On Stage Issue 112 - Investis CMS

The newsletter of Stagecoach Group Issue 112 | November 2015

ON STAGE
INSIDE Top honours at UK Bus Awards page 2  |  Customer service excellence page 9

Best big bus operator in Britain

STAGECOACH South West is officially Britain’s best The Stagecoach South West team collect their award from BBC business presenter Steph McGovern
after being named Large Bus Operator of the Year and TV impressionist Jon Culshaw
at the 2015 Route One Operator Excellence Awards
in Birmingham. South West, said: “This award is testament to the good quality, reliable and affordable bus travel
hard work of our employees across the south west every day for thousands of people who rely on
It’s the second year in a row that a Stagecoach who are a credit to our company and who deliver bus services.”
company has been awarded the title, following
Stagecoach Midlands’ victory in the same category
in 2014.
Stagecoach had several other shortlisted finalists
at this year’s event, including Stagecoach
Manchester Managing Director Christopher Bowles
and Stagecoach East Midlands Manager Michelle
Hargreaves who were both shortlisted for the
Manager of the Year (Large Operator) Award.
John Hill from Stagecoach London was also a finalist
in the Engineer of the Year (Small/Medium Operator)
category while previous winner Dave Heptinstall
from Stagecoach Midlands was shortlisted for the
Engineer of the Year (Large Operator) Award.
Judges praised Stagecoach South West’s
growth over the last 12 months. The company
has seen a 5% increase in passenger numbers,
achieved through service enhancements, network
development and local authority contract gains.
Bob Dennison, Managing Director of Stagecoach

French connection You are the Champions
EXCELLENCE across Stagecoach was
MEGABUS.COM has opened two new bases in
France as it continues to expand its growing recognised at the Group’s annual
inter-city coach network in the country.
The company has launched 15 new domestic Champions Awards.
journey options, with routes from a new
operating base in Bordeaux as well as a crew Now in their sixth year, the awards reward
base in Nantes, creating employment for more
than 50 staff. exceptional performance in safety, health,

New locations – community, customer service, environment
Bordeaux, Poitiers,
Nantes, Le Mans, Tours, and innovation.
Angers and Chatellerault –
have been added to the Winners at the 2015 event represented

megabus.com network the company’s bus, rail, tram and coach
for the first time,
bringing low fares and businesses in Europe and North America.
good-quality travel to
millions more people All received a trophy, cash prize and a The 2015 Stagecoach Champions
across France. two-night stay in London.

“Our Champions Awards are about celebrating the “I would like to offer huge congratulations to all

achievements of many of our employees across of our Champions and say thanks to them for the

Stagecoach Group,” said Stagecoach Group Chief part they play in delivering high-quality services

Executive Martin Griffiths. to our passengers.”

“From Europe to North America, from bus to rail and Around 125 Stagecoach employees have been

from background teams to frontline workers, we presented with Champions Awards over the past

have honoured the exceptional people who make six years.

a real difference to our business and to our Turn to pages 3 and 4 to find out more about your
customers every day. 2015 Stagecoach Champions.

1

Did you know? In a Stagecoach North East depot football derby recently, Sunderland ON STAGE
depot came out on top, beating Newcastle’s Walkergate depot 3-2.

What a Impressive haul of UK Bus awards
Laugh!
STAGECOACH Group employees have once again The 2015 UK Bus Awards saw Stagecoach scooping
“What’s the use of you having a timetable taken top honours at the 2015 UK Bus Awards. a string of accolades
if your stupid trains never stick to it?,” Stagecoach South employee Martin Gibbon was
demanded Paul of the Stationmaster. named Young Manager of the Year at the event. Marketing Initiative of the Year category.
“Well, sir,” rejoined the railwayman, “how Judges said Martin, who is Operations Manager at In addition, Stagecoach South West won the Bronze
would you even know they were running Winchester and Andover depots, had a “mature, Top Shire Operator Award.
late if not for the timetable?!” confident and friendly management style”. Two Stagecoach employees were also recognised
Stagecoach North East also came out on top in the Unsung Heroes Award. Neil Rettie from
If you have seen or heard something funny – as Sunderland Depot won the Top National Bus Stagecoach North Scotland was Specially
online, in the papers, on social media or just Depot award for its reliable, friendly services with Commended for his work with transport charity
while out and about – send your contributions high engineering standards and good operational Transaid, while Stagecoach West Schedules Manager
for the ‘What a Laugh’ section in the next edition performance. Clive Norman was awarded a Special Commendation
to [email protected] South Yorkshire driver Robert Pitts from Barnsley for Outstanding Service in the same category.
Depot was named the Road Operators Safety Stagecoach UK Bus Managing Director Robert
n  On the board Council (ROSCO) Safe Driver of the Year after 37 Montgomery said: “It’s very pleasing to see so many
years of safe driving. of our companies and individual employees being
STAGECOACH East Scotland features in the latest Stagecoach also scooped a string of silver rewarded for their hard work and excellence.”
edition of iconic board game Monopoly, based on awards, with Stagecoach Manchester receiving
the city of Perth. the accolade in the Top City Operator category;
Stagecoach worked with the game’s makers to Stagecoach East Scotland in the Putting
include Stagecoach buses as a transport square Passengers First Award for its Coastrider X7
on the board. Along with Perth railway station, service and Daren Coppin from Stagecoach
aerodrome and harbour as the other transport London in the Engineer of the Year category.
options, the Stagecoach square is featured Stagecoach Yorkshire also won the Silver Award
between local football team St Johnstone and for Sustained Marketing Excellence for creating
Perth Playhouse. and sustaining passenger growth in Sheffield,
A Stagecoach Gold bus is also pictured on the while a direct marketing campaign between
centre of the board and the outside of the box, while Stagecoach North East, Arriva and the Connect
a ‘Chance’ card allows players to pick up a cash Tees Valley Partnership was awarded silver in the
reward when they win a Perth megarider ticket.
The Monopoly Perth Edition board is available Top apprentices
now at all good toy and book stores and online.
STAGECOACH’S top UK
Stagecoach
takes centre Bus apprentices have
stage in the
Perth edition been recognised at the
of Monopoly
company’s 11th annual
n  Rail ale
Apprentice of the Year
VIRGIN Trains East Coast has launched
its very own specially brewed golden Awards.
ale named Hop on Board!
Hundreds of employees answered Nine bus engineering
the plea to find a name for the
new ale, created by York’s Rudgate apprentices were
Brewery. The lucky winners were
Rayner Gill, Steven White and Jane awarded for
Winton from York.
Virgin Trains East Coast’s bespoke their outstanding
and limited edition ale is now for
sale on-board from the Foodbar. performance.

