Bus Talk issue 31 - December 2014

Issue 31 • December 2014

Our Golden Girl Natasha Voted Top London Driver at UK Bus Awards See page 3

In this issue

Mandela Way welcomes New Routemasters Pages 5

We say a big thanks to our long-servers Page 6-7

Go-Ahead gets artful for Year of the Bus Page 8 2

Christmas message from the MD

Ending 2014 still the biggest and the best T his has been a very busy and exciting year for the bus industry in London as we celebrate the Year of the Bus (YOTB). The ‘YOTB’ saw a series of events and exhibitions aimed at reconnecting Londoners with the network and showing the important part it plays in their life both past and present.

Proud to be part of this, Go-Ahead London staged the biggest, busiest and most popular Bus Garage Open Day in June at our Stockwell garage, which was attended by more than 4,000 visitors with people travelling from all over the UK. Not only did we host the best Open Day for YOTB, we were also involved in the Lord Mayor’s Show and also the Access All Areas-London’s transport accessibility show at the ExCel London exhibition centre where we were the first bus operator to exhibit the new digital seating allocation technology on WHV1. Plus the new Navaho mediacat technology, which shows passengers a digital map of the route and upcoming stops on a screen in the bus.

We were also part of the TfL’s Sculpture Trails project, which is aimed at promoting walking and also raising money for charity.

‘Lest We Forget’, which remembers the war ...And where would we be dead, is an outstanding piece without our great team of of artwork by Lee O’Brien and drivers? One success story was sponsored by Go-Ahead this year is the introduction of London. It can be viewed at Horse Guards Parade, London. OARS, the Online Allocation Being one of the busiest years Request System, designed to give drivers the ability to in the industry, it was reported manage their own job better in September that the London and to communicate more Bus Network broke all records easily with the opportunity to by carrying more than 50 exchange information at the million people to various places touch of a button. in one week! It is expected that Understandably, being a new this record will be broken again system, some have had their in the run-up to Christmas. reservations but overall I have This is more than seven million received some fantastic reviews passenger journeys a day, truly through the very popular MD amazing.

Feedback tool. I look forward to Go-Ahead London remains receiving more comments from the biggest bus operator in you in the new year; we are London. In fact, we are the hoping to complete all garages biggest we have ever been, by the end of January 2015. running just under 25 per cent So what challenges will we of all contracts. The challenge face in 2015? The concerns we we face now is to retain work have surrounding the Barclays as it comes up for tender and Cycle Superhighways, and maintaining this size gives us taking the limited road space economy of scale but, more there is in London; major road importantly, job security for improvements and the dreaded everyone who works in the ‘C’ word – congestion! With company.

the capital growing at its fastest rate, so too will congestion on the roads. However, despite the obstacles we face, the company will work hard to ensure we have a positive outcome and remain the biggest and best operator in this great city, and a great company to work for.

We’ve finished on a real high with Natasha Lambert winning the Top London Bus Driver at the UK Bus Awards, making it three years in a row that GoAhead London has achieved this accolade.

On that positive note, I would like to thank you all for your hard work this year. It is a big team effort so to every individual, many thanks, it is very much appreciated.

I would like to wish each and every one of you and your family a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

John Trayner, MD Go-Ahead London

Go-Ahead triumphs at awards G

O-AHEAD London was proud to see Merton driver Natasha Lambert receive the Luke Rees Pulley Charitable Trust gold award for Top London Bus Driver.

The UK Bus Awards were held on November 18 at the London Hilton Hotel and recognise and reward the achievements of the bus industry.

Natasha’s award was judged on a number of factors, including mystery traveller reports, driving standard assessment reports, public commendations, driver monitoring assessments and accident records.

According to the award organisers, the winner of the Top London Bus Driver prize is the individual who best represents the customer’s ideal: “A driver who is friendly, helpful, conscientious, mindful of passengers’ comfort and well-being – in short, a true professional and worthy ambassador for the job.”

