster and Alan Rutter go through the famous tie routine. Hospice. three months to complete when the average is normally six. Based at Leamington depot, Kate has been driving for Stagecoach in Warwickshire for 12 months. She Chaplain’s ‘Smart’ reaction to congestion started out after leaving university As you would expect, Stagecoach in pedals, accelerator and brake, because it has a and has found the job rewarding Warwickshire’s chaplain travels by bus semi-automatic transmission. because of the variety and the number whenever he can – and has even been known “The other bus-like feature is that the of different people she meets. to drive a bus in the grounds of a depot if track of the rear wheels is wider than that of She said: “I’m really enjoying the given the chance. the front ones”. job and the NVQ training. Trainers But, when the Rev Chris Lewis can’t Its red and black colour scheme is also a Mark and Terry have really helped use the bus, his next option to help beat reminder of the old Midland Red coaches, me through the process and have congestion is his very own ‘baby bus’ – a which had red painted sides and a black roof. guided me the whole way, which I’m Smart car. “To fight congestion – and for environ- grateful for.” At 2.5 metres long, it’s about the same mental reasons – we should be cycling and Her trainer, Terry, added: “Kate width as a bus but doesn’t have anything like using public transport more,” said Chris. has done incredibly well and should the same seating capacity! “But with duties all over Coventry and be very proud of what she has “In a funny sort of way, the Smart car is a Warwickshire, public transport isn’t always an achieved. She has put in a huge bit like a baby bus,” said Chris, Chaplain to the option for me, so the very economical and amount of effort and I’m sure she depots at Leamington, Nuneaton and Rugby. low emission Smart car is the next best thing. will go on and progress within “The 599cc engine is under the floor at I even read that racing driver David Coulthard Stagecoach as she definitely has the the rear. Like most buses, it only has two uses one.” The smart option: Chris' low emisson car. talent to do so.” Autumn 06 11

Broadcast bus All aboard for Paisley Passengers will be all aboard for Paisley summer, operates Monday to Saturday and gets great with Stagecoach West Scotland and its new offers a valuable link to commuters, students X33 service operating between Ayr, Irvine, and day-trippers stopping at Reid Kerr College Kilwinning, Beith and Paisley. and Paisley Cross, offering easy access to the reception The hourly service, which began this shops. The Stagecoach-backed Determined to New MAN buses are used on the route with Broadcast roadshow is under way. From left, Malky Duncan, Area Operations Manager; low floor access for wheelchairs and prams, The Scottish Executive initiative is Donald Reid, Councillor for Kilwinning West; Sam ABS and EBS braking systems and Euro3 giving thousands of young Scots the Greer, Managing Director West Scotland; and John low emissions to ensure maximum access and opportunity to try their hand at creating Harper, Engineering Director. safety for customers and the environment. their own radio show. This is possible thanks to a customised double-decker bus, fully equipped with a Synergy Broadcast Centre, which functions as a mobile radio studio and production facility. The bus is visiting hundreds of Kids celebrate schools across Scotland to create an innovative and exciting learning experience for young people. Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Nicol Stephen said: “We want to ensure all of Scotland’s young people have the skills needed to prepare summer in the Citi them fully for the world of work. This programme goes a long way to building confidence, ambition and an entrepre- neurial outlook among young people.” Network launch proves to be a fun day for all the family John Collins, Determined to Broadcast Programme Director, said: “When I wanted to work in radio there family fun day, marking the was no clear route into the industry – A launch of Cambridgeshire’s now there is. Determined to Broadcast improved Citi network, gives young people solid experience certainly put a smile on a few in a realistic programme-making young faces. environment, as well as giving them More than 500 people turned up to advice on how to take their first steps the concerts and activities organised by in broadcasting. Through this project, Stagecoach to celebrate the success of the we’re really hoping to find tomorrow’s network – developed through Kickstart top talent.” funding – and thank its valued customers. A teddy bears’ picnic was the theme, with the event