Top of the Scots 2 VIP passenger 5 Tree-mendous effort 8-9 Tribute to Trina 11

The newspaper of Stagecoach Group Issue 71 Summer 08

PAGE 4SPECIAL FEATURE

A MAJOR new drive has been launched by Stagecoach Group to cut its carbon footprint and attract more people to greener, smarter public transport.

Work has started on developing a Group-wide carbon management programme to improve the environmental sustainability of the company’s operations.

And there are plans for a major marketing campaign to use the superior environmental performance of public transport to encourage intelligent car use and more use of buses, coaches, trams and trains.

Climate change is one of the most serious challenges facing our world and the choices we all make every day – including how we get to work and the way we travel on holiday – affect the planet we will entrust to future generations.

Government studies such as the Stern Review and the Eddington Report have made clear that emissions from transport are growing. They also show that we can achieve significant economic and social benefits from more environmentally sustainable ways of living.

Public transport is an important part of the solution, and Stagecoach is already working with the Government, local authorities and its suppliers to develop a range of transport solutions.

The Group’s wide-ranging environ-mental strategy already includes investment in renewable fuels and cleaner engines, state-of-the-art energy-efficient facilities, water and waste recycling initiatives and offering businesses green travel incentives for their employees.

The climate change strategy is being updated and Stagecoach is committed to introducing a Group-wide carbon management programme.

The company has formed an internal cross-functional working group and is using external consultants to more accurately assess greenhouse gas emissions, fix new key performance indicators and targets, and share best practice across divisions.

Brian Souter, Stagecoach Group Chief Executive, said: “Recent research by Stagecoach has confirmed that environmental concerns are increasingly driving customer behaviour.

“If environmental issues are important to our customers, they have to be important to us as a business.

“We believe this represents a significant opportunity for our business and we need to actively market our greener smarter travel services to show how they can help people have a greener lifestyle and cut their own carbon footprint.”

AN ARMADA of kayaks welcomed a pair of paddlers back from a marathon charity adventure.

The well-wishers greeted Dave Stannard and Adam Plant from East Midlands Trains as they arrived at Sheffield Quays.

The flotilla marked the end of a 275-mile journey for the

Krazy Kayakers, who made the London to Sheffield trip to raise £2500 for the premature baby charity BLISS.

Adam said: “I know that money will be put to the very best of use.

“I don’t mind admitting that this has been the single most difficult experience of

my life. It seemed at times like everything was against us, from bad weather to all those dreaded locks. But I’m so proud of what we have achieved.”

To find out more about the Krazy Kayakers, read their blog or even make a donation, visit www.krazykayaks.blogspot.com

WHAT A RESULT!New figures

reveal business is booming

GROUP PLAN TO CUT CARBON FOOTPRINT

Paddle power pulls in the poundsAdam Plant (left) and Dave Stannard paddled 275 miles for charity.

STAGECOACH Group is set to offer a new SAYE sharesave scheme for UK-based employees.

The new SAYE scheme – which will commence on 1 October 2008, and run for three years – is being offered in partnership with Yorkshire Building Society.

It is proposed that SAYE options will be offered at a discount to the

share price fixed on 4 August 2008.Information and posters will be

sent to all depots at the end of July, and full application details will be sent to all UK employees on 5 August.

Registration for the scheme will close on 25 August at 5pm, with the first contributions collected from wages during September.

NEW SHARESAVE PLANNED

Summer 082

STAGECOACH Group has been named Scottish plc of the year.

The company received the prestigious accolade at the 10th annual Scottish Business Insider and PricewaterhouseCoopers Scotland plc Awards in April.

Stagecoach was also runner-up in the Innovation category of the awards, which were held at Glasgow’s Hilton Hotel.

The Group beat off competition from Wood Group and last year’s winner Aggreko to win the top award.

The judges described Stagecoach as “a company that participates in the whole economy in Scotland” and paid tribute to Chief Executive Brian Souter’s entrepreneurial leadership in developing new services in a traditional sector.

Brian Souter said: “I am delighted Stagecoach has been recognised with such a prestigious award.

“For the past three decades, Stagecoach has been a market leader in developing new ideas in public transport and delivering first-class service to our passengers.

“This award would not have been possible without the huge commitment of our employees

here in Scotland and across our international operations, as well as the support of our shareholders, transport partners and customers.”

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, John Swinney MSP, who presented the awards, said: “This government is acting to make Scotland more competitive, but we will depend on the creativity and dynamism of the private sector to drive increased sustainable economic growth.

“That’s why I am delighted to see these business people and the companies they run receiving the recognition they thoroughly deserve.”

Frank Blin, Head of UK Regions for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, added: “In the ten years that we have held the plc Awards we have experienced seismic changes in Scotland’s plc community.

“Some have enjoyed immense growth and success on a global stage, whilst others have been lost to foreign buyers.

“Companies like Stagecoach are a great example of how a home-grown, family business can embrace the public markets to fuel growth both here and internationally.”

STAGECOACH Devon always tries to make travelling by bus a pleasant and relaxing experience, but now it can be a stimulating one as well.

The company has teamed up with the Faculty of Arts at Plymouth University to showcase the work of some of its final year students on the county’s bus network over the summer.

The project was the idea of student Pauline Chee-A-Nam. She approached Stagecoach Devon about the possibility of using the digital LED information boards on the company’s fleet to show her project ‘Art Movement’, a series of messages designed to make the passenger think and hopefully smile over the course of their journey.

The displays mirror the Poems on the Underground that have proved

such a success in London, and were launched in the city to mark the opening of the university’s new highly acclaimed Roland Levinsky arts building on the main campus in the city’s North Hill area.

A double-decker Stagecoach bus was draped in banners advertising the students’ final year degree show, with samples of the work displayed in the cove panels onboard. The bus carried members of the press, students and dignitaries from the university’s site at Royal William Yard to the official unveiling ceremony of the Levinsky building.

Pauline said: “Given I’m just a student I really didn’t expect the company to be interested, but they were fantastic. I think it is great that they are so supportive of the arts and the launch was overwhelming.

Importantjob for JohnEAST Midlands Trains has appointed John Hillman to the newly created position of Stakeholder Development Manager.

John has worked in the rail industry since 1983 in a variety of retail and customer service management roles and more recently as Head of Drivers for Central Trains.

He said: “I believe that the future is full of opportunities for the rail industry.

“Our engagement with our stakeholders will have a significant impact on us growing passenger numbers and allowing us to deliver a sustainable travel network for the benefit of all.”

David Horne, Commercial Director for East Midlands Trains, added: “Appointing a dedicated Stakeholder Development Manager was one of our franchise bid commitments and I am delighted to welcome John to my team.

“He will play a key role in achieving our business targets.”

New head for megabus.comMATT Eggert has moved from Chicago to New Jersey to head up megabus.com in the United States in the position of Operations Manager.

He has successfully managed the megabus.com network in Chicago, overseeing its growth over the past two years, and he will now be at the heart of the development of the new north east network.

Matt is moving to the Elizabeth, NJ, operations depot where has been overseeing the driver training and the launch of the new customer service centre.

Coach USA appoints CFOROSS Kinnear has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer, North America.

Reporting to Dale Moser, Chief Operating Officer, Coach USA, Ross will be principally based at the company’s offices in Paramus, New Jersey.

Ross, who was previously at Stagecoach headquarters in Perth, is now responsible for all the financial affairs of the Group’s North American business and his direct reports are now Bill Budds, Jerry Lunanuova and Elena Berezhnaya.

Meanwhile, Nicola Salmond, previously Financial Accounting Manager at Stagecoach Group, has been promoted to Group Financial Controller, reporting to Ross Paterson (Director of Finance).

Nicola is now responsible for all aspects of Group accounting, financial reporting, business planning, budgeting and forecasting.

TOPPING THE LEAGUEOF SCOTLAND’S PLCS

Budding artists on the move

Student Pauline Chee-A-Nam records the launch of Stagecoach’s art on the buses.

“A bus journey can often be a time to sit and collect our thoughts and it’s during these reflective moments I’m hoping to catch people’s attention and give them something to enjoy.”

Richard Stevens, Operations

Director at Stagecoach Devon, said: “The project caught our imagination and it’s nice to be able do something for budding local artists while giving passengers something different to consider during their journey.”

A CHELTENHAM leading driver had to be shown the ropes for a daring charity event.

But James Heaney soon rose to the challenge of a 100-foot abseil from the top of a local church, raising £213 for The Stroke Association.

“When I was at the top I was very nervous,” admitted James.

“Being asked to lean back when

you’re stood on the top of a 100-foot-high church tower isn’t the most natural thing in the world.

“However, once I got going, there was no stopping me. Two bounces later I was at the bottom!”

The Stroke Association helps people affected by stroke get the care and support they need.

For further information, visit www.stroke.org.uk.

Say your prayers! James Heaney takes the plunge from St Barnabas Church in Tuffley, Gloucester.

YOUNG athletes aiming for the top are getting off to a flying start thanks to Stagecoach and South West Trains.

The two companies are providing free or reduced-cost travel through the Hampshire Talented Athlete Scheme. The initiative has been spearheaded by Sport Hampshire and Isle

of Wight in partnership with Hampshire County Council, Southampton City Council and Portsmouth City Council.

Stagecoach is providing up to 25 bus passes for use by up-and-coming athletes across its buses in Hampshire, while South West Trains is pitching in with up to 200 Young Person’s Railcards.

Travel aid for promising stars

Free or cheaper travel is helping Hampshire’s young athletes get the support they need to succeed.

Summer 08 3

GREEN TRAVEL GAINS GROUND

CONSUMER concerns about the environment and health are helping drive a shift from car travel to greener public transport, according to new research.

More than 10% of people surveyed by Stagecoach Group have changed their mode of transport in the last three years as public concern about climate change continues to grow in the UK.

Stagecoach found that, of those who had previously used the car, 36% had switched to the bus, 30% now walked and 5% changed to travel by train.

The study of more than 4,000 consumers revealed that 12% of respondents changed mode as a result of environmental consid-erations, while 20% cited health reasons.

