Issue 40 • June 2016
Red Arrow routes still flying high after 50 years! See page 2
In this issue
Thumbs up for route tender success Page 5
Orpington win challenge trophy...again! Page 8
A contract full of eastern promise Page 10 2
Celebrating the original Red Arrows G O-AHEAD London and TfL made a point of celebrating the Red Arrows’ 50th birthday in April. A cavalcade of buses, decorated in Red Arrows livery, drove along route 507 before following the original Red Arrows 500 route, to mark the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the fleet. Resources Manager Keith Wood said: “It was a fantastic occasion. It was great to see the buses as they drove past and TfL Managing Director Leon Daniels had arranged for an original Red Arrow bus to be restored, which looked great alongside our Citaro, which had been given a 1960s makeover. “I would also like to thank the engineers at New Cross, who did a fantastic job of repainting one of our new Mercedes Citaro buses in the original Red Arrows livery.”
One of the original Red Arrow buses from Route 500. The Red Arrow branding was given to limitedstop routes used as high frequency commuter services in central London. The first route was introduced on April 18, 1966. Waterloo General Manager Pat Mahon said: “The first Red Arrow routes were the 500, which ran from Victoria to Marble Arch and Oxford Street. “In 1968, further Red Arrow routes were introduced.” The two surviving Red
Arrow services are the 507 and 521, which will receive a new fleet of fully electric buses in August. Pat said: “Work is under way at Waterloo to provide two sub-stations to supply electricity for the buses. It is a busy time at the garage and we look forward to seeing the routes converted.” As the last two Red Arrow routes fly into the 21st century, Go-Ahead London wishes the brand a happy 50th birthday!
Edd is life-saving hero CROYDON driver Edd McNamara was awarded a certificate of courage from the High Court for saving a man’s life at a bus stop in October. Edd was driving a 64 bus to Thornton Heath when he noticed a man being attacked. “I saw a man being violently assaulted and another man was shielding the attacker,” said Edd. The courageous driver tried to stop the attack using various methods of distraction, including sounding his assault alarm, before using his code red facility to request police assistance. “The man was showing no signs of stopping, so I reversed the bus, knowing the camera on the back would catch
Edd McNamara proudly shows his certificate of courage. everything on CCTV,” said Edd. The police arrived shortly after and although they were
unable to catch one of the attackers who had run off, Edd was able to identify the second man after he was arrested. Edd gave evidence in court and the man was convicted. The dedicated driver was given a cash reward and asked to attend a ceremony at Southwark Crown Court in March, to be presented with his certificate. Edd said: “There were lots of dignitaries there, including the Judge from the case, the High Commissioner and the High Sheriff. “The Judge told me that I had a saved a man’s life that day,” said Edd. “I just did what anyone else would have done. “I think it’s good to serve your community.”
A NEW interactive customer experience training programme has begun for all 25,000 bus drivers in London. ‘Hello London’ has been developed by training facilitator Steps Drama in partnership with TfL and the Capital’s 14 bus operating companies. From the beginning of June, groups of drivers from all operators will meet professional actors, who will creatively help them recognise and build upon their existing customer experience skills. Communications Co-ordinator Greg
New initiative to improve the customer experience French said: “The training course will be aligned to extensive research relating to the customer’s travelling experience and will address the areas where drivers have the greatest impact on improving service." The course also uses fun and engaging scenarios to emphasise the fact that drivers play a crucial role in the experience our customers have on the network – something that is reinforced
through the programme’s strapline: 'Great journeys start with you'. Garage management teams were also invited to attend a one-day version of the course to understand how they can support their driver colleagues to deliver the very best customer experience. Course dates will be issued to drivers over the next two years. For more information please contact your Operating Manager.