being held in local hotel grounds easily accessible from the Citi 7 route. It Have pass coincided with the first day of the school summer holidays and hosted a whole range – will travel! of activities for the kids. There were two performances of a teddy Stagecoach in Warwickshire has seen a bears’ picnic musical concert, courtesy of large rise in the number of passengers the group’s 13-year partnership with Mari travelling on its services with a concession- Markus Gomori Concerts for Children. ary fare pass. Other activities included a football The pass, which gives pensioners free skills session, organised by Histon Football travel, was recently altered to enable people Club; circus skills training with Patchwork to use it across district council borders. Circus; face painting; open top bus rides; Previously, holders would need to a bus shaped bouncy castle and rides on purchase a ticket for any part of their an original horse drawn stagecoach. There journey which took them over the district was also live broadcasting from local radio Youngsters thought the bus shaped bouncy castle was miles ahead of other activities. council border. station Q103. Routes which have seen the largest Cambridgeshire County Council members Community Services, addressed guests from They praised the enhanced Citi 7 service, With a day of glorious weather, picnic increase are the town services throughout enjoyed a more formal reception, joined by the entrance of a park and ride bus. which runs up to every 10 minutes and goers chose their sites carefully, to be shaded the county and, in particular, the number local councillors and other important guests In their individual speeches, they focused benefits people from Cottenham, Histon, from the intense sunshine and closer to the 63, 64 and 86 routes. including Dr Caroline Cahm from Bus Users on the importance of the Government’s Impington, Trumpington, Great Shelford, ice cream van. Operations Manager for Rugby Wayne UK, Managing Director Andy Campbell and Kickstart grant, which made the network Stapleford and Sawston. And on the way home, kids snapped up Simpson said: “The number of passengers Commercial Director Philip Norwell. improvements possible, and on the continued Afterwards, an original stagecoach was goody bags and multi coloured Cambridge using the concessionary passes has been a Andy Campbell and John Reynolds, partnership between Stagecoach and the brought in to chauffeur the VIPs around for Citi balloons, all leaving with smiling faces lot more than we ever expected. Cabinet Member for the Environment and County Council. a photo opportunity before lunch. and some rather red from the sunshine! “We have noticed a significant increase in the number of elderly passengers from the rural areas and drivers have commented on the number of people who previously came into town once a week, now making New route opens up town centre additional journeys because they don’t A new route in Warwickshire is giving Warwickshire Managing Director, said: have to worry about the money.” Stagecoach customers easier access to “The investment on the new timetable town centre shopping facilities. and route is purely down to the success of There are now twice as many low buses in Leamington. Buses support floor buses travelling all week between “Five years ago, over £1 million was Lillington, Stud Farm, Leamington town invested by Stagecoach on a completely centre and Sydenham thanks to the new new fleet of buses to revolutionise the Uni open day Route 67. network in Leamington. Since then, we The service, which runs every 15 have seen passenger numbers grow steadily Visitors to Oxford for the Brookes minutes, Monday to Saturday, and every year on year. Now it is time to improve University open day in June found it 30 minutes on Sundays, is one of the again to meet the growing demand. easy to travel between campuses. biggest improvements to Leamington bus “The new Route 67 is a completely Services on the Brookes Bus route travel in years. new offer and improves low floor bus from Wheatley to the railway station Sydenham residents are now benefiting services into the town centre for residents via the City Centre were specially from low floor buses for the first time in both Lillington and Sydenham. The increased to a 15-minute frequency and, combined with the unibus, twice as buses will be easy to spot because they to help visitors travelling to the many buses run to the town centre as are branded in a striking green and all bus campuses, rail station and Thornhill before. stops have been improved with new flags park and ride. Phil Medlicott (centre) cuts the tape to launch the new route. Phil Medlicott, Stagecoach in and timetable information.” 