Some 47% of respondents said they were using their car less, with 36% stating an increased use of buses

and 19% said they made more use of trains.

Research also found that:

with a company whose ethics supported the environment

more for public transport that is environmentally sustainable

the car to the bus if it was fuelled by biodiesel.

Brian Souter, Stagecoach Group Chief Executive, said: “These results confirm that environmental concerns are increasingly driving customer behaviour and a growing number of people are now making more intelligent use of the car.

“With increasing car congestion and high fuel prices, we are starting to see a fundamental shift towards public transport.

“We believe there is significant

DAVID Maxwell is East Midlands Trains’ new Safety and Environ-mental Director.

David (44), who’s originally from Liverpool, was most recently Head of Safety and Environment for Westinghouse and has worked in the rail industry for over 20 years.

His latest move marks a full circle for David as he spent part of his early railway career as a British Rail Management trainee based at Derby back in 1987.

David said: “I have worked in many roles in the industry from the footplate to the boardroom and I want to make a true difference to our safety record and environmental impact.

“I believe that, by engaging with our staff, we will drive improvements in these two key areas.”

David lives in Tamworth and has two teenage sons. He is a member of the Territorial Army where he is a Sergeant in 275 Railway Troop, part of the Royal Logistic Corps.

In his spare time he also finds time to play rugby union and enjoys travelling and hill walking.

PASSENGERS buying through rail tickets with East Midlands Trains and Eurostar are helping to swell the number of people travelling to Europe via rail to an all-time high.

Eurostar has reported an increase in passenger numbers as the opening of St Pancras International station and the debut of a £5.8 billion high-speed link through south England lured more passengers from the region to travel to the continent by rail.

Eurostar said 2.17 million customers travelled between London, Paris and

Brussels in the first three months of the year, an increase of more than 21.3% on the same period in 2007.

Simon Montague, Eurostar’s Director of Communication, said the service was benefiting from shorter journey times thanks to the high-speed link.

“We have seen the number of travellers from the East Midlands and Yorkshire more than double in the first three months since we started running 186mph services on High Speed 1,” he added.

Youth Club donation is just the ticketSOUTH West Trains has put Hampshire youngsters on the right track.

A donation from the rail operator has helped to set up a new youth club in Portchester.

The contribution was instigated by Dave Cannons, who works for South West Trains at London Waterloo station.

Dave secured the £2,000 donation to fund laptops with educational software.

Sarah Moss, Centre Manager for the Westlands Youth Group, said: “Funding for organisations such as ourselves is vital and we would like to express our thanks to South West Trains for its donation.

“Membership has now reached over 50 with weekly sessions where young people enjoy not only the wireless-enabled laptops but play pool, table tennis, table football, arts, crafts and games.”

Mark Dunn, South West Trains’ Area Manager, added: “It’s vital that we give young adults something constructive to do in their spare time and the Westlands Youth Centre provides youngsters with a fun and educational experience, which cuts down the dangerous pastime of using the railway as a playground.”

opportunity to attract more people to greener, smarter travel to help them reduce their carbon footprint and tackle the challenge of climate change.”

The survey results were revealed as Stagecoach continued a major drive to make its own business more sustainable and attract more people

to travel by bus, coach, train and tram.

The Group’s wide-ranging strategy includes investment in renewable fuels and cleaner engines, state-of-the-art energy efficient facilities, water and waste recycling initiatives and offering businesses green travel incentives for their employees.

Public transport is ahead of cars in the race for greener, smarter travel.

Continental shift to railas Brits flock overseas

St Pancras International station has put many more Europe-bound passengers on the trains.

Safety first

YOUNG rugby enthusiasts have been given a smart boost by their local bus company.

Stagecoach in Fife teamed up with Beath High School’s rugby team, the Beath Bulls, to provide them with brand new kits.

Lauren Kobilnyk, Marketing Manager for Stagecoach East Scotland, said: “We are keen to support the local community and saw this sponsorship as an opportunity to contribute to the development of young people in the area.

“We’d like to wish the team all the best for the remaining season and hope they are happy with the new kits.”

Grateful Beath Bulls coaches Allan Neill and Michael Rankin added: “With the support from Stagecoach in Fife, the Bulls will continue to grow in strength and we sincerely thank them for their support and the wonderful opportunity this has provided.”

The Beath Bulls show off their new Stagecoach-sponsored strips.

Kit is scrumthing special

Summer 084

ECO-UNEASE FUELS SUPERB RESULTSSTAGECOACH Group has posted a strong set of financial results as high fuel prices, rising congestion and concerns over climate change drive more people to switch from the car to bus and train.

Revenue from the Group’s continuing operations shot up by more than 17% for the 12 months ending April 30, 2008, while profit before taxation jumped from £162m to £174.4m.

Stagecoach recorded its sixth successive year of organic growth at its UK Bus division, with an extra 21m passengers getting on board – a rise of 3.6%.

Strong partnerships with local authorities, coupled with innovative services and the success of its telemarketing campaigns, have also contributed to the huge return to public transport.

The Group’s rail division, which now includes the South Western and East Midlands rail franchises as well as tram operations in Sheffield and Manchester, had a very strong year.

Revenue from UK Rail was up 36.1%, while Virgin Rail Group (VRG), in which Stagecoach has a 49% shareholding, also performed strongly.

Stagecoach’s share of VRG’s profit was up from £18.9m in

STRONG PERFORMANCE AS TRAVELLERS DITCH CARS FOR BUSES AND TRAINS

STAGECOACH North West will have no fewer than three entrants in this year’s Bus Driver of the Year competition.

West Cumbria driver Brian Kirkwood, Morecambe driver Martin Shaplin and Carlisle driver John Murray have all qualified in local heats.

And the trio will be hoping to topple Arriva’s defending champion Paul Cleaver at the awards ceremony in Blackpool on September 7.

The national competition, now in its 42nd year, is designed to test

the driving skills and knowledge of entrants and at the same time help to raise standards in the bus and coach industry.

Entrants are tested on their ability to handle full-sized buses in difficult situations and are given a thorough grilling on their knowledge of road safety law and the Highway Code.

Stagecoach North West Managing Director Chris Bowles said: “All three have worked really hard to qualify for the competition and we wish each of them well in September.”

NEARLY four centuries of service were celebrated at a event in South Wales recently.

Pictured at the Stagecoach in South Wales long service awards dinner on June 7 are (back row, from left): Richard Davies (Commercial Director); Melvyn Hockey (Brynmawr Driver) – 25 years’ service; Phillip Pitman, (Porth Driver) – 20 years; Merlin Jones (Brynmawr Engineering) – 30 years; Derek Chick (Porth Driver, retired) – 45 years; Albert Williams (Caerphilly Leading Driver) – 20 years; Andrew Rapado

(Revenue Protection Inspector) – 20 years; John Gould (Managing Director); David Howe (Engineering Director) – 20 years; Alan Seymour (Cwmbran Engineering, retired) – 22 years. Front row, from left: Ivor Williams (Cwmbran Driver) – 20 years; Peter Owen (Merthyr Driver) – 34 years; Barrie Ware (Caerphilly Inspector) – 20 years; Terry Watkins (Cwmbran Driver and union rep, retired) 44 years; Wayne Evans (Cwmbran Driver) – 35 years; Lincoln Alford (Cwmbran Engineering) – 39 years.

2007 to £32.2m in 2008 as passenger volumes on the West Coast franchise continue to grow.

Both operating profit and margins were up in the Group’s North American business where growth has continued in sightseeing, charter, contract, commuter and scheduled services.

Increased profits across the Group are being ploughed back into better services for passengers, including a record £71m order for new buses in 2008-09 and investment of around £180m in improving rail

services over the lifetime of the South Western and East Midlands franchises.

Stagecoach Chief Executive Brian Souter said: “We believe there are growing signs of a fundamental positive shift in customer attitudes towards public transport, driven by increasing road congestion, rising fuel costs and concern about climate change.

“We are leading the sector in offering customers greener, smarter travel to reduce their carbon footprint.

“We have strengthened our position as a leading UK rail operator, generating strong revenue growth, winning new contracts and offering consistently high quality of service to our customers

“In North America, we are encouraged by the continuing strong performance of our business and we have achieved our objective of an improved operating margin ahead of schedule.”

In May/June last year, the Group completed a significant return of value to shareholders. Adjusted

earnings per share for the year are up more than 70% and the proposed full-year dividend has increased by over 30%.

Stagecoach Group Chairman Robert Speirs said the new financial year to April 30, 2009, had started well and “trading across the Group is in line with our expectations.”

Robert added: “I would again like to thank our hard-working employees across our operations who ensure we meet the high ex-pectations of our customers every day.”

2008 RESULTS FACTFILE

£1,763.6m

Strong passenger volume and revenue growth at South Western and East Midlands Trains

Performance objectives in North America achieved ahead of schedule

Expansion of budget inter-city coach service megabus.com in North America

Continued strong revenue growth on Virgin West Coast franchise

Three-way tussle to land top spot

Centuries of service celebratedChris Bowles (left) congratulates Martin Shaplin, Brian Kirkwood and John Murray.

Door to doorSOUTH West Trains and Island Line Trains, both Stagecoach Group rail companies, are to offer an innovative door-to-door luggage delivery service.

They have teamed up with Carry My Luggage, an independent company that can collect and distribute baggage to and from any UK address. It can also deliver and collect luggage for some cruise operators at Southampton Docks.

Carry My Luggage removes the hassle normally associated with travelling with luggage by collecting items prior to travel and delivering them safely to their destination.

With its state-of-the-art tracking systems, Carry My Luggage monitors every item from collection through to delivery, ensuring security and peace of mind.

Visit www.carrymyluggage.com for more details.

Summer 08 5

Rupert Cox, Commercial Director for Stagecoach Yorkshire, joins Mayor of Dronfield Cllr Izzy Pryce and Geoff Pickford, Integrated Transport Manager for Derbyshire County Council, to launch Dronfield’s new fleet of buses.

STAGECOACH Group is ahead of the game when it comes to protecting the environment.

