Bus Talk - Issue 37 December 2015

Issue 37 • December 2015

Taking a trip down memory lane See page 8 Season's greetings to all Go-Ahead London colleagues

In this issue

June keeps the heat on in the kitchen Page 5

Long-servers’ big night out to say thanks Page 6-7

‘Clippie’ Marie makes a return trip Page 8 2

Christmas message from the MD

In the face of many difficult challenges, we delivered A s another busy year comes to an end, it is time to reflect on 2015 and to look forward with optimism.

Let me start by thanking you for your continued hard work and commitment.

2015 can be summarised in a few words – in the face of many difficult challenges, we delivered.

We end this year as we started it, London’s best and biggest operator.

We are rightly trusted by Transport for London (TfL) to provide a quality service and 2015 has been another busy year on the tendering front, with much work retained and some new routes. Not for the first time, the business has demonstrated its ability to grow and create local job opportunities.

That is not to suggest everything is perfect. We also lost routes, especially in Metrobus. I am shocked at how cheaply some of our competitors continue to bid for work and it is extremely disappointing when we lose contracts in this manner. It in no way reflects on our performance or the people behind it.

2015 also saw the passing of Phil Margrave. Phil was a legendary figure, not just within the company but across the industry. Widely respected, he was an innovator and an inspiration to those who were fortunate enough to work with him. Phil was at the heart of Go-Ahead London and its predecessors for over four decades and is greatly missed.

On a more positive note, London is the subject of unprecedented investment, with public transport at the forefront.

Irrespective of whether we agree with certain initiatives, our sector is benefiting from sustained expenditure and all parties are working hard to ensure the undeniable pain we have experienced on the roads this year is soon replaced with a more stable and bus-friendly environment.

2016 is shaping up to be another hectic year and we have much to look forward to. n The New Year marks the 160th anniversary of the original London General Omnibus Company and this will be formally recognised over the

coming months, so please look out for associated publicity. n In less than nine months, Waterloo will be transformed to London’s first all-electric garage, complete with 51 state-of-the-art buses. n New and improved driver uniforms continue to be distributed to all locations. n The end of major works at the Elephant and Castle in late spring/early summer. n 121 new buses are scheduled to join the fleet by August next year, bringing the average age down to approximately six years old.

You may have heard about Go-Ahead’s recent success in being awarded a major contract to run buses in Singapore. This is in no small part due to the expertise of what we do in London, as the authorities in the Far East have planned their system along the lines of TfL’s model.

This promises to be a very exciting opportunity and will only add to the Group’s overall attractiveness.

Much to look forward to, but before then comes the festive period. Whether you are at work helping our passengers or celebrating with your family and friends, a very happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.

John Trayner, MD, Go-Ahead London

“Shining example” Peter bags bronze bus award S

UTTON driver Peter Growns was delighted to win a bronze award for Top London Bus Driver at the UK Bus Awards.

The award was sponsored by the Luke Rees-Pulley Charitable Trust and TfL. Peter said: “I was elated to have won an award. I couldn’t believe it! It was lovely to be recognised and the event was amazing.”

It was the 20th year of the prestigious bus industry awards, which took place at London’s South Bank on November 24.

Peter’s manager, Glenn Woodman, said: “Peter is an invaluable member of staff. As a mentor, he willingly passes on his vast knowledge and experience

and his cheerful disposition allows him to get his points across in a friendly and informative manner Supervisors find him to be a willing and flexible worker.”

The dedicated driver helps the less able to cope with the day-to-day challenges of using public transport at Go-Ahead London’s disability transport awareness bus days.

He has also further expanded his role by working with the community on the garage’s travel mentor days.

The judges said: “Peter Growns’ relationships with both passengers and staff set a shining example of how a driver should conduct himself at work.”

Bronze award winner, Sutton driver Peter Growns.

Being proactive on safety

By Tom McGlew Some people’s view of health and safety is the bloke or lass who arrives on site with a clipboard following an accident. Whilst, of course, accident investigation is important to help identify causes and learn how to prevent similar events from happening again, it is a reactive function, i.e. it takes place after the event has occurred.

But are you aware that in the garage there is far more proactive health and safety activity taking place, to prevent accidents and incidents from occurring in the first place? These activities can involve managers, supervisors, union safety representatives, you and your colleagues.

For example, for a number of years the company has been working with the Institute

lights are checked to ensure that they are fully functioning.

Garages must also undertake fire evacuation drills during the day and at night to test evacuation plans.

Your local union safety representative also inspects the garage with managers T H E before every health and safety meeting, with their findings C O L U M N recorded and actions taken to put things right.

We also look at what our managers undertake a contractors are doing on site number of observations of to make sure that they are the morning run-out and the working safely and are not evening run-in. During these putting their own safety or observations, pedestrian yours at risk. safety, bus parking and These are just a few of many vehicle movement is studied proactive ways the company to ensure the ongoing safety manages health and safety of you and your colleagues on a day-to-day basis. You during these busy periods.