A bottle of the new brew, Sam Harris from
Hop On Board
Stagecoach Yorkshire

took first place in the Top prize winners Ben Dawson, Sam Harris and Adam Ebdon-Parry

third-year apprentice

category. Ben Houghton from Stagecoach London Ebdon-Parry from Stagecoach Manchester,

came in second place while Alex Booth from with Matthew Sanderson from Stagecoach

Stagecoach Manchester was awarded third place. Yorkshire in second place and Shane Rees

Stagecoach South West apprentice Ben Dawson from Stagecoach South Wales third.

received the top award in the year two category, Clare Willis, Stagecoach UK Bus Deputy

with Lorne Coughlan from Stagecoach South East Training and Development Manager

and Sion Summers from Stagecoach East second (Engineering) said: “Our winners this year have

and third respectively. all set an exceptionally high standard over the

The winner of the year one category, sponsored by past 12 months and they thoroughly deserve

The Society of Operations Engineers, was Adam their awards.”

2

Supertram turns 21 ... find out more on page 5. ON STAGE

Continued from page 1 Health Champion
GOLD – Tony Youmans, Bus Driver; David
A TOTAL of 18 awards were handed out at Wynn, Engineer; and Tom Blacker, Assistant
Stagecoach Group’s Champions Award ceremony. Operations Manager – all Walkergate Depot,
Below are details of our 2015 winners, all pictured Newcastle, Stagecoach
with Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Martin Tony, David and Tom have been the driving force
Griffiths and Non-Executive Director and Chair of behind a comprehensive health and well-being
the Health, Safety and Environment Committee, awareness and improvement programme at their
Helen Mahy. depot, including advice on weight loss, healthy
eating, and stopping smoking. The initiatives,
Safety Champion Adam Langley – Gold Safety Champion many of which have been delivered in partnership
GOLD – Adam Langley, Train Driver, London Silver Safety Champion Tim Olton with medical staff, have been well received by
Waterloo, South West Trains-Network Rail colleagues.
Alliance SILVER – Martin Plume and Chris Kelk, Lead
Adam’s quick thinking on his way to work helped Bus Drivers, Skegness, Stagecoach
Martin and Chris gave CPR to fellow Skegness
prevent a potential suicide at Raynes Park Station in driver Paul Farrell until paramedics arrived when
he suffered a heart attack in September last year.
November 2014, leading to professional support for Sadly, despite their efforts, Paul died. However,
the situation led to a fundraising campaign to
the young man and heartfelt thanks from his family. ensure that Skegness depot has a defibrillator.
SILVER – Tim Olton, Senior Production Manager, Paul’s wife, Lesley, wrote to Stagecoach to thank
Craigentinny Depot, Edinburgh, Virgin Trains the two drivers and recommend them for a
East Coast commendation.
Tim’s leadership has helped transform the safety BRONZE – Emanuel Talines, Train Guard, South
West Trains-Network Rail Alliance
culture through joint working with unions, improved Emanuel stepped in to help a young wheelchair
passenger in his 20s travelling on a train from
reporting and increased employee engagement, London to Dorking just before Christmas when
the customer went into spasm.
contributing to a 40% reduction in accidents at the
David Wakefield, who collected the award on behalf of
depot since January 2013. Gold Health Champions Tony Youmans,Tommy Blacker
BRONZE – Toby Kay, Bus Driver, Teignmouth, and David Wynn
Devon, Stagecoach
Toby was recognised for his contribution to road Health Champions Silver winners Martin Plume and Chris Kelk

safety through his involvement with the Institute of Health Bronze Champion Emanuel Talines

Advanced Motorists and his work to help educate

the public and road users about the challenges

experienced by bus drivers.

Environment Champion Bronze Safety Champion Toby Kay
GOLD – Peter Byrne, Station Manager, Weybridge, Peter Byrne, our Gold Environment Champion
South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance
Peter has helped put in place a new waste Silver Environment Environment Bronze
contract working with colleagues in environment Champion Mark Holden Champion Steven Robinson
and procurement. His attention to detail on the
positioning of skips and bins, as well as how tenants
are charged, is making a real difference towards the
company’s environmental objectives.
SILVER – Mark Holden, Relief Eco-driver and
Green Champion, Gloucester, Wye & Dean,
Stagecoach
Mark was recognised for his work on the GreenRoad
eco-driver performance programme and initiatives to
provide improved, automated feedback to drivers. He
has also developed ideas for greener travel options
for employees working early-morning, early-evening
and late-night shifts, as well as other community
projects.
BRONZE – Steven Robinson, Bus Driver and
Eco-champion, Manchester, Stagecoach
Steve is a source of great green ideas, including
turning depot waste ground into a staff recreational
area with a covered bicycle section to encourage
more staff to cycle to work. He has also championed
more showers and cycling facilities, as well as
other projects to promote walking, cycling and an
improved local environment.

3

Did you know? megabus.com is offering 50,000 free seats to customers ON STAGE
across Europe in January and February.