More than a year ahead of schedule, the company announced it is to invest in greener bus technology to meet new European emissions.

The Group confirmed the first part of a £71m investment in a fleet of 584 new vehicles for the UK during 2008-09 – the biggest ever order placed by the company.

Stagecoach has initially ordered nearly 500 vehicles with a total value of more than £60 million from manufactur-ers Alexander Dennis (ADL), Optare, MAN, Plaxton, Scania and Volvo. The remainder of the £71 million orders will be confirmed later this year.

The initial order includes an investment of over £30 million in more than 220 new buses and coaches that meet tough new Euro 5 emissions standards, which are not due to come into force until September 1, 2009.

These vehicles will use selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology to reduce nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas.

The engine is optimised for low emissions of diesel particulates and low fuel consumption and, by adding a reducing agent, the nitrogen oxides produced during combustion are converted into harmless nitrogen and water vapour within a catalytic converter.

Les Warneford, Managing Director of Stagecoach UK Bus, said: “We believe there is huge potential to encourage more people to reduce car use, get back on board the bus and help address the challenge of climate change.

“By re-investing our profits in greener bus technology, we will make our own operations more sustainable and help reduce the carbon footprint of our customers.”

Honoured passenger welcomed on board

EAST Midlands Trains recently played host to a very special passenger.

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet travelled on the company’s 14.55 from St. Pancras Interna-tional to Nottingham.

The spiritual leader was going to the city to give five days of teachings.

The Dalai Lama is shown being welcomed by Tim Shoveller, Managing Director of East Midlands Trains.

A VIP guest did the honours as a new fleet of hi-tech buses hit the road in Dronfield, Derbyshire.

The Mayor of Dronfield, Cllr Izzy Pryce, helped to launch the new buses, featuring a special Peel Monument livery.

The MAN/E300 buses meet tough European emissions standards, marking a real move forward for public transport in the area. They are designed to be fully accessible to elderly passengers, people with disabilities and families with young children.

Stagecoach Yorkshire’s newest fleet cost over £500,000, and Cllr Pryce believed Stagecoach’s investment in the service, connecting Dronfield with Chesterfield and Sheffield, will lead to further passenger growth across the town.

Rupert Cox, Commercial Director for Stagecoach Yorkshire, added: “This service has seen significant growth since 2003 and, with this investment, we hope to make Stagecoach buses even more accessible for passengers in Dronfield.”

STAGECOACH Manchester helped the drive to beat breast cancer by joining the Pink Pinkie Week Campaign.

To show support for the Genesis Appeal, which runs Pink Pinkie Week, the company donated £500 and painted the front left wheel nut guard pink on 50 of its buses.

Staff also lent a hand by rattling their pink collection boxes and swapping their uniforms for pink outfits.

The Genesis Appeal, based at Wythenshawe Hospital, is the UK’s only breast cancer charity entirely dedicated to the prevention of the disease and aims to create a future without breast cancer.

Lester Barr, Chairman of The Genesis Appeal, said: “Genesis is delighted with the support that Stagecoach Manchester gave.”

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in British women, with one in ten likely to develop the condition.

GREENER BUSES LEAD THE WAY

Charity support is wheely special

In the pink: Mark Threapleton, Managing Director of Stagecoach Manchester, is joined by Genesis Corporate Fundraising Co-ordinator Tamzin Morris (left) and Wendy Henshall, Genesis Campaign Manager, to add a splash of colour to a bus.

The Pryce is right for fresh investment

Ian meets chartered challengeIAN Day, the Operations Manager based at Stagecoach’s Ashford depot, has been elected as a Chartered Member of the Institute of Logistics and Transport (CMILT).

Ian, from Margate, was with Thanet Council’s Community Transport service for 10 years before his appointment as Operations Manager with Stagecoach in 2006.

He gained his certificate after proving the necessary experience within the transport industry and the competence and profes-sionalism required within his present role.

Ian, whose team of 67 drivers and administration personnel operate a fleet of 30, said he was delighted with the accolade.

“The acceptance into the Institute offers a range of services and access to a vast library of information and research that will enhance the way we can approach the day-to-day challenges of running a bus network,” he added.

Egg-citement over British breakfastFIRST-CLASS passengers on East Midlands Trains can still start their day in the traditional way.

As the rail operator’s London service prepared to launch a new First Class menu, speculation was rife that the full cooked British breakfast was to be dropped.

But the classic dish is still on the bill of fare, as Customer Service Director Jake Kelly explained.

“Feedback from passengers told us that, although many wanted to see lighter breakfast options, a significant number still loved our cooked British breakfast,” said Jake.

“The breakfast is cooked fresh on board by a chef and we will also be retaining the buffet cars on our high-speed train fleet.

“I believe this shows we are a train company who are not only committed to providing a fantastic service, but also listen to what customers want and then deliver it.”

Summer 086

SHARED CENTRE IS A GREAT MOVEEAST MIDLANDS TRAINS has moved a number of key staff to Network Rail’s new control centre in Derby.

Gavin Bell, Head of Train Service Delivery for East Midlands Trains – whose Control Team has moved to the centre – said: “This new joint control centre provides a fantastic opportunity for both East Midlands Trains and Network Rail to improve com-munication with its customers.

“Controllers from both companies will be sitting side by side, sharing information and being able to work quickly together to manage the day-to-day operation of the railway.

“An additional benefit will be that both performance management teams will also be based in the same location for the first time ever, providing the opportunity for an increased management focus.”

Gavin will be working closely with Chris Jackson, Operations Manager for Network Rail at the East Midlands Control Centre (EMCC). Establishing a senior management presence at the centre is part of East Midlands Trains’ strategy of providing

management support for staff throughout the business, and not basing all managers at one head office function.

Mr Jackson said: “In all the other parts of the country where Network Rail has introduced integrated control centres with the local train operators, the performance of trains has increased dramatically.

“Sitting alongside our train company colleagues means that, when we need to make decisions affecting their services, it’s far quicker and easier than having to pick up the telephone.

“The end result is a much better train service for passengers, with delays and disruption kept to a minimum.”

The EMCC building is the first of its kind in the UK. It has been built to a modular design, enabling Network Rail to provide modern facilities at an efficient cost and is the first of a number of similar control centres planned around the country.

It is Network Rail’s greenest ever building, incorporating solar water heating to reduce carbon emissions and rainwater harvesting to save a million litres of water every year.

PASSENGERS using three key routes in Coventry are to benefit from some of the city’s biggest ever bus service improvements, thanks to a new partnership agreement.

Stagecoach, transport authority Centro, Coventry City Council and Warwickshire County Council have all endorsed the Voluntary Partnership Agreement, committing to provide quality bus services on routes 55, 56 and 57.

Thanks to a £1.8 million investment, customers using the

enhanced Matrix services – which link the city centre with North Coventry, Nuneaton and Bedworth – will ride on 14 new low-floor, easy-access buses.

Phil Medlicott, Stagecoach in Warwickshire’s Managing Director, said: “At a time when fuel prices are continually rising and we each need to do our bit to reduce our carbon footprint, these improve-ments will make a real difference and go a long way to encouraging more people to choose the bus.”

STAGECOACH West has invested over £100,000 in a brand new Optare Versa vehicle. Affectionately nicknamed ‘The Tadpole’ by staff, the new Optare Versa low-floor bus represents the latest in clean engine technology, meeting European emissions standards and

helping to cut carbon emissions.The new Versa will mainly

operate on the recently extended service between Gloucester, Coney Hill and Abbeydale. The service runs across the Lobley’s Drive bridge into the developing estate at Cooper’s Edge, continuing on via Hurricane Road to the Whittle Inn, Brockworth which is adjacent to Tescos. It will also operate on citi Service 5.

Permanent thrones for Hampton CourtAS part of South West Trains’ commitment to improving stations on its network, Hampton Court Station has undergone a £150,000 refurbish-ment of new and improved toilet facilities.

The work, done in partnership with Surrey County Council and Network Rail, established the first permanent set of toilets in the station for 20 years.

Malcolm Page, South West Trains’ Station Development Manager, said: “South West Trains recognises this station as a major tourist interchange because of Hampton Court Palace and the popular flower show.

“There was a need for amenities of this nature as previous developments that would have improved these facilities unfortunately had not progressed.”

ManchesterMetrolink expansionMANCHESTER’S Metrolink network is set to expand to nearly double its size.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) selected the M-Pact Thales consortium as preferred bidder for the ‘design, construct and maintain’ contract for the major expansion.

Three new Metrolink lines will run to Oldham and Rochdale, Droylsden in Tameside and Chorlton in South Manchester.

They are expected to take five million car journeys off local roads every year, and increase the number of trips passengers make on the network each day from 55,000 to more than 90,000.

The contract will also include a quarter-mile extension to mediacity:uk in Salford Quays if the Transport and Works Act order is approved by the Government.

And more lines into Oldham and Rochdale town centres – as well as to Ashton-under-Lyne, East Didsbury, Manchester Airport and the Trafford Centre – could also be built if Greater Manchester’s bid to the Govern-ment’s Transport Innovation Fund is successful.

David Leather, GMPTE’s Interim Chief Executive, said: “Metrolink has been a massive success since the first lines to Bury and Altrincham opened in 1992. I’m delighted we’ve now selected a preferred bidder for this major expansion of the tram network.”Partnership provides improved service

Phil Medlicott and his team launch the new Matrix services in Coventry.

Hare we go, hare we go...PASSENGERS had a close encounter of the furred kind on the Northampton to Leicester bus route recently.

The Easter Bunny sprang on and off buses all day. “And what’s more,” revealed Adam Rideout,

Marketing Manager at Stagecoach East, “the Bunny was loaded down with chocolatey presents and was ‘rabbiting’ all the way to Leicester and back.”

The Stagecoach service, which runs from Northampton to Leicester via Market Harborough every 60 minutes, now has the benefit of newly branded and refurbished buses.

The Easter Bunny hops on board to wish passengers a Happy Easter.

Stagecoach West Driver of the Year Paul Herbert, flanked by runners-up Mark Skidmore (left) and Daniel Jarvis.

