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on stageononononononononononThe newsletter of Stagecoach Group
Issue 83 | January 2011
1
A feast of awardsSTAGECOACH Group is celebrating success after winning numerous high-profi le awards over the past couple of months. From the UK to North America, and from bus to rail, the Group has collected top honours at a number of prestigious award ceremonies. In this special front-page feature for On Stage, we are delighted to celebrate the wonderful achievements of our staff.
STAGECOACH won a host of top honours at the 2010 UK Bus Awards.
After winning the highest number of awards at the previous three ceremonies, the Group was again among the front-runners at the 15th annual London ceremony, winning three awards and taking four runner-up spots.
Stagecoach East’s successful X5 coach service was awarded the Express Coach Operation of the Year honour for the second year in a row, while Stagecoach Oxford’s popular Oxford Tube service � nished runner-up in the same category.
Stagecoach Manchester Engineering Director Darren Roe scooped the Engineer of the Year Award and Stagecoach’s ground-breaking Merseyside contactless payment scheme – in partnership with RBS WorldPay and Mastercard – won the Innovation Award.
Stagecoach Yorkshire � nished runner-up in the City Operator of the Year category, while Stagecoach South West’s Go2 service
honours at the 2010 UK Bus Awards.
The Apprentice
Spanner sensation
What a great deal
UK Bus apprentice Rebecca Marsh has won a prestigious national award.
The North West apprentice was named 2010 winner of the Transport Engineering and Maintenance category at the GoSkills Passenger Transport Apprenticeship Awards ceremony in Birmingham.
Stagecoach apprentices have now won the same award for � ve consecutive years.
Rebecca, who works at Stagecoach’s Kendal depot, is in her third year of the company’s UK Bus apprenticeship programme.
SOUTH West Trains has picked up three top ‘Golden Spanner’ awards.
The company won two of the honours for the best reliability of both its Class 444 and Class 455 trains, as well as the award for the most reliable former BR diesel multiple unit.
Its Salisbury depot also won a Silver Spanner award for the largest performance improvement in the last year in the category of former BR Diesel Multiple Unit, for the Class 158 � eet.
The ceremony, organised by industry magazine Modern Railways, awarded the highest distinction to South West Trains � eets in the three categories in which it has a � eet type.
MEGABUS.COM, Stagecoach Group’s market-leading budget inter-city coach service, has won a coveted travel deal award for the second year in a row.
The company’s business in North America came top in the Leading Provider of Outstanding Car Rental and Bus Deals category at the 2010 Travelzoo awards.
Spanner sensationtop ‘Golden Spanner’ awards.
What a great dealmarket-leading budget inter-city coach
was named runner-up in the Bus in the Countryside Award. In addition, Kent County Council was named runner-up in the Winning New Customers category for its partnership with Stagecoach East Kent and Hastings in the provision of bus services in Ashford.
Leading Driver Paul Cragg (left), Bedford Operations Manager Zoe Paget and Bedford Engineering Manager Wayne Bartrum collect the Express Coach Operation of the Year award for the X5 service.
A special award
Richard Martin (second from right) receives his accolade at the Route One Operator Excellence Awards.
A MANAGER whose leadership helped keep bus services moving despite devastating � oods has received extra-special recognition.
Stagecoach North West Operations Manager Richard Martin was recently presented with the Special Award at the 2010 Route One Operator Excellence Awards.
The honour recognised his determination to keep bus services on the road during the severe � ooding which struck Cumbria in November 2009.
Award judges stated: “Richard’s must-do attitude ensured that no village was without a bus, people got to work and children got to school.
Stagecoach North West Managing Director Paul Southgate added: “Richard’s commitment to providing lifeline local bus services for the people of West Cumbria is an example to all and he thoroughly deserves to be recognised for his hard work.”
A special awardhelped keep bus services moving
Celebrating success
has won a prestigious national award.
Award-winning apprentice Rebecca Marsh.
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Chris takes charge A wizard wheeze
On the ball
Santa saunter
Happy birthday
MANCHESTER’S Little Lever under-11s football team were delighted to receive new strips, thanks to sponsorship from megabus.com
STAGECOACH South West played its part in the Torquay Christmas lights switch-on by supplying an open-top bus for the event.
The bus was used by Palm FM DJs to warm up the Santas for their saunter through town and played a central role down at the harbour, where it hosted the event’s VIPs.