12 Autumn 06 All aboard for Paisley Think pink and ride to save lives Tigger and A hot pink Cambridge Park and Ride bus will Chloe Higgins, Community Fundraiser help save lives and try to raise over £50,000 for Cambridgeshire from Cancer Research Zebedee for Cancer Research UK this month. UK, said: “I am delighted to be joining forces Cambridge’s award winning Park & Ride with Cambridge’s award winning Park & service will be joining forces with Cancer Ride service and really hope that we can try hit the streets Research UK to raise money for the ‘All Join and raise over £50,000 towards the ‘All Join Together’ campaign in support of breast Together’ campaign.” of Winchester cancer research. But it doesn’t stop there. Park & Ride is On every Tuesday in October when run as a partnership and this October all the The names of some well-known customers buy a return ticket for £2, (or partners are asking people to ‘Think Pink’. cartoon characters can now be seen £1.50 ticket to Babraham to Addenbrooke’s Towards the end of October, Cambridge in and around Winchester after the Hospital journeys) Stagecoach will donate £1 store Robert Sayle will be offering pampering arrival of two new buses for the town’s (or 75p if the £1.50 ticket is purchased) to and fashion advice on board the pink Park re-branded Spring service. Cancer Research UK. & Ride bus in New Square, Cambridge Appropriately enough, the two Stagecoach’s Managing Director for between 11am – 4pm. buses have been named Tigger and Zebedee, and they will be dedicated to Cambridgeshire, Andy Campbell, said: The Grafton in Cambridge will be Some of the partners at the launch of the Think Pink campaign “Stagecoach is committed to giving back to hosting its annual fashion week from Sunday the every 20-minute service between the community and ‘Think Pink’ can directly 22 October and ‘Think Pink’ is offering dotted about the City during October, giving Building on the highly successful drive-in Winchester and Springvale via Kings do this. We hope as many people as possible people the chance to be part of this show, people plenty of opportunity to make a movies hosted at the Trumpington site over Worthy. use Park & Ride on Tuesdays because the which is seen by thousands of people across donation. Most Cambridge University the summer, Park & Ride has arranged more Cllr Mel Kendall, Hampshire more people who use the service the more Cambridge. departments and colleges will also have screenings in association with the Cambridge County Council’s Executive Member money we will donate.” ‘Think Pink’ collection boxes will be donation boxes. Film Trust. for Environment, and Andrew Dyer, Managing Director for Stagecoach South, were joined by members of Winchester City Council and Hampshire County Council to officially name and launch the easy access, wheelchair and baby-buggy friendly single deck buses. Andrew Dyer says that the Fife buses route out £190,000 investment to add to the fleet of 55 buses operated from the Winchester depot reflects the success of the established route. “This is the third of the key bus routes in Winchester to have new, easy access buses, so we feel that the the troublemakers buses and the service deserve their own identities,” he said. “Our staff voted for the names of Zebedee and Tigger, but there will be no spring or Stagecoach and police join forces to help reassure passengers bounce in the ride due to the excellent suspension.” tagecoach East Scotland has teamed up with Fife SConstabulary to tackle antisocial behaviour on some of Virgin Trains’ the Kingdom’s bus routes. As part of the nationwide Safer commitment to safer travel for our influence Scotland campaign, focusing on knife passengers and employees, as well as and alcohol-related crime, uniformed and safer communities. travels far plain-clothed officers took the bus on “Bus services are a lifeline for many routes known to attract troublemakers. people in Fife and crime on buses is Virgin Trains has been named as one Stagecoach worked closely with the extremely low. However, even the fear of the top 50 influences of business police to identify routes used by youths of crime can act as a deterrent to travel. travel over the past 12 months. whose drunken or antisocial behaviour This campaign sent out a clear message Trade journal Business Travel has caused problems for our drivers. that any antisocial behaviour on public World (BTW) says the introduction Over one weekend this summer, the transport will not be tolerated.” of the Pendolino fleet in 2003 was the 20-strong team of officers zoned in on Superintendent Martin Birrell, who beginning of a new age of business bus destinations known to