“I had a mixture of emotions when it was announced that I had won,” said Natasha, who has worked at Go-Ahead for 13 years. “I was naturally delighted to get the award, but then I had to give a speech, which was something I was dreading having to do. But I did it!

“Being polite, courteous and helpful is second nature to me, it’s no effort at all and it doesn’t cost anything either. And I think people really appreciate a smile and a warm greeting when they board their bus.”

Merton’s assistant operating manager, Glenn Harper, said: “We at the garage are delighted that Natasha has got the recognition her good work deserves.”

Go-Ahead London was also pleased to have two more contenders representing the company: Alex Burrows, Top London Bus Driver finalist, and Sutton garage, finalist for the London Bus Garage of the Year.

And Rick earns first CPT gong

A NEW award scheme has been introduced specifically for bus and coach engineering managers.

The Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) launched this new professional standard in July to allow managers to demonstrate that they have the necessary skills to carry out their important role.

To achieve the accreditation, managers must be a member of the CPT and be assessed on a wide range of competences.

Rick Weller, at Northumberland Park, is the first engineering manager in London to achieve the accreditation. During an

intense two-day assessment on November 3 and 4, a CPT representative asked Rick 160 questions.

Subjects included technical skills, health and safety, managing and motivating staff, setting up workshop training and dealing with customers.

On November 5, Rick went to the NEC in Birmingham to be presented with his certificate of accreditation by a CPT representative.

Rick said: “I believe this is definitely worth doing. It recognises the skills and standards engineering managers need to have to carry out their role successfully.”

One Step Beyond: Avoiding slips and trips

By Tom McGlew WALKING is a doddle, right?

But we are not born with the ability to walk. It is something we learn to do and, once mastered, we do it without thinking.

However, walking is a complex process. Not only do the feet have to move across the ground, but the hips, spine, arms, shoulders and head all move in sync to maintain balance.

Now add to this other factors such as lighting conditions, condition and type of surface you're walking on and your state of mind – are you in a hurry?

How about distractions, such as reading a text message, checking a duty card, talking to a colleague? Then, suddenly

T H E

H& S

C O L U M N the sync of those various movements is compromised and you could end up on the floor asking yourself what happened there? You may end up just feeling a bit foolish or you could be left with a painful injury.

The fact is, once a fall is in motion you have little control of the outcome.

The good news though is that paying attention to your surroundings can go a long way

to help you prevent a fall. So, points to consider are: n The floor surface. Is it free of litter or anything else that could cause you to slip or trip?

This is just as important when you are stepping on or off a bus.

Make sure that your front foot is on a firm, level surface. n Slow down. There is a run-in and a run-out. There is no run-to. If you are running and in a hurry, your attention is elsewhere, increasing the chance of missing slip or trip hazards. n Be smart – look where you are going. Walking around swiping and prodding at a smartphone or tablet, head down, isn’t smart. If you need to read something on your phone,

or your duty card, stop to read it – making sure, of course, you are in a safe area. n Walkways. Use the marked pedestrian walkways and crossings as far as possible.

These are generally more slipresistant than other surfaces and provide a visible safe passage. n Footwear. Make sure you are wearing footwear appropriate for you to carry out your job in a safe manner. n Weather. Following rain or snow, surfaces, including vehicle floors and stairs, will become wet or slippery, so extra care must be taken.

Finally, always sort or report any slip or trip hazard you think could cause someone to fall.

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‘Ops’ managers move on to new challenges

I

T WAS all change for the Go-Ahead London operating managers at Merton, New Cross and Northumberland Park on October 20.

Merton garage welcomed Glenn Woodman back into the fold following a 10-month stint as operating manager at New Cross.

Before that he was an accident prevention manager at Merton.

“It’s like coming home,” said Glenn, who has been with the company for 10 years. He originally joined as a driver at Sutton garage. His priority at Merton is to improve attendance.

Graham Oliver moved from Northumberland Park to New Cross and was particularly pleased to find a kettle there. “I can make a cup of tea now whenever I want!” he said.

He’s been with the company for six years and was an accident Glenn Woodman. prevention manager at New Cross previously, and at Merton before that.