SCOTLAND’S Ferrytoll Park & Ride celebrated its 10th birthday in November with an event in its newly decorated waiting room.
The £25,000 waiting room refurbishment refreshed the décor and updated information
FORMER Stagecoach North West Managing Director Chris Bowles has taken on the top job in Manchester.Chris succeeds former Manchester Managing Director, Mark Threapleton, who was recently appointed to head up Stagecoach’s newly acquired East London Bus Group business.
Chris said: “I am delighted to be returning to the city where I started my career.
“Having worked for various divisions of Stagecoach in a number of roles over the past 14 years, I have built up an extensive bank of knowledge and experience which I intend to put to good use in Manchester.
“There is already an excellent team in place who have achieved a great deal, and I will be working closely with them to ensure that the company runs e� ciently and continues to deliver the highest standards of service to meet the requirements of our customers.”
Paul Southgate has now taken on the role of Managing Director at Stagecoach North West.
New Manchester Managing Director Chris Bowles.
HOCUS-pocus was in the air as Stagecoach Manchester held another Wizard Wednesday.
The event sees Manchester’s Magic Bus drivers swap their uniforms for pointy hats and cloaks before getting behind the wheel, in aid of the Everyman appeal.
Wizard Wednesday fans could also catch a glimpse of the brand new Wizard logo on the back of the newly designed Magic Buses.
The o� cial logo was recently unveiled by Manchester University student, Sophie Kellaway, whose Facebook petition to make Magic Bus
STAGECOACH Bluebird’s newly launched Jet Service has received another boost with the introduction of three new buses for the route, complete with leather seating, air conditioning, WiFi and luggage racks.
Stagecoach Bluebird Managing Director Andrew Jarvis said: “We have been delighted by the number of customers choosing to travel on the Jet 727 service and we are pleased to be making further improvements for our customers by investing in these new vehicles.”
Fresh boost for Jet Serviceanother boost with the introduction of three new buses for the route,
One of the new Jet Service buses in Aberdeen City Centre.
Stagecoach Manchester held another
displays making the facility an even more attractive option for people ditching their cars to use public transport. Since its opening in 2000, Ferrytoll has proved to be a great success as a Park & Ride facility. The number of parking spaces was doubled to over 1,000 in 2006 to meet the demand and, four years on, the facility is consistently at 80-90% capacity.
Happy birthdayRide celebrated its 10th birthday in
Chris takes charge
Stagecoach
under-11s football team were
its part in the Torquay Christmas lights
Half-century of serviceEAST Midlands Trains has said a
fond farewell to St Pancras Station’s longest-serving employee.
Train Dispatcher Dave Leader has retired after 48 years of service in the railway industry.
Dave, who lives in Watford, started his career in 1962, working at the Watford No 1 Signal Box.
He later moved to the Willesden Junction Box and – following a spell in the Control Centre at Euston Station and 15 years in the new West Hampstead Power Box – he moved to St Pancras, where he has worked since 1994.
To mark his retirement, the team at St Pancras presented Dave with a replica nameplate.
fond farewell to St Pancras Station’s
drivers wear wizard costumes was the starting point of the whole campaign.
Sophie was also awarded a free annual Unirider ticket as a thank you for her idea.
Wizard Wednesday, which has over 11,000 Facebook fans, will be once again be
supporting Stagecoach Manchester’s partnership with Everyman – the
prostate and testicular cancer campaign.
Throughout the day, wizards will be collecting donations for the worthwhile charity, and every penny raised will be put towards helping to fund life saving research.
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Metrolink joins poppy appeal
METROLINK’S ‘Lancashire Fusilier’ tram was decorated with poppies for a third consecutive year to support the annual Poppy Appeal.
Local councillors and members of the Royal British Legion gathered in Manchester to mark the event, alongside Metrolink Delivery Liaison O� cer (and former Royal Regiment of Fusiliers member) Anthony Dale.
They were also joined by Mr and Mrs Annis, whose son Simon was tragically killed while serving in Afghanistan.
The guard of honour for Metrolink’s specially decorated ‘Lancashire Fusilier’ tram.
Nigel Crow (right) with South West Trains Stakeholder Manager Phil Dominey.
Record-breakerISLE of Skye driver John Nicholson
may well hold the record for the longest service on the same route after operating Service 57 for an amazing 41 years.