Wake up to the effects of sleep loss By Tom McGlew WE ALL need to sleep. We have no choice. The longer we are awake, the more we need to sleep and the harder it is to resist nodding off. We can try to fight it but it will beat us eventually. The effect of losing sleep results in drowsiness during periods when you would usually be fully awake. For most of us, that will be during the working day…maybe behind the wheel of a bus or perhaps working around an inspection pit or trying to concentrate in an office. The effects of too little sleep are cumulative, and regularly losing an hour or two of sleep a night can lead to chronic
sleepiness, the upshot of which may mean you have: n Difficulty focusing n Slowed reaction time n Impaired judgment These effects are similar to those of alcohol and can lead to accidents. Would you drive a car or turn up for work under the influence? Whilst coffee or high-energy drinks can counteract the tiredness in the short term, the high levels of caffeine and sugar can cause their own health problems and leave you feeling twitchy and anxious. Not to mention drinking this late in the day may keep you awake later when you do try to sleep. Sleep loss and sleep disruption can be caused
T H E
H& S
C O L U M N
by a wide range of factors that are beyond our control. Illness, stress, medical conditions and even medications may contribute to poor sleep quality. Parents of new-born babies will be very familiar with the effects of interrupted sleep. But there are also lifestyle choices where we choose to reduce our sleep time; staying up late to see the end of the film or late night boxset watching binges, latenight socialising or spending hours online into the small hours scouring the internet for historical articles about remote fishing communities in Norway.
We lament that there isn’t enough time to do everything and so choose to sacrifice sleep time to wring out the most of our waking day, without truly considering the effect this may have on our wellbeing. It may even be that you suffer the symptoms mentioned above all of the time and just thought it was your default setting, when maybe all you need is a good seven hours sleep. Stay safe. For further advice on improving your sleep go to: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/ sleep/Pages/sleep-home.aspx
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The new faces ...and those in the team... on the move...
u LEANNE COLE Assistant Management Accountant Head Office NEW Assistant Management Accountant Leanne Cole went from banking to buses when she joined Go-Ahead London, following her role as a Finance Business Partner in the Specialised Finance Division at Lloyds Banking Group. “Buses are definitely different to banks, but I have brought a lot of transferable finance skills with me,” she said. “I am looking forward to learning as much as I can about the industry and using my experience to make a difference.” In her free time, Leanne attends and hosts events with the social networking company Thinking Bob. “It’s a way to meet new people in London while doing something interesting,” she said. “We organise a range of activities, from sushi nights and karaoke to treasure hunts and quiz nights. It’s really good fun!”
u LANCE McFARLANE Garage Assistant Waterloo FORMER Communications Co-ordinator Lance McFarlane has been promoted to Garage Assistant at Waterloo. He originally joined Go-Ahead London as a driver at Camberwell before working his way up to Communications Coordinator in 2015. “I’m really happy to be given this position,” he said. “My duties in the garage are completely different to my previous tasks at head office but I enjoy getting stuck into the daily challenges. “Waterloo is a very exciting place to be at the moment with the introduction of an all-electric bus fleet, commencing in August. “Whether I’m dealing with contractors or interacting with the drivers, I take a hands-on approach and take pleasure in getting each job done to a high standard.” Outside work, Lance enjoys spending quality time with his family and going to the gym.
u BEATA MISIURA Communications Co-ordinator Head Office MAKING the move from Italian food to buses may not seem like an obvious choice, but for new Communications Co-ordinator Beata Misiura, the principles are the same. “It’s all about communicating with people and good attention to detail,” said Beata. “Working in the marketing department for two of the largest restaurant chains in the UK has given me a good understanding of customer database systems, managing websites and customer interaction. I trust that my knowledge and previous experience will help me in my new role.” In her spare time, Beata enjoys cycling and spending time with her partner, Fabio, who also works for Go-Ahead London as a driver at Sutton. “I had heard so many good things about the company and I was delighted when the Communications Co-ordinator position became available,” she said. “So far I’m really enjoying it!”
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u NATHAN LOW IT Support Assistant Head Office FORMER driver Nathan Low is geared up for his new role in IT Support. He worked for Go-Ahead London for three years as a driver based at Croydon garage and says he’s enjoying his new role. “I am delighted to be appointed to this new position,” he said. “Working in IT is a lot different to driving, but I like a challenge and can’t wait to get stuck in!” Outside work, Nathan enjoys spending time with his friends and family.
