All change for trio on the rise I IN OUR Face 2 Face column, we chat to Martin Fleming, a driver at Sutton, who has worked for the company for 35 years. We ask Martin eight light-hearted questions. Q: Who do you admire the most and why? A: The Paralympians who did so well this summer. They have problems but don’t give up.
T’S AN exciting time for management at Go-Ahead London as managers Nigel Wood, Peter Russell and Angie Ryder will all be changing roles. The change has given Nigel Wood, general manager at Blue Triangle, the opportunity to begin a six-month secondment as operations manager at Go North East in Newcastle starting from October 7. To cover his absence, Peter Russell, operating manager of Blue Triangle, will step up to Nigel’s role on a three-month secondment, while Angie Ryder will cover the Mandela Way responsibilities. “It’s an exciting challenge,
being in the same Group but in a completely different environment. “I’m looking forward to working the deregulated market outside of London, it will give me another set of skills and put me in good stead for my future career,” said Nigel. Peter, who has worked for the company since 1987 and has considerable experience with most of Go-Ahead London’s garages, is looking forward to taking on his first long term placement as a general manager. “It’s a challenge that I am ready for. I’m looking forward to being in the GM role for the next three months,” said Peter.
Q: What would you have as your last meal? A: I would have steak and chips – always well done.
Q: What is the best thing about your job? A: The freedom of being out and about. It’s a different job every day. Q: What is your idea of a perfect day? A: A nice sunny day in a theme park – Chessington, Thorpe Park or Alton Towers.
Q: What job did you want to do as a child? A: When I was younger I worked in technical drawing but my brother and cousin persuaded me to go on the buses. Q: What do you most admire about other people? A: A happy, laid-back approach.
Q: If you could have anything in the world what would it be? A: A good car, probably a Jaguar XKR – I’ve always loved sports and performance cars. Q: What is your favourite sport? A: I’ve always loved playing cricket. I love watching it live but can’t stand seeing it on TV! 6
BusTalk l October 2012
Peter Russell (left) says farewell to Nigel Wood on his departure to Newcastle.
Tender news from across London IN OUR regular column for Bus Talk, we highlight recent announcements made by Transport for London. Abellio • Retention of Route 969 (Whitton to Roehampton Vale, Tuesdays and Fridays only), using existing vehicles from other routes. New contract begins June 1, 2013. Arriva London • Route 106 (Finsbury Park to Whitechapel) won from Stagecoach East London. New double deck vehicles (16 PVR). Contract begins April 27, 2013. • Route 230 (Wood Green to Upper Walthamstow) won from Stagecoach East London. New double deck vehicles (12 PVR). Contract begins June 22, 2013. Metrobus • Retention of Route 127 (Tooting Broadway to Purley). Existing double deck vehicles (11 PVR). Contract begins April 13, 2013. Stagecoach Selkent • Retention of Route 386 (Blackheath to Woolwich). New and existing double deck vehicles (10 PVR). Contract begins June 1, 2013.
Staff step out to run Route 20 for charity cash STAFF at Blue Triangle are choosing a healthy lifestyle this autumn as drivers and depot staff don their running shoes and raise money for charity. Drivers Leroy Jordan and Oz Hassan both like to keep fit but it was only after hearing that other staff members were walking route 20 for Great Ormond Street Hospital that they decided to get involved too. However, instead of walking the route, the pair decided to run the 11 miles. The October 6 run was completed in 1 hour and 26 minutes, starting at
Walthamstow and finishing at Debden. The staff who joined Oz and Leroy went the extra mile by walking the EL1 route as well. “Watching everyone at the depot getting fit inspired me to take part in the run. I’ve also given up smoking,” said Oz. “I trained by running a few miles a day, increasing the distance gradually. My girlfriend thinks I’m crazy for running in the pouring rain and coming back soaked, but it’s the sense of achievement and the stress relief that keeps me going.”