Issue 36 • October 2015
Key moment for Eco Challenge winner See pages 8 to 10
In this issue
Open day proves a big success Page 4
In this column we highlight business news from around the Go-Ahead Group
Investing in road and rail Southern joins Govia Thameslink Railway Southern officially became part of Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) in late July. The merger means that GTR – jointly owned by Go-Ahead (65 per cent) and Keolis (35 per cent) – now has approximately 6,800 employees who operate more than 20,000 services a week across 239 stations.
First brand new Gatwick Express carriage on test
Route 11 still going strong after 20 years Page 7
Charged with reducing emissions Page 12 2
THE first carriage of the brand new Gatwick Express train, known as the Class 387/2, has been built and is undergoing static testing by Bombardier Transportation at its manufacturing plant in Derby. GTR announced in November 2014 that it had signed a £145.2 million order for 108 new custom-built train carriages. The new trains are due to enter service in 2016, replacing the 1980s-built Class 442 trains which have been operating on the Gatwick Express service since 2008. The 27 four-car Electrostar trains have been specially designed for the airport route with easier boarding, better luggage space, two-by-two seating, power points at every seat, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, the latest automated on-board service information and excellent facilities for people with disabilities.
High Wycombe’s greenest ever buses take to the road HIGH Wycombe’s greenest ever buses have taken to the road. The new buses at Carousel have the very latest environmental credentials: the latest Euro VI engines with micro-hybrid technology aimed at cutting emissions and reducing fuel consumption. This ultra-green bus revolution underlines the transformation at Carousel over the last few years since the takeover by sustainability-focused parent company the Go-Ahead Group.
Tell us YOUR news! BUS Talk is your magazine and we would love to hear about any events or unusual hobbies you’re involved in. Perhaps you’re planning a cycle ride, sporting event or climbing a mountain to raise money for charity. Or maybe you’re restoring a vintage car or play in a band in your spare time.
Call us on 01932 243400 and ask for the Bus Talk news desk. Alternatively you can email anne@ruxley.co.uk with your name and contact details and let us know what you’re up to.
PICTURED: From left, Gerry Fleming, Engineering Training Manager; Witold Wolski, Coach Maker; Andre Grant, 3rd Year Apprentice; Adam Nichols, 3rd Year Apprentice; Luke Wood, Electrical Engineer; Miles Hossack, Mechanical Engineer; Rick Weller, Engineering Manager, and Gordon Harrington, Engineering Training Instructor.
Rising to the challenge E
NGINEERS from Go-Ahead London celebrated a win for Luke Wood, pictured above left, who was the Top Scoring Electrical Technician in the IRTE Skills Challenge, announced in July. The Skills Challenge took place in June at the S & B Automotive Academy in Bristol, where engineering teams from bus operating companies around the UK competed in a number of engineering challenges. The Go-Ahead London team members were Electrical Engineer Luke Wood, Mechanical Engineer Miles Hossack and Coachmaker Witold Wolski, all from Northumberland Park, and apprentices
Adam Nichols and Andre Grant. This year, a new award was introduced, the Philip Margrave Memorial Award for Outstanding Achievement, in honour of the former Go-Ahead Group Engineering Director who died in April this year. What is the Skills Challenge? THE Institute of Road Transport Engineers (IRTE) introduced the Skills Challenge in 2011. The competition aims to champion and reward the vital work and skills of bus engineers across the UK. Go-Ahead London has entered a team each year.
The winners of the competition were announced at an awards ceremony held at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull on July 16. The team from GoAhead London was joined at the event by Engineering Director Richard Harrington and other senior engineers from the company. It was the third time Luke Wood had entered the competition. In 2012, he achieved two highly commended awards for Electrical Technician and Electrical, Mechanical and Bodywork Combined. He was delighted this year to win the trophy and a set of tools for Top Scoring Electrical Technician. Luke said: “I was surprised, I didn’t expect to win, I just went along to enjoy the challenge. I think it’s really good to test people’s skills.”