Good luck to you all in your new jobs
ROUTE HISTORY... which had four garages ALTHOUGH still a major operating vehicles on it at route with one of the highest one time. vehicle requirements in The current 24-hour London, Camberwell’s service runs from Dulwich route 12 is nothing like the library to Oxford Circus via monster it once was. Camberwell, Westminster Go back to the 1930s and and Piccadilly Circus and destinations as far apart as has been suggested as a South Croydon and Brent cheaper alternative to formal (Cross) Station could be bus tours of London. accessed. In the 1950s and The route remains popular 1960s some early morning with drivers, including Neil and late evening Sunday Palmer, who has driven the services operated the full 12 for 13 years. He said: “I length of the route from love driving the 12. You see South Croydon to Harlesden such a change of scenery and Willesden Junction. as it moves out of South The 12 was finally London into the heart of the shortened in 1972 when city. it moved to Camberwell, “I meet a lot of interesting running no further south An original Routemaster on Route 12. passengers, many of them than Norwood Junction. tourists. They often ask The route has been run in the 1970s was designed for me for directions to famous from a number of garages. The a maximum of four garages landmarks. I feel like a tour computer scheduling system operating on any one route. guide!” developed by London buses This was derived from the 12,
A BIG thumbs-up for route tender success
Trainer Tom takes age in his stride TOM 'Give us a fiver' Carpenter is still enjoying life in the training department at the age of 70. He gets his moniker from his role as unofficial entertainments manager and often carries out collections for staff who are leaving, celebrating birthdays or having a baby. Tom joined the company in 1993 as a driver at Bexley before moving into the training department in 1995. “I enjoy the role now as much as when I started,” he said. “I love meeting new people and helping them to get the job. There aren’t many industries where you can see the results of your training pay off so well.” Tom takes the new drivers under his wing after they have
Route 12 driver Neil Palmer.
spent a week learning in the classroom. “You need to have a lot of patience,” he said. “It’s also important to provide encouragement. I want the trainees to know that I’m on their side.” The tireless trainer has no plans to retire. “I certainly don’t feel 70,” he said. “I’m not much of a hobby person and love working with my colleagues, so I think I’ll stick around for a while longer!” Tom would like to thank Training Manager Eric Dale and Assistant Training Manager Paul McKenzie for their help and guidance throughout the years and his friends and colleagues for making his 70th birthday so memorable.
FORMER Abellio routes 35 and 40 were successfully transferred to Camberwell garage in April. The contract was won following a competitive tender and is in place for five years. Camberwell Operations Manager Raz Jawaid said: “We are delighted to have won the bid for routes 35 and 40. “We ran the services five years ago, and so we’re very happy to have them back.
“The transfer would not have been a success without the hard work and dedication shown by all the staff who were involved. “There are too many names to mention, but the way everyone worked together as a team was excellent.” The 35 runs from Clapham to Shoreditch and the 40 from Dulwich to Aldgate. Above: Route 35 drivers from left, Omapa Johnson, Peter Wileman and Leslie Dixon.
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FACE 2
FACE
Employee Commendations BELVEDERE n ROUTE 180 driver Deepak Mevada has been commended for finding a customer’s debit card on the pavement. “He is a credit to your company.” Martin James.
IN OUR Face 2 Face column, we chat to David Buckingham, a driver at Putney garage, who has worked for the company for 24 years in total, although with a break from 1989 to 2006. We ask David a series of light-hearted questions. Q: Which part of the UK do you enjoy visiting? A: The North East where I have family. The coastline is stunning, Newcastle is a vibrant city and there are some lovely rural villages. Q: What is your current favourite TV programme? A: Vera – particularly as it’s based on the north east coast.
Q: Who is your favourite singer? A: Shirley Bassey – she’s timeless and always reinventing herself. Q: As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A: I always wanted to drive a bus. Q: What was your first car? A: A Ford Zephyr Mark III. I can still remember the number plate – 1624 KP. Q: Which person do you most admire? A: Ken Livingstone – I don’t agree with everything he says but I think he reestablished buses and bus drivers as an important part of London life.
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Mehmet Cinar.
n “A CREDIT to TfL” – route 180 driver Martin James has been complimented for his professional and respectful attitude.
n ROUTE 355 driver Mehmet Cinar has been praised for helping an elderly woman and a blind man. “He was very polite and friendly.”
BEXLEYHEATH
CROYDON
Gary Cufley.
n ROUTE 486 driver Gary Cufley has been thanked for his professional attitude. Kenneth Rutherford.