Innovation Champion Gold Innovation Champion Scott Garrett London’s St Pancras wouldn’t be the same without
GOLD – Scott Garrett, Operations Manager, Kassam and his big smile which greets customers
Sacramento, California, Coach USA Innovation Silver Champions James Horn and Jack every day.
Scott has developed a simple yet improved and Ferguson SILVER – Ric Gabriel, Flagship Station Manager,
more flexible system for bus cleaning. It has Basingstoke, South West Trains-Network Rail
improved accountability and incorporates a feedback Alliance
mechanism to ensure buses go into service in Ric has encouraged his team to think differently
excellent condition every time. about customer service – whether by giving Easter
SILVER – James Horn and Jack Ferguson, eggs to a local hospital, love messages left on hearts
Craigentinny Depot, Edinburgh, Virgin Trains around the station on Valentine’s Day, carol singers
East Coast at Christmas or fund-raising activities. He has
Engineering apprentices James and Jack designed created a culture where employees want to make
a protection shield that stops staff from standing a difference for customers, and he has empowered
on a floor-level-mounted coolant temperature them to do so.
sensor fitted to the engine. They also developed BRONZE – Stagecoach Rail Replacement Team
manufacturing drawings and even produced the (Supertram infrastructure upgrade project)
shields. In future, all Virgin Trains East Coast power A team of employees from Stagecoach Supertram
cars will be fitted with the protection shields. and Stagecoach in South Yorkshire have been jointly
BRONZE – Mike Bones, Technician/Fitter, nominated for their outstanding teamwork over
Stockport, Manchester, Stagecoach the past three years during the major upgrade of
Mike developed a modified air/water separator filter infrastructure on the light rail system in Sheffield.
to solve the problem of injectors becoming blocked They have improved the customer experience of rail
with a fluid designed to reduce emissions from bus replacement bus journeys, delivered high satisfaction
engines. His invention can unblock the system in levels and helped maintain the good commercial
minutes, saving valuable time, and it has now been performance of the business.
shared with other depots. BRONZE – Donna White, Bus Driver, Elizabeth,
New Jersey, Coach USA
Community Champion Bronze Innovation Champion Mike Bones Donna has been described as being like Mother
GOLD – Nigel Merry, Rail Operator, Basingstoke Gold Community Champion Nigel Merry Teresa to her passengers. Her ‘brilliant, witty,
Railway Station, South West Trains welcoming and loving’ approach shines through,
Nigel was recognised for his work in fulfilling his Silver Community Bronze Community from helping to calm negative situations to taking
ambition to make Basingstoke Railway Station ‘a Champion Sue Jewell Champion Sharon Angel a real pride in her bus. Truly, as one customer put it:
special place’. His energy, ideas and can-do attitude ‘service beyond the ordinary’.
– particularly in helping people with disabilities –
have made the railway a true part of the community. Silver Customer Service Champion Ric Gabriel
SILVER – Sue Jewell, Bus Driver, Leyton, London,
Stagecoach Bronze Customer Service Champion Donna White
As well as working hard to make the Leyton Depot
a vital part of the community, Sue has been making Customer Service Bronze Champions David Marrison,
the biggest difference in her own housing estate. Michael Grace and Jay Bolsover from the Supertram
She has a passion for making local neighbourhoods Rail Replacement team
a safe and positive environment for children and
their families, and her work – such as addressing the
impact of gangs and knife crime – has been praised
by police.
BRONZE – Sharon Angel, Travel Advisor, Sheffield
Station, East Midlands Trains
Sharon is has gone the extra mile to ensure that
young people are educated in rail safety. She has
developed a package of materials to transform a
schools visit programme and is now leading a
project to roll out the new approach across East
Midlands Trains.

Customer Service Champion Gold Customer Service Champion Kassam Pinjara
GOLD – Kassam Pinjara, Customer Welcome
Host, St Pancras Station, London, East Midlands
Trains
Kassam has worked for the rail industry for over 30

years and is a fantastic ambassador for the entire rail

industry. He is hard-working, fiercely proud, reliable

and professional. He seeks no acknowledgement for

what he does and he believes it’s nothing special, but

4

Environment accolade for Stagecoach ... find out more on page 6. ON STAGE

n  Journey’s end for John n PICTURE THIS

RETIRED Stagecoach South Wales Managing This edition’s Picture This winner was taken by Lee
Paul Wardle, Commercial Trainee at Stagecoach
Director John Gould was given a good send-off at Cumbria and North Lancashire. It shows a pair of
Volvo Olympians in Glencoe, Scotland.
his final Managing Directors’ meeting in Stockport. Congratulations to Lee who will shortly receive his
prize of £50 in M&S vouchers.
John, whose career has spanned 40 years, If you have any good photos for Picture This, please
send them to Lindsay Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach
was given Rugby World Cup tickets and a cake. Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW, or email
them to [email protected]
Stagecoach UK Bus Managing Director Robert

Montgomery said: “Thanks for everything you

have done over the years for Stagecoach. Thanks

also for being a friend to us and we wish you

a long and happy

retirement.”

John Gould added: Happy birthday Supertram

“I’ve been with

Stagecoach since

1989 and I have

enjoyed every minute. STAGECOACH Supertram opened the gates of its The company’s mascot Supertram Man made a
Nunnery depot to celebrate the 21st anniversary of special appearance and children enjoyed a bouncy
I’ve always said you the Supertram network. castle and face painting. Supertram photos from
Around 2,000 people flocked to the event to enjoy the last two decades were also on display.
are only as good a special behind-the-scenes look at how the city’s “The open day was absolutely fantastic,” said
much-loved trams operate. Supertram Managing Director Margaret Kay.
as the people you As well as tours around the depot, there were welding “It was our chance to celebrate 21 years of what
demonstrations and a unique opportunity to ride on a is an iconic and much-loved network in Sheffield
Retired Managing work with and that tram as it travelled through the giant tram wash. and we are delighted that so many people came
Director John Gould with really does apply to A special tram, decorated with drawings of out to join us.
competition winners by local artist Pete McKee, was “Our staff put a lot of work into the day and it was
his farewell cake Stagecoach.” also unveiled. a great success.”

n  Drawing admiration The Right Crowds keen to see behind the scenes flocked to the
Worshipful the Supertram open day
SCOTTISH Citylink has launched a competition Lord Mayor
inviting schoolchildren from Edinburgh and of Sheffield,
Glasgow to draw a picture of their city, with two Councillor Talib
winning designs appearing on the rear of the Hussain, artist
coaches that connect the two locations. Pete McKee
The winners will also be invited with their and Supertram
classmates for a special pre-Christmas trip to Managing Director
either Dynamic Earth or the Glasgow Science Maragaret Kay
Centre, travelling to the destination on their with the specially
specially designed bus. decorated tram
Nicola Campbell, Marketing Manager for Scottish
Citylink, said: “We want the children to get their Rocking the red look Duo celebrate success
thinking caps on and crayons out to draw a picture at National Rail Awards
of what their city means to them. VIRGIN Trains East Coast has launched its new-look
“We can’t wait to see the entries and to decide the red-hot uniform. TWO Stagecoach employees were named as
best ones to go onto our vehicles.” The uniform features red micro-check shirts and winners at the National Rail Awards 2015.
blouses, red ties for the guys and red scarves for Sheffield-based East Midlands Trains Travel Advisor
n  Taking the plunge the ladies, grey waistcoats and jumpers. Spiffy new Sharon Angel won the award for her innovative
chefs’ jackets and red neckerchiefs also feature with programme of schools education visits which she
DAREDEVIL Stagecoach North East driver Alan new polo shirts and fleeces for technical teams. designed in her own time.
Beck completed a 15,000ft tandem parachute The new items will keep everyone looking smart Mark Boon, South West Trains Flagship Station
jump to raise funds for a good cause. Manager for Clapham Junction and Vauxhall,
His high-flying challenge helped raised more than until the company took top slot in the management category of the
£4,000 towards the cost of a new roof at his dad’s takes delivery next Outstanding Personal Contribution Award.
local church in South Hetton. year of its brand new Malcolm Trussler, a South West Trains Guard based
uniforms designed at Basingstoke, was also highly commended in the
Alan at the site of his charity parachute jump by international Outstanding Personal Contribution awards.
fashion designer and Martin Griffiths, Chief Executive of Stagecoach Group,
TV presenter Wayne said: “We have a team of fantastic people working
Hemingway. across our businesses and we are investing more
than ever before in their training and development.”
Staff show off the new
red-hot uniform