Top tips to avoid slips and trips T H E
H& S
By Tom McGlew
WELCOME back to the H&S Column. This month, C O L U M N we spoke with fictional engineer Terry Bull. After telling us his tales of what it was like in the LT days in Chiswick, we recorded Terry’s Top Tips: n Look where you are going. Call me ol’ fashioned but that’s what eyes are for, isn’t it?! Everyone walks about prodding and swiping at smartphones. Maybe it’s an age thing but it doesn’t seem to be very smart to be walking around not looking where you are going! n With lots of buses running over them every day, some of the floor surfaces aren’t in great condition, a bit like me. If you see anything that could cause a trip or slip, then do something about it, go tell a supervisor or a manager.
n Use garage walkways and crossings whenever possible. You don’t walk in the middle of the road do you? So why saunter up the middle of the garage during run-out? You’re one step away from a free ride to A&E. n It’s a working environment and spills happen – so whether it's on the dock or in the mess room, get it mopped! Clear it up yourself or ask a cleaner if it’s a big one. n Walk don’t run. We have a run-in and we have a runout. There is no run-to. Chances are if you’re running then your attention is elsewhere and that’s usually when your luck will run out. Geddit?!
n Gravity is a funny thing isn’t it? If you’re stepping up or stepping down, e.g. boarding or alighting your bus, tread softly dear reader. Miss your step and gravity will pull you down faster than Wayne Rooney going down in the penalty box. n Make sure shoelaces are always tied correctly. I’ve never been a fan of loafers or Velcro fasteners. n Finally, make sure your footwear is stout enough for the job you’re doing. Flip-flops are fine on Camber Sands. Not in Camberwell Garage, nor when driving a bus! n Stay Upright and Stay Safe!
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Camberwell Bus Garage Op
Fun-filled open day rais F
AMILIES and bus enthusiasts flocked to Camberwell Garage on September 5 for a fun-packed open day that also raised a substantial amount for Trinity Hospice. An extensive array of vintage and modern buses plus stalls selling memorabilia kept the bus enthusiasts happy. Innovation corner had specialists on hand to explain how the vehicles work and the Engineering Experience showed a live vehicle inspection. Food and refreshments stalls kept
everyone fed and watered, and for families there were bus rides, bus wash trips, face-painting, a mega slide and an ice-cream van. Author Inderjit Puaar also made an appearance to sign copies of her children’s book, Bradley the Bus. Communications Co-ordinator Greg French, who along with the communications department helped to arrange the event, said: “It was a great turn-out despite a wet start to the day. People of all ages came along, with some of our visitors travelling from as
ons Official: Ken Carr - Stallholder; AKA - Visi to say a massive well like just ld wou We @OfficialVisions an absolutely superb open done to @Go_Ahead_London for cuted. exe day at Camberwell, brilliantly
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far away as Manchester!” Communications Manager Sheldon Malcolm said: "A great deal of preparation and hard work is put in when organising an event of this scale. On the day itself, itwas g reat to see so many people of all ages enjoying themselves. It certainly makes all the effort worthwhile. I'd like to thank everyone who was involved in putting this together and to our hard working team of volunteers who helped make the day run as smoothly as it did."
pen Day September 5 2015
ses funds for hospice The event raised a fantastic £3,678.68 for Trinity Hospice. BEN MORRISON from the hospice said: I just wanted to say thank you for supporting Trinity once again this year. It was a fantastic day and we heard nothing but good things from the public and stallholders around us.�
AL I C E P S URE FEAT
MICK REAVILL, Camberwell Engineering Manager, said: We had a good response from those who attended the Engineering Experience. It was great to see so many people enjoying themselves and taking in all of the information my team and I had to offer them. This rare experience certainly made this open day more special and eye-opening for our visitors."
ul day @Go_Ahead_ Trinity Hospice: We had a wonderf Open Day. Thank London #Camberwell Bus Garage g! alon you to everyone who came
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Camberwell Bus Garage Open Day September 5 2015
AN EXTENSIVE collection of old and new buses was on display at the open day, including a number of rare vintage models. In addition to Go-Ahead London’s own vehicles, buses were loaned by London Transport Museum, London Bus Museum in Weybridge and by fellow Go-Ahead Group companies Brighton & Hove and Wilts & Dorset. Vintage buses on display included a K-type, which was 95 years old, the NS-type, nearly 90 years old and an 80-year-old STL-type. Also making an appearance
was MD60, pictured above, a Scania Metropolitan. It is the only surviving roadworthy example in the UK of a batch of 164 delivered to London Transport in the 1970s (one exists in the Scania museum in Sweden). This is a very popular bus and many people came just to get a ride on it. MD60 operated for the day on route 36, bringing visitors to and from the event. Finally, there were a number of preserved buses covering the whole lifespan of Camberwell Garage. The range of current vehicles included New Routemaster LT60 in its special commemorative General livery.
ead_ 155ddogb: @155ddogb @Go_Ah berwell Cam London had a lovely day at s. guy nks Tha Bus Garage today.