John began his service in 1969 and has since carried three generations of children to school as well as many other passengers, all without any accidents.
Over the years he has also delivered bread and milk, as well as collecting sheep and cattle feed if required.
Steve Walker, Managing Director of Stagecoach in the Highlands, said: “With his friendly, unassuming manner and willingness to help at all times, he has been a model employee thus far and we hope to keep John for a few years yet!”
may well hold the record for the longest
Bus driver John Nicholson has spent more than four decades on the roads of Skye.
£1.4m upgrade for Honiton Station
PASSENGERS using Honiton Station are set to enjoy further improvements as the second phase of a £1.4 million project gets under way.
South West Trains is working with Devon County Council, Network Rail and the National Station Improvement Programme (Department for Transport funding) to create a more accessible station.
Improvements include a brighter and enlarged booking hall and new toilets with an accessible toilet and changing facilities. There is also provision for a retail unit and both platforms will be equipped with accessible ramps, making it easier for all passengers to use the station.
Extra cycling facilities will also be installed, equipped with shelters and CCTV.
are set to enjoy further improvements as the
Boxes of festive joyGENEROUS sta� at
Stagecoach Group’s Perth head-quarters have continued their long-running e� orts to give those less fortunate a happier Christmas.
The big-hearted workers once again donated dozens of shoeboxes full of goodies, which went to Blythswood Care’s Shoebox Appeal.
This year, the charity sent more than 100,000 boxes to underprivileged children and adults in Albania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Kosovo, Moldova, Pakistan, Romania and Serbia.
Boxes of festive joy
Stagecoach Group’s Perth head-
All aboard the Polar Express
HARD-working sta� at South West Trains and East Midlands Trains kept passenger services on track during the recent big freeze.
As well as doing their best to keep trains moving and passengers updated, the enthusiastic workers also gave their time to help clear platforms and stations of snow and ice.
At East Midlands Trains, a special ‘Polar Express’ train was called into action, taking a selection of managers and sta� up the Robin Hood line and stopping at each station to allow the team to clear the snow.
The East Midlands Trains Polar Express team.
HARD-working sta� at South West Trains and East Midlands Trains
When one door slams, another one opens
A SOUTH West Trains guard has raised over £2700 for the Help for Heroes charity through a series of fundraising activities.
Salisbury guard Nigel Crow saw the chance to make some cash for the good cause when the last-slam door train ran on the Lymington to Brockenhurst line.
He created a DVD of the special occasion and arranged for the heritage station sign from Lymington Pier station to be auctioned for Help for Heroes. Driver Kris Jendesen also helped by arranging for some merchandising to be sold at Salisbury station.
Bryn Parry, co-founder of Help for Heroes said: “Nigel’s wonderful fundraising is hugely welcomed. He should be
raised over £2700 for the Help for
congratulated and, on behalf of all those who the money will bene� t, thanked.
“Well done, Nigel – great e� ort!”
Fusilier’ tram was decorated with
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Brave drivers rewardedWEST Ham driver Azim Khan has
been praised for keeping a cool head during a bus blaze emergency.Azim grabbed an extinguisher and tackled a � re discovered on board a colleague’s bus as it arrived at Leamouth.
His actions earned him an East London Bus Group Certi� cate of Appreciation, but Azim wasn’t the only brave West Ham driver to receive a commendation recently.
Colleague Mohammed Khan also received a bravery award from the Sheri� of London for his part in apprehending a robber, while Paul Briggs stepped up to help a pedestrian who collapsed near his bus.
Meanwhile, controller Brian Smailes helped police catch someone who had assaulted a passenger on a route 287 bus, and Catford driver Steve Scholl was praised by a route 47 passenger for his exceptional courtesy and driving standards.
Rainham driver Wayne Haggerty was thanked by a passenger when a bus was delayed by an accident and Romford driver
been praised for keeping a cool head
Dave Rickson was thanked for his kindness and consideration towards a passenger who had been mugged.
Finally, Plumstead driver Derek Moore was praised for assisting a stroke victim on his bus while Waidi Nola of Barking was commended for extinguishing a � re started deliberately on his bus.
Azim Khan (right) receives his certi� cate from Garage Operations Manager Kevin Hollingshead.
NINE UK Bus apprentices were recognised at Stagecoach’s sixth annual Apprentice of the Year Awards ceremony in Manchester.