be trouble spearheaded the operation, added: “We rail travel, with customers returning to hotspots, such as Dunfermline, Rosyth, are calling time on these travelling West Coast routes because of the high- Cupar, Kirkcaldy, St Andrews and Leven. youths whose behaviour alarms fellow quality service. They were on the lookout for people passengers and concerns Stagecoach and The move to rail is reflected in the causing trouble at or near bus stops and its staff. rail/air market on the Manchester to stations. “The people of Fife have a right London route. In September 2004, Robert Andrew, Managing Director to be able to travel in a safe and Virgin Trains had just 40% share of Stagecoach Scotland, said: “We work secure environment, just as Stagecoach compared with 60% in March 2006. very closely with Fife Constabulary on staff have the right to work in a safe Teamwork: From left, Acting Sergeant Steven Miller, Driver Jamie Reid and Doug Fleming, Managing Passenger volumes on its West Coast a number of initiatives as part of our environment.” Director of Stagecoach East Scotland. franchise also moved up 21.6% in the last financial year ending March 2006. New route opens up town centre Management trainee Driver Jason wins first post rules the Stagecoach management trainee David at Stagecoach South, says that he is board Lee-Kong was celebrating recently as delighted to welcome David to the he took on his first post with the management team. A Leamington driver is a champ on the company. “David is just one of up to six chessboard. After two years as a trainee, David management trainees who become Jason Madden has retained the was appointed as Assistant Operations available each year through the Stagecoach Leamington and District Under 100 Manager at Worthing. Graduate Training Programme, created Handicap Chess Championship for David (23) from Derby, started 15 years ago. We are pleased that he the third time. He has also captained his training at Stagecoach West after has joined Operations Manager Bob the Leamington Spa B team to the studying Transport Management at Jackson at Worthing.” league division 3 title. Swansea University. He then went on The Worthing depot operates a When he’s not behind a chessboard, a 10-month secondment to the Scottish fleet of 75 vehicles supported by 180 Jason is at the wheel on the Alcester, Executive as a Project Assistant for the drivers, engineering and administration Evesham, Stratford or Chipping National Concessionary Travel Scheme. personnel. Over five million passengers Norton routes. David Lee–Kong. Andrew Dyer, Managing Director use the network each year. Autumn 06 13 Bus Driver of the Year

he national finals of the UK Driver of the Year competition Twere as hotly contested as ever, with nearly 120 drivers from 48 operating companies taking part. There were 12 finalists from inaugural Donald MacDonald memorial Stagecoach taking part in the event held shield for ‘Best competitor from a depot in Blackpool last month. in South Wales’. Written tests challenged drivers’ The shield is presented in memory knowledge of the Highway Code and of a very recently retired Stagecoach Mechanical Principles, while they also manager’s father who sadly passed away faced a series of practical driving tests earlier this year. on a route that included a mock-up of There was a double celebration for a bus station. Robert as he proposed to his girlfriend Among the notable successes were in Blackpool and she gave a comprehen- Stagecoach North East driver John Page, sive “yes”. who received an award for appearing in Les Warneford, Managing Director the most consecutive national finals. He of Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “All the was also the highest placed Stagecoach Stagecoach drivers who took part in the Mick Copson. competitor. competition, including our winners, are Also making his mark was Stagecoach excellent ambassadors for the business. Wales driver Robert White, who finished It is heartening to see that our drivers are a very creditable 32nd overall and won the among the best in the industry.” Robert White with his trophies. Mick decides to get back The Stagecoach drivers who made it to the national finals had to come into training through their regional competitions. Here, we look at some of the A training officer in Warwickshire is winners from those events, held across the country. celebrating a decade at Stagecoach by going back to school. Mick Copson, based at the training school in Rugby, has helped hundreds of trainee drivers over the years and Ted makes it a hat-trick King of is now studying for his NVQ Level 3 driving instructor certificate. the road Fifty-one-year-old Mick, who is Warwick