Various physical inspections can do your bit by proactively reporting any safety hazards of the garage regularly take before they have a chance to place. Every month, all fire cause harm. extinguishers, fire doors, fire Stay safe. escape routes and emergency

H& S

of Advanced Motorists to enhance the driving skills of Go-Ahead London bus drivers. Better skilled drivers should have fewer accidents.

Did you know that every bus route that you drive will have been risk assessed to identify any hazards, and information is available to you in route booklets and guides? Garage mentors have been appointed and trained to assist you with on-the-job training.

In and around the garage,

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A positive step forward

The new Wrightbus/Volvo dieselelectric hybrid double-deckers now in use on route 202.

R

EGULAR passengers on buses across Greenwich Park are enjoying a better view of the Royal Observatory from the top deck of newly delivered hybrids.

Go-Ahead London has replaced the single-deckers on route 202, from Greenwich to Blackheath, with new Wrightbus/Volvo diesel-electric hybrid double-deckers.

Drivers like them too. Trainer Peter Merchant said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed providing type training for drivers and they loved it. In the past, route 202 was not so popular with drivers. They’re saying that

the new buses make their job much more pleasant; they enjoy the route and don’t want to leave it.”

Based at Croydon, the vehicles are being maintained by Volvo under contract. A total of 39 are now in service between the 119, 202 and 405 routes. Some to allow for increased Peak Vehicle Requirement (PVR) and some for replacing older vehicles.

Another 30 of the Euro 6-compliant buses have just been ordered by Go-Ahead London, with 24 for Merton and six for Sutton garages, to replace older vehicles and increase PVR on routes 93 and 151.

Go-Ahead London will maintain them

in-house. Chief Engineer Chris Mckeown said: “They have the very latest Euro VI engines with Volvo’s parallel hybrid drive system. This system allows the vehicle traction to be provided by either the diesel engine or electric motor independently or together with batteries as the means of storing energy. Up until now we have opted for manufacturer’s contract maintenance on this vehicle type, but we believe we have enough experience and expertise to maintain them in-house going forward.”

Go-Ahead London has 353 hybrid buses, 15 per cent of its total 2,298 fleet. It also has five electric vehicles in service.

Safety first for Northumberland Park Northumberland Park’s A WINNING team from winning entry included a Northumberland Park campaign on employee collected the top award in lifestyles, an employee the Go-Ahead London Risk survey, the promotion of & Safety Competition last health-related matters and month. visits from relevant bodies Teams from all garages such as NHS Health Care, and one from Driver and the Transport Friendly Engineering Training Society and Easy Gym. took part, with entries The team also arranged developed from staff ideas. for staff to use a healthOrpington was in second monitoring machine to give place with an entry based themselves a check-up. on lifestyles and a video Risk and Safety Manager to show the effects of the Andrew Smith said: “Staff right and wrong attitudes came up with lots of great on safety. New Cross came suggestions and took part third with a campaign The winning team from Northumberland Park proudly show their trophy, in the initiatives. We shall called Me-Fit which along with Engineering Diector Richard Harrington. carry on promoting health included health checking

by PHSC, the Go-Ahead turning waste ground behind the and lifestyle matters in the sessions.

Group’s health and safety garage into an allotment tended company, using work done by A Bexleyheath team picked up advisers. Their entry included by staff. garage teams.” an Innovation Award sponsored

4

Meet the new faces in the team

u NICK FAICHNEY General Manager Northumberland Park WHEN Nick Faichney and his dad Paul get together it is a safe bet that buses will come into the conversation.

Nick is the new General Manager at Northumberland Park while Paul is Operations Manager with Arriva North West.

“When I left university I wanted a career that would mean contact with people,” Nick said. “Thanks to my dad, I knew the bus industry would be the right choice.”

After five years with Arriva London, Nick joined Go-Ahead last month. One of his first moves was to introduce more contact between managers and drivers with what he calls bus stand surgeries.

“Once a week, one of us managers will spend half a day at a bus station talking to the drivers,” he said. “Their feedback is important to us. Otherwise, I’m still getting to know the team here and learning where everything is.”

Away from the office, Nick enjoys the theatre and he gets back to the family home in Southport, Merseyside, as often as he can.

u SAF PATEL Operating Manager Stockwell SAF Patel worked for British Gas for several years before giving in to the pull of working with buses that runs in his family.

He said: “My dad’s a bus engineer and I’ve got uncles and cousins in the industry.

Now when they start talking shop I can join in.”

Saf became a graduate trainee four years ago with Arriva in North London and was a Deputy Operating Manager when he left to join Go-Ahead as Operating Manager at Stockwell garage.

After three weeks in the job, he said: “It’s been a hectic time but I’m getting to know people and looking forward to the challenges. One area I’m particularly keen on is staff engagement and development.”

By way of relaxation, Saf has started kick-boxing classes. “I saw a lot of kickboxing in Kung Fu films when I was younger and I thought I’d like to have a go,” he said. “It’s great for relieving stress and helping to keep fit after a day behind a desk.”

u SAJID CHAUDRY Area Manager Service Delivery SAJID Chaudry has come to Go-Ahead with wide experience of London’s bus operators.