Third-year apprentice David Simpson from Stagecoach East Scotland capped a remarkable three-year apprenticeship by earning an award for the third consecutive year.
After achieving second prize in his � rst year and top prize in his second year, David picked up the third-year title ahead of second-placed Chris Cohen from Stagecoach Manchester
and Jason Thornton from Stagecoach South West, who was third.
First-year Apprentice of the Year was Jack Abbott from Stagecoach Manchester. Mark McCulloch from Stagecoach West Scotland � nished second while Ashley Leith from Stagecoach Yorkshire took third place.
The winner of the second-year title was Ryan Je� eries from Stagecoach South Wales, who � nished ahead of Adam Oldham from Stagecoach North West in second place and third-placed Sam Avison from Stagecoach East Midlands.
Apprentices earn awards for outstanding progresswere recognised at Stagecoach’s
for outstanding progress
Ryan Je� eries (left), David Simpson (front) and Jack Abbott show o� their awards.
Good paddling for Peter and pals
Lest we forget…ARMED forces veterans were
given free travel to Remembrance Day ceremonies, thanks to megabus.com
For the third year in a row, the Stagecoach service laid on transport to events in London, Edinburgh and Glasgow, joining forces with veterans’ charity Poppyscotland.
Ian Laing, Operations Manager for megabus.com, said: “Our servicemen and women have made huge sacri� ces over many years and many con� icts, and they continue to do so.
“It is only right that we help them remember those who were lost in action and we are pleased to be playing our part.”
STAGECOACH South West NVQ Coordinator Peter McIver successfully completed a 170-mile kayak challenge from London to Bristol, along with two friends.
The group completed the challenge in seven days and raised more than £1000 for the Devon and Cornwall Air Ambulance.
Coordinator Peter McIver successfully
Old bus boosts fl ood fundLONDON sta� turned back the clock
to raise £5,000 to aid victims of Pakistan’s devastating � oods.
Workers at the Upton Park garage sent a 1962 Routemaster bus out to tour the East Ham, Green Street and Ilford areas, giving passengers the chance to enjoy a nostalgic ride in return for donations to the Imran Khan Flood Relief Fund.
Sta� at Leyton garage collected £770 while West Ham raised £635.
Money was also raised by a charity meal at the garage, where sta� prepared food and donated £5 each.
to raise £5,000 to aid victims of Pakistan’s
Lest we forget…
given free travel to Remembrance
Quality at the top of the agenda
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Passengers love Peter
Three cheers for EMT
GRATEFUL passengers voted South West Trains Guard Peter Keegan as Customer Service Employee of the Year.
During National Customer Service Week in October, travellers were invited to nominate sta� who had gone the extra mile, and the response amounted to over 2000 letters and emails.
Peter, who’s been in the job for seven years, won the overall award for his outstanding contribution to customer service, with passengers praising his helpfulness and friendly attitude. His prize was a � rst-class trip to Paris.
The other � ve � nalists in the South West Trains Customer Service Awards were Booking Clerks Paul Tjader, Strawberry Hill; Terry Johnson, London Road Guildford; Sharon Pidgeon, Havant; Julian Morris, Stoneleigh and Drusilla
SOUTH West Trains has received a prestigious business excellence award from the British Quality Foundation branch of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM).
It’s the third time since 2006 that the company has earned the ‘Recognised for Excellence’ Four-Star Award after demonstrating a high level of management, strategic planning and leadership across the business.
Peter Keegan receives his award from South West Trains Director Andy Pitt (left).
EAST Midlands Trains vowed to continue making improvements for passengers as it celebrated its third birthday.
Managing Director Tim Shoveller (pictured) said: “Amongst the highlights of the last three years are the opening of two brand-new stations and the launch of a £22 million maintenance depot. We also embarked on a £30 million-plus programme of investment that will see all of our trains refurbished by the end of next year.
“Our performance has continued to go from strength to strength, but what I am most proud of is how the team has worked together to deliver these improvements, and how positively our passengers have reacted.
“Thanks must also go to our many partners and stakeholders and the many others who have helped to play their part in a successful � rst three years.”
AN EAST Midlands Trains employee raised over £5,000 to help train a puppy to become a life-transforming guide dog.