Q: What are the most important qualities needed for a bus driver? A: Patience and an ability to understand people and their predicaments. Q: What do you enjoy in your spare time? A: I’m a transport enthusiast and I find gardening very therapeutic and relaxing.
n SOLOMON Wilson has been commended for his excellent driving skills on route 468. “I felt very confident on his bus.”
n KENNETH Rutherford has been praised for going out of his way for an elderly passenger on a route 422 bus. “He really went the extra mile.” BLUE TRIANGLE n OZKAN Uckan has been commended for waiting for a customer to board a 167 bus with a pram. “I wanted to express how much this meant to me.” CAMBERWELL n ROUTE 345 driver Mohammed Shabbir Islam has been thanked for his outstanding patience and smart appearance. “I was so impressed.” n “HE WAS really professional and very skilful,” said a customer about route 345 driver Joe Dbenz.
Anthony Newble.
n “IT WAS a pleasure being his passenger,” said a customer about 119 driver Anthony Newble. Andrew Rea.
n ROUTE 293 driver Andrew Rea has been thanked for waiting for a passenger to board his bus. “My husband would have been late for his appointment if we had missed the bus. We were very grateful.” DOCKLANDS n ROUTE 135 driver Fernando Ramos has been commended for waiting for a pregnant lady to board the bus. “His kindness really made my day.” n THE “wonderful, kind and helpful” drivers on route 549 have been commended for their excellent customer service. “The route is a lifeline for so many people and the drivers genuinely make people’s day.”
“GREAT journeys start with you” is the strapline for the new TfL customer experience training programme, Hello London. Here we showcase a selection of drivers who have improved the customer experience. MANDELA WAY Jermaine King.
n ROUTE 521 driver Jermaine King has been praised for his excellent customer service. Clavier Lee.
n ClavieR Lee has been commended for her professional attitude on route 100. “Good show from her!” MERTON Marcus Meredith.
n “BIG thank you to the driver who helped me get off the bus in my wheelchair,” said a customer about route 280 driver Marcus Meredith. n “AN ABSOLUTE credit to his profession,” said a customer about route 164 driver Patrick Gowlland. Michael Pierre.
n DRIVER Michael Pierre has been thanked for waiting for a customer who was running to board a route 44 bus. n “EXEMPLARY employee” Charles
Lewis has been praised for his professional attitude on route 163. NEW CROSS n “BRILLIANT driver” Diego Manna has been commended for his polite and helpful attitude. n ROUTE 171 driver Azzedine Khennouf impressed a customer with his driving. “I was very pleased with the way he drove the bus.” NORTHUMBERLAND PARK n OLIVIA Demetriou has been praised for her excellent driving on route 192. “I really enjoyed my bus journey. I felt safe and very happy.” n ROUTE 20 driver Garabet Kouwiloyan has been praised for his polite attitude. n WILFORD Douglas has been commended for his good driving on route 19. n ROUTE W4 driver Monika Jarmakani has been thanked for her helpful and pleasant attitude. n A VERY happy customer has thanked route 19 driver Celal Mehmet for reuniting him with his laptop bag, which he had left on the bus. “He saved my day, week and possibly job!” n “IT’S a pleasure to get on his bus,” said a customer about route 20 driver Stephen Roberts. ORPINGTON n ROUTE R4 driver Adam Eastwood has been praised for his politeness. n “HE SAID hello to everyone and wished them a good day,” said a customer about route 320 driver Valentine Ossai. n ROUTE 161 driver Lionel Harding has been commended for reassuring a blind lady who became distressed on the bus. “He had a very professional attitude.” n “HE MAKES my day,” said a customer about route 126 driver Peter Huttly. “He is very polite and carries out his duties in a happy way.” PUTNEY n SHAUN Smith has been thanked for the courtesy he showed to a customer in a wheelchair on a route 85 bus. “He made what can be a difficult experience really easy.” n “A GOOD driver and very good with passengers,” said a customer about route 85 driver Witold Jaklik. STOCKWELL n “HER driving was impeccable,” said a customer about route 170 driver Shabina Ali.
n “VERY polite and the best driver,” said a customer about route 87 driver Rui Bule Dos Reis. n ROUTE 11 driver Yvonne Keogh has been commended for her polite and professional attitude. n “WONDERFUL driver” Nathan Foster has been praised for the professionalism he showed under difficult circumstances on a route 170 bus. “I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks.” n “RAY of sunshine” Passenger Assistant Kim Austin has been thanked for her friendly attitude on route 11. “She showed her genuine care for the people on the bus.” n “HIS customer service levels were exemplary,” said a customer about route 11 driver Darren Charles. SUTTON Damien Walker.
n “THANK you for hiring the best people,” said a customer about route 93 driver Damien Walker. Carron LesseyWalker.
n ROUTE 164 driver Carron LesseyWalker has been commended for her polite attitude. “Great job!” WATERSIDE WAY n ROUTE 39 driver Anthony Webb has been commended for reuniting an autistic boy with his trumpet, which he had left on the bus. “The return of the trumpet made my son’s day. I am extremely grateful.”