5

Did you know? Lost property analysis on megabus.com in Italy showed customers GREEN SCENE
had left behind a ukulele, a pudding mould and a university degree.

n  Sunny side up Stagecoach awarded Carbon Trust
Standard for Global Operations
THE POWER of the

sun is set to cut

carbon emissions at STAGECOACH Group has been awarded the By April 2019, against a baseline of 2013-14,
prestigious Carbon Trust Standard for its efforts in the Group is aiming to:
Stagecoach’s UK Bus helping tackle climate change. ƒƒ Reduce buildings carbon emissions by 7%
The award follows a detailed assessment by the ƒƒ Cut like-for-like fleet transport carbon emissions
division, thanks to Carbon Trust of the environmental performance of
the Group’s businesses in the UK, mainland Europe by 2%
plans for new solar and North America between 1 May 2013 and 30 April ƒƒ Lower water consumption by 9%
2015. ƒƒ Achieve a waste recycling rate of 83% compared
panels at a number Assessors confirmed that, relative to the turnover of
the Group’s business, Stagecoach has reduced its to 77%.
of its depots. carbon impact by 11.9%. “Achieving consistent and continuing improvement
Stagecoach was first awarded the Carbon Trust is not easy and it requires a real focus day-in,
Working with Standard for its global operations in 2013 when it day-out,” said Martin Griffiths, Stagecoach Group
was the first public transport operator to have its Chief Executive.
renewable energy performance certified outside Europe. It has now “It is a tribute to the hard work of our teams around
been recertified for its continuing work to measure, the world, from driving our buses and trains as fuel-
company Visolaris manage and reduce its global carbon footprint. efficiently as possible to saving energy at our depots
The Group has launched a new five-year and offices, conserving water and recycling as much
Solar panels are cutting and the Renewable sustainability strategy ‘Shared Responsibility, Shared as possible of the materials we use in our daily work.
carbon and saving money Future’ with further stretching targets to cut its “Sustainability is the responsibility of us all and we
at UK Bus depots Energy Investment carbon emissions, reduce water consumption and have more work to do. By working together, small
(REI), UK Bus has improve recycling. individual improvements can collectively make a
installed panels at big difference to our company and the communities
we serve.”
Stagecoach’s Chesterfield depot, while work

is under way to include the energy-saving

technology at the Daw Bank Depot in Stockport.

Virtually all of the locally generated electricity will

be used at each site, significantly reducing their

electricity bills and enabling Stagecoach to gain

greater security and certainty over their future

electricity costs. Any spare electricity will also be

sold back to the National Grid.

At the Chesterfield and Daw Bank sites alone,

more than 3 million kgCO2 is expected to be

saved over 20 years, with potential financial On top at Community Rail Awards

savings of up to £1.1 million.

Chesterfield will benefit from a 250 kilowatt peak RAIL franchises East Midlands Trains and South Best Marketing Campaign for the ‘Make Tracks for
West Trains picked up two top awards and five Alsager’ campaign and in the Passengers Matter
(kWp) installation of 962 solar panels while, in runners-up prizes in this year’s Community Rail category for ‘A Spotter Tea’, the new community
Awards, highlighting Stagecoach Group’s continued cafe at Kidsgrove station.
Stockport, a 280kWp system of 1076 solar panels commitment to community involvement. The South West Trains team picked up second prize
At East Midlands Trains, the Derwent Valley Line in the outstanding teamwork award for the project
will be fitted. Community Rail Partnership collected two winner’s on the Island line to repair the network after poor
awards for Belper station. weather in 2014. The project included South West
“This is an example of how we can benefit The first was in the category of Best Community Art Trains, the Island Line Community Rail Partnership,
Scheme for the new station mosaic and artwork. Network Rail, Southern Vectis and a variety of
from new technology at our existing sites to The project also won Best Community Rail Photo, community partners.
taken by local photographer Ashley Franklin. Bob Painton, Swaythling Station Adopter, received
help minimise the impact of our operations on The North Staffordshire Line, which operates between second place for outstanding volunteer contribution
Derby and Crewe, picked up second-place awards for his hard work over the past eight years, including
the environment and play our part in tackling for involving young people for the North Staffordshire leading a project commemorating World War One
Community Rail Partnership’s artwork project. in Swaythling with children from Cantell Secondary
the global challenge of climate change,” said The REACH Pupil Referral Unit in Stoke was named School and other volunteer groups.

Stagecoach Regional Director Sam Greer.

n  Gardeners muck in

VOLUNTEERS from Stagecoach SSC in Stockport

rolled up their sleeves for a special green project.

The workers spent the day transforming an

outdoor space at a residential home of The

Together Trust, which supports disadvantaged

children and children with a mixed range of Gold-star treatment

difficulties and impairments. PASSENGERS between Oxford and Banbury can Stagecoach
travel in greater style after Stagecoach in Oxfordshire Oxfordshire
The team took on the challenge with passion, launched its fifth fleet of luxury Gold buses. Managing
The £850,000 investment means travellers using the Director Martin
determination and drive, and gave the whole S4 bus route will enjoy a five-star luxury service as Sutton (right)
they experience the comfort of hand-stitched Italian officially launches
garden area a fresh new look. The staff and leather seats, increased legroom and free WiFi. the new buses
Martin Sutton, Managing Director of Stagecoach in with the help of
young people were delighted. Oxfordshire, commented: “Our Gold buses have been Banbury’s Deputy
designed with our customers’ needs in mind. We Mayor Cllr
Thanks are due to all involved, including Caroline appreciate that our customers value the use of free Gordon Ross

Oldham, Alison Yarr, Carol Campbell, Stephen WiFi and welcome greater comfort and luxury.”
Passengers also had the chance to win £100 every
Senior, week in a month-long Golden Ticket competition.