She� eld Revenue Protection O� cer Dave Hopwood collected over 900 old mobile phones to turn into cash, raising an impressive £3,000. He made another £2,000 selling oil paintings, hosting a ra� e, abseiling o� the Humber Bridge and even walking across hot coals!
Guide Dogs District Fundraiser Pam White said: “We are extremely grateful to Dave, his colleagues and of course the general public for their tremendous support and dedication to our cause.”
SHEFFIELD Supertram brought together the old and the new recently by introducing period livery on one of its vehicles.
The move helped celebrate the enormous contribution the vehicles have made to the city’s pro� le over the years.
MOVIE magic came to She� eld Supertram recently.
An Indian production crew making a new � lm entitled ‘Someday’ shot scenes on board one of the company’s trams.
Hodges, Worplesdon.Andy Pitt, who presented the winners with
their well-deserved awards said: “I would like to congratulate Peter and all of the � nalists for their fantastic e� orts in delivering the highest level of customer service.
“I would also like to thank all of our sta� who work extremely hard to deliver an excellent service to our passengers.”
improvements for passengers as it celebrated its third birthday.
Quality at the top of the agenda
the British Quality Foundation branch of the European Foundation for Quality
Puppy love
Dave Hopwood with one of the guide dog puppies.
employee raised over £5,000 to help
Old for new
On location
Supertram
Supertram recently.
Picture ofthe Season
THIS edition’s winning Picture of the Season was taken by Clive Maclennan who works for Stagecoach East Midlands.
It shows a bus at Gainsborough Depot during the recent Arctic conditions.
Congratulations to Clive who will shortly receive his prize of £50 of M&S vouchers.
If you think you have a picture that captures one of the four seasons, please send your image to Lindsay Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW, or email it to [email protected]
Congratulations to Clive who will shortly receive his prize of £50 of M&S
WIN A
£50VOUCHER
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Eco-busesacross UK
Greener diesel fuels eco-friendlier fl eet
AN £11.4 million investment is bringing new, greener buses to the UK.
Stagecoach is spending £9 million on a � eet of state-of-the-art greener hybrid electric buses for Newcastle and She� eld. This follows the award of more than £4 million in support funding from the Government’s Green Bus Fund, the largest successful bid outside London.
A � eet of 47 double-decker buses, which have 30% less carbon emissions than standard vehicles, will be manufactured and go into service by March. Some 26 of the new hybrid vehicles will run in Newcastle while 21 more will be introduced in She� eld.
Market-leading British bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis and BAE Systems have provided the technology behind the new low carbon buses, which feature an innovative regenerative braking system. The Enviro400H buses will be built at Alexander Dennis’s main manufacturing plant in Falkirk, Scotland.
In Scotland, Stagecoach is investing £2.4 million in 17 state-of-the-art greener hybrid diesel electric buses, following an award of around £1.5 million in support funding from the
RECYCLED vegetable oil is fuelling a green revolution on Merseyside’s public transport.
Stagecoach Merseyside and Merseytravel are conducting a two-year trial allowing six Stagecoach vehicles to run on a B30 biodiesel mix supplied by producer Convert2Green. The greener fuel includes 30% biodiesel from waste vegetable oil which reduces the overall CO2 emissions from the buses by up to 25% compared to standard diesel.
Stagecoach Regional Director Robert Andrew said: “We believe that new technology, such as the use of bio-fuel, and pro-bus policies are crucial if we are to get people to switch from the car on to our greener smarter services.”
Merseyside’s public transport.
Free energy-saving gadgets worth £30 up for grabs
WORK is under way to improve the facilities for passengers using Lincoln train station.
The project includes a complete refurbishment all toilets plus new, greener initiatives such as light and tap sensors to help reduce waste.
Waiting rooms will also receive a complete makeover and passengers will also bene� t from a new customer information centre on platform 3.
East Midlands Trains will be installing new automatic doors at the station entrance to provide easier access for passengers.
the facilities for passengers using
WE want to help you save money this year, so here’s how you can get your hands on two FREE energy-saving products. The LIME Energy Saving Plug turns
your appliances o� standby in one easy click via your remote control. The Water Widget takes less than � ve
minutes to � t and cuts the amount of water used by 70% (not suitable for low-� ow showers and some electric showers).
To apply for your free gadgets, go to www.freegreengadgets.co.uk register and use promo code ONSTAGE on the sign-up form.