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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Orpington victorious again! CONGRATULATIONS to Orpington garage on winning the Yellow Bus challenge trophy for a second time this year. When a bus is working in service on the correct headway from the bus in front, it shows as yellow on the controller’s iBus diagram. Controllers, working alongside drivers, do their utmost to keep the average headway on routes the best they can at all times, and this can prove extremely challenging. Bradley Faithfull, General Manager Service Performance, South East and Croydon, set up the inter-garage competition between Bexleyheath, Belvedere, Croydon, New Cross, Orpington and Peckham. He said: “The idea behind the challenge was to provoke some friendly competition between the garages and to add a bit of fun to the serious business of keeping to the advertised service interval. “Controllers submitted a
performance. Bradley will then add a more challenging third route to each garage’s nominated routes. This will be a route that is normally more testing in terms of EWT performance. The winner will be the garage team that delivers the best
All smiles from Orpington's winning iBus controllers. photo of their screen if they achieved a route with all buses yellow between 7am and 7pm. For each picture, they received one point towards their individual score and one point to the garage team score. “The challenge has helped to improve performance but, just as important, has boosted morale and strengthened team spirit.” Daniel Butterfield, Performance Manager at Orpington, added: “I’d like to
send a huge ‘well done’ to the team at Orpington. I’m delighted that they’ve brought the trophy home once again.” Now Bradley has devised a new EWT (excess waiting time) challenge which he launched on June 1. Each garage has been asked to nominate a team leader who, with their performance manager, will be tasked to nominate two high frequency routes that they believe will deliver the best EWT
Chris Jeffrey, left, and Graham Johnson outside New Cross bus garage. INSET: The garage was a tram depot until 1952.
...celebrates 110 years THIS year doesn’t just mark the Queen’s 90th birthday and 160 years of London General, it also marks the 110th birthday of New Cross garage. Originally a tram depot when it opened in 1906, New Cross converted to a bus garage when the trams were withdrawn
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in 1952. The garage has a rich history, which General Manager Graham Johnson finds fascinating. He said: “New Cross garage was bombed during WWII on November 25, 1944, when the High Street was busy with shoppers, who were queuing up for a supply
of saucepans that had become available at Woolworth’s. “At 12.26pm, there was an enormous explosion as a V2 rocket impacted onto the Woolworth’s store. “A double-decker bus was spun round, which caused more deaths and injuries – its
Paul Lock, left, receives the trophy from Daniel Butterfield. EWT score as an average across the three routes. Bradley said: “I like to set new challenges and change them regularly to keep people engaged, interested and keen to compete.”
occupants were seen still sitting in their seats, covered in dust. “It was the worst tragedy in the entire ‘V’ weapon campaign and one of the worst civilian disasters of WWII, causing damage from the Town Hall to New Cross Gate and the garage.” Graham also has a family link to the garage as his wife’s father came to New Cross as a driver after Old Kent Road garage closed in 1952. New Cross garage operates 13 routes and driver and assessor for the Institute of Advanced Motorists Chris Jeffrey knows them all. “I’ve worked at New Cross for 35 years,” he said. “I love driving all the different routes and throughout the years I have worked on the special Millennium Dome services and articulated buses on route 436. “The garage has always had a great camaraderie, especially in the old days. “It’s a great place and I’m proud to be part of it.”
Rewind 20 years...