“I’m fortunate to be taking over a well-managed garage,” said Graham. “Glenn kept a tight ship.”

“I don’t see a big difference between the garages,” he added.

“They have all been great places to work where I have made many friends and met some very interesting people.”

The final piece of the jigsaw is Mark Cambridge who has moved from Graham Oliver.

Merton to Northumberland Park.

Mark has been with the company for 15 years, starting out as driver at Camberwell garage. He soon moved to a position as admin assistant then rose through the ranks to operating manager. He is keen to share best practice from both garages. “There’s good stuff I’d like to bring in from my previous garage but I’m also finding some good things at Northumberland Park Mark Cambridge. which I’m learning from,” said Mark.

iBus eye-opener

DRIVERS from four garages have spent time at Bexleyheath’s iBus Hub to get a better understanding of the challenges faced daily by our team of controllers.

Drivers from New Cross, Bexleyheath, Belvedere and Peckham were offered an hour’s slot at Bexleyheath’s iBus Hub over four days in November. The visit consisted of 15 minutes with iBus hub performance managers Bradley Faithfull and Angelline Verrillo with drivers learning how the team manages route contracts and performance.

They then shadowed a controller and had the opportunity to experience

Andrew has IT all under control MAKING everyone’s life as easy as possible is one of new system manager Andrew Wilkinson’s quests at GoAhead London.

Andrew joined the company on November 10, having previously worked as IT manager for CBRE, a property services company.

“I was very encouraged by the length of time many people have worked at Go-Ahead London,” said Andrew. “I thought that was a sign that it must be

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a good company to work for.”

One of his first priorities is to focus on the equinox system that the engineering departments use to order spare parts.

On top of maintaining the existing IT systems, Andrew also looks at ways to future-proof the technology.

Outside work, he enjoys Krav Maga, a martial arts-style self-defence system used by the Israeli military. “I took it up when I worked for BlackBerry in Singapore,” Andrew explained.

using the iBus system.

“The iBus Hub controls the services from each of the four garages and the idea of throwing our doors open and giving our time to drivers was an exciting opportunity,” said Bradley. “It gave drivers the chance to gain an insight into what we do while engaging and building bridges with our control team.

“It’s been a very positive exercise and given our staff a greater understanding of why controllers make the decisions they do and why they sometimes have to make unpopular decisions. Hopefully, the drivers will spread the word with other drivers.”

The Masters arrive!

M

ANDELA Way garage welcomed the iconic New Routemasters to route 453 on October 18.

TfL is now halfway to achieving 600 of the buses in operation by 2016, reducing CO2 emissions in the capital by 20,600 tonnes per year.

The 453 is the second Go-Ahead London route to convert to New Routemasters following route 11, which converted in September last year.

The route runs 24 hours per day between Marylebone station and Deptford Broadway and transports around 28,000 passengers each day. The buses have the latest Euro VI green technology and improved fuel efficiency.

Two mentors from Stockwell garage have assisted with type-training for drivers and engineers, using their experience from operating route 11.

“The drivers really like driving the New Routemaster,” said general manager Hannah Self.

“We are pleased to be helping London become greener and cleaner.”

Engineering manager Nick Rouse added: “They represent the future of transport, combining modern style and technology but reflecting the looks of days gone by. They provide a service which puts the customer first and provides an unforgettable journey.”

Look smart, look the part!

IMAGE is everything, and how we present ourselves to the public makes a difference.

We want our employees to look smart and professional at all times, so it is important that everyone wears the correct uniform.

Recently, a large proportion of drivers have been observed driving in service without a tie; very disappointing. All drivers and passenger assistants should ensure they comply with the following: n You must wear your uniform correctly at all times when on duty. n They must be kept clean and in good condition and must not be altered in any way. n Numbered identity badges must always be worn in an appropriate conspicuous position so that the number is clearly visible. n You must ensure the type of footwear worn on duty allows you to carry out your work in a safe manner. n Trainers, sandals and similar casual footwear must not be worn under any circumstances while on duty.