born and bred, trained to be Leamington driver Peter a bus driver at Warwickshire and then Reynolds is Stagecoach in spent 12 months as a despatch clerk Warwickshire’s Bus Driver of at the Leamington depot. the Year. For the last seven years, he has He won the competition been involved in training, either in at the A5 Truck Stop, Rugby, the classroom or as a ‘buddy’ to beating runner-up Stuart trainee drivers. He is now in his Hughes, of the Stagecoach Peter receives his award from Councillor Davies. third year as training officer, which Rugby depot, by seven points. saw him transfer from Leamington The team of finalists and examiners enjoy the final heat in Dunfermline. Third was another Rugby winners. to Rugby. driver, Nora Conner. Competition organiser Ann Compton said: Mick now hopes to pass his NVQ Stagecoach East Scotland and Bluebird the third year running. Accompanying him Both Stuart and Nora “Councillor Davies really entered into the spirit of the in driving instruction within his 10th recently held their final heats in preparation was runner-up Thomas Hamilton (Aberhill have been driving Stagecoach competition. So much so that he actually drove a bus on anniversary year. for the industry UK Bus Driver of the depot) and third-placed Sharon Reid buses in Rugby for four the off-road circuit we used for the competition. He said Year award. (Peterhead depot). years. afterwards he had thoroughly enjoyed the experience.” The top three placed drivers travelled to Doug Fleming, Managing Director, Warwickshire County In charge of the competition scoring was Bob Page, a Blackpool in September for the renowned Stagecoach East Scotland, said: “We have Council Chair Councillor training officer based at Rugby. Celebrating award, now in its 40th year. always been well represented at these awards Chris Davies presented the Peter represented Stagecoach in Warwickshire in In first place, Ted Reid (Macduff and congratulate our three competitors on prizes, which included cer- the national Bus Driver of the Year competition at new arrivals depot) attended the competition final for making the Blackpool final.” tificates and vouchers for the Blackpool. A multi million pound investment is set to provide over 4,500 extra seats on South West Trains’ network. In a bid to ease over-crowding Second time lucky for Ian Daniel’s the top driver on some of the busiest commuter routes, 17 new Class 450 Desiro Ian Nicol of Cumnock depot took trains, procured from Siemens and home the spoils in the West Scotland owned and leased by Angel Trains, competition. will be introduced by the end of Stagecoach West Scotland recently the year. held heats with its own smaller The new train order will enable version of the national competition, South West Trains to run more involving a written theory test and 12-carriage trains at peak times to driving ability test. increase capacity. Thirty-nine-year-old Ian, who has Unit number 450 113 will be worked for Stagecoach for almost six named ‘Fairbridge – investing in the years, came out on top, with second future’. The name was chosen in place going to Alex Anderson, of Pictured, back row from left, are Training Manager Wayne Lively, Managing Director Paul Lynch and recognition of South West Trains’ Cumnock depot, and third to Sylvia Driving Examiner Dave Earl. Pictured in the front row, from left, are Daniel, Denise and Nigel. long running support of Fairbridge, Tricker, of Ardrossan depot. The a charity, which gives a head start to winners each received a cash prize. The East Midlands competition was won from Mansfield depot received £100. young people living in disadvantaged This is the second time Ian has by Chesterfield depot’s Daniel Baines. It is an excellent achievement by the areas. taken part in the competition. He Ian Burns (left), Operations Manager Cumnock; He picked up £250, a trophy and a trio as the standard of competition was Stewart Palmer, South West Trains’ last represented the company at the and Ian Nicol. certificate for his efforts. particularly high. Managing Director, said: “The 17 2003 finals. However, second-placed Denise Daniel went on to represent Stagecoach extra trains will provide over 4,500 Ian Burns, Operations Manager local competition and get the chance to Hancock, from Worksop depot, didn’t go East Midlands in the national finals in extra seats for our passengers, which Cumnock, Stagecoach West Scotland, represent our company at the national away empty handed. She drove off with Blackpool, where he won the Youngest is a vital step towards dealing with said: “Ian did really well to win our finals.” £150, while third-placed Nigel Dutton National Finalist category. the issue of overcrowding.”