CONGRATULATIONS have gone to Paul Herbert from Cheltenham who took first place at the recent Stagecoach West Bus Driver of the Year Awards.

Mark Skidmore from Gloucester took second place, while Daniel Jarvis from Gloucester came third.

Driving up standards

Staff have nicknamed Stagecoach West’s new Optare Versa ‘The Tadpole’.

Tadpole makes a splash

Summer 08 7

INTER-CITY coach service megabus.com has now carried one million passengers in North America.

megabus.com began offering fares for as little as $1 in the United States in April 2006 and has expanded to cover 25 cities in North America – attracting commuters, students, business and leisure travellers.

The company celebrated its success by presenting the millionth customer – Dana Bellers from St Louis – with a laptop computer and complimen-tary Chicago Double-Decker/Trolley Tour tickets. Her fellow passengers on the same coach also received free sightseeing tickets.

“megabus.com is the inexpensive, convenient and safe way to travel on my own,” she said. “The online reservation system is easy to use and fares are always the lowest compared to rail, air and car.”

Dale Moser, President and Chief Operating Officer of megabus.com, said: “We have the market-leading budget coach service in North America and the overwhelming popularity of megabus.com’s innovative, express travel means we are continuing to expand.

“We’re excited to have reached our millionth customer and look forward to serving future travellers with the same passion and exceptional value-for-money our existing customers have come to expect.”

megabus.com research shows that 79% of customers have used the budget service as an alternative to the car, train or plane.

Joseph Schwieterman, Director of the Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development and Professor of Public Service Management at DePaul University, said it was a growing trend.

“The public is responding with considerable enthusiasm to the express services provided by megabus.com and other low-cost providers,” he said. “After years of decline, the industry is once again poised for growth.”

Customers are able to travel on a new network of routes on America’s east coast.

Services run from New York City to Boston, Washington, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Buffalo and Atlantic City, New Jersey, as well as a cross-border service to Toronto, Canada.

megabus.com offers up to 55 daily departures from New York in new greener, state-of-the-art coaches, with free wi-fi and on-board video.

This means the growing low-cost coach network covers eight locations in the east coast and 17 Midwest cities.

The North American expansion follows the UK success of megabus.com, which carries around two million passengers a year on a network of inter-city services covering around 40 locations nationwide.

BARROW depot threw open its doors to the public for a special open day.

A variety of events were laid on to make sure the May event was enjoyed by all ages, and having their photograph taken in front of a bus with a destination blind of their choice proved very popular with visitors.

An assortment of bus enthusiast stalls and the chance to view and travel on

many vintage buses added to the fun.Operations Manager Willie McPhail

and Engineering Manager David Cowperthwaite and their staff were on hand all day to ensure a fun day was had by all.

Mascot Just the Ticket joins Engineering Standards Manager Bryan Walkden (left) and Engineering

Director Paul Lee at Barrow depot’s open day.

And our survey says...PRESTON passengers have given a big thumbs-up to their local bus services.

Independent research found that customers of the Stagecoach Citi bus network in Preston are some of the most satisfied bus users in the UK, with the formula of high-frequency, high-quality, value-for-money bus services proving a clear winner.

Up to 98% of people questioned said that they were highly satisfied with the new services, demonstrating results far in excess of the National Travel Survey, which provides an overview of how customers across England rate their local bus services.

Operations Manager Rob Jones said that he was extremely pleased with the results.

“The challenge now is to build upon our initial success and continue to improve the offer for our existing customers and of course attract more new bus users.

“Our mission really is to get Preston back on the bus,” he added.

WELSH Rugby Union star Alun Wyn Jones passed on some healthy eating tips to Stagecoach passengers.

Alun joined the Health Challenge Wales team to give out free fruit to travellers at Pontypridd Bus Station in a bid to raise awareness on healthy eating.

Health Challenge Wales aims to encourage people from all age groups and backgrounds to start protecting and

improving their own health and that of their families by eating healthily and doing something active which they enjoy.

John Gould, Managing Director of Stagecoach in South Wales, explained: “By taking part in the initiative, we wanted to help the Assembly Government drive home the message about healthy eating and positive living style.”

Tim Shoveller (left), John Miller (centre) and railway expert Roger Ford unveil the power-car’s prestigious nameplate.

£2 millionwell spentRESIDENTS of Hartlepool are set to benefit from a £2 million investment in new buses.

Stagecoach in Hartlepool has ordered 19 new, low floor, single deck vehicles for use in the town.

The new Enviro 200s are some of the most environmentally friendly buses in production and are also easily accessible for wheelchair users, those with prams and the infirm. In addition, all the new vehicles will have CCTV fitted.

John Conroy, Managing Director of Stagecoach North East, said: “We hope the £2 million investment will signifi-cantly improve the travel experience we offer our customers.

“We are committed to ensuring our services are accessible by all and that they are environmentally sound and these new vehicles meet our objectives exactly.”

PASSENGER BOOM FOR BUDGET BUS

THE MEMORY of one of Britain’s greatest train engineers has been immortalised in the most fitting way possible.

Terry Miller was the driving force behind the creation of the High Speed Train (HST), also known as the InterCity 125 – still the fastest ever diesel train.

Now East Midlands Trains has named its first reliveried powercar (43048) after the great man.

Marking the event at a special ceremony in Leeds, Tim Shoveller, Managing Director of East Midlands Trains, said: “It is with great pride that we honour Terry by naming one of our powercars after him.

“He is a true giant in the history of the railway and his design has stood the test of time.

“To get an idea of just what an incredible design Terry gave us, you only have to look at our HST fleet’s current performance – operating at a peak of 18,000 miles per five minutes delay.

“We believe this is the best performance ever for an HST fleet and is comparable with the performance of many more recently designed engines.”

The nameplate was unveiled by John Miller, Terry Miller’s son, who said “My father would have been very proud today. He toiled very hard over this project and it’s great for him to be honoured in this way.”

‘Terry Miller MBE’ operates the 07.26 service from Leeds to St. Pancras International.

‘True giant’ given a fitting tribute

Preston Operations Manager Rob Jones with two of Preston Citi’s happy customers.

Try some fruit to give you a kick

Nathan Williams, Marketing Manager for Stagecoach in South Wales and West, helps Alun Wyn Jones dish out some healthy snacks.

A Barrow of laughs had by all at open day

Summer 088

STAGECOACH GOES THE EXTRA MILE TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONME

A TREE-MENDOUS EBUS NETWORK’S CA

STAGECOACH has reached a major milestone in the quest for greener travel with the launch of Scotland’s first carbon neutral bus network.

The groundbreaking eco-initiative means all of the Group’s Fife to Edinburgh bus network will be carbon neutral for the next five years.

Stagecoach is to plant more than 140,000 trees in 2008, absorbing the CO2 produced by the buses which carry more than 2.4 million passengers a year.

A mix of conifer, broadleaf and native woodlands will be planted as part of the project, which has been externally reviewed by Glasgow Caledonian University and verified by Forest Carbon.

The scheme will be supported by a major marketing campaign targeted at car users.

And it’s just one part of Stagecoach’s envi-ronmental strategy to help tackle climate change by reducing the carbon footprint of the company and its customers.

The wide-ranging blueprint includes investment in renewable fuels and cleaner engines, state-of-the-art energy efficient facilities, water and waste recycling initiatives and offering businesses green travel incentives for their employees.

Brian Souter, Stagecoach Group Chief Executive, said: “This is an extremely exciting initiative which is setting the standard for greener, smarter bus travel and helping our customers reduce their own carbon footprint.

“There is an increasing awareness about the impact of people’s behaviour on the environment. We hope this innovative project will promote intelligent car use, encourage more people to get on board public transport and help protect the planet.”

Green scheme keeps buses cleanA PIONEERING Bio-bus project which cuts carbon emissions and boosts recycling has been extended for another six months.

Stagecoach launched the UK’s first Bio-buses in October 2007 as part of a ground-breaking environmental initiative allowing customers to exchange used cooking oil for discounted bus travel.

biodiesel made from used cooking oil and other food industry by-products. These are from sustainable sources that do not involve the destruction of natural habitats or compete with the human food chain.

In its first six months, the cleaner fuel

saving 550 tonnes of carbon. Stagecoach issued 5,000 free containers to

householders on the Service 1 Stewarton to Darvel via Kilmarnock route, allowing them to recycle their used cooking oil in return for discounted bus travel.

In six months, more than 21 tonnes of used cooking oil was taken to East Ayrshire Council’s recycling plant at Western Road,

recycled at the facility. Local schools and other groups have

taken a keen interest in the Bio-bus project. Senior managers from Stagecoach have worked closely with Stewarton and Loudon Academies, both of which are on the bus route, to explain the project to pupils as part of their environmental studies.

Sam Greer, Managing Director of Stagecoach West Scotland, said: “The Bio-bus project has captured the imagination of local people, and the community has really got behind the scheme.

“We have delivered a truly sustainable partnership solution to the challenge of climate change. The local community, a forward-thinking transport operator, the fuel industry and local government are all working together to protect the environment.

“More than 600,000 passengers have used the Bio-bus service, helping to cut their own carbon footprint, and we are a long way

carbon neutral service. “We are delighted to extend the project

for a further six months to bring further environmental benefits to the local community as we monitor the potential to

our UK operations.” The new DVD, greener smarter travel, illustrates the green benefits of public transport.

NEW DVD SHOWCASES GREEN INITIATIVESA NEW DVD is showcasing Stagecoach’s commitment to reducing its impact on the environment.

Titled ‘greener smarter travel’, the DVD focuses on the climate change challenge facing our world and how seriously the Group takes the issue.

Produced in association with independent production and communications company speakeasy, it shows stakeholders the contribution public transport can play in reducing carbon emissions.

The DVD covers five key areas: investment in renewable fuels and cleaner engines, state-of-the-art energy efficient facilities, water and waste recycling initiatives and green travel incentives for businesses and their employees.

Each theme uses a case study to illustrate the breadth of Group initiatives to make our business more sustainable.