Natasha Young and Pari Subramanian.

Rules for free travel FREE travel is a valuable staff benefit but it’s important to follow the rules otherwise the benefit could be withdrawn.

The following rules apply to both the Bus Operator Oyster card and Bus Operator Nominee Oyster card: n You must have both the Bus Operator Oyster card and Photo card to be eligible to travel free n The serial number must be the same on both cards n They must not be altered or defaced in any way n You must report it to your operating manager immediately if it’s lost or stolen.

Your Oyster card is valid on: n All TfL rail services operated by London Underground, London Overground, Docklands Light Railway and Tramlink. n London’s bus services and any other bus service where the TfL fare scale applies.

The nominee Oyster card can only be issued to someone who lives at the same address as an employee.

If the nominee Oyster card holder moves to a different address to the employee, the card must be returned immediately. Please remember that misuse of Oyster cards and photo cards can bring about withdrawal of travel benefits and may result in prosecution.

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FACE 2

FACE

IN OUR Face 2 Face column, we chat to Darren Connolly, a technical support manager at Merton Head Office who has worked for the company for 10 years. We ask Darren a series of Christmas-themed questions.

Q: What was the favourite toy you received for Christmas as a child?

A: An Intercity 125 train set – my mum made me wait until after our lunch to open it!

Q: What present was the most disappointing?

A: I’m grateful for every present I’ve received (Mum would be proud of me!)

Q: What’s your favourite Christmas food?

A: The main meal – turkey with all the trimmings.

Saluting ou S

eventy-five Go-Ahead London employees celebrated impressive milestones at the company’s annual long-service dinner.

The presentations were held on October 31 at Lancaster London, a hotel which overlooks Hyde Park.

The annual dinner celebrates the hard work and dedication of employees who have served

25, 30, 35, 40 and 40 plus years.

Guest of honour was recently retired Group engineering director Phil Margrave, while managing director John Trayner was on hand to host the presentation.

The evening started with a three-course meal, then the main event; the presentation of the certificates, followed by

dancing until the early ho The event was organise assistant personnel mana Nita Patel and directors’ secretary Valerie Clark.

“This was our second ti this hotel,” said Valerie. “ evening was a great succ and a wonderful opportu to honour the loyalty and commitment of our long serving employees.”

Q: What do you like least about Christmas?

A: The over-commercialism and the fact that it all starts too early.

Q: If you could spend Christmas in a different country where would it be?

A: I’d rather stay at home really but it would be nice if I could take the whole family to New York for one Christmas.

Q: What would be your ideal film to watch on Christmas Day? A: Something I could fall asleep to after lunch – like Home Alone.

Q: Does your family like to play games at Christmas?

A: We play Charades, Pictionary, Articulate! and my favourite, Monopoly.

Q: Who would you most like to spend Christmas with?

A: My family and friends.

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Long-servers and their guests enjoy their celebration dinner at Lancaster London Hotel.

ur long servers

ours. ed by ager

ime at “The cess unity d

The 30-year long servers. Back row from left: Kevin Wilson, Simon Simpson, Stephen Schouw, Richard Harrington, Phil Margrave, Kevin Haugh, Terence Benneworth, Bernie Rajewski, Graham Ferguson.

Front row from left: Michael Thompson, Osen Simpson, Steve Briant, Valerie Clark, Gilbert Benedit, Brian Aylwin.

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Garages welcome new routes Mohammed Khal, a driver on Route 100.

ROUTE 100 has arrived at Mandela Way, with 43 new colleagues joining the team.

The contract, won from Abellio, began on September 20 and runs every 15 minutes between Elephant and Castle and Shadwell. It has a vehicle requirement of 17.

The new drivers have had induction sessions to learn about Go-Ahead company policies and procedures and have all been fitted out with new uniforms.

“They have settled in really well,” said general manager Hannah Self. “They already feel a part of our team.

“The route has been performing well and we’re pleased with how everyone has helped ensure a smooth transition.”

Route 192 driver Fasulo Orlando.