He started as a driver with First Group at Uxbridge in 1998, progressed to Controller and Performance Manager and in 2012 moved to Abellio as Network Performance Manager.

Now he is settling in as Area Manager Service Delivery for Go-Ahead’s Stockwell, Camberwell, Mandela Way, Sutton, Merton and Putney garages.

He said: “It’s great to be part of one of London’s largest bus companies. My aim is for Go-Ahead to be the best performing bus operator in London.

“It’s a massive challenge, but we can do it with good teamwork. I’m hoping that there will be clear signs of improvement within six months. Buses are my passion. I get a real satisfaction from giving people a safe service they can rely on.”

Away from the office, Sajid enjoys spending time with his wife and their two children, country walks and travelling abroad.

June is cooking up a reputation WORD is getting around that the Waterloo garage canteen is the place to go if you want a delicious home-cooked meal at a very reasonable price.

Trained chef June Vamboi took over the canteen a year ago, having worked in a number of top London restaurants, including J Sheekey and the Rivington Grill in Shoreditch and Greenwich.

June cooks everything from scratch and the menu includes a wide range of dishes, from all-day breakfasts and spicy chicken wings to sea bream with plantain. Half a roast chicken or pork chops with vegetables costs only £4.75.

Although the canteen is primarily for drivers and employees at Waterloo garage, June is happy to serve other workers in the area and now has a number of police officers, traffic

wardens, construction workers and Abellio drivers among her regulars.

“The Go-Ahead London staff are my priority and I always put them first as they have to get back on shift,” said June. “I welcome other local workers though and the extra business helps keep the costs down for everyone.

“I have two part-time helpers – Maamie Ode, who is a trainee chef and spends two days a week at college, and my cousin-in-law Sergio Abreu-Gomez, who is my second in command.

“I’ve put up pictures and brought in plants to make it look nice. It’s great working here – people are really cheerful when they come in to get a good, home-cooked meal!”

LEFT: Sergio Abreu-Gomez and June Vamboi in the Waterloo garage canteen.

5

FACE 2

FACE

IN OUR Face 2 Face column, we chat to Brad Campbell, Assistant Operating Manager at Camberwell garage who has worked for the company for nine years.

We ask Brad a series of light-hearted questions.

Q: Which comedian makes you laugh?

A: Russell Brand.

Q: What TV programme do you enjoy?

A: The Walking Dead.

Q: Who do you most admire and why?

A: My mum, because of the person she is.

Q: Where was your favourite holiday?

A: Barbados.

Q: What was the first car you bought?

A: A Ford Escort 1.6 Ghia.

Q: What one thing would you change about yourself if you could?

A: I’d like to have the ability to switch off and relax more easily.

Q: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

A: I’m always keen to get home to my eight-month-old son Tate.

I’m also a West Ham United season ticket-holder and like to attend as many games as I can.

Q: What are you looking forward to at Christmas?

A: Spending time with my family.

6

Celebrating servers' su A

N EVENING of celebration took place at Lancaster London on November 20, to honour Go-Ahead London’s dedicated long-serving employees.

Managing Director John Trayner hosted the evening, which paid tribute to staff who have served 25, 30, 35 and 40 years, and whose names are shown right.

Fourteen staff with more than 40 years’ service also attended. The longest serving was David Ludlow of Waterloo with 50 years and six months service – a remarkable achievement.

The evening started with a threecourse dinner, then John Trayner invited recipients to come to the stage and receive their long-service certificates.

The presentations culminated with the tables being turned as

Operations Director David Cutts and fellow directors went on stage to congratulate John Trayner on his 40 years in the industry, having started his career with London Transport as an Engineering Apprentice.

David said it was an honour to pay tribute to John and recognise how far the company had come under his leadership.

The evening continued with dancing until the early hours.

The event was organised by Assistant Personnel Manager Nita Patel and Directors’ Secretary Valerie Clark. Nita was hands on right up to the day itself but was a guest in the evening as she celebrated her own 25 years.

Valerie was joined by Personnel Assistant Juliette Robinson to welcome the guests and their partners.

The em

25 y Anto Phili Mark Mark Hugh Andr Nazim Desm Alph Nove Abde Paul E Brian Christ Marcu Gary H Imtiaz

Strategies to future-proof our business

our long uccess

mployees celebrating long service were as follows:

years ony Bell ip Blewett k Bolton k Bonas h Brathwaite rew Castle m Chowdhury mond Dampierhonse el Dixon errahim Elbekri Elliott n Glackin topher Grout us Haig Hunt z Marwari

Anthoney Neil Banikos Panayi Nita Patel Christopher Perry Michael Shrouder Errol Thomas Anthony Ulett Keith Williams Jackie Young

30 years David Bryer Anthony Chambers James Drake Emmanuele Iungano Anthony Moody Evon Nelson

35 years Michael Gabriel John Hickey Steven Mills Christopher Moody Kevin Shiels Victor Williams 40 years Robert Hollier Gerald May Keith Molloy Joaquim Rodrigues Gurdip Singh Mark Stevens John Valler

GO-AHEAD London published its annual sustainability report in October, which focused on society, customers, employees and finance. n Achievements and awards have been plentiful for the company this year with Stockwell bus garage raising £4,000 for the Year of the Bus (YOTB) campaign and drivers Natasha Lambert and James Staggs winning at the UK Bus Awards and the UK Bus Driver of the Year competition.