Matthew

Neilson, Sam

Charlton and

Alexandra

The green-fingered team Parker.

6

A starring role in Corrie ... find out more on page 8. ON STAGE

LETTER OF PRAISE n  Support for volunteering

This email praising a local driver was sent to STAGECOACH has agreed to support UK
Stagecoach South East’s Canterbury Bus Station. volunteering charity WWV during 2016.
The Group will provide the charity with advertising
Hi, The paper in her ticket machine was constantly as well as looking at potential volunteering and
getting stuck, however she sorted it in a very work experience placements.
I am just writing to say how impressed I was by one relaxed and unflustered manner. Steven Stewart, Stagecoach Group Director
of your female bus drivers this morning. I wish I had her staff number so I could have of Communications, said: “We know from
At Canterbury Bus Station I caught a Unibus. I sat at properly identified her. This truly was excellent the work of our own employees the huge
the front seat of the bus and it was so refreshing to customer service. difference volunteering can make – not just
see the bus driver smiling as she greeted each and for the communities which projects help but
every passenger. Best wishes, also in building the confidence and life skills of
Every fare she took was taken and despatched Maria individuals.
in such a friendly/professional manner. Every “WWV does fantastic work with people at all
passenger was greeted with a hello and thanked stages of their lives. We’ve been particularly
when they got off the bus. impressed by their programmes to help
young people and those from disadvantaged
If you or one of your colleagues has received a letter of praise from a customer, please email a copy to backgrounds.
[email protected] or post it to Lindsay Reid, Senior Group Communications Manager, “Our transport services are vital in connecting
Stagecoach Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW. We will publish as many as possible. people and communities, and we look forward
to supporting and promoting the work of WWV
Smarter, cheaper bus for Greater Manchester throughout 2016.”
Mike Silvey, Director of WWV, said: “We are very
MILLIONS electronic products compared to the equivalent excited about the potential of this new relationship
of Greater existing printed products, saving customers up to with Stagecoach.
Manchester bus £5 a week. “Their support will help us continue working
passengers are The new product range, branded Get Me There, with some of the most marginalised and
benefiting from can be loaded onto widely available smart cards disadvantaged members of the community,
cheaper fares with including StagecoachSmart. helping them transform their lives and connect
the introduction of Stagecoach Manchester Managing Director with their communities.
a new multi-operator smart ticketing scheme. Christopher Bowles said: “This is great news for “We look forward to working with, and getting to
The scheme is the result of collaboration between Manchester’s bus users. know, the business and employees of Stagecoach
more than 30 bus operators through industry body “Stagecoach is making an £11 million investment Group companies during 2016.”
Greater Manchester Travelcards Ltd (GMTL), the across the country in new digital technology to make
organisation behind the System One brand, in it easier for our customers to use the bus. Smart n  Stephie retires after
partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester ticketing, better information and easier ways to buy 44 years
(TfGM). travel are at the heart of our strategy.
Customers can take advantage of great-value multi- “This announcement shows that, by working NORTH Scotland
operator travel, which is stored on a smart card and together, bus operators, local authorities and the Operations Director
can be used on buses across Greater Manchester. Government can make buses even better for the Stephie Barber has
Fares will be cut by an average of 10% for the new many people who rely on them every day.” retired after 44 years
of service in the bus
From the US to the UK Consultation on future of industry.
South Western franchise To mark the special
STAGECOACH has welcomed its first Coach USA occasion she spent
STAGECOACH, which operates the South West Trains her final morning at
graduate trainee, Chaz Featherstone. Chaz will network, has welcomed the start of a Government work as a ‘clippie’ on Retired Operations
consultation inviting passengers to have their say local bus services in Director Stephie Barber
join the existing UK Bus Graduate Management over the future of their rail services. Aberdeen.
Passengers, businesses and local councils are being Stephie started as a weekend clippie in 1971
Programme for the first year, based in the engineering asked for their views on the next South Western with Ribble Motor Services in Lancashire whilst
franchise, which is due to start in 2017 when the studying at college. She became a member of the
department at Stagecoach Manchester, before current South West Trains contract comes to an end. road staff at Southport depot shortly afterwards
A Stagecoach Group spokesperson said: “We are and then undertook a number of Commercial and
returning to the USA for his second year of training. proud that the improvements we have made over the Operational roles in Berkshire, Cumbria and North
past two decades have doubled the number of people Lancashire before her appointment as Operations
The two-year graduate management programme using South West Trains services making it one of the Director for North Scotland in 2013.
most heavily used rail networks in Europe.” Stephie plans to retire in North Lancashire to
has had great success. spend time with her four grandchildren and to
7 climb all those Cumbrian mountains. Everyone
Within Stagecoach there wishes her a happy retirement.

are now 13 directors

(including four managing

directors) and 34

managers who began

Chaz Featherstone at their Stagecoach careers
Stagecoach HQ in Perth on the programme.

Did you know? megabus.com US had 1400 entries to its most recent ON STAGE
#MegaArtist social media competition.

n  Bus decked out in a tutu Corrie call

A DOUBLE-decker in a tutu provided an eye- Gill Latham
catching launch for a new charity partnership
between Stagecoach Manchester and Genesis If you, or one of your colleagues, have STAGECOACH Manchester’s Middleton depot supplies
Breast Cancer Prevention. a claim to fame – perhaps a hidden vehicles to TV soap Coronation Street from time to time
As part of Genesis’ ‘Take on the Tutu’ challenge, talent, a meeting with a celebrity or an for filming.
the 26-metre-long, four-layered tutu graced the interesting hobby – please email details Pictured recently on-set on the cobbles of Weatherfield
Stagecoach bus during Breast Cancer Awareness to [email protected] is Administration Assistant Gill Latham.
Month.
The event also celebrated the announcement
that Genesis had been chosen as the company’s
charity of the year following an internal vote by
staff members.
Stagecoach Manchester driver Barry Duncan also
showed off his own tutu to kick-start his ‘Take on
the Tutu’ challenge, which encourages fundraisers
to don a tutu either at work, school, in the local
community or while taking part in a sports event,
to raise money for the Manchester-based charity.