NORTHUMBERLAND Park garage welcomed route 192 to the business on November 8.

The service, won from Arriva London, operates from Enfield Town to Tottenham Hale. It runs every 10 minutes and has a 14-vehicle requirement.

The 10 employees who transferred over had a garage induction day and have also

completed type-training on Go-Ahead London buses.

Many of the drivers live closer to Northumberland Park than their previous garage, so were very happy with the transfer.

“It’s all gone very smoothly,” said operating manager Mark Cambridge. “I would like to welcome all of our new drivers to the company.”

Go-Ahead gets artful for Year of the Bus

L

EST We Forget is the topical title of a poppy-themed bus sculpture on outdoor display in London.

The 2.5 metre-long art piece went on display opposite Horse Guards Parade and is sponsored by GoAhead London.

In collaboration with creative producers Wild in Art, the Bus Sculpture Trails formed part of TfL’s Year of the Bus celebrations.

They were intended to showcase the vital role that London’s buses play in the city.

Many well-known and aspiring artists designed 60 different New Routemaster-styled sculptures, which have been on display around London between October and December.

The Go-Ahead London bus sculpture was designed by Liverpool artist Lee O’Brien to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War One and to remember the war dead.

Following the public display, the sculptures will be auctioned in early 2015 to raise money for three charities: Kids Company, Transaid and London Transport museum.

Go-Ahead’s sculpture opposite Horse Guards Parade marked the 100th anniversary of WW1.

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THE end of an era and a bit of deja vu … the picture from 10 years ago at Go-Ahead London.

Long-serving employees will remember that before Bus Talk there was The Clipper (for London Central) and In General (for London General). We have delved into the archives and picked one December 2004 article from each.

First, the final days of the Routemaster on route 36, followed

by Stockwell winning route 322 – something they have just done again!

Preparing for the final farewell

STAFF at New Cross are preparing to say farewell to the Routemaster next mon th … after 43 years of service at the gara ge.

The last Routemaster is scheduled to run in service on Route 36 on the nigh t of Friday, January 28. They will be replaced by new Volvo double-deckers the following day.

The event represents the end of an illustrious era for London Central because the 36 is the company’s last TPO route and hun dreds of bus enthusiasts are expected to arriv e at the garage to say goodbye.

“We are expecting quite a turnout, ” said general manager Trevor Johnson, “but the occasion will not be without sadness because we will be losing our conductors.

“They have given sterling service, many for 20 years or more and there’s a han dful who’ve worked here for more than 30.”

London Buses wants to withdraw all TPO operations by the end of 2005.

Trevor added: “We are one of the last garages in London to undergo con version and although many conductors from New Cross will be retiring, others will find new work and we will assist wherever possible.”

The garage is hosting a recruitment drive

by London Buses’ revenue section whose representatives will be inviting con ductors to attend.

A buffet party with music is planned for January 29 at Blighty’s in Lewisha m. Although for the whole garage, it will primarily be to mark the service given to London Central by conductors.

Trevor added: “I would like to offer my thanks for the work they’ve put in to the gara ge to make it successful in terms of perf ormance.

The whole garage joins me in send ing them its best wishes.”

from across the capital IN OUR regular column, we highlight recent announcements made

by Transport for London.

All are retentions unless stated otherwise.

Arriva London North n Route 253/N253 (Aldgate/ Hackney to Euston/Tottenham Court Road) using double-deck vehicles (28 PVR). Contract begins on June 6, 2015.

Docklands Buses n Route 135 (Crossharbour to Old Street Station) won from Arriva London North. Contract begins on May 23, 2015, using new hybrid double-deck vehicles (14 PVR).

London Sovereign n Route 326 (Barnet to Brent Cross) won from Metroline.

Contract begins on July 25, 2015, using existing diesel single-deck vehicles (14 PVR).

Metroline n Route 460 (Willesden to North Finchley) using doubledeck vehicles (10 PVR).

Contract begins on June 27, 2015.