In order to continue this sparkling success, the sustainability report lists a number of strategies to future-proof the business. n Over the last 12 months, Go-Ahead London has gained four new routes and retained a further five.

The tendering process has become very customer focused, which has encouraged drivers to improve passengers’ overall experience.

Go-Ahead London has helped the initiative by introducing a communication campaign, which includes #GoodGALbusdriver on the company’s Twitter account. All positive comments from customers are posted and are shared for everyone to view.

This inspires staff to ensure that passenger interaction is maintained now and in the future.

It is hoped that the combination of proactivity and hard work will further build the customer base and attract new contracts. n Employees are also being equipped for the future with the Go-Ahead London Employee portal.

All garages have been supplied with iPads to enable drivers to check their duties and the latest company information.

Training was given to 6,500 drivers, who now all have a personal work email address. The service was implemented with the help of Communications Manager Sheldon Malcolm and Communications Administrator Lance McFarlane. n Staff satisfaction is one of Go-Ahead London’s main priorities and so an independent research company was enlisted to conduct a staff engagement survey. The feedback will be examined to equip the company going forward. n The business is also being future-proofed ecologically. Go-Ahead London will run the first all-electric routes in the capital from autumn next year on routes 507 and 521.

Engineering Director Richard Harrington said: “The buses are being transformed into the most environmentally friendly fleet in the world. This form of power is a very viable solution for the future.”

And if all this wasn’t enough, there is a continued drive to recruit more female bus drivers, which has been helped

by Operating Managers Nicola Phipps and Kastriot Gashi, who are both Women’s Champions. n Go-Ahead London remains the biggest bus operator in London and with sustainability strategies in place, the future certainly looks bright!

7

Duo enjoying new opportunities u BRADLEY FAITHFULL General Manager Service Performance WHEN it comes to keeping buses on the road, Bradley Faithfull is not afraid to roll up his sleeves and take action.

Bradley is newly promoted to General Manager Service Performance, covering Bexleyheath, Belvedere, Peckham and New Cross garages.

Bradley started on the buses as a driver at Bexleyheath in 1997 and following five years of driving was promoted to Road Operating Supervisor. He likes the daily variety and challenges roadside performance offers: “You always have to be ready for whatever challenges are thrown at you and at the same time try and stay ahead of the curve.

“In this job, it’s roadworks that really put us to the test, with a number of large roadwork schemes simultaneously on the go.”

When he was Assistant Road Manager, many buses became stuck in snow following a heavy

fall one evening.

He recalled: “A colleague and I put on our wellies and took a van and shovels and we dug 14 buses out of the snow. It was after 1am when we finished.”

Outside work, Brad’s life is centred on his partner Anne and their two children, Jacob, seven, and Rosie, 18 months. He also enjoys golf “but not as often as I’d like,” and collects iconic scale model cars from TV shows and films.

u NAZ GUNGOO Accounts Assistant NAZ Gungoo joins Go-Ahead London’s Finance Department with 'huge admiration' for London bus drivers.

Accounts Assistant Naz joined the bus industry in 2001, as a Revenue Administrator at First Group’s Northumberland Park depot. Moving to their head office in 2007, Naz was a Revenue Supervisor for London and Berkshire. When First Group pulled out of London in 2013, he chose to transfer to Go-Ahead London as a bus driver and has spent the last few years on route 368, from Barking to Chadwell Heath, at Rainham Depot.

He said: “Having done their job I have huge admiration for bus drivers and the way they cope with the stresses of the traffic and dealing with the public. I knew what was expected of drivers on paper, but putting it all into practice was a real eyeopener.”

Settling into his new role,

back behind a desk, he added: “I really enjoy coming to work every day. I love the job and the people are fantastic.”

Away from the office, Naz enjoys time with his wife, a nurse, and their two young daughters.

A sports car enthusiast, he has a Mercedes AMG and a BMW M4. He races the BMW, going with like-minded friends once a year to Germany’s Nürburgring track.

Marie makes a welcome return R ETIRED ‘clippie’ Marie Carter took a nostalgic bus trip down memory lane on board an old-style Routemaster laid on by Go-Ahead London to commemorate a landmark anniversary.

Marie was invited to join other industry veterans on the iconic London bus when it ran a special service along route 37 from Peckham Bus Station to Putney Heath to mark the centenary of the capital’s first female bus conductor.

The Routemaster retraced the journey Mrs G Duncan took when she clipped her first ticket on November 1, 1915, on route 37, which is now run by Go-Ahead London. There were also messages celebrating the occasion displayed at bus stops along the way and a social media campaign.

“It brought back fond memories for me, although I was actually working on the day making sure everyone was enjoying themselves,” said Marie, who was a ‘clippie’ with London Central for 27 years.