1996
This edition’s dip into our history features a business trip to Cyprus and the acquisition of London General.
spaper
London General's staff new
June 1996
y t i l a u q o t e t u b i r T of service
e for Jolson and another on advertising, such as ct du Pro s . pru dio Capital Ra FLYING club class to Cy “fully-covered” tential lidays, last summer’s “There is enormous po ent rec beats most busmen’s ho the and e Nik for s the bu of side ys is one of to expand this but Mark Stevens’ 16 da Rothmans promotion, are taking we a and ctly ess exa ’t sin bu ren we nts me in the sun the most highly visual ele way the at k loo a careful holiday. mmercial work. co of lin. Co d de ant ad ort ” rd, imp forwa His ‘trip’ was an about The company is also Colin is also optimistic its ng part of London General’s usi of ys wa at ents, g em kin lac loo rep rail growth of continuing campaign to r fleet at weekends the ste ma ute the to Ro tion rk. rela wo in especially ercial increase its commercial nned and seeking new comm major refurbishment pla is ich “Our core business is the wh hard ter, win the for y ound. ivit rgr act de Promotional tour was ,” the London Un for e. s carrying of passengers tim wa iet rk qu Ma to traditionally a work because tions “I think we will continue eek said Commercial Opera -w y. six da a the m urs fro ring Apart on call 13 ho “But we be successful in tende Manager Colin Farrant. ans contract, smaller thm LU Ro se cau e be anc rk ort to do wo imp this for r days also recognise the asked by the customer jobs have included fou by the g sed din res ad imp in y rk ver wo is ial an of commerc more. our of hire for a Metrobus at the ” organisational skills of C NE am a valuable dimension to “This is happening a lot, gh min Bir at exhibition and operating staff,” the ” to ing rk. nn ute wo pla r trib ou a of “It’s th d. ad for L bre he sai and the hire of an RM es give he said. The work – which includ high quality of service we est k. gg da “bi Ko the t tha d , de the ad of hire rt e lin vat Co effo pri m are promotions, and to the tea any Two Metrobuses, which lacement rticularly compliment” the comp are , excursions and rail rep ses individuals involved, pa bu g inin tra as d of use ms for all h for staff.” t wit one could ge – is increasing in line engineers and operating be carrying all-over ads – o to s als wa rk for wo ial tion erc uta mm co al the company’s rep for the hit London music service and quality.
June 1996
Go-Ahead buys l a r e n e G n o d n Lo
ndon bus market, per cent share of the Lo ntity ide its ain ret l wil al ntr od stead for future LONDON Ce which will stand it in go ver of its e-o tak sed po pro the following development. al by the Goen completed, neighbour London Gener “Once takeover has be en to what Ahead Group. consideration will be giv mcha Mit the of n can take place to The acquisitio sensible rationalisation ected exp s wa al ner Ge on nd ad duplication to based Lo reduce areas of overhe General on nd Lo by ved mpetitive. pro co ap to be keep the companies and by Go13 e Jun on ers made will be in old are t reh tha sha “Any changes . 18 e Jun on ers old reh the companies Ahead Group sha the long-term interest of of or ect Dir ing nag Ma ie, Douglas Ad and their employees. mber of the rates the London Central and a me “The acquisition demonst said: “London , ard bo on nd future and to Lo the to ead Go-Ah group’s commitment neral will both Ge on nd services in Lo s bu and y al alit ntr qu Ce the operation of ow fell as ies ntit ide retain their own London.” ead Group, with oup Managing members of the Go-Ah RIGHT: Go-Ahead Gr l wil y the d An rs. cto dire of ard bo ger (seated) and n their ow Director Martin Ballin under their tely ara sep de tcher celebrate tra Bu to ue Ian contin Finance Director s. on General. own operator licence the acquisition of Lond 18 an up gro the es giv n “This acquisitio
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News across the Group In this column, we highlight business news from around the Go-Ahead Group.
Go-Ahead is highest scoring transport group in corporate responsibility index THE Go-Ahead Group has received a 3.5 star rating – joint highest transport operator – in Business in the Community’s 2016 Corporate Responsibility (CR) Index. The 2016 CR Index is published annually as part of Responsible Business week
Tapestry mural unveiled at Battle
(18-22 April 2016 #RBWeek) and is a way for companies to benchmark their sustainability and corporate responsibility output against each other. Go-Ahead has a strong sustainability record and this result is testament to the evolutionary strategy in place.
Fraudulent passenger court out GO NORTH East Riverside driver Richard Cole has been praised by a Judge for being “a very good, credible witness” in a recent court case. Richard helped to defend Go North East against a passenger’s fraudulent injury claim, saving the company £10,000.
SOUTHEASTERN recently unveiled an 18-metre long mural of the Bayeux Tapestry at Battle rail station. The mural, which was almost two years in the making, tells the story of one of the most famous battles in English history, between King Harold of England and William, Duke of Normandy, in 1066.