Metroline West

2 2 3 e t u o R s in w ll e w k Stoc rage will be looking STAFF at Stockwell ga work in April in the forward to getting more 2. shape of Route 32 e currently operates The low frequency servic e and Elephant and between Crystal Palac ginning of the new Castle, but from the be Brixton and terminate at ert contract it will div at Clapham Common. y service requiring Route 322 is a seven-da s, which will be icle 30 drivers and eight veh ency will be qu Fre . rts new 8.8-metre Da

Tender NEWS

day, changing to 20 15 minutes during the and on Sunday. minutes during evenings Bilham said: “The Road manager Martin ency services is all emphasis on low frequ time throughout the on about running bang e challenges with journey. We will have som nature of the route, the 322 because of the e small narrow for example there are som ed very easily. It’s est ng co roads that can get ell garage and we’re good news for Stockw g a good job of it.” looking forward to makin

n Route 245 (Golders Green to Alperton) using double-deck vehicles (21 PVR). Contract begins on June 27, 2015. n Route 331 (Uxbridge to Ruislip) using new hybrid single-deck vehicles (7 PVR).

Contract begins on July 4, 2015. n Route U10 (Uxbridge to Ruislip) using new hybrid single-deck vehicles (2 PVR).

Contract begins on May 2, 2015.

Uno n Route 383 (Barnet to Woodside Park) won from Metroline. Contract begins on July 25, 2015, using new diesel single-deck vehicles (3 PVR).

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Farewell to respected colleague NEW CROSS garage staff were saddened to hear of the sudden death of a colleague in October.

Driver Slawomir Pagacz contracted a virus and passed away on October 19, aged just 35.

He had worked on and off

at the garage for six years and was well respected by all.

Jolanta Gut-Nidecka, who works in stores, said: “He was a very good person; kind, polite, calm and always the first person to offer help.

I was so shocked to hear

the news, I still can’t quite believe it. Rest in peace Slawek.”

The garage organised a collection for his family.

The funeral, attended by his family and fiancee Katarzyna Hildebrandt, was held in Poland on November 10.

Orisha provides the wheels to the meals H

ELPING out at a lunch club has proved “so rewarding” for Northumberland Park driver Orisha Bartley.

The Finsbury and Clerkenwell Volunteers were finding it difficult to find a PCV driver to take isolated elderly people to the twice-weekly lunch club.

Northumberland Park garage stepped in and offered to provide a driver to help this worthwhile local charity.

Orisha, who has been with GoAhead London for four years, was more than happy to take on the job, which she has been doing every Monday and Thursday since June.

She picks up between eight and 12 elderly people from their homes in a specially-adapted minibus. The bus can accommodate wheelchairs and is provided by the charity. The lunch club is held at the Vibast Centre near Old Street station and Orisha stays there to help out until her passengers are ready to be taken home.

“I love doing it,” said Orisha. “The elderly people make you feel so valued. Many of them are in their 90s but they’re still so full of life.”

She also goes out of her way to check on the well-being of her passengers.

“I was quite concerned when one of my ladies didn’t answer her door recently. I asked one of her neighbours to let me in and we found her lying on the floor after a fall. After making sure she was all right, I said she should either come with us to the lunch club or I would take her to the hospital.”

She decided to go to the lunch and afterwards said to Orisha: “Thank you so much for not leaving me on my own.”

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Northumberland Park driver Orisha Bartley.

Portal roll-out on course THE employee portal roll-out is now on the home straight with only four garages left to have an iPad installed.

All Go-Ahead employees are being assigned a Gmail address to use as their employee portal login. The portal can also be accessed from any smartphone, tablet or computer with internet access.

By early next year, every garage will have an iPad available. Employees will be able to check emails, company and staff notices and access OARS (Online Allocation Request System).

“We’re getting really positive feedback from those who have been using the system,” said ‘super user’ Lance McFarlane. “Once they get used to it, people find it easy to access the information they need.

“With drivers out on the road most of the day, managers have found it very useful to be able to email them with information which they can pick up when they end their shift.”