“I never actually worked on route 37 myself, as I was mainly on the 12, 36 and 63 services. But it was good to be back on an old established route. We used to have a lot of fun on the buses in those days and the passengers were always very polite, so

8

Right: Mrs G Duncan, London’s first female ‘clippie’, and Marie Carter, inset

long as you were courteous and treated them with respect.”

Marie, who now occasionally helps out on private hire buses for London General, said: “When I first gave up my office job

to work on the buses in 1976, I wondered whether I had done the right thing. But my trainer advised me to stick with it and I am so glad that I did.”

Historic route 37 was launched by the London General Omnibus Company in 1912 between Isleworth and Herne Hill with a fleet of 16 34-seat, B-type buses out of the newly opened Twickenham garage.

The route had previously been served

by Tilling horse-drawn buses. It was on a Tilling motor bus that in 1915 London’s first female conductor made her debut, with others soon following as the nation’s menfolk were called away to the battlegrounds of Europe.

The 37 route went on to become incorporated into the London tram and later trolleybus network before, in 1962, it became only the second service in the capital to receive the Routemaster RM bus, which it operated until 1986.

After many changes, the route was subsequently split into three shorter routes, the 37 from Peckham to Putney High Street (later extended to Putney Heath), the 337 from Clapham Junction to Richmond and the H37 from Richmond to Hounslow.

Rewind 10 years...

2005

This edition’s dip into our history features our head office building in Merton and a new health and safety recruit.

spaper

London General's staff new

December 2005

t x e n s n e p o Q H New e g a r a g n o t r e M o t

t it a secondary element, bu head the of SOME 50 members of iry exp the into the fitted in with ce offi office staff are settling d hea old the uarters lease on d the company’s new headq at Mitcham and allowe ng eni op l of following its officia y company the securit mises. this month. moving into freehold pre n s The premises, 18 Merto wa ng ildi bu t sen The pre a the t bu High Street, used to be s, 30 19 the in d erecte ated e on public house and is situ on date 1496 appears that next to Merton garage. of the walls, suggesting oped The company became vel de s wa site order to part of the o. interested in the site in ag rs yea 0 50 n tha re vision mo and expand bus parking pro London General/Central use e Th e. rag G) (GA for Merton ga up Gro the Go-Ahead was of the old public house December 2005

Tom joins with brief on safety

en TOM McGLEW has be k and Ris t appointed Assistan er.

Safety Manag a Tom joined the company m fro couple of months ago

ere Tellings Golden Miller, wh . cer offi ety saf a s he wa He is assisting Risk and w Smith Safety Manager Andre ndon Lo iew rev to ef with a bri and lth hea s ral’ ene al/G Centr and safety at work policy safety systems. g Tom said: “We are lookin g erin ine eng at rly ula partic that’s departments because hest. hig are s where the risk safety a ce du pro to We want ure ens n the and te pla tem to systems are put in place for tial ten po minimise the accidents.” s Outside of work, Tom list his g on am football and music interests.

there is on the first floor where ive training and have carried out extens m also a meeting roo t the refurbishment throughou facilities. ce May. to building’s four floors sin The second floor is home old the of of ch mu terial h ug ma ho ed Alt the company’s archiv out character both inside and ce. and storage spa ained, two has been sensitively ret The company has had en be is t firs the spacious interior has e Th ilt. bu s ion extens as that has and made into open plan are ng ildi bu the e sid ng working alo s on ilitie fac are ideal for the modern et toil washroom and The rs. floo t environment. firs and d both groun the on d ate situ r rea are the Staff second extension is at while rs floo t firs and d ion un xat gro and has areas for rela dates and the basement accommo with kitchen equipment from IT equipment and cabling irs. cha tables and phone st computers and the tele Among the building’s mo . ove ab rs floo the m fro the tem is sys exciting new features the ension The main entrance faces glass roof in the rear ext ess tre of cen high street and has acc the in t ligh and a roof e ural nat w for disabled people. Th allo ich wh ng ildi the bu area the to timber-floored reception light to shine through h is immediately inside wit first and ground floors. visitors. comfortable seating for Services Manager for h IT staff share the floor wit GAG Stuart Smith said: ules, colleagues from sched “Throughout the entire the tendering, personnel and , we have l teams. refurbishment commercial and technica the original ct pe tried to res m with There is also a boardroo building while the of ter charac g audio visual equipment. creating a modern workin ety of Traffic staff, risk and saf mix a h team, environment wit ting.” management, the finance natural and artificial ligh rk wo rs secretaries and directo

9

Kids enjoy bus experience IT is not often that 120 small children turn up at a bus garage for an educational experience but, when it happened at Merton, General Manager Peter Russell and his team were ready for them.

Lisa Searle, head teacher of local primary school Singlegate, had asked Peter if the children could ride on a double-decker and tour the garage.

The youngsters, aged three to five, were reading the book The Naughty Bus, by Jan Oke, about a Routemaster-type bus that

Tender NEWS from across the capital IN OUR regular column, we highlight recent announcements made by Transport for London. All are retentions unless stated otherwise.

gets up to mischief and ends up driving through bowls of baked beans and has to go through the bus wash.