Summer 08 9

ENT AND ENCOURAGE GREENER, SMARTER TRAVEL ACROSS THE UK

EFFORT TO REDUCE ARBON FOOTPRINT

Astley Fenwick (left) and Richard Jennings of TNEI, the company set to offer a range of eco-friendly recommendations at Stagecoach North East.

MAKING the best use of energy is being put firmly at the top of the agenda for Stagecoach North East.

Independent energy consultants TNEI Services are conducting an energy assessment across each of North East’s six regional depots.

And the new energy audit is just the first element of a comprehensive five-year plan to improve the company’s environmental policies.

The assessments focus on the main sources of energy use at the depots – heating, compressed air and lighting.

And Stagecoach is now waiting for TNEI to offer its recommendations for ways in which it can improve its energy efficiency, reduce its carbon footprint and generally enhance its environmental practice.

John Conroy, Managing Director of

Stagecoach North East, said: “Improving our environmental credentials is an essential part of our commitment to enhancing our service offering.

“From the vehicles we run across our fleet to the way we use energy in our engineering departments and our offices we are determined to become more energy efficient.

“Before we can begin to make changes it is vital that we set clear objectives which will deliver tangible results and benefits.

“The advice given by TNEI will be invaluable in terms of delivering our strategic plan and, with their expertise, our long-term targets will be clearly defined and achievable.”

An awards scheme is being considered to recognise teams making a significant impact on green targets.

TAKING STOCK OF HOW WE USE OUR ENERGY

Pupils from Dunfermline’s Pitreavie Primary School help Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Brian Souter dig for victory in the battle to reduce the company’s carbon footprint.

The trees are being planted on Buccleuch Woodlands estates in the south of Scotland under a partnership with Global Trees, a Scotland-based charity set up to help people reduce their carbon footprint.

Global Trees founder Peter Grant said: “It is fantastic that an organisation of

the size and scope of Stagecoach has

become involved with Global Trees and has committed to offsetting its Fife to Edinburgh bus network.

“This is great news for the charity and for Scotland. We hope this move will encourage other businesses across Scotland and the UK to get involved and take a more pro-active stance on the issue of global warming. ”

Jim Colchester, Woodlands Manager at Buccleuch Woodlands, added: “We are delighted that Stagecoach, through Global Trees, has decided to offset these emissions, allowing us to plant 60 hectares of trees.

“This is a fantastic initiative and a great example of businesses taking steps to do what they can to help reduce their environ-mental impact.”

This is an extremely exciting initiative which is setting the standard for greener, smarter bus travel and helping our customers reduce their own carbon

footprint.”

Brian Souter, Stagecoach Group Chief Executive

“

Summer 0810

STAGECOACH Yorkshire has been praised by the Minister of State for Transport for its commitment to passengers in the Dearne Valley.

The Rt Hon Rosie Winterton, MP for Doncaster Central, was in the area to launch a fleet of 13 brand new Stagecoach Yorkshire vehicles set to benefit bus users across the Dearne Valley.

The new buses, costing almost £1.5m, are an addition to seven introduced in the area last year. All 20 now carry a fresh logo bearing the words “the Dearne link” and feature an eye-catching livery.

Ms Winterton said: “I am very pleased to see the results of Stage-coach’s investment.

“Local bus services play a vital role in our communities and these new ultra-modern buses around the Dearne Valley area represent a significant commitment towards providing the level of service that passengers look for.

PRAISE FOR DEARNE VALLEY BUS SERVICES

Stagecoach Yorkshire Managing Director Paul Lynch and The Rt Hon Rosie Winterton MP officially launch the new Dearne link buses along with competition winners Wardene Riggs, James Perry and Wayne Bateman.

“I am particularly keen that all public transport is responsive to the needs of everyone who wishes to use it, so I am pleased that this new

fleet has low-floor access, providing improved access for disabled and elderly passengers as well as parents with young children.”

Joining Ms Winterton at the launch event were four local people who entered a competition run by Stagecoach to be the faces of the Dearne Valley services and have their image on the back of the buses.

Paul Lynch, Managing Director of Stagecoach Yorkshire, described the initiative as “a reflection of our commitment to deliver a reliable, clean and affordable service to the travelling public and we are confident that users will find a huge improvement”.

Earlier this year, Stagecoach also introduced simplified routes, refined timetables for improved reliability and combined ten-minute frequencies on the busiest bus routes into Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster.

There has since been a 3.2 per cent growth in passengers overall and a 5 per cent increase in the numbers of adult fare paying passengers.

Renovation reaps rewards for charity

A BEDFORD bus driver has helped keep preparations for the Olympic Games on-track.

Jim Clark searched his Luton Airport transfer coach for a lost laptop computer containing crucial information on the Beijing games.

Zoe Paget, Operations Manager at Stagecoach Bedford, explained: “A delegation of Olympic Games officials from Beijing visited Milton Keynes.

“One of the party left a laptop computer on the airport VT99 coach. When this person realised what had happened we received a very urgent phone call and our

driver Jim Clark carried out a search of the relevant vehicle.”

At first, the laptop was not found and it was assumed that someone else had picked it up.

But, at the end of his shift, Jim had another thorough search and found the treasured item on a parcel shelf.

Zoe added: “Jim, in his own time, delivered the computer to the hotel where the delegation had booked in.

“They were so delighted to have it back they gave John a special Olympic trophy which is now proudly displayed in our depot.”

Jonathan Shaw MP visits Oakham station to acknowledge the Community Stations project based there.

A VIP visitor has endorsed the renovation of an East Midlands railway station.

Jonathan Shaw MP, Parliamen-tary Under-Secretary of State for

Marine, Landscape and Rural Affairs, visited Oakham station.

The Community Stations initiative is a project established to bring back life to redundant station

premises by making them available to local community groups at a peppercorn rent.

And one of the buildings at Oakham station has been let to registered charity Studentforce, which helps young people to learn, develop, work and volunteer with people in the workplace and wider community.

Tim Shoveller, Managing Director of East Midlands Trains, said: “Local railway stations really do play a key role in their local community and this is a fantastic example of how community groups and businesses can work together to promote benefits for all.

“We welcome Studentforce to Oakham station and are extremely pleased the Minister is supporting this worthy initiative.”

Jim sets gold standardSTAGECOACH in East Kent and Hastings has promoted former Schools Liaison Officer Tim Pomfret to the newly created position of Customer Services Manager.

Tim, who has worked within the bus industry in the south east for 42 years, will be supported by an assistant to continue to oversee the school bus operations provided to the education authorities, as well as respond to customer suggestions and complaints on the network of over 100 routes provided daily from the six depots in the region.

“The new role is just part of the company’s determination to be more reactive and supportive to both customers and staff who either face problems or can see ways of improving the facilities and services we provide,” said Tim.

“As with any bus operator, we face new challenges from the economic climate and the changes within the cities, towns and villages that we serve.

“To improve the quality of our services we must listen carefully to the concerns raised by everyone involved.”

Putting customers first

Pat’ll do nicelyA KIND-HEARTED Leamington bus driver awarded a cash prize for his exceptional service has donated his winnings to a local hospice.

Pat Walsh was nominated as Stagecoach Leamington’s driver of the month recently and handed his £100 prize money to Warwickshire’s Myton Hospice.

The company matched this generous gesture, doubling the contribution to £200.

Sam Dixon, Stagecoach Leamington’s Operations Manager, said: “Myton Hospice needs the support of the whole community to operate effectively and I am sure that they would wish to join me in thanking Pat for his kindness.”

All aboard the rail musical expressA MUSICAL train made tracks on a special journey from Nottingham to Worksop.

Skiffle and blues provided the soundtrack on the East Midlands Trains 19:56 service on April 30.

The music train formed part of an Association of Community Rail Partnership (ACoRP) conference discussing wider diversity on rural and local services.

The main conference, sponsored by East Midlands Trains, took place on May 1 at the Arena in Nottingham, but guests and members of the public were invited to enjoy the musical journey as part of a pre-conference social event.

Speaking before the event, David Horne – Commercial Director for East Midlands Trains and the keynote speaker at the conference – said: “Community Rail plays a vital part in the development of our franchise, and we are very pleased to be sponsoring this national conference which looks at some very topical issues.

“However, we’re also keen to show our local communities the benefits of train travel and just how relaxing it can be, so we’re delighted to be working with ACoRP to provide a train with a difference – and a community slant.”

Ex-soldier armed with new careerA FORMER soldier and warehouse supervisor is on the road to a new career, thanks to taking on new training.

After being made redundant in 2004, Billy Scobie joined the Dundee and Angus Individual Initiative, a training scheme managed through Helm Training which allowed him to re-train as a bus driver for Stagecoach Strathtay.

Billy has now taken his career a step further with more training to become a driving instructor.

He said: “At the time I lost my job it was a difficult decision to change.

“But now, with my bus licence, I know I’ll never be out of work and I enjoy the challenges of continuing my training with Stagecoach.”

Summer 08 11

A MARATHON round-Britain tour is set to raise charity cash in memory of a very special Stagecoach driver.

Trina King served as a driver and office worker in Cwmbran, Wales, for a number of years.

She died, aged just 27, last year following a brave battle with cancer.

Now Trina’s husband and brother are set to join two colleagues on a whistle-stop tour of all 17 of Stagecoach’s regional HQs.

And the team hopes every Stagecoach depot in the land will help them honour Trina’s memory by contributing to their collection for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The sponsored drive begins at Land’s End on September 16, and is scheduled to go all the way to John o’ Groats then back to Land’s End in just three days – with the added

challenge of staying off motorways for the entire trip.

Taking part are Trina’s husband Andrew King and her brother Rod Teague – both Stagecoach drivers – and megabus drivers Gareth Evans and Pete Morgan.

Pete explained that Stagecoach had paid for the rented van they’ll be using for the journey, while megabus will donate the fuel.

In support of their challenge, he hoped that depots would carry out their own collections.

Also lending a helping hand is megabus.com’s Network Manager Ian Laing, who’ll take a turn behind the wheel when the expedition reaches Perth.

Pete added: “Trina was very brave. She never let her illness get her down – right to the very end.