New appointments in North America

The Stagecoach bus, resplendent in its pink tutu STAGECOACH has announced changes to its senior logistics sector, including Laidlaw and Ryder
management team in North America. System Inc. He is an executive director of the
n  A window to the past Dale Moser, long-serving President and Chief American Bus Association and his role as
Operating Officer of the Group’s North America non-executive Chairman of Stagecoach’s North
ARTIST Mike Brown joined Virgin Trains East Division, has decided to relinquish his full-time America division will include engagement with
Coast staff and dignitaries to unveil a striking new executive role and has been appointed as the key government and other stakeholders.
stained-glass window at Grantham Station. Division’s non-executive Chairman. Linda Burtwistle was previously with Stagecoach
The window, depicting the steam locomotive Linda Burtwistle, who has nearly 20 years’ from 1996 and served as Chief Financial Officer of
Mallard, has taken pride of place over the door experience in the public transport industry in the the Group’s North America Division between 2000
to the station’s waiting room. The unveiling also UK and North America, has become President and and 2004. She has also previously been Finance
coincided with the official opening of Grantham’s Chief Operating Officer. Director of Virgin Rail Group.
new Customer Information Office. Dale Moser has led the Group’s North America Linda joined FirstGroup America in 2008, where
Division for the past 15 years and has previously most recently she was President of First Student
n  Secret assignment held leading positions in the transportation and until January 2014.

COACH USA’s Dillon’s Bus Service and Suburban Malachi’s big day Malachi takes charge during his visit
teamed up during the Pope’s visit to Washington
DC and Philadelphia recently to move Secret STAFF at the South West Trains-Network Rail Improvement Manager for the South West Trains-
Service agents to their assignments. Alliance recently helped grant the wish of an Network Rail Alliance, said, “Malachi is a delightful
This was a 24/7 operation for eight days, which extra-special seven-year-old. young man, full of fun and excitement and incredibly
included work before, during and after the Malachi Tyler has a genetic condition called brave.
Papal visit. neurofibromatosis. He is also blind, has two brain “We arranged what we hoped would be an exciting
tumours and epilepsy. day that he will never forget.”
n  Tasty treats After hearing about his bravery, the train operator
organised a special day across the rail network
STAFF at Group headquarters in Perth recently for him.
raised £250 through a bake sale held in aid of Malachi and his dad were taken for a tour of the
the Perth and Kinross branch of the MS Society. Control Room at Waterloo as well as sending
The sale raised £112.00 which the company tweets from the South West Trains Twitter
then rounded up to £250. account. He was taken for a tour of a train before
jumping into the driver’s seat.
After a trip to Basingstoke, Malachi made some
station announcements before trying out a train
simulator. He then travelled back to London in
first class.
Siobahn Neligan, Customer Experience

8

Supporting the Poppy Appeal ... find out more on page 11. ON STAGE

Celebrating customer service excellence

COMPANIES across Stagecoach Group in the There were also Twitter competitions and face- “Thanks to a fantastic group of employees across
UK helped to drive forward this year’s National to-face meetings with passengers to tell them the country we are able to offer a top-quality service
Customer Service Week campaign. about the latest news and service updates. to our passengers.
Bus and rail divisions marked the event with “We know that good-quality customer service “However we can still get better and we are
a range of activities aimed at highlighting the is crucial to our success. It’s at the heart of continuing to work hard to deliver even better
importance of continuing to deliver good customer everything we do,” said Stagecoach Group Chief services for our customers and provide passengers
service day in, day out, for passengers. Executive Martin Griffiths. with the best-quality travel experience that they quite
Activities included hosting ‘meet the manager’ “This is not just about celebrating Customer rightly expect.”
events, handing out breakfast giveaway treats and Service Week for one week every year but also
competitions for schools with tours of depots and about being dedicated to our customers 365
goody bags as prizes. days a year.

Rob Hutchings, Hastings Operations Manager, pictured
driving as part of ‘back to the floor’ activities

Pictured (left to right) are: Geoff West Scotland Managing Director Stagecoach East Scotland passengers Staff in South Wales went out and about to talk
Taylor,Andrew Gardner, host Lynne Tom Bridge took a turn in the driving enjoyed giveaways at Edinburgh bus to customers
Watts and Shelly Trevis at North seat station
East’s Walkergate Depot, where the
red carpet was rolled out for staff

Stagecoach East Scotland Customers in Manchester Stagecoach East Midlands staff paid a visit to a school Breakfast goodies were handed out by South West Trains
passengers enjoyed were treated to free in Lincoln staff on the West of England line
giveaways at Edinburgh breakfast items
bus station

Training into work Seeing from a different angle

EAST Midlands Trains has launched an exciting BUS drivers in Merthyr Tydfil had a taste of what A Stagecoach driver takes part in the Swap with Me
new work experience pilot scheme. life is like for people with sight loss recently as they session
The ‘Train into Work’ programme was developed swapped places with their passengers.
in partnership with North Staffordshire Stagecoach in South Wales, VIM (Visual Impairment Stagecoach UK Bus recently signed up to
Community Rail Partnership (NSCRP) and the Merthyr Tydfil) and RNIB Cymru teamed up for a RNIB’s Street Charter, designed to help improve
Institution of Railway Operators (IRO), with special ‘Swap with Me’ event designed to build environments for blind and partially sighted people.
support from Alsager Job Club and the Moorland understanding between drivers and bus users at the
Learning Disabilities Team at Staffordshire bus depot at Pant Industrial Estate.
County Council. Drivers wore special ‘sim specs’ simulating different
The initiative aims to aid local regeneration on types of eye conditions to experience what it is like to
the North Staffordshire Line (Crewe-Stoke-Derby) navigate to and on a bus with sight loss.
by giving long-term unemployed and young Meanwhile, blind and partially sighted bus users
people 20 days’ work experience in customer learnt about the challenges of communicating with
service with East Midlands Trains. customers from the driver’s seat.

9

Did you know? Stagecoach has once again been named among Britain’s top ON STAGE
250 Most Admired Companies.