Terms and Conditions Only one free product per mainland GB household (excluding NI) across all free standby and water saver o� ers from energy suppliers. Unfortunately we will not be able to process your application if you have previously received either product from an energy supplier and we are unable to notify you. O� er available to GB residents only. Please allow 28 days for delivery. Water Widget o� er excludes households who already own a water-saving shower device. O� er is subject to availability. O� er ends February 28, 2011.
this year, so here’s how you can get
Bio-bus is beating them all
Lincoln facelift
Cleaner vehicles
Scottish Government’s Green Bus Fund.Nine vehicles will operate on the
Stagecoach Gold service in Perth, with the rest running on the X19 service between Easterhouse and Glasgow city centre.
Les Warneford, Managing Director of Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “Buses and coaches already deliver a major carbon saving over using the car, but new technology is only part of the answer to the challenge of climate change.
“We also need better bus priority, improved bus speeds in our cities, and investment in park and ride if we are to maximise the potential of buses and coaches and make it more attractive for people to switch to public transport.”
STAGECOACH South West is investing more than £4 million in 36 new buses for Exeter.
The new � eet of stylish Alexander Dennis Enviro 200 single-deck vehicles will go into service on the Exeter City network. They have cleaner, greener engines and meet Euro 5 emissions standards.
investing more than £4 million in 36
AN ECO-friendly bus project earned Stagecoach a Travel and Transport Award at the 2010 Green Business Awards.
The accolade recognised the innovative Bio-bus scheme in Kilmarnock – the � rst UK project to run a � eet of buses on 100% biofuel made from used cooking oil and other food industry by-products, all from sustainable sources.
Judges noted that Stagecoach had “demonstrated that public transport can make a signi� cant contribution to reducing the country’s carbon dioxide emissions”.
Around 2 million passengers have used the Bio-buses since the project was introduced and more than 70 tonnes of used cooking oil has been recycled at East Ayrshire Council’s recycling
plant since the start of the project.Stagecoach UK Bus Regional Director Scotland Sam Greer said: “We are continuing to introduce further measures to ensure we can become an even more sustainable business while also attracting more people on to our greener, smarter bus services.”A Kilmarnock Bio-bus.
A hybrid bus which already running in Oxford.
on stageononon
Fingers on the Pulse: Pictured are, from left, Andrew Dyer, Mark Turner, Janis Paavel, Colin Stratford, Tom Bridge and John Purslow.
Jim’s 51-year journey ends
Strong pulse in Worthing
Drivers setting the Gold standard
COACH Canada recently said farewell to long-serving President Jim Devlin, who served the company for 51 years.
Jim joined Coach Canada in 1959 as Trentway-Wagar Inc., when the company operated three school buses.
He held many positions throughout the years, working his way up through management, and became President of the then Trentway Tours in 1965.
Under his leadership, Coach Canada expanded its � eet to over 200 coaches and nearly 200 school buses serving Ontario and Quebec.
“Jim has been a great mentor,” said Susan Adlam, Coach Canada’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
“He knows what customers want, and their needs always come � rst. He has been a hands-on President, and I am privileged to have worked with him for my 20 years with the company.”
A retirement party, attended by Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Brian Souter, was held in Toronto recently to honour Jim and his accomplishments.
Taking over as President is Don Carmichael, who brings 42 years of transport experience to the position.
Stagecoach Chief Executive Brian Souter bids farewell to Jim Devlin.
STAGECOACH East Midlands won the award for Best Project Developed in Partnership with the Private Sector at the Access Alliance Programme Awards.
The winning scheme o� ers free bus journeys through vouchers funded by the Access Alliance Programme to help people in reaching job interviews, as well as during their � rst weeks of employment in a new job.
Magical event
A £1.5 MILLION-PLUS investment has boosted the bus � eet in Stagecoach’s Worthing network.
Eleven new Enviro 300 single-deck buses have been given a new livery for the Pulse route.Stagecoach’s Regional Managing Director Andrew Dyer said: “Since the launch of the
Pulse service in 2006 the passenger numbers have grown year on year. We now carry over 27,000 passengers each week just on the Pulse route.
“I’m sure our customers will appreciate the shiny new buses.”
TWO Stagecoach Gold drivers have been highlighted as Gold Driver of the Year at their respective companies.