14 Autumn 06 us use in Scotland is growing Bas local people get back on board public transport as a result of partnership projects Scotland gets back across the country. The number of passengers using Stagecoach bus services in Scotland, where the company operates more than 1,300 vehicles, is up more than 4% compared to 2005. A series of joint projects with on board the bus local authorities, Regional Transport Partnerships and the Scottish Executive has sparked further huge growth in passenger numbers, with increases of the Bus Route Development Grant better infrastructure; and innovative Scotland. It shows what can be achieved bus travel for local people. These new up to 35% in some parts of Scotland. (BRDG) scheme. telemarketing programmes to attract when there is a strong partnership figures prove that the Kickstart concept The Scottish Executive has taken The initiatives have included people out of their cars. approach between good bus operators is growing the number of people forward Stagecoach’s Kickstart concept investment in new buses, with better Brian Souter, Chief Executive of and proactive local authorities. taking the public transport option and for targeted funding to support the accessibility, security and environmen- Stagecoach Group, said: “This is a “Stagecoach has been at the providing excellent value for money to introduction of new bus services under tal performance; improved frequencies; great public transport success story for forefront of new ideas on improving taxpayers.”“

New three-year partnership projects under Inverness with the increased frequency of Glenrothes have benefited from a £1.2 million WHAT THEY SAID way in the Highlands, North-east, Tayside, service. investment since March 2006 and passenger “ Fife and south-west Scotland have already had numbers are up 8% to date. Politicians at local authorities and Regional Transport Partnerships across a huge impact, including: • Improved ‘Coastrider’ services between • Service 99 between St Andrews and Dundee Scotland have welcomed the increase in bus travel. Stonehaven and Aberdeen, part of a £590,000 has resulted in passenger growth in excess of Highlands: project, have returned growth of 21% in just 37% in just five months. Charlie King, Chair of HITRANS, the Highlands and Islands Transport • A £883,000 joint project to improve bus five months. Partnership, said: “Hitrans aims to reduce the number of private car journeys services linking Old Hilton, New Hilton, South-west Scotland: and increase bus usage in line with its regional transport strategy. We Milton and surrounding areas to Inverness Perth: • A £546,000 joint project with Dumfries and welcome the investment in these partnership initiatives.” city centre has resulted in a 17% growth in • £820,000 improvements in services connecting Galloway Council to improve bus services Councillor Alison McInnes, Chair of NESTRANS, the transport partner- 11 months. North Muirton to Perth City centre, providing within Dumfries town centre has involved ship for Aberdeen City and Shire, said: “Buses play a vital role in getting people • Two key routes to Inverness from Milton, buses up to every five minutes, have sparked new vehicles and increased frequencies. It to work and providing access to essential services, while also providing a Invergordon, Alness, Evanton, Dingwall, an increase of more than 13% in passenger has resulted in a 2.5% increase in passenger sustainable alternative to car.” Conon Bridge and Maryburgh have benefited numbers since October 2005. numbers in the first three months of