Peter said: “It sounded like an average day at Merton, so we agreed to help! We wanted to make it something more special so we borrowed a Routemaster from our

begins on May 28, 2016. n Route E7 (Ruislip Station to Ealing Broadway), won from Metroline West, using new diesel single-deck vehicles (10 PVR). Contract begins on May 28, 2016. n Route E9 (Yeading to Ealing Broadway), won from Metroline West, using existing diesel double-deck vehicles (8 PVR). Contract begins on May 28, 2016.

Arriva London North

n Route 368 (Barking to Chadwell Heath), won from Blue Triangle, using existing diesel double-deck vehicles Docklands Buses (10 PVR). Contract begins on April 30, n Route 147 (Canning Town to Ilford), 2016. won from Stagecoach, using existing Arriva London South diesel double-deck vehicles (21 PVR). n Route 64/N64 (Thornton Heath to Contract begins on May 7, 2016.

New Addington), won from Metrobus, n Route 687 (Barking to Dagenham using existing diesel double-deck Park School), won from Stagecoach, vehicles (21 PVR). Contract begins on using existing diesel double-deck August 27, 2016. vehicle (1 PVR). Contract begins on n Route 417 (Crystal Palace to April 30, 2016.

Clapham Common), using existing London General diesel double-deck vehicles (12 PVR). n Route 57/N57 (Kingston to Clapham Contract begins on August 20, 2016.

Park), won from London United, using CT Plus existing diesel double-deck vehicles n Route 26/N26 (Waterloo to (27 PVR). Contract begins on July 2, Hackney Wick/N26 Trafalgar Square 2016. to Chingford), won from Tower Transit, n Route 213/N213 (Sutton garage to using new hybrid double-deck vehicles Kingston), using existing diesel double- (18 PVR). Contract begins on June 25, deck vehicles (20 PVR). Contract 2016. begins on July 2, 2016.

London Sovereign Abellio n Route 618 (Mill Hill Broadway to n Route 344/N344 (Clapham Junction Pinner, Avanti House School), using to Liverpool Street Station), using new existing diesel double-deck vehicles hybrid double-deck vehicles (25 PVR). (2 PVR). Contract began on November Contract begins on August 20, 2016. 11, 2015. n Route E5 (Perivale to Toplocks), won n Route 619 (Edgware to Pinner, Avanti from Metroline West, using new diesel House School), using existing diesel single-deck vehicles (12 PVR). Contract double-deck vehicle (1 PVR). Contract

10

Commercial department and supplied each child with a Goodie Bag containing colouring pens, a Routemaster-shaped eraser and colouring book in a little bag.”

Operating Manager Hema Agrippine looked after the children at the garage and Mentors Steve Appiah and Gary Blenkinsop made five trips on an original Routemaster around the locality with 30 children each time.

“It was a magical experience for them,” said Peter. “One little boy saw a bus on a hoist and said, ‘Wow! They even have hover-buses here’.”

using new diesel double-deck vehicles (16 PVR). Contract begins on April 30, n Route 65/N65 (Ealing Broadway to 2016.

Kingston/Chessington), using new and n Route 86/N86 (Stratford to existing diesel double-deck vehicles (27 Romford), using existing diesel doublePVR). Contract begins on July 2, 2016. deck vehicles (32 PVR). Contract n Route 85/N85 (Putney Bridge to begins on July 16, 2016.

Kingston), won from London General, n Route 145 (Leytonstone to using new hybrid double-deck vehicles Dagenham), using new and existing (15 PVR). Contract begins on July 2, diesel double-deck vehicles (16 PVR).

2016.

Contract begins on April 30, 2016. n Route 265 (Putney Bridge to n Route 294 (Havering Park to Noak Tolworth), using new diesel single-deck Hill), using new diesel double-deck vehicles (12 PVR). Contract begins on vehicles (12 PVR). Contract begins on July 2, 2016.

April 30, 2016. n Route 371 (Kingston to North n Route 366 (Beckton Bus Station Sheen), using existing diesel single to Redbridge), using existing diesel and double-deck vehicles (15 PVR). single-deck vehicles (18 PVR).

Contract begins on July 2, 2016.

Contract begins on April 30, 2016.

began on November 11, 2015.

London United

Metroline

Stagecoach Selkent

n Route E2 (Brentford to Greenford Broadway), using existing diesel double-deck vehicles (15 PVR).

Contract begins on May 28, 2016. n Route E8 (Brentford to Ealing Broadway), using existing diesel double-deck vehicles (15 PVR).

Contract begins on May 28, 2016.

n Route 53/N53 (Plumstead Station to Whitehall), using new hybrid doubledeck vehicles (32 PVR). Contract begins on July 23, 2016. n Route 146 (Bromley North to Downe), won from Metrobus, using new diesel single-deck vehicle (1 PVR).

Contract begins on August 20, 2016. n Route 336 (Catford to Locksbottom), won from Metrobus, using new diesel single-deck vehicles (10 PVR). Contract begins on August 20, 2016.