This recipe Sharing the caring
was submitted
by Coach FREE hugs and Love Hearts were handed out by Stagecoach shows it cares with happy hugs
USA’s Stagecoach Yorkshire in Sheffield city centre to
Corporate celebrate the launch of a new campaign. “It’s very important that we, as a transport company,
Human The Stagecoach Cares campaign aims to highlight listen to what our customers are telling us and that
Resources how the Group cares in different ways, from we can react to feedback in order to provide a better
Manager customer satisfaction and reliability to investment customer service.”
Michele in free wifi and environmentally friendly vehicles.
Hartigan John Young, Commercial Director at Stagecoach
Yorkshire, said: “Stagecoach Cares is about telling
New York Cheesecake people that everything we do is all about the
customer and the people we carry – whether
Ingredients they are using the bus to travel to work, hospital
ƒƒ 2 cups graham cracker (or digestive biscuit) or for leisure.

crumbs Two centuries of proud service
ƒƒ 1 stick of butter (113g), melted
ƒƒ 1 cup (200g) sugar A MAGNIFICENT monument marking the 200th
ƒƒ 4 pks (900g) cream cheese, softened Anniversary of Gurkha service to the Crown has
ƒƒ 2 eggs, lightly beaten been created in Nuneaton, with support from
ƒƒ 1 tsp vanilla extract Stagecoach Midlands.
ƒƒ 2 tbs cornstarch (cornflour) Nuneaton is home to one of the Gurkha regiments
ƒƒ 1 cup (230g) sour cream and the town has a strong community of Gurkha
veterans and their families.
Method Stagecoach Nuneaton employs 12 Gurkha
ƒƒ Preheat oven to 450F (230C). In a bowl, mix veterans among its 134 drivers, and donated
£500 towards the cost of the new monument.
graham cracker crumbs, butter and 2 tbs of the
sugar. Reserve 2 tbs for garnish. Pictured at the new Gurkha monument are (from left): Ian Campbell, Nuneaton Operations Manager, Standard Bearer
ƒƒ Press remaining mixture onto bottom of Dharma Rai,Thaman Gurung, Birkha Gurung and Janendra Nembang – all of whom are drivers at Nuneaton
greased 9-inch springform pan. Chill in freezer
while preparing filling. Kids kitted out
ƒƒ In mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and
remaining sugar until smooth and light. STAGECOACH Midlands has kitted out the Mawsley
ƒƒ Beat in eggs, vanilla and cornstarch until FC under-11s, who play in the Kettering Weetabix
blended. Stir in sour cream. Youth Football 9-a-side League.
ƒƒ Pour mixture into prepared crust and bake Fourteen sets of shirts, shorts and socks were
for 10 min. Then reduce temperature to 200F provided for the team, and grateful team coach
(95C) and bake for 45 min. Dominic Lehane said: “This kind of financial support
ƒƒ Turn off oven and cool for 3 hours with door helps the Club to go forward.
slightly opened. Sprinkle with reserved crumb “It’s good to have a prestigious name such as
mixture and chill. Stagecoach on the shirts. It makes the boys feel
more professional.”
n  Driver of the month
The successful apprentices who have completed Ten of the Mawsley FC under-11s players with
ALL West Coachlines’ their course their coach Dominic Lehane and Steve Burd,
David Brisbane MD of Stagecoach Midlands (back right)
became the Presentation dinner
company’s first
employee to be A GROUP of 22 apprentices gathered in Lancaster
nominated and recently for a special dinner celebrating the
accepted as Driver completion of their Stagecoach Four-Year
of the Month for Apprentice Programme.
the certification Certificates were presented by Robert Andrew,
of Sustainable Regional Director South, who also has functional
Transportation. responsibility for training.
David is pictured
being awarded the Coffee on the go Employee Joanna Paterson organised the Ayrshire
certificate by Gerry Madsen, Manager of Safety event which involved home baking, hot drinks and
and Training. A WORLD’S Biggest Coffee Morning was arranged competitions, and raised around £400 for the charity.
for all staff at Ardrossan depot in aid of Macmillan
Cancer Support.

10

Did you know? South West Trains now has more than 220,000 ON STAGE
followers on Twitter.

Lest we forget Stagecoach East Midlands Managing Director Michelle n  Stations in the spotlight
Hargreaves launches one of the company’s Poppy buses
EMPLOYEES across Stagecoach Group’s bus and A HOST of East Midlands Trains stations
rail companies once again helped support the Nine buses in London were liveried in poppy vinyls in and employees from across Derbyshire,
Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal this year. a partnership between Stagecoach,TfL and the Royal Leicestershire, South Yorkshire, Staffordshire,
The company helped staff and passengers honour British Legion Cheshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincoln have
and remember service personnel who lost their been recognised in the company’s annual Best
lives in the line of duty, with military personnel Stagecoach West contributed towards three Stations Awards.
and veterans carrying out collections at selected Remembrance Day wreaths in Cheltenham and drivers The awards, which are now in their sixth year,
stations served by East Midlands Trains and South took part in the ceremony celebrate the best of the train operator’s 89
West Trains. stations under the categories of Best Small
Meanwhile, some 2000 buses across the UK were Stagecoach is keen to track down serving Reservists Station, Best Medium Station, Best Large Station
decorated with a poppy and a donation for each within the Group. If you are a serving Reservist and Most Improved Station.
was made to the Royal British Legion. please contact The awards also include Best Community
South West Trains placed hundreds of large [email protected] Partnership, Most Environmentally Friendly
poppies at 26 stations across the network, while Station and Outstanding Personal Contribution
also making a donation to the charity. The company to recognise the employees who work hard to
also dedicated all of its stations for charitable deliver the best service for customers. This year,
collecting by the Royal British Legion, and for the first time, there was also an award for the
Stagecoach bus companies across the UK donated Best Station Event Team.
a significant amount to the appeal to provide Among the winners were Kidsgrove, Market
poppies for all drivers who wished to wear them. Harborough, Sheffield, Cromford, Ambergate,
A remembrance service was held on 11th Alsager and the Lincoln Christmas Market Team.
November at Waterloo station and staff and Two East Midlands Trains employees – Sue Drake
passengers across bus and rail networks were from Leicester and Sheffield’s Shaun Leonard
invited to observe a two-minute silence. – were named as winners in the Outstanding
In Sheffield, Stagecoach Supertram placed large Personal Contribution Award. Kim Sharman from
poppies on 20 trams and offered free travel to past the Interserve Initial Cleaning Team at Nottingham
and present Armed Forces personnel travelling was also awarded in Outstanding Personal
across Sheffield on Remembrance Sunday. Contribution (non-station staff).
Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Martin Griffiths “These awards are great recognition for our
said: “Arranging these events at our companies people and the work they are doing to make a
helps us to play a part in remembering those who real difference for their colleagues, customers
have been lost in action and allows us to pay and communities,” said Neil Micklethwaite,
tribute for the sacrifices made by servicemen and Customer Experience and Commercial Director
women around the world.” for East Midlands Trains.