from a £379,000 investment, sparking up to operation. Councillor Alan Livingstone, Convener of Perth and Kinross Council’s 30% growth since October 2005. Fife: • The new X16 service operating between Ayr, Enterprise and Infrastructure Committee, said: “Providing a satisfactory public • Service 747, a new bus route launched in Kilmarnock, East Kilbride and Hamilton has transport service is a partnership responsibility and we continually assess North-east: February 2006 between Inverkeithing railway carried around 165,000 passengers since its how effective the bus service is.” • Three routes between the Aberdeenshire, station, Ferrytoll Park & Ride and Edinburgh introduction on 30 January 2006. It has proved Moray and Highland areas have seen route Airport, is now used by more than 1,000 so popular that the frequency was increased in Fife Council’s transportation spokesperson, Councillor Jim Philp, said: “These and frequency improvements. The £3,875,000 passengers every week. May from hourly to every 30 minutes at peak additional innovative bus services are being very well received by Fifers and investment includes the introduction of 25 • Service 78 between High Valleyfield and times. it’s very encouraging to see the significant growth in bus travel.” new accessible coaches, the first fleet of its Dunfermline, which has an improved 15- kind on registered bus services in Scotland. minute frequency as part of a £645,000 The growth rates for the new projects are Councillor John Forteath, Vice Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Since July 2005, this has resulted in 8% overall project, has achieved passenger growth of significantly above the average rate for all bus use Planning and Environment Services Committee, said: “The Council recognises passenger growth and around a 20% increase 19% in just six months. across Scotland, which went up by 2% in 2004-05, the benefits of working in partnership with the Scottish Executive and in the section of route between Buckie and • Three key routes between Kirkcaldy and the most recent period for which data is available. forward-looking bus companies, such as Stagecoach West Scotland.” Long service awards

A long service dinner was held at the Kevin Allesbrook – Mansfield David Barrett – Hull Hassop Hall Hotel at Hassop near Bakewell. Clifford Hayes – Mansfield John Kurr – Mansfield East Midlands Presentations were made by Les Warneford, Stephen Huckerby – Mansfield Allan Parkinson – Hull Managing Director of Stagecoach UK Thomas Duckmanton – Mansfield Kevin Gadsby – Chesterfield Bus. Micheal Adams – Grimsby Raymond Hotson – Grimsby Qualifying staff for Long Service Anthony Woodcock – Worksop Trevor Hook – Mansfield Awards in 2005 were as follows: Alec Palmer – Mansfield 30 years’ service 40 years’ service Frederick Davy – Mansfield Retirees Stephen Tait – Hull Victor Jennings – Grimsby Betty Hatton – Worksop – 26 Years Barry Hastie – Hull Keith Bilton – Hull Gerald Brown – Worksop – 25+ years Gordon Hogarth – Hull Tony Stacey – Chesterfield – 45 Years. 35 years’ service Graham Short – Chesterfield 25 years’ service The award-winners gather at the Brian Barber – Chesterfield Dennis Singleton – Hull Hassop Hall Hotel. Yorkshire

The annual Long Service Presentation Malcolm Harrison – Shafton Philip Sunman – Barnsley Dinner was held at the Ardsley House Diane Pinder – Doncaster Leslie Warren – Rawmarsh Hotel, Barnsley, and proved to be a most Peter Wilks – Doncaster successful and enjoyable evening. 35 years’ service During the year, 31 employees achieved Stephen Carter – Banrsley 25 years’ service qualifying periods of long service, many Terence Crossley – Barnsley Carol Bainbridge – Rawmarsh of whom attended the function with Alan Greenhoff – Barnsley Harry Butcher – Shafton their partners to be presented with their Ian Roddis – Rawmarsh David Carrington – Huddersfield awards by Tony Cox, Managing Director, Peter Sykes – Rawmarsh Shaun Davies – Barnsley Stagecoach Yorkshire. Paul Denton – Rawmarsh Between them, the employees had 30 years’ service Harry Fisher – Barnsley attained 945 years’ service, as follows: John Allen – Barnsley Lorna Green – Huddersfield Philip Atkinson – Rawmarsh Keith Hopkins – Barnsley 40 years’ service Harold Dannatt – Rawmarsh Stephen Rymer – Barnsley Keith Binney – Barnsley Ronnie Graves – Doncaster David Sharland – Barnsley Pictured are several of the 25 year recipients, who attended the dinner, along with Tony Cox, Peter Burgess – Barnsley David Hardy – Barnsley William Slack – Barnsley Managing Director; Norman Cooke, Engineering Director; and Michael Power, Commercial Manager. Dennis Harrison – Rawmarsh Patricia Speight – Barnsley Paul Starkey – Barnsley.