Stagecoach in Perth driver Darren Sharp came out as top Gold driver after feedback from sta� and customers showed he had excelled in all areas. Second-placed driver
in Perth was Alistair Dowie with Rodd Christianson third.
At Stagecoach West, driver Ian Phillips was awarded the Gold Driver of the Year award after performing impeccably during two driving assessments as well as receiving positive feedback from customers.
First steps on the career ladder
FOR the tenth year, Coach Canada took part in the annual Peterborough Festival of Trees – a community holiday tradition.
The festival raises around $200,000 for Peterborough Health Care by hosting a series of magical events and experiences created by volunteers and supported by the community. The theme for this year was ‘Whimsical Wishes’.
been highlighted as Gold Driver of the
in Partnership with the Private Sector at the Access Alliance Programme
Strong pulse in WorthingWorthing network.
took part in the annual Peterborough
uk bus / north america
7
Susan Adlam and Lyn Morrow of Coach Canada.Perth Operations Manager Gus Beveridge with Gold drivers of the Year Darren Sharp, Alistair Dowie and Rodd Christanson.
Driver Ian Phillips is congratulated by Stagecoach West Operations Director Sholto Thomas.
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Make saving money your New Year’s resolution!
A jingle-deckerSANTA swapped his sleigh for a
Stagecoach bus in Portsmouth over the festive period, greeting the public with festive cheer, much to the enjoyment of the younger children.
The Christmas bus also raised money for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.
Stagecoach bus in Portsmouth over the
EVERY year Scottish households throw away around £430 worth of food and drinks. Make it your New Year’s resolution to save that money for better things. Here are some tips to help you:
Plan weekly menus.• A small amount of time at home planning saves time at the shops and money.Write a shopping list and take it • with you. It will keep you on track with what you need to buy.Last night’s dinner, tomorrow’s • lunch. Save money, much tastier!Re-invent leftovers, make • them exciting. Visit www.wasteawarelovefood.org.uk to get some ideas.Know your dates.• ‘Best before’ is for quality. You can eat foods after this date but ‘Use by’ is for food safety and foods should not be eaten after this date.
For more hints and tips visit www.wasteawarelovefood.org.uk
megabus goes further
year Scottish
Growing interest in charity fundraisingSTAFF at Group headquarters were bristling
with excitement, thanks to the Movember campaign.
The fun event encouraged men to grow a moustache
throughout November to help raise awareness, and money, for cancers a� ecting men. To mark the end of the campaign, even some of the women at Perth HQ joined in – sporting fake ‘taches to help raise cash.
Santa heads o� for another shift.
with excitement, thanks to the Movember
Nominate champions who go the extra mileDON’T forget to nominate your Stagecoach Champions of
2011.We’re looking for champions in six categories (below) this year.To nominate your Champion, all you need to do is email your
suggestion to [email protected] can nominate yourself or one of your colleagues. Please include your own name, position and company, as well as
the same details for the person you are nominating. Then write a description of what the individual has done to deserve the award, including any information on the impact of their e� orts on the business.
Nominations close on March 31, 2011.
Stagecoach Champions of 2011 categories:
Safety Champion: Awarded to an employee who has championed good safety or excelled in dealing with a speci� c situation or incident.
2011.Environment Champion: Presented to an individual who has championed greener working practices and sustainability, such as by improving energy e� ciency, reducing the company’s carbon emissions or developing innovative ways to get people to switch from the car to public transport.
Community Champion: Recognises employees who have made a signi� cant contribution to the local community through charitable fund-raising or volunteering.
Health Champion: For the employee who has done most to promote employee health within the Group.
Customer Service Champion: Presented to the individual who has gone the extra mile to deliver exceptional customer service.
Innovation Champion: For the employee with best new business idea across the Group.
MEGABUS.COM in the US has extended its footprint in North America.
A new hub is being created in Washington DC with an expanded service to 11 new locations, while services from New York will link additional cities in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
Customers will be able to travel with megabus.com from Washington to Boston; Bu� alo, New York; Charlotte, North Carolina; Frederick, Maryland; Hampton, Virginia; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Knoxville, Tennessee; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina; Richmond, Virginia and Toronto in Canada. This means megabus.com will serve 14 cities from its Washington hub, o� ering multiple daily departures at fares from just $1 plus booking fee.
New York services are also being extended to cover Hartford, Connecticut and Amherst, Massachusetts, providing � ve daily departures and bringing the total number of cities serviced from the Big Apple hub to 15.