Gillian’s new role Cash for kids n  Trainees take a step up

GILLIAN Robertson CASH for Kids charities SEVENTEEN employees recently completed
Stagecoach’s UK Bus Division Staff Development
has been appointed in Lancashire and Programme – a nine-month career development
programme designed to help colleagues
Operations Manager Merseyside have develop their skills and knowledge.
Ten of the most recent group to complete the
for Glenrothes Depot been chosen as the programme have already been appointed to their
first management roles within UK Bus Division
in Fife, Scotland, local Stagecoach and, to date, the programme has helped develop
the careers of five current directors along with
after completing the companies’ official 84 managers and assistant managers.
This year’s successful trainees are
Stagecoach graduate The Stagecoach and charities. pictured receiving congratulations from
Cash for Kids mascots The two-year Robert Andrew, Regional Director South,
scheme. partnership will see at a recent presentation event.

She spent her first year

of the graduate scheme Stagecoach Merseyside and Stagecoach South

in Exeter, Stagecoach Lancashire’s drivers and teams get behind Radio

South West, followed City’s Cash for Kids initiative in Merseyside and

by a year in Stockport, Rock FM’s Cash for Kids charity in Lancashire.

Stagecoach Manchester. In Merseyside, Stagecoach has unveiled a special

Gillian said: “I’m looking bus which features the Radio City Cash for Kids

Glenrothes Depot’s new forward to working logos and has been dedicated to the charity.
Operations Manager, with a team of
Gillian Robertson committed people “We felt a real affinity with the Cash for Kids vision,”
in order to continue
explained Elisabeth Tasker, Managing Director of

Stagecoach Merseyside and South Lancashire.

delivering quality bus travel and good customer “We’re delighted to be partnering such a fantastic

service with the intention of attracting more charity which has such a positive impact on the

customers to the network.” lives of the young people around us.”

11

THE PEOPLE PAGE ON STAGE

n  Alan set to stay in touch GETTING TO KNOW YOU...

ONE of Stagecoach Yorkshire’s longest-serving David Frenz, Operations Director for Scottish Citylink
employees, Alan Raybould, has retired after nearly
five decades of service. ■■ Who are you? I was stood staring at
Alan has been with Stagecoach Yorkshire ever
since the company was known as Yorkshire David Frenz, Operations Director for Scottish a closed set of doors
Traction, and has seen many transitions and
changes in his near half-century with the company. Citylink. while everyone else
He has held a number of positions, including his
most recent role as Commercial Officer. ■■ What do you like most about your job? was getting off the train
“I still meet up with former colleagues from the
times of Yorkshire Traction, even now,” said Alan, Working with a great team of people. behind me. It had been a
who is originally from Royston, Barnsley.
“The same goes for those I’ve worked with in ■■ What do you like least about your job? long day.
recent years. We’ll still be going out for a few drinks
every now and again, but it’ll just be different. Sitting in traffic on the M80, even at 7am. ■■ Favourite music?
Stagecoach is built on strong, community values
and it’s very much like one big family.” ■■ Favourite food? The Jam, Fleetwood
Paul Lynch, Managing Director of Stagecoach
Yorkshire, said: “Alan is a model professional Fish supper. Mac, Oasis... anything
and has been a great servant to us over the last
48 years. His loyalty, dedication and reliability ■■ Least favourite food? with a guitar.
epitomises what we’re all about. We wish Alan a
happy and healthy retirement.” Parsnips. ■■ Person you would most

n  Model drivers ■■ What are you most proud of? like to have dinner

THREE of Stagecoach West’s bus drivers Oakbank Primary School Sports Champion, 1997. with?
have taken part in a promotional campaign to ■■ Favourite holiday destination?
encourage more women to consider a career Ricky Gervais.
in the bus industry.
The ‘Bus Driver = Fabulous’ campaign highlights Florida. ■■ First thing you would buy if you won £1 million?
the benefits and flexibility that Stagecoach offers
employees. ■■ Most embarrassing moment? Buy a fish supper.
Drivers Amy, Heidi and Sue did the company
proud as models for the campaign. Waiting to get off a DLR train at the wrong side.

The trio of West drivers who featured on the ‘Getting To Know You’ features in every edition of On Stage and we want to hear from as many staff
promotional posters as possible. To suggest the next participant, email [email protected]

n  Contacts Employee awards Phil’s fifty not-out

Editor: Lindsay Reid, On Stage, Stagecoach Loyal employees at their special awards dinner STAGECOACH West employee Phil Toumine has
Group, 10 Dunkeld Road, Perth, PH1 5TW celebrated 50 years in the job after starting his
Email: [email protected] BUS drivers, engineers and other Stagecoach East career as an apprentice mechanic in 1965.
Midlands employees, with more than 1200 years of Phil later became a Storeperson and spent 19 years
If you have a story for On Stage, please contact service between them, were honoured at a special in the Cheltenham depot before it closed. He moved
Lindsay Reid as above. The copy deadline for long-service awards evening. to Gloucester for a year before moving back to
the next edition of On Stage will be Friday 18 Michelle Hargreaves, Stagecoach East Midlands Cheltenham when Western Travel took over Black
December 2015. Managing Director, said: “Our staff are a wonderful and White Motorways. He then chose to stay with
asset. Throughout the year, and in all weathers, they the company when it was once again taken over,
are there making sure people can get to and from this time by Stagecoach. In 2002 he was promoted
work and travel to the shops, connecting friends and to Store Supervisor.
families across so many communities. To mark Phil’s 50 years of service, Stagecoach
“The awards were a big thank you to some of those presented him with a clock to signify his long service
wonderful people.” with the company.
Meanwhile, East Midlands employee Roger MacDonald Rupert Cox, Managing Director for Stagecoach West,
has retired after 36 years and 4 months at Grimsby commented: “Phil is a great character to have within
Depot. Roger is looking forward to being able to spend the team and we couldn’t miss an opportunity to
more time with his partner Elaine and his family. celebrate his service with us.
“He’s been an integral part of the team over the
years and it’s always nice to take a moment to let
someone know that you appreciate both them and
the work that they do.”

Supertram shake-up Stagecoach West colleagues celebrate Phil’s 50 years
of service
SUPERTRAM’S Head of Customer Services Claire
Ansley has left the business to become General
Manager for the York to Newcastle route with Virgin
Trains East Coast.
Following Claire’s move, Marc Walters has been
appointed Head of Customer Services at Supertram.
Both are wished well in their new roles.

12