FITTING TRIBUTE TO BRAVE TRINA

NEW buses have been trotted out in Morecambe with the help of some four-legged friends.

A horse-drawn 20-seater bus was brought down from Scotland especially for the launch – a marked contrast to the state-of-the-art low-floor Optare Versas hitting the streets of the seaside town for the first time.

Local MP Geraldine Smith officially opened the new service linking the Westgate area with Morecambe.

Christopher Bowles, Managing

Director of Stagecoach North West, said: “The company was very pleased to add the Westgate service to its stable of low-floor routes as this will ensure the continuing growth of passengers in the Lancaster and Morecambe areas and underlines the importance of investments with modern buses and higher frequency services.”

Stagecoach in Lancaster has increased passenger numbers by over 40% in seven years and now carries some nine million passengers a year.

E-ticketing’se-ffectiveE-TICKETING is really taking off for Virgin Trains.

The company has sold over £500,000 worth of rail travel using e-ticketing since its launch in August last year.

The 69,415 transactions have been sold as either Mobitix – with the electronic ticket sent direct to mobile phones – or as tickets@home, where customers book on the internet and print their ticket at home.

Graham Leech, Virgin Trains’ Executive Director Commercial, said: “The trial has been low-key to enable the system to be tested, but has proved to be highly popular with our customers.

“Over the next few months we will work towards offering more of our online customers the opportunity to print their own tickets, and will be extending this facility to our other routes.”

Virgin Trains has pioneered its e-ticketing solutions in partnership with The Trainline.com.

Daniel climbs career ladderDANIEL Millis has been appointed Assistant Operations Manager at Stratford-upon-Avon’s Stagecoach depot.

Daniel began his career with Stagecoach as a driver in Dover, progressing to Controller last year after completing his company’s development programme.

He recently served as Assistant Operations Manager at Stagecoach Hastings.

EAST Midlands Trains is carrying out a full refurbishment of its Class 158 train fleet, with the help of local company DeltaRail.

The multi-million-pound refurbishment programme will see all 25 of the company’s Class 158 trains going through a complete overhaul, as well as being re-painted in the new East Midlands Trains livery.

Ready to roll! Charity round-Britain drivers (from left): Rod Teague, Andrew King, Pete Morgan and Gareth Evans.

Tim Shoveller, Managing Director of East Midlands Trains, with the first re-branded Class 156 train.

The mane attraction

brand new toilets – something we know our passengers will welcome!”

The project is just part of the £90 million of investment during the life of the East Midlands Trains franchise, making improvements in areas that impact directly on performance, reliability and customer service. It includes an upgrade to Derby train maintenance depot, improvements to stations and the opening of a brand new station – East Midlands Parkway.

“I’m looking forward to working with DeltaRail on this contract, and especially pleased that the work will be carried out in Derby, ensuring that the city’s renowned reputation for fleet build and refurbishment continues on through this extensive improvement programme,” said Tim.

Work is due to begin August, and each train will take between four and six weeks to complete.

Meanwhile, East Midlands Trains

has also unveiled the first of its re-branded Class 156 trains.

The company, which will be re-branding all 11 of its Class 156 trains into the new East Midlands Trains livery, has teamed up with Derby-based company Bombardier Transportation for the re-painting of its entire Class 156 fleet.

Tim Shoveller said: “Our priority for the start of the franchise was to ensure a smooth transition and to get punctuality and reliability off to a

good start. “Now we’re confident these things

have been achieved, it’s time to start focusing on the refurbishment of our trains, both inside and out.

“We’re starting with the re-painting of our 11 Class 156 trains, which will be completed by early May.

“We’ll then move straight on to our Class 222 Meridian fleet, which will also be carried out by Bombardier Transportation at their Derby works.”

Geraldine Smith MP launches Morecambe’s

new floor-level buses, watched by Stagecoach North

West Managing Director Chris Bowles

(left), Operations Manager Stephie

Barber, Lancashire County Council

Transport Manager Mick Porter and

Lancashire County Councillor Matthew

Tomlinson.

“If everyone around the country only donates one pound, it would make a huge difference for Macmillan Cancer Support.”

Anyone seeking more information is welcome to call Pete Morgan on 07933 595180, or email peter.morgan39@btopenworld.com

Tim Shoveller, Managing Director of East Midlands Trains, explained: “This is a huge step forward for East Midlands Trains.

“Not only will the refurbishment result in additional seating capacity, passengers will also get the benefit of more comfortable seating, new air conditioning and CCTV, as well as

Anna Matthews, CEO of DeltaRail, and Tim Shoveller, Managing Director of East Midlands Trains, look forward to joining forces for a major refurbishment programme.

Fleets in line for summer spruce-up

Summer 0812

STAGECOACH has welcomed a new report confirming public sector funding support could help establish a permanent hovercraft service across Scotland’s Firth of Forth.

The company said the new legal advice was “a positive step forward” and called for a “roadmap” to help maintain the momentum towards

making the link a reality.UK law firm Dundas and Wilson

prepared a 34-page report for the South East of Scotland Transport Partnership (SEStran) on the potential procurement options for both the hovercraft link and a separate proposal for a catamaran service.

Stagecoach unveiled a detailed business plan in autumn 2007,

HOVERCRAFT SERVICE NEEDS FRESH IMPETUS‘Roadmap’ required to get transport link up and running

Shaggy dog story with a happy endingONE driver and her dog are creating a real buzz in competitive events.

Stagecoach West driver Hilary Bowden and her dog Buzz are members of the Wye Valley Dog Training Club which qualified for the 2008 Team Crufts Dog Show.

The club, alongside two others, made it through to the final where it performed to a packed arena of some 6000 people, and achieved a fantastic second place.

Just a week later, Hilary and Buzz were at it again, performing at the first championship show of the year.

To win, the participants had to complete three gruelling rounds, and Buzz beat 32 other dogs to take first place.

Buzz later qualified for Crufts 2009 and, if successful, will be crowned Agility Champion – the highest level dogs can achieve.

TRAINING and personal development is an integral part of any career and a new compulsory qualification in the transport industry is set to transform driving for a living.

Stagecoach North East is recruiting new drivers across each of its six depots, not only in response to continued expansion, but also because of the new Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) the company is introducing in September.

The Driver CPC has been designed by the Driving Standards Agency to improve road safety and reduce road casualties, while elevating the role of drivers and establishing a programme of continued professional development.

From September onwards, anyone applying for a Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licence will also be required to hold the Driver CPC, which they can take together.

Existing licence holders will have

to undertake 35 hours of training every five years and are entitled to a five-year grace period initially.

John Conroy, Managing Director of Stagecoach North East, said: “The certificate will enable us to further support our drivers in their everyday roles by giving them the tools they need to hone their communications skills, improve the way they manage a range of potential situations and learn about new industry develop-ments.”

New certificate set to drive standards higher

The new Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) will enhance driver training.

Sunningdale kids have a sensational daySTAGECOACH North East’s Sunderland depot received an extra-special visit from seven local children.

The kids from the city’s Sunningdale School all have profound multiple learning difficulties and complex medical needs.

It was hoped the visit would help the children to interact as the mix of noises, smells and sights would stimulate their senses, enabling them to become more aware of the environment around them.

They were treated to a tour of the depot and met staff in the engineering department and the control room before enjoying a trip on one of the buses.

Driver Steve Hamilton helped co-ordinate the visit and treated the children to a drive through the bus wash, which proved to be the highlight of the day for the children who laughed as the water and colourful oversized sponges and washers noisily cleaned the bus.

Steve said: “It was great to see the children enjoying the experience so much.

“Something that we do as part of our everyday routine really helped to stimulate the children’s senses and it was a great experience for them and the team here too.”

These special memories have now been captured in a hand-made story booklet the children created to show their appreciation to depot staff.

Sandy maintains his interestsA LONG-SERVING engineer has retired from Stagecoach – but has no intention of staying away from buses.

Sandy Brydon learned his trade during ten years in the haulage industry before spending four decades in the bus service, starting as a Shift Mechanic.

Moving all over Scotland, he worked in a range of roles, from Depot Foreman and Depot Engineer to Area Engineer and Chief Engineer, before his appointment as Engineering Director for Stagecoach in Fife and later Stagecoach East Scotland.

Sandy was a key player in improving Stagecoach East Scotland’s accessible network, and had a leading role in the planning and implementation of a recent trial hovercraft service between Fife and Edinburgh.

In his retirement, Sandy has taken on the maintenance of the Stagecoach preserved fleet at the Lathalmond Bus Museum in Fife.

He also spends time restoring a small fleet of vintage lorries and sourcing the vehicles donated to charity by Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Brian Souter.

Cheque out this nice surpriseA SURPRISE donation provided the welcome conclusion to a highly successful charity campaign run by Portsmouth drivers and staff.

The depot spent 15 months raising more than £10,000 for the Portsmouth and Chichester branch of the Multiple Sclerosis Society through a range of events, including a bus pull, social evenings and street collections.

The Stagecoach Against Multiple Sclerosis (SAMS) campaign started when a former driver’s wife was diagnosed with MS.

Driver Mick Crockford, the Deputy Chairman of SAMS, wrote to Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Brian Souter to tell him about the depot’s success.

And his response contained a letter of congratulations – plus a cheque for £5000!

“The generous donation was completely unexpected,” said Mick.

“We were delighted with our original total, raised thanks to the support of Stagecoach staff and customers in the region, but this is the icing on the cake.”

outlining how a link could be established between Fife and Edinburgh using a 150-passenger craft with a crossing time of just 20 minutes.

The Group offered to invest more than £10 million to make the project a reality, with limited short-term public sector support of around £3.3 million to bridge the gap in the first three years to reach the point where it became commercially viable.

The consultants’ report confirmed that the transport partnership could provide capital funding support to help set up a commercial hovercraft operation, provided state aid clearance was given by the European Commission.

A Stagecoach Group spokesman said: “This is a detailed and comprehensive report. It is a positive and welcome step forward and makes clear there is no legal barrier to public funding for a permanent cross-Forth hovercraft service.

“We have been very encouraged by SEStran’s support for both a hovercraft and catamaran service,

both of which could provide a significant boost to transport links and the economy on both sides of the Forth.