Routes to and from Pittsburgh and State College, Pennsylvania, will also be doubled to
four daily departures.Dale Moser, President and Chief Operating O� cer of megabus.com in North America, said: “megabus.com just keeps on growing as customers
look to make their dollar go further.
“We are delighted we have been able to expand
further in North America to bring our great value fares to more locations.”
extended its footprint in North America.
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CONTACTSEditor: Lindsay Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW
Email: [email protected]
If you have a story for On Stage, please contact Lindsay Reid as above.
The copy deadline for the next edition of On Stage will
be February 4, 2011.
Stewart’s justChampion
Helen steps upin North West
SOUTH West Trains Area Manager Support Clerk Stewart Legg has received his Stagecoach Champion award.
Stewart wasn’t able to attend the Group Management Conference at which the Champion Awards were handed out but has now been presented with his bronze Community Champion Award which he won for his work as a mentor to students in his local high school.
HELEN Hines has taken up her new role as Operations Manager at Stagecoach North West’s Preston and Fleetwood depots.
Helen completed the Stagecoach Graduate training programme, spending nine months with Stagecoach East Kent as a graduate trainee, followed by a year at Stagecoach Manchester.
She was appointed Operations Manager at Nuneaton Depot for Stagecoach before moving to the North West.
ChampionSupport Clerk Stewart Legg has
Hines has taken
THE SEARCH will soon be on to � nd the 2011 UK Bus Driver of the Year.
Over the coming months, individual operators will hold qualifying heats, replicating the challenges facing contestants in the National Finals.
These events are used to select the best drivers from each company to go forward to the � nal.
Stagecoach has an excellent record in this competition. Last year, Stagecoach West driver Sheila King � nished seventh overall, while Brian Hurcombe and Simon Furley were named the best drivers in Scotland and Wales respectively.
the 2011 UK Bus Driver of the Year.
Who’s best behindthe wheel in 2011?
Helen Hines.
STAFF from Stagecoach in Exeter have signed up to the ‘Step Change’ challenge to raise money for the NSPCC.
They’re facing a gruelling run up the 1,037 steps of
London’s iconic ‘Gherkin’ building. The team, called the ‘Stagecoach Stars’, need to raise at least £1,000, and donations can be made online at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/stagecoachstars
signed up to the ‘Step Change’ challenge to
Grand goal for game gherkin go-getters
CONGRATULATIONS go to 20 Stagecoach South Wales drivers who recently achieved the NVQ Level 2 in Passenger Carrying Vehicle (Bus and Coach).
In addition, Assessor Lewis Phillips received a Level 4 in Conducting Internal Quality Assurance of the Assessment Process.
Stagecoach South Wales drivers who
Top marks for drivers
followed by a year at Stagecoach Manchester.
The quickfi re round – Alice Hill
Who are you?
Alicia Hill, Customer Service Supervisor
Stagecoach in East Kent & East Sussex,
based at Canterbury bus station.
What do you like most about your
job?Bringing a smile to customers’ faces.
What do you like least about your
job?Not being able to operate routes due
to adverse weather conditions or events
beyond our control. It’s so frustrating!
Favourite TV show?
Gavin and Stacey.
Biggest achievement?
Winning the netball defence cup for the
last 12 years.
Worst job?
Working for a haulage and removal
company with little support from the
management.
Most embarrassing moment?
My � rst ever ‘how to use the bus to
get to school’
presentation
to around 300
parents at a Kent
Grammar School.
I couldn’t stop
the microphone
from shaking
and forgot my
speech! Dream job?
Physiotherapist for Liverpool Football
Club.Favourite animal?
Meerkat … simples!
Most like to be stuck in a lift with?
Steven Gerrard.
The Quick� re Round features in every
edition of On Stage and we want to
hear from as many sta� as possible.
To suggest the next participant, email
last 12 years.
management.
speech! Dream job?
Meerkat … simples!
Pete has a new scheduleSTAGECOACH East Midlands has marked the
early retirement of one of its longest-serving members of sta� .
Pete Grant served as a Scheduler for nearly four decades, and colleagues gathered to mark his retirement with a special dinner.
East Midlands Managing Director Gary Nolan said Pete had made a huge contribution to the company.
early retirement of one of its longest-serving members
Gary (right) congratulates Pete.