Contract full of eastern promise TRAINING Supervisors from Go-Ahead London are currently around 7,000 miles away training drivers in Singapore where the company will begin running services in September. The Go-Ahead Group was awarded the contract to operate 25 routes in Singapore over five years, with an option of a two-year extension. Dave Bryer.
differences between bus driving in Singapore and London, Dave said: “The roads are straighter and there are more lanes but no roundabouts. It’s not as busy and traffic jams clear quickly.” Dave expects to be returning to England in September or October when he’s looking forward to seeing his wife, Josie, his grown-up children and grandchildren. Asked what else he is missing, Dave said: “Riding my motorcycle and roast dinners!”
The Training Supervisors in Singapore.
Nick Hambi.
Training Supervisor Dave Bryer is usually based in Camberwell but arrived in Singapore on January 31 to help train the 350-plus Singapore drivers. When asked about the main
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Also helping out is Training Supervisor Nick Hambi from
Northumberland Park garage who arrived in Singapore on January 30. Nick said: “Driving is not as demanding as in London and traffic volumes are much lower. “Apart from my family, the things I miss the most are cooking at home, watching football, and the cool weather.” Nick will be returning home
at the beginning of September to see his wife, Janet, his son, John, who is a driver at Northumberland Park, son Panos and not forgetting the family cat! The other Training Supervisors working in the island state are Dave Carr, Peter Franklyn, Rob George, Mark Lloyd and Dave Lynde.
Kids enjoy their busy day! pretended to steer the wheel. “They also had handmade Oyster cards, which they used to practise getting on and off the bus. “The teachers were very grateful and we hope to make another visit next year.”
CHILDREN at Culvers House primary school got a double-deck delight when an iconic red bus pulled into their playground in May. Orpington driver Christopher Knowles, pictured far right, took the bus to the school in Hackbridge after the teachers contacted Go-Ahead London.
Christopher said: “The children had been learning about buses and had shown so much enthusiasm that their teachers asked if we could take in one of our vehicles. “The children were very excited when they saw the bus pull in. They took turns at sitting in the driver’s seat and
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.
London Central n Route 132/N132 (North Woolwich to Bexleyheath), using existing diesel double-deck vehicles (15 PVR). Contract begins on October 1, 2016. n Route 185 (Lewisham to Victoria), using new battery hybrid doubledeck vehicles (25 PVR). Contract begins on October 1, 2016.
London General n Route 1/N1 (Tottenham Court Road to Canada Water/ Thamesmead), using new battery hybrid double-deck vehicles (17 PVR). Contract begins on October 1, 2016.
n Route 14/N14 (Putney Heath to Warren Street Station), using new battery hybrid double-deck vehicles (35 PVR). Contract begins on November 19, 2016. n Route 39 (Putney Bridge to Clapham Junction), using new and existing diesel single-deck vehicles (15 PVR). Contract begins on November 19, 2016. n Route 74/N74 (Baker Street Station to Putney Garage/Roehampton), using new battery hybrid double-deck vehicles (21 PVR). Contract begins on November 19, 2016. n Route 152 (Pollards Hill to New Malden), won from Abellio London, using diesel single-deck vehicles (PVR 15). Contract begins on December 3, 2016. n Route 180 (Lewisham to Belvedere), using existing diesel double-deck vehicles (17 PVR). Contract begins on October 1, 2016. n Route 430 (Roehampton to South Kensington), using new battery hybrid double-deck vehicles (16 PVR). Contract begins on November 19, 2016. n Route 639/670 (Roehampton to St John Bosco College Battersea), using existing double-deck vehicles (2 PVR).
Contract begins June 6, 2016. n Route 655 (Mitcham to Raynes Park High School), using existing diesel double-deck vehicles (1 PVR). Contract begins December 3, 2016.
November 12, 2016. n Route 221 (Turnpike Lane Station to Edgware), using existing diesel double-deck vehicles (23 PVR). Contracts starts November 5, 2016.
