Should’ve gone to ...the opticians! M ERTON driver Spencer Suckling is encouraging all Go-Ahead London drivers to think about having an eye test, having recently discovered that he needs to wear glasses while driving. Spencer didn’t think there was much wrong with his eyesight and in fact had always considered it to be quite good. However, after a couple of minor incidents last year and his wife catching him squinting at home, Spencer thought it might be time to have a check-up. “After the two incidents I finally decided it might be a good idea to go to the opticians and have an eye exam,” said Spencer. “I was quite surprised when the results came back as I’ve always considered my eyesight to be fine and I regularly referee UK softball and baseball matches without any issues.” Spencer was prescribed a pair of glasses to wear while driving and he
says even after a few months he still can’t get over how much they actually help. “The clarity of my vision simply isn’t as great when I’m not wearing my glasses,” said Spencer. “They are specifically designed to be worn while driving and they really do help when I’m out on the road. “It’s been a few months now since I first got them and I’m still amazed at the difference every time I put them on. “I would certainly recommend an eye test to anyone who has even the slightest inkling that their eyesight may not be all it used to be. “It may seem fine, even when you approach middle-age, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. “Getting a pair may benefit you much more than you think. It could help avoid an incident as well as stop your colleagues telling you that you should have gone to Specsavers!”
Karl calls time on a 40 year career CAMBERWELL and Peckham’s general manager Karl Blair will certainly be keeping himself busy following his retirement on February 20. Karl is going to travel to India and will spend a few weeks exploring the southern parts of the country when he closes the door on a 40year career in the bus industry. “I have been to India before, but only to the north, but this time I plan to see something of the south,” said Karl. “I’d also like to learn to sail when I get back. I used to own a boat and I would like to get a new one but I want to learn to sail first. 6
BusTalk l February 2013
Tender news from across London IN OUR regular column for Bus Talk, we highlight recent announcements made by Transport for London. Arriva the Shires The following routes have all been retained by Arriva the Shires, with new contracts commencing 31 August 2013. • Route 288 (Queensbury to Broadfields, Edgware), using existing single deck vehicles (6 PVR). • Route 303 (Edgware to Colindale), using existing single deck vehicles (6 PVR). • Route 305 (Edgware to Kingsbury), using existing single deck vehicles (4 PVR). • Route H18/H19 (Harrow to Harrow Weald circular), using existing single deck (7 PVR). London Sovereign • Retention of Route 13/N13 (Aldwych to Golders Green), using new double deck hybrid vehicles (21 PVR). New contract begins on 31 August, 2013. Sullivan Buses • Route 626 (Finchley Central to Dame Alice Owen’s School, Potters Bar) won from Metroline, using existing double deck buses (4 PVR). New contract begins 31 August, 2013.
It has been a real privilege to work with some truly wonderful people over the years...
“I am going Colleagues at Camberwell garage say farewell to general manager Karl Blair. to be keeping myself busy. I think you “It has been a real privilege to directors. have to keep both your mind and work with some truly wonderful “This is my 40th year here and your body active.” people over the years,” said Karl. the bus industry has put food on Karl joined Go-Ahead London’s “I have always felt supported my table and a roof over my head predecessor in 1973 as a driver by both my colleagues and the for all that time.” at New Cross and since then has worked in a variety of different roles, including road official, garage inspector and operating manager. He became a general manager If so, why not get in touch? in 1989 and has since worked at We’re always on the look-out for articles about Peckham, Putney, Camberwell, our readers so give us a call on 01932 243400 Bexleyheath, Belvedere and Waterside Way. or email us at go-ahead@ruxley.co.uk
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