Autumn 06 15 A great day was had by all as the Herne Bus data challenge Bay Bus Rally celebrated 90 years of bus transport in East Kent. Rallying round for anniversary celebrations for new recruit This was the sixth annual rally and it attracted a record breaking number of visitors, which exceeded 5,000. And Nicole Dryburgh, a teenager from total raised for the Demelza Hospice The event was opened by Councillor Demelza, cut the commemorative from the proceeds of the rally and Pat Todd and people enjoyed the cake with Christopher Heaps, Traffic collections on the day,” said Graham opportunity to ride many of the historic Commissioner for the South East and Young, who organised the event. buses around the town, as well as Paul Southgate, Managing Director for watching the cavalcade of vintage buses Stagecoach South East. led by a 1930 Tilling Stevens. “We are very grateful for all the Nicole Dryburgh and Christopher Heaps cut the Programmes were sold to raise help and support shown by everyone cake with, from left, Cllr Nick Eden-Green, Cllr money for the Sittingbourne-based involved in what was a very successful Pat Todd, Bride Price, Jennie Edwards, Cassie Demelza Hospice Care for Children. rally. We hope to soon announce the Goodwin, and Paul Southgate looking on. Depot mourns the loss of popular driver

Paddy retires after 40 years on the road

Ross Hitchcock. Paddy Mustin’s last day as a bus driver was on A new commercial assistant has joined a route he has come to know well. the team at Stagecoach in Oxfordshire He was behind the wheel of the No 19 to help evaluate data collected on the between Kettering and Desborough and, on bus network. completion of his sixth journey on the day Ross Hitchcock, from Headington, shift, locked away his cash box for the final graduated from Aston University with time – calling it a day after 40 years. Eric Rush. a degree in Engineering Product Design The longest-serving Stagecoach East driver Stagecoach in Warwickshire has been before joining Stagecoach in July. in Kettering officially retired on September 11 saddened by the loss of one of its most The 22-year-old will analyse data – his 62nd birthday. popular bus drivers, Eric Rush, who collected about passengers and bus “I shall miss the people,” Paddy told died in July. usage, which will enable Stagecoach to On Stage. “I have a good rapport with the Eric was based at the Rugby depot check services are meeting customer passengers and it is sad to say goodbye to and had been a driver with Stagecoach requirements and ensure the services are them all.” for nearly 39 years. correct for each area. He started in the bus industry in Kettering in February 1966, and spent the first two His career began in 1967 as a bus weeks as a conductor learning the routes. conductor for Midland Red after he He spent seven years on the Kettering to fancied a change from being a delivery Northern lights London service and, in more recent times, has driver and became a bus driver in 1969. been a regular on the No19 route. Eric had a real passion for the beckon Derek Paddy, who lives in Kettering, will have railways and would travel all over the more than enough to keep him busy in his country, visiting various locomotives retirement. and stations. He had considered working He restores Dinky and Corgi models, on the railways but, fortunately for enjoys DIY, gardening and walking, and has a Stagecoach, opted for the bus industry touring caravan. He and his wife, Carol, have a instead. son and daughter and five grand-daughters. Stagecoach in Warwickshire In a tribute to Paddy, Kettering Operations Managing Director Phil Medlicott said: Manager Brian Hadden said: “He is a really “Eric was an important member of the nice chap and I wish we had more like him. team and loved by everyone in the depot “He was very reliable, never off sick and and all the passengers. He will be sorely Paddy bids farewell to 40 years behind the wheel. never late.” missed and my sympathy goes out to his family.” Eric’s daughter Bev works for Stagecoach in the commercial office. Team challenge for CHAS Stagecoach team A Fife-based member of staff has swings to success John Bottomley wishes Derek well. played his part in raising thousands of pounds for charity. Colleagues and friends said ‘goodbye’ to Colin Tullis, based in the A team from Stagecoach in South one of Leamington’s most popular busmen Kirkcaldy booking office, was part Wales tested its golfing skills on this summer. of a team which organised a string of the prestigious St Pierre champion- But Derek Maynard isn’t leaving the charity events, including a sponsored ship course near Chepstow earlier company, just changing location – by walk, quiz night and disco. this year. heading almost 500 miles north to be based The team’s efforts – and Viv Wendes, Kevin Taylor, at the Stagecoach outstation of Elgin. contributions from Stagecoach and Russell Webber, and Tony Stead A former Bus Driver of the Year, local businesses – raised £2,400 achieved second place when they Derek (58) spent 11 years at Stratford and for Children’s Hospice Association entered the annual Confederation the last eight years at Leamington depot. Scotland’s (CHAS) Rachel House, of Passenger Transport Golf His new role is behind the wheel of the Kinross. Classic. interurban service between Inverness, Elgin The money will be used to The course has hosted many and Aberdeen. purchase a mobile hoist which professional events and tested His family, including grandchildren, allows patients to be lifted more many golfing greats. have all moved with him. easily while being cared for in their In the last four years, Stagecoach John Bottomley, Stagecoach Leamington own homes. in South Wales has won the event Operations Manager, said: “Derek was one once and for the last two years has of our most popular drivers, and staff and The team challenge participants present a gained a very creditable second customers will miss him.” cheque to CHAS. place.

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