“As the report makes clear, European Commission clearance on these issues can take time. That is why we need to maintain the momentum behind the hovercraft project to meet the aspirations of the communities in Fife and in Edinburgh.

“It is crucial we now have a roadmap from the Scottish Government on the hovercraft project and clarity on whether it is prepared to commit public funding to make a cross-Forth link a reality.”

Stagecoach announced in February that it had been forced to put research and development on the hovercraft project on hold until it received clari-fication over the future public sector role and investment, both of which are key to taking the project forward.

Fife Council has recently pledged to spend £1 million on the infrastructure works for the hovercraft on the Fife side of the Forth.Hopes remain for the return of the hovercraft service.

Summer 08 13

A FREE travel day designed to celebrate a landmark achievement by Stagecoach Yorkshire has generated more than 20,000 additional passenger journeys across the region.

The company recorded an average 40.4 per cent increase in passenger numbers across all routes throughout Barnsley, Rotherham, Doncaster and Mexborough in May.

The Free Fares Day was launched as a thank you to customers for their loyalty following the company’s extensive service improvements a year ago, which have led to 3.2 per cent growth in passengers overall and a 5 per cent increase in the number of adult fare-paying passengers.

Stagecoach Yorkshire Commercial Director Rupert Cox said: “There has been a very positive response to all the service changes we made a year ago and this has been reflected in passenger numbers.

“The network is more reliable

and punctual and our new marketing initiatives have helped to communicate the changes and highlight that we are determined to give customers the best possible service.”

The company’s revamp of services last May followed a major review which took into account feedback from key stakeholders, including the Passenger Transport Executives in South and West Yorkshire, customers, staff and councillors.

The new structure included a number of new routes, extended routes and timetable changes to improve reliability and frequency on some services.

Stagecoach Yorkshire has invested in 30 new buses in the last 12 months – 13 in Doncaster, ten at its Shafton depot and seven in Barnsley – and plans to introduce more during the summer.

A total of 70 per cent of the fleet is low-floor, making it easier for passengers to board and alight.

FREE FARES DAY HELPS BOOST BUS GROWTH

Rupert Cox, Commercial Director for Stagecoach Yorkshire, hailed the Free Fares Day a great success.

THE DRIVE to save one of Canterbury’s most historic buildings has been given a very visible boost by Stagecoach in East Kent and Hastings.

The company has donated the rear of a double-decker bus to the Save Canterbury Cathedral Appeal for the whole of 2008.

Stagecoach came up with the idea after some staff were taken on an exhilarating roof-top tour of the impressive landmark.

Paul Southgate, Managing Director of Stagecoach in East Kent and Hastings, said: “The Cathedral looks like a picture postcard – a view I know I take for granted.

“But, close up, the poor state of repair of the roofs and the masonry is very apparent.

“We are determined to help and remind people just how important it is. The back of the bus is the most visible gift to the appeal we can provide.”

A CORBY bus service celebrated a special milestone with a street party and free travel for its customers.

Stagecoach’s Corbystar service was five years old last month and a birthday party was held at the town’s Willow Place Shopping Centre.

“The Corbystar bus network has become an integral part of the town and we wanted to mark its fifth birthday with a bit of fun,” said Depot Manager John Drew.

“We had street entertainers, a competition to guess how many

balloons it takes to fill one of our buses, a Scottish piper, our Corbystar mascot and much more.”

The Corbystar buses run throughout Corby town centre and surrounding estates. All Corby residents received a birthday card through the post plus a voucher for one day’s free travel on the Corbystar buses.

The Corbystar mascot – also known as Stagecoach East Timetabling and

Scheduling Assistant, Aiden Proctor – helps the birthday celebrations go with a swing.

AN AMBITIOUS Inspector is hitting the road to make a big difference to little lives.

Russell Minshaw, who’s based at Stagecoach North West’s West Cumbria Depot, will be cycling 130 miles to raise money for the Tiny Lives charity, which helps towards the cost of lifesaving equipment for premature babies.

Tiny Lives helped Russell’s friend’s baby when it was born prematurely last year.

Russell has his own difficulties to overcome before taking on the challenge on July 23. He has two pins inserted into his hips, which makes physical activity difficult.

Before the charity ride, he will be holding a special fundraising night in Maryport.

Meanwhile, anyone who would like to donate money should visit www.justgiving.com/makeamumhappy

Brilliant birthday bash for Corby bus service

Cycle trek brings cheerto children’s tiny lives

Cathedral appeal is rear-ly special

Paul Southgate joins local girl Lily Carr and Canterbury Cathedral chorister Joel Whitewood – Radio 2’s Young Chorister of the Year – to show off the campaigning bus.

Pensioners take the scenic routeSENIOR travellers have rated a Warwickshire bus route as one of the UK’s most scenic.

Taking advantage of the new government scheme allowing over-60s to travel free of charge, the National Pensioners Convention judged Stagecoach’s number 18 route from Stratford-upon-Avon to Royal Leamington Spa the 13th most beautiful in the country.

Sam Dixon, Operations Manager for Stagecoach Leamington, said: “We are thrilled. This is a double-decker service so there are great views from the top deck.

“Route 18 travels between Stratford, Warwick and Leamington, going through the picturesque village of Wellesbourne and stopping at Charlecote House.

“It also travels alongside the river Avon.”

Water way to go forwardMANCHESTER’S Metrolink has become the first UK tram system to be powered using water.

Transport bosses at Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) signed a deal with Scottish and Southern Energy to use hydroelectricity to run the service.

Metrolink is already one of the most environmentally-friendly forms of transport in Greater Manchester as it does not produce air pollution at street level.

Now, the decision to use hydro-electricity will also substantially cut Metrolink’s carbon dioxide emissions.

Philip Purdy, GMPTE’s Metrolink Director, said: “About a quarter of the UK’s carbon emissions come from transport, and we want to do our bit to reduce them.

“Anyone who travels on Metrolink instead of using their car is already helping to fight climate change as trams are nearly four times better for the environment. Using hydropower will make them even more environmentally-friendly.”

Alan Kidd, Crew Supervisor at Stagecoach Metrolink, is kitted out for a journey on one of the UK’s first water-powered trams.

Summer 0814

APPRENTICES have been put through their paces in a number of outdoor adventure activities.

First-year Stagecoach engineering apprentices attended an outward bound centre in Appledore, North Devon. The event is the fourth in as many years and nurtured the engineers’ skills in team building, motivation and leadership.

Activities included abseiling, team challenges, a team assault course and raft building.

And, at the end of the week, each apprentice gave a presentation on what he or she had learned and how they could transfer this knowledge to the workplace.

Bob Bootiman, Stagecoach North East; Jason Freeman, Stagecoach West, and Mark Powell, Stagecoach Wales, stayed at the centre during the event and the apprentices were also supported at various times by Dorothy Hermiston, Deputy Training and Development Manager, UK Bus;

ACTIVE APPROACH HELPS TEAM SPIRIT

Clare Willis, Training Co-ordina-tor, UK Bus; and Mark Horide, Paul Lee and Peter Sheldon, Engineering Directors, South West, North West and West respectively.

Everyone, especially the activity

centre team, was impressed by the attitude, enthusiasm and behaviour of the group and the course leader said it was the best apprentice group he had led for many years.

The next apprentice event will be the Apprentice of the Year Awards in Manchester on Wednesday, September 24, recognising achievement in all areas during the year.

Energetic engineering apprentices take a break during their outdoor activities week.

TWENTY young footballers are off to sunny Spain, with help from Stagecoach Manchester.

The Moss Side lads are taking part in a soccer tournament in Barcelona, thanks in part to the bus company’s £1000 donation to the Hideaway Youth project, which aims to solve social conflict between two groups of youths who live on opposite sides of Stagecoach’s depot on Princess Road.

The young men, aged between 17 and 21, will battle it out against six opposing international teams in the tournament organised by Interna-

A £2.25 MILLION vehicle investment is benefiting customers in Dundee, Perth, Montrose, Arbroath, Forfar and Kirriemuir.

Eighteen state-of-the-art Enviro 300 buses were introduced to the local network in April.

All are fully wheelchair accessible and fitted with CCTV for added passenger safety.

Six of the buses will operate on the improved service between

Station blooms thanks to local volunteersGREEN-FINGERED volunteers have been hard at work at East Midlands Trains’ station at Spalding.

The team, made up of people from the South Holland Churches Volunteers and the Spalding and Peterborough Transport Users Forum, has completed part one of a three-phase approach to help the train company revitalise the Victorian station’s appearance.

Volunteers spent two months clearing two flower beds and planting over 300 plants and shrubs for the Tulip Festival and World Tulip Summit.

Nigel Carlisle, Route Manager Lincolnshire and Norfolk, said: “They have done a great job of brightening up the station and we thank them for all their hard work.

“At East Midlands Trains, we are keen to get local communities involved with their local railway station and this is a perfect example of communities working together to bring about improvements.”

Robin Hood’sSunday runTHE ROBIN Hood Line train service, which runs from Nottingham to Worksop via Mansfield, will be running on Sundays for the first time from this December.

Nottinghamshire County Council will be funding the service until May 2011. But, if the service is as well used as expected, it is hoped that the Department for Transport (DfT) will fund it on a permanent basis.

The County Council has led a campaign to encourage the DfT to fund the Sunday service and has gained massive support with over 10,000 pledges of support from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire residents.

It is hoped that the Sunday service will carry an average of 1,800 passengers by 2010, which should confirm the long-term DfT funding for the service.

New buses are boosting public transport in Tayside.

Brand new fleet is ready to rollPerth and Dundee while the remaining vehicles will run primarily on two Stagecoach Strathtay services, Montrose – Arbroath – Dundee - Invergowrie and Dundee – Forfar/Kirriemuir.

Doug Fleming, Managing Director of Stagecoach East Scotland, said it was hoped the

investment would encourage more people to take the bus, particularly into Perth and Dundee where congestion and parking can be a real problem for commuters.

“Convincing people to switch to the bus, when they can, helps to alleviate these problems,” he added.