Quality Line n Route 463 (Pollards Hill to Coulsdon South), using new diesel single-deck plus one existing double-deck vehicles (10 PVR). Contract begins on April 2, 2016. n Route 467 (Hook to Epsom), using existing diesel double-deck vehicles (2 PVR). Contract begins on July 2, 2016. n Route K5 (Ham to Morden), using existing diesel single-deck vehicles (6 PVR). Contract begins on September 3, 2016.

Stagecoach East London n Route 62 (Barking to Marks Gate),

Tower Transit n Route 25/N25 (Ilford to Oxford Circus), using existing diesel doubledeck vehicles (64 PVR). Contract begins on June 25, 2016. n Route 69/N69 (Canning Town to Walthamstow Central), won from Stagecoach, using existing diesel double-deck vehicles (18 PVR).

Contract begins on April 30, 2016.

Employee Commendations BEXLEYHEATH n ROUTE 422 driver Robert Prescod has been commended for waiting for a customer and her two young daughters.

“You don’t get many people like that. It made my day,” said the customer.

BLUE TRIANGLE n “HE IS the most pleasant bus driver I have come across,” said a customer about route 167 driver Mohammed Nadeem. n PATRICK Roberts has been praised for his helpful attitude on route 138. n Driver Wojciech Dzieza’s kindness has been praised by a 68-year-old customer. “He stopped and waited until I got on the bus.”

CAMBERWELL n “IT WAS a pleasure to be on his bus,” said a customer about route 68 driver Remi Sadiq. n LEON Gibbons, a driver on route 185, has received two commendations for assisting a blind passenger: “The driver told the man not to worry and took him across the road to catch his bus. It left a great impression on me.

This was truly human kindness.” n PERFORMANCE and Road Managers have been congratulated for managing route X68. “The route has been very good. It’s been on time and we’re getting to our destination on time.” n CHRISTOPHER Amoako’s patience and professionalism have been praised by a customer on route 345. “There were major roadworks and he kept us informed about alternative routes.”

CROYDON n ROUTE 119 driver Chola Mitchell has received two commendations for her helpful attitude and excellent driving: “She was immaculately presented and made my day with her professionalism.” n DRIVER Margaret Baker has been praised for her patience on route 293.

“As a sufferer of Parkinson’s disease, I was very grateful that she waited for me to board the bus.”

DOCKLANDS n ROUTE D7 driver Jack Mudd has been commended for his enthusiasm and patience. “The driver kept a smile on his face while waiting for people

running for the bus. One of my best bus driver experiences!” n PAUL Howell’s polite and respectful attitude has been praised by a customer on route 474. “He was helpful and polite to all his passengers. I was very impressed.”

MANDELA WAY n ROUTE 453 driver Charles Nelson has been thanked for his polite and professional attitude on route 453. “He was absolutely superb.”

MERTON n PAUL Saddler’s positive attitude has been commended by a customer who regularly uses route 163. “He is a great bus driver, smiley and helpful. I’m always happy to see him on the bus.” n A VERY relieved customer thanked route 485 drivers Robert Thompson and Mohamed Laidi for handing in her bag, which she had left on the bus. n ROUTE 163 driver Paul Driscoll has been praised for his friendly attitude and smooth driving. n ROUTE 219 driver Martin Stevens has been commended for his positive attitude. “The driver taking time to greet everyone made my day.” n SAMUEL Murray’s great driving has been praised. “I had a safe and enjoyable journey. A credit to your company and a great example to drivers everywhere.” n ROUTE 219 driver Gabriel Jimah has been commended for the kindness he showed a disabled customer on route 219. n “HE IS so friendly, professional and always willing to help,” said a customer about route 163 driver Damon Gibbons.

NEW CROSS n RICHARD Taylor’s helpful attitude on route 36 has been praised. “The man is a superstar.” n DRIVER Andrew Curley has been thanked for his politeness on route 286. n GRANVILLE Cross has been praised for the help he showed to a customer on route 108. “The employee is a credit to TfL.” n ROUTE 436 driver John Crichton has been commended for the professionalism and composure he

showed when dealing with a customer.

“He handled the situation perfectly.”

NORTHUMBERLAND PARK n A RELIEVED customer has thanked route 476 driver Cuneyt Tansu for handing in her phone. “He was a very nice man who went above and beyond to help me out.” n A THANKFUL customer has commended driver Akram Gohobur for handing in a bag, which was left on route 191.

ORPINGTON n DRIVER Lynda Allen has been praised for her driving and helpful attitude on route 138. n “THE driver was cheerful, kind and made my day,” said a customer about route 126 driver Peter Huttly. “He lifted my spirits and made me feel better.”

PECKHAM n DRIVER Emis Namli has been praised for her professionalism on route 37. n A RELIEVED customer has thanked Carl Beccles, Austelino Duarte and David Peat for reuniting him with an important document that he had left on route 37. “All three drivers, especially the one who called control, were very helpful and professional.”

PUTNEY n AN EXTREMELY grateful customer has thanked route 85 driver Paul Hunt for finding his mobile phone. “I can’t thank him enough.”