Once the roll-out is complete, Lance will be looking at ways of extending the variety of information available to employees via the portal.

Employee Commendations BELVEDERE n MRS Mothobi praised driver Daniel Taylor for being “very polite and helpful” when she asked him to lower the ramp for her wheelchair. He also informed her in good time about a bus stop which was closed on the route.

BEXLEYHEATH n DRIVER Orhan Salih dealt calmly and professionally with two incidents on the same journey explains Mrs Rostanti. When one youth pushed another in front of the bus as it pulled into the stop, he clearly and firmly explained how dangerous this was.

Next, when an “irresponsible car driver who was totally in the wrong” was also abusive, Orhan calmly suggested that the driver went home and cooled down. n “FRIENDLY, polite and helpful,” was how customer Miss Carty described driver Andrew May. She was impressed when Andrew tried to sort out a problem with the bus door with help from an engineer over the radio.

BLUE TRIANGLE n ALLAN Coote was described as ‘very noble’ by Miss Henderson after he stopped and waited patiently for an elderly lady who was running to catch his bus. n PATRICK Higgins made sure exiting passengers got off first and asked people to move down the busy bus to make space. He also remained “calm and respectful”, said passenger Mr Plumb.

CAMBERWELL n GEORGIA Oldfield-Spence “handled the situation very well”, according to customer Miss Abraham following a difficult manoeuvre in a tight space with an oncoming lorry. n FABRICE Djuma asked two passengers with buggies if one of them could kindly fold their buggy to make space for a wheelchair-user. “This driver was spot on,” said passenger Ms Protain. “I would just like to say well done.” n EVERY student in a large group from Conisborough College was found a place on Luckwinder Singh Taak’s bus. Their group leader Mr S Lewis commended him for being “so kind and helpful”. n “EXTREMELY professional,” was how customer Ms Underhill described driver Brian Kennedy. “I would like to thank him for a most pleasant journey,” she

added. n CUSTOMER Mr Donohoe was impressed by Carl Mills’ ‘community spirit’. Driver Carl phoned him to arrange to return his lost wallet to a bus stop near the customer’s workplace. “It was very kind of him to make this extra effort,” said Mr Donohoe. n DRIVER Peter Currie “went the extra mile”, said customer Mr Fleming.

“He has a smile and a hello for every passenger and was incredibly patient with an elderly lady,” he added.

n JOHN Saunders was commended for his excellent customer service by Miss Mikaderidze. She said John was “extremely helpful” when she lost her bag. n DRIVER Jayaseelan Kathiravelu was “very helpful and gave a smooth drive”, said customer Mr Kalam. n CUSTOMER Ms Fletcher praised Debra Ricketts for “her excellent driving skills, the smoothness of the journey and her great interaction with passengers”.

DOCKLANDS n DRIVER Leroy Taylor “spoke kindly and calmly to all passengers” to ensure a wheelchair-user was able to board his bus, according to passenger Ms T. O.

ORPINGTON n MICHAEL Lungu was praised by passenger Mr Riley for “waiting for an elderly and frail man to become safely seated before moving off”.

MANDELA WAY n YDDALAZ Addy remained “helpful, polite and calm”, despite pressure from passengers, when his bus was diverted due to a bridge closure, said customer Mr Ayankoya. n CUSTOMER Mr Rowland said driver Charles Nelson stayed ‘calm throughout’ after an aggressive motorist cut in front of the bus. Charles didn’t retaliate when the driver swore.

STOCKWELL n PASSENGER assistant Lesley Haggerty is “always very cheerful and helpful”, said passenger Mr Dodge.

“Her pleasant attitude always makes me smile.” n YVONNE Keogh is “a great driver and a lovely human being”, according to Mr Johannes after she helped him recover his lost suitcase. n “EXCELLENT customer service” earned a commendation for driver Beresford Bentley from customer Mr Finch. He also said Beresford “drove the bus extremely well”.