Moss side lads get goal-den opportunityGoing for goals: Mark Threapleton, Managing Director of Stagecoach Manchester (left), hands over the donation to Ahmed Omar, Pete Thomason, Abdi Shire and Muhannud Osman from the Hideaway Youth project.

tional Sport and Leisure.Mark Threapleton, Managing

Director of Stagecoach Manchester, said: “We hope that the project will strengthen community cohesion, as well as giving these young men hope for the future.

“We wish the team a fantastic trip to Spain and all the best in the tournament.

“Let’s hope they come back with some silverware!”

Getting into the swing of things

Table tennis competitors at 2007’s contest.

TABLE tennis wizards have the chance to test their skills against other transport workers early next year.

The table tennis section of the National Passenger Transport Sports Association (NPTSA) is holding its annual competition at Butlins Holiday Centre at Minehead, Somerset, from Friday, January 30 to Monday, February 2, 2009.

In addition to some frenetic competition on the tables, there’s plenty

of entertainment in line with this year’s competition theme, the 1960s.

Acts provisionally booked for the event include Gerry and the Pacemakers, The Searchers and Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich.

For more information and a booking form, contact Ian Woods on 0151 291 5677 or e-mail ianwoods@blueyonder.co.uk as soon as possible, as places are limited.

Summer 08 15

AN ENGINEERING clerk with Stagecoach North East saddled up to raise cash for charity.

Gillian Watson of Gateshead joined ten others from the Derwent Trekkers to cycle 45 miles in aid of the Gordon Stokoe Trust.

The Trust was founded in honour of Gordon Stokoe who died suddenly last year from a brain tumour. Gordon had worked tirelessly for charities and until his untimely death had been working to help poverty stricken families in Tanzania.

His partner Margaret set up the trust in his memory and the money raised by the charity bike ride will be used to aid education programmes

Charity climb summit specialINVERNESS driver Alex Mackenzie has scaled the heights to raise cash for a local charity.

Alex conquered Africa’s highest peak Kilimanjaro and raised £7,700 for the Highland Hospice.

Alex thanked the Stagecoach Group Charitable Committee, the Gloag Foundation and his colleagues for all donations.

STAGECOACH North West paid tribute to 15 long–serving employees and retirees at a special evening in Penrith.

Workers from Barrow, Carlisle, Fleetwood, Kendal, Morecambe, Preston, West Cumbria and Head Office were all thanked for their loyal service over a combined total of 384 years.

Pictured (rear, from left) are: Christopher Bowles, North West Managing Director; Anthony

Munn (Carlisle Coach Painter) – 24 years’ service; Richard Elliott (Carlisle Driver) – 30 years; Stephen Todd (Kendal Driver) – 20 years; Colin Nicholson (Marketing Manager) – 20 years; Ismail Dala (Preston Driver) – 20 years; Robert Edwards (Preston Driver) – 24 years; Michael Johnston (West Cumbria Driver) – 20 years; Dennis Gainford (West Cumbria Driver) – 21 years; David Lloyd (Barrow Inspector)

– 21 years; Paul Lee (North West Engineering Director).

Front (from left): John Fleming (Carlisle Driver, retired) – 38 years; Harry Williams (Head Office Service Quality Inspector) – 35 years; Stephen Houghton (Morecambe Inspector) – 20 years; James Melling (Preston Driver) – 35 years; Alfred Gee (Fleetwood Driver) – 30 years; Colin Johnstone – (West Cumbria Driver, retired) – 26 years.

BUS driver Roger Thanner was recognised for his 20 years of service by Stagecoach Manchester at a recent awards presenta-tion held at the city’s Radisson Edwardian hotel.

A total of 42 Stagecoach staff, who collectively have over 1,000 years of service to the company, received

long service awards and a bouquet of flowers for their guests at the dinner.

Each of the loyal workers had already received a high-quality gift to mark the actual anniversary of their employment with the company.

Mark Threapleton, Managing Director of Stagecoach Manchester, commented: “I am delighted to express my genuine appreciation

and congratulations to all our staff who achieved their long service award for their commitment to the company. We are very proud to have so many loyal and long-serving staff.

“Their dedication to the job has helped establish and maintain our good name in the region.

“Everyone at the awards had at least 20 years’ service and five were receiving 40-year awards, which is no mean feat in any job.”

Loyal staff recognised at awards ceremony

Celebrating nearly 400 years of service

Award-winners at Manchester’s long service awards ceremony.

Long-serving Stagecoach North West employees were honoured at an evening event in Penrith.

Dave Bamburgh (left) and Eddie Porter of Stagecoach North East at Teesside with Anne Cooling of the Butterwick Hospice.

Fundraising in a different leagueA FOOTBALL-related fundraiser scored a major donation for a North East hospice.

Staff at Stagecoach North East’s Teesside depot pitched in with £750 during a raffle for tickets to see Middlesbrough FC play at the Riverside Stadium.

The money went to the Butterwick Hospice, which received another £9000 earlier in the year thanks to Christmas fundraising at Teesside.

John Conroy, Managing Director at Stagecoach North East, said: “We were happy to support the initiative devised by the Operations Manager Eddie Porter at the depot.

“The money raised is testament to the commitment of all the staff in Teesside to support such a worthy cause. We are very proud of the continued efforts of all involved to help the Hospice.”

The depot will continue to raise money for the Butterwick Hospice throughout the year through a series of social events and sponsored activities.

CHARITY ROUND-UP... CHARITY ROUND-UP... Sponsored cycle is elementary for Gillian

Gillian Watson and her fellow sponsored cyclists celebrate completing their challenge.

throughout Tanzania.Complete with an extra boost from

Stagecoach, the sponsored cycle raised £1000 in total.

Gillian said: “All my colleagues at

the depot supported me by making donations and encouraging me, and it was great for the company to match the funds raised too as it has made it all the more worthwhile.”

A STAGECOACH bus made a special visit to Bedford Hospital to drop off a £500 cheque for the Riverbank children’s ward.

The money was raised by staff at Stagecoach in Bedford who took part in fundraising events throughout the year, including Christmas events and raffles.

Delighted Ward Sister Sue Llewellyn said: “Donations like this really do make a difference to the children staying on the ward, as we can purchase extra equipment which can help to make their stay less traumatis-ing.

“We would like to use this money to upgrade our treatment room, as this can often be a frightening place for a child. We can decorate it in such a way as to provide distractions for the children during treatment procedures.”

Driver Vince Malandra and Assistant Operations Manager Dave Davis present their cheque to the staff of Bedford Hospital’s children’s ward.

Children to benefit from Bedford bonanza

Hiking team boosts causeA TEAM of four Kettering bus depot employees walked six miles to raise money for Sports Relief.

Ron Steele, Tina Perridge, Suzanne Wells and Veronica Steele limbered up with daily exercises at the bus depot in preparation for the big day.

Friends, relatives and colleagues pledged £150 before the event, and the team raised more with collection tins on the day.

Team leader Ron Steele said: “We have great team spirit here at Stagecoach and we all challenged each other to complete this walk.”

Ron was also going in at the deep end for another charity recently when he took part in a 5km swimathon at his local swimming pool and raised £200 for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Keen to encourage colleagues to embrace a healthy lifestyle, Ron created an information board in the depot carrying key messages about diet. He has also arranged corporate membership for Stagecoach employees at a local fitness club and is planning ‘eat healthy’ weeks in the depot canteen.

Summer 0816

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THIS year’s National Transport Awards could hold yet more success for Stagecoach, which has been shortlisted for three top honours.

Two of Stagecoach’s Scottish bus companies – Fife and Inverness – are in the running for the Chris Moyes Award for Public Transport Operator of the Year.

The company’s award-winning ‘Where you want to be’ telemarketing campaign has been shortlisted by the judges in the Travel Information and Marketing category.

And a hi-tech taxi smartcard system – developed by Stagecoach Group subsidiary Concessionary Solutions Ltd and deployed in partnership with Dumfries and Galloway Council – is up for Most Innovative Transport Project.

“We are continuing to lead the way in delivering greener, smarter travel and I am delighted that our companies and our people have been recognised for their innovation and service,” said Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Brian Souter.

“Our success is also down to our strong partnerships with our stakeholders. We will continue to work hard to make our services even better in the future to get more people in Britain back on board public transport.”

Stagecoach in Fife carries more than 30 million passengers a year and has undertaken a number of successful initiatives that have attracted new customers to public transport, including the Ferrytoll park and ride operation, and the trial of a cross-Forth hovercraft.

It has also been involved in bus

AIMING FOR TREBLE TOP

Fife’s Ferrytoll park and ride is just one of the exciting activities which have put Stagecoach in line for National Transport Awards.

partnership schemes with local authorities and made a multi-million-pound investment in new coaches for its express network.

Passengers using Stagecoach services in Inverness travel on some of the most modern buses in Scotland and 95% of the fleet is wheelchair accessible.

Stagecoach has significantly increased passenger volumes through a number of Bus Route Development Grant schemes in partnership with Highland Council and the Scottish Government.

Customer satisfaction rates are as high as 95% and the company has also cut its carbon emissions through the installa-tion of a hi-tech energy management system.

Stagecoach’s innovative ‘Where You want to be’ campaign, which uses industry-leading telemarketing techniques, has attracted millions of new bus passengers across the UK and won the Department for Transport’s ‘Winning

New Customers’ category at the 2007 UK Bus Awards.

The taxi smartcard system was developed by Stagecoach for over-60s who qualify for concessionary travel.

First used by Dumfries and Galloway Council, it incorporates on-board electronic taxi terminals that read per-sonalised travel cards issued to eligible users on behalf of the council.

Smartcards are issued with an agreed concessionary value and electronic information from the terminals is downloaded for reimbursement to taxi operators and paid directly into their bank accounts.

The system saves local authorities thousands of pounds a year in admin-istration costs and unspent money is returned to the council at the end of the financial year.

The 2008 National Transport Awards, organised in association with Transport Times, were due to be held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on July 15. The awards recognise transport professionals and providers who have made a real difference to the UK transport system.