STOCKWELL n PASSENGER assistant Sabaley Domoraud has been commended for her helpful attitude on route 11.

“She went out of her way to be of assistance.” n ROUTE 322 driver Marvin Beckford has been praised for helping the elderly and passengers who require additional time to board. n RICARDO Dinis’s patience has been praised by a passenger on route 87. “He was very calm and professional.”

WATERSIDE WAY n DRIVER Ibrahim Mehiri has been commended for his driving and attitude on route G1.

You can see the latest driver commendations on Go-Ahead London’s Twitter account (@Go_Ahead_London) or by searching for #GoodGALbusdriver

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Retirements n Ron Ladd, Senior Garage Administrator, Peckham AFTER 38 years in the bus industry, newly retired Ron Ladd is looking forward to spending more time in a stationary vehicle – he and his wife Gill have a caravan on the Kent coast.

Ron began his bus career as a driver with London Country at Dartford in 1977. His working life included spells as a telegram boy, a postman, a weaver, and a police civilian driver.

He said: “I really enjoyed my time at Peckham and I was very sad to leave. I’d been there so long that the grandchildren of drivers I used to know were starting out as drivers themselves.”

Ron has been married to

Gill for 43 years and they have two children and seven grandchildren. A keen baker, he makes all the bread eaten at home and keeps his children’s families supplied.

“Now I’ve a bit more time I’m thinking of branching out into cakes,” he said.

n Mahendra Dhanani, Night Driver, Camberwell FEW people know Camberwell garage better than Mahendra Dhanani – he has just retired after 42 years.

“I came to love the place and I made some great friends.”

Mahendra started at Camberwell when he joined London Transport as a conductor in 1973.

He switched to driving after three years and went over to night driving in 1991. “I preferred nights because it was always the same hours,”

he said. “That suited me better than the changing shifts of daytime work.”

Mahendra, who is married with two grown-up daughters, is proud of never having been to blame for an accident.

“I haven’t seen as much of my family and friends as I’d have liked because of working nights, so now I’m catching up with them,” he said.

“But it’s taking time to adjust to sleeping at night. I often wake up after a couple of hours wondering why I’m not driving a bus!”

n Ron Smith, Senior Garage Administrator, New Cross AFTER 41 years working with buses, Ron Smith is switching to trains as a volunteer at a preserved steam railway.

Since retiring in October, he has joined the heritage EppingOngar line on ticket office and platform duties and hopes to train as a guard next year. He has also applied for a voluntary role at the London Transport Museum.

He said: “I’ve always been interested in railways, I’ve travelled all over the UK and Europe by rail and I’ve been across Canada.

Ron, who joined London Transport as a clerical assistant in 1974, later spent 10 years as a driver and conductor based at Catford. He moved to New Cross in 1989 and became

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n John Heath, Engineer, Bexleyheath JOHN Heath is retiring in December after 48 years of service.

He started working as an engineer in Plumstead before moving to Bexleyheath in 1987.

“The job has changed immensely since I started,” said John. “Everything is computerised now, which opens up a whole new way of doing things.”

John is hoping to go on an adventure on his beloved motorcycle when he retires.

“I’ve got a Norton Commando,” he said. “I’ve taken her to France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and all over the UK.” He is also looking forward to spending more time with his wife Helen.

“I will miss everyone I’ve worked with,” said John. “I

Bus fan James enjoying his new job

J

Garage Administrator there in 2012 in time for a hectic London Olympics.

“I had a very moving send-off when I retired,” he said. “The people in the garage gave me a lovely watch and the managers took me out for an excellent lunch.

“They’re all smashing people and I will miss them.”

would advise anyone to think about becoming an engineer. I have enjoyed dealing with the day-to-day management of the vehicles and if you work hard, you will have a great future. I have had a job for life.”

When asked what he is most looking forward to about retiring John joked: “Having clean fingernails! I can’t wait!”

AMES Balchin has been a bus fan for as long as he can remember and now has his ideal job. He is one of 11 new Passenger Assistants at Stockwell.

He said: “My mum says I must have swallowed a bus map when I was little. I love being around buses and I’m a volunteer at the London Transport Museum.”

The original Routemaster was James’s first love and he is delighted to be working on its new replacement.

“There’s plenty to do with different challenges every day,” he said. “The job is about looking after the passengers, helping people with disabilities and giving any information and directions. But there are a couple of things that would improve them – rear destination blinds

and higher bell pushes so people leaning against them don’t ring them accidentally.”

Away from work, James enjoys watching Arsenal and making models of… erm… buses.

In charge of James and his Passenger Assistant colleagues at Stockwell is Isaac Oppong, who was appointed Assistant Operating Manager in October.

He was a graduate trainee and worked at New Cross and Stockwell before taking on his new role.

He said: “I’m really enjoying my new role, although looking after both drivers and PAs does have its challenges, it’s very rewarding.

"Especially when we’re able to get really keen people like James to come and work for us; we’re very lucky with the quality of staff we’ve been able to recruit.”