Abellio London
Arriva London South
n Route 931 (Crystal Palace – Lewisham, Friday only), using singledeck from another route. Contract begins December 3, 2016.
n Route 59 (Streatham Hill to Kings Cross), using existing New Routemaster vehicles (28 PVR). Contract starts January 28, 2017. n Route 133/N133 (Liverpool Street Station to Streatham Station/ Mitcham), using new and existing hybrid double-deck vehicles (33 PVR). Contract begins on January 21, 2017. n Route 157 (Crystal Palace to Morden Station), won from Abellio London, using existing diesel doubledeck vehicles (18 PVR). Contract begins December 3, 2016. n Route 333 (Tooting Broadway to Elephant and Castle), won from London General, using new battery hybrid double-deck vehicles (16 PVR). Contract begins January 21, 2017.
Abellio West London n Route 290 (Twickenham to Staines), using existing diesel singledeck vehicles (7 PVR). Contract begins October 1, 2016. n Route H20 (Hounslow Civic Centre to Ivybridge), using new diesel singledeck vehicles (6 PVR). Contract begins November 19, 2016. n Route U7 (Uxbridge to Hayes), using existing diesel single-deck vehicles (5 PVR). Contract begins November 19, 2016. n Route U9 (Uxbridge to Harefield Hospital), using new diesel singledeck vehicles (3 PVR). Contract begins December 31, 2016.
Arriva London North n Route 38/N38 (Victoria to Clapton Pond (N38 to Walthamstow Central), using existing New Routemaster vehicles (52 PVR). Contract begins
Quality Line n Route 413 (Morden Station to Sutton Garage), won from London General, using new diesel single-deck vehicles (8 PVR). Contract begins December 3, 2016.
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Boris launches the Hope Line W
ITH the help of Go-Ahead London, former London Mayor Boris Johnson launched a new telephone line for people who have been affected by a fatality or serious injury on London’s transport network. The Sarah Hope Line, which is staffed by a dedicated TfL team, was launched in March and is the brainchild of Sarah Hope – a lady who was severely injured nine years ago by a bus in South London. Sarah's mother, Elizabeth, was killed in the incident, which left Sarah and her daughter Pollyanna with lifechanging injuries. To mark the launch, a 129 bus took Boris and Sarah to North Greenwich, where the helpline will be based. Former mayor Boris Johnson with Sarah Hope, right.
Driver and mentor Marijke Zwart said: “It was a smooth and comfortable journey and a fantastic occasion. The Mayor paid for his fare and there was a group of photographers waiting to get a shot of the party and the bus. “Sarah has done a very brave thing launching the helpline and we were happy to help in any way we could.” Sarah said: “TfL and Boris Johnson are putting their arms around victims of tragic accidents on London's public transport system. “The helpline will be a voice of kindness for the victims of collisions and ensure that even in their darkest hour, there will be someone from TfL to try to help them through it.”
Driver Richard swaps road travel for time travel
LONG-SERVING Putney driver Richard Greene, pictured above, is a Doctor Who devotee. He has worked for Go-Ahead London for 36 years and is the proud owner of a menagerie of memorabilia, including a life-size Dalek! “I started my collection about 25 years ago,” said Richard. “My dad used to take my sister and I to science fiction exhibitions and then I would go to small toy fairs. It sort of snowballed from there.” Keeping the Dalek company
are two smaller Daleks, a Cyberman, an Ice Warrior and a Sea Devil. “You have to be a Doctor Who buff to know what they are,” joked Richard. The science fiction super fan also collects Star Trek pieces. “I’m interested in anything science fiction,” said Richard. “People do think it’s a bit strange when they come to my house and see my collection, but I don’t mind.” Richard’s favourite Doctor is William Hartnell, who played the first incarnation of the Doctor from 1963 to 1966. “He’s definitely the best,” said Richard. “He’s the one I grew up with.”
Retirement n Stephen Buckland, Controller, Stockwell. STOCKWELL Controller Stephen Buckland retired in May after an impressive 35 years of service. He started as a driver at London Transport before moving to London Central as a Roadside Official. He then went on to work as a controller in the iBus radio room in Camberwell before moving to Stockwell three years ago. “I have seen a lot of changes in the bus industry throughout my career,” said Stephen. “Things are a lot more results driven since TfL took over and the technology has changed immensely.” Now that he is retired, Stephen plans to go to Disneyland with his wife, Linda, four children and nine grandchildren. He also plans to help out at
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Controller Stephen Buckland. his daughter’s accountancy service once a week. “My advice for anyone who wants a long career in the bus industry is try and improve your skill set, talk to people with experience and strive to succeed at the top level,” he said. “I have worked with some great people and look forward to seeing them again soon.”