NEW CROSS n AHMED Sanni stayed “very calm and polite”, according to Miss Hirst, despite being yelled at by a disgruntled family. She added that Ahmed “handled it very well” when one of the passengers had no credit on their Oyster card. n “POLITE, friendly and patient,” was passenger Ms Jones’ description of driver David Partridge. “He treated everyone with kindness and respect,” she added.

NORTHUMBERLAND PARK n ANTHONY Layman received praise from passenger Ms Sweek after showing “kindness and concern” for a passenger who “was not in any condition to continue her journey”. n WHEN driver Andrejs Klimovs returned a French horn to the depot, customer Mr O’Hare sent his “sincere gratitude and thanks to the driver and depot team”. After collecting his daughter’s instrument, he said: “They were very professional and helpful and you should be quite proud of them.” n A RELIEVED Mr Khalil was very grateful to driver Cuthbert Rosemond for “his honesty and loyalty”. Cuthbert had returned his lost rucksack, with all belongings intact.

SUTTON n “HOW pleasant and friendly this driver is,” said regular customer Mrs Dias in praise of driver Christopher Ramsey.

“He always smiles cheerfully at all passengers and provides consistently high levels of customer service,” she added. n MISS Mubashira was grateful to driver Ben Baldock and customer services for returning her lost iPhone.

“I appreciate you all, thank you very much,” she said. n MRS Lowther praised driver John Tebuseke for being “courteous, friendly and patient”. Her husband was on crutches, so John lowered the ramp and waited for him to be seated before driving off.

WATERLOO n MICHAEL Anderson parked his bus near to an injured motorcyclist lying in the road to shield him from passing vehicles. The motorcyclist’s wife wrote to commend Michael for “his quick thinking and care, which saved my husband from further injury”.

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Tickled pink to help charity

CANCER research will be receiving a boost from three fundraising initiatives at Go-Ahead London.

Both New Cross garage and Merton head office decided to Wear it Pink to support Breast Cancer Research. The event was held on Friday, October 24, and employees were invited to wear something pink and make a donation to the charity.

Rebecca Wood, admin assistant, organised the event at New Cross where they raised £143. Employees paid £1 each to wear pink or buy a sticker to show their support.

At head office, employees raised £198 by either wearing pink or making a donation.

Personnel assistant Debbie Saunders also organised a raffle, which was won by engineering manager Nick Rouse.

Meanwhile at Peckham garage, driver Alex Lawrence raised £359 for Cancer Research by taking part in the Shine Night Walk on September 27. Alex walked a marathon distance of 26.2 miles through the night from Southwark Park to Old Billingsgate.

At a previous charity walk, Alex got to meet actress Phyllis Logan who plays Mrs

Hughes in Downton Abbey. This event was the Fuller’s London Pride 10K walk for Cancer Research in June.

“I’ve lost a few family members and friends through cancer, so I wanted to do my bit to raise money for Cancer Research,” said Alex.

Pictured: Above left: Sara Kent, John Burford, Steven Rowe; Centre: Alex Lawrence, Phyllis Logan. Right: Samantha Feuillade, Rebecca Wood, and back row, Errol Gordon, Graham Johnson, Brian Goodger, Lopes Ngobese.

Driver Hilary’s hobby goes to her head!

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EETING Stephen Jones at the Victoria and Albert museum was a dream come true for hatmaker Hilary Devante, a driver at New Cross.

“He’s millinery royalty,” she said. “I went to an exhibition of hats at the museum where Stephen was doing a talk, and actually got to meet him!”

Hilary, who has been at New Cross garage for just over a year, loves wearing hats, so decided to make her own.

She learnt her skills at evening classes about five years ago

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and took a BTEC course in Millinery.

Hilary has since made a few fascinators, felt hats and, recently, a wide-brimmed hat to wear at a wedding.

Stephen Jones is Hilary’s favourite milliner and he’s made hats for designers and celebrities, including Vivienne Westwood, Dior, Boy George, Madonna and Kylie Minogue.

“If I’m on a spread-over at the garage, I sometimes bring in one of my hats to work on,” said Hilary. “It’s an enjoyable way to make use of a long break.”