Bradley the Bus: @Bradley_the_Bus @Go_ Ahead_London Fantastic book signing @ Camberwell Bus Garage Open Day! Thank you to r everyone involved #Routemaste
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Edinburgh, brian hutchison: @hutchison947 ead_London _Ah @Go Scotland @heritageroutes es. bus don Lon love the line up of
New future for FACE historic service
FACE 2
IN OUR Face 2 Face column, we chat to David Jackman, a driver from Sutton Garage who has worked for the company for just under 14 years. We ask David a series of light-hearted questions. Q: Who is your favourite singer? A: Katy Perry. Q: What TV show are you watching at the moment? A: Strictly Come Dancing. Q: What do you think your best trait is? A: I think I’m quite generous with people. Q: What characteristics do you think make a good boss? A: Listening and understanding. Q: Who do you most admire? A: My wife – she had breast cancer 10 years ago and the way she coped with it was amazing. Q: What was the first car you bought? A: An Escort Mark 1 in orange. Q: What was your first job? A: In the admin department at Wimpey Construction. Q: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? A: Go-karting – I go with drivers and managers from Sutton Garage.
Top: Passenger Assistants celebrate the new contract. Left: An old-style Routemaster with an even older mode of transport and, right, a New Routemaster decked out in special new livery.
A
NEW five-year contract starts on October 31 for Stockwell’s route 11 continuing London General’s operation of the route since the privatisation of London’s buses in 1994/5. Route 11 is one of the oldest to have operated continuously in London, although there have been some changes since it was introduced by the London General Omnibus Company in 1906. The service originally ran from Victoria to Hammersmith but now runs from Fulham Broadway to Liverpool Street station. It has a journey time of between 35 and 80 minutes and runs every seven to 10 minutes, with a peak vehicle requirement of 26. The current route goes along King’s Road, through the West End and past many of London’s famous landmarks, including Parliament Square and St Paul’s Cathedral. It is often recommended to tourists as a cheaper alternative to sightseeing bus tours. A route 11 bus made an appearance in the 2005 film The Da Vinci Code, stopping outside Westminster Abbey, when one of the central characters is heading for Chelsea Library. London General operated the route from
Waterloo Garage until June 2002 when it was transferred to Stockwell Garage to make way for the Red Arrow bendy buses at Waterloo. In September 2013, route 11 was chosen as the first route at Go-Ahead London to be converted to New Routemasters, with 56 new Passenger Assistants recruited at the same time. Driver Darren Charles, below, has been with the company for 13 years, all of them at Stockwell. He has driven on route 11 for the last two and said: “I love working on this route, there’s so much to look at, like Trafalgar Square and St Paul’s, and you often see famous people when you drive along the King’s Road. “As the route goes past so many well-known places, a lot of tourists use it, so you often get asked for directions. Fortunately, I know London quite well, so I can usually help them. I love how you get a real mix of people on the route and every day is different.”
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Eco Challenge 2015: Go-Ahead London’s top
On track for of thrills! n The Eco Challenge 2015 gave the 20 greenest drivers in the company the opportunity to drive some of the most exciting sports cars in the world – and the chance to win a brand new Citroen C1 car. n The event took place on September 18 at Vision Motorsport’s 1.2 kilometre tarmac circuit in Oxfordshire. n The area is known as Motorsport Valley and is next to the Lotus F1 team. n After a briefing about the day ahead
from Managing Director John Trayner and a safety briefing from Vision Motorsport’s Event Manager, Mike Brown, the day kicked off with driving three laps of the circuit in various supercars. n Everyone had a chance to experience the speed and comfort of the cars with an experienced driving instructor guiding them through the course to help them gain maximum speed.
Stunning supercar line-up Ferrari F430
Porsche GT3
Engine: 3600cc 8-cylinder (approx 400 bhp) Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive Performance: 0-60 in 4.3 seconds, top speed 190 mph
Engine: 3600cc 6-cylinder transverse (approx 380 bhp) Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive Performance: 0-62 in 4.4 seconds, top speed 190 mph
THIS year, we promised some twists, turn chicanes to the Eco Challenge! We promi supercharged, hands-on, one-off driving e not for the faint-hearted. Well, those who assure that we stuck to our word. We gav lucky participants a day they definitely wo Test driving some top-of-the-range spor including the Lamborghini Gallardo, the F the Porsche GT3, was a thrilling experienc
At the wheel: Simon Daniels, Waterside Way.
Audi R8
Engine: 4200cc 8 cylinder (approx 420 bhp) Transmission: 6-speed manual, four-wheel drive Performance: 0-62 in 4.6 seconds, top speed 187 mph
At the wheel: Hironmoy Deb, Northumberland Park.
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Tough ra
At the wheel: Barry Clements, New Cross.
Lamborghini Gallardo Engine: 5000cc 10-cylinder (approx 500 bhp) Transmission: 6-speed manual, four-wheel drive Performance: 0-62 in 4 seconds, top speed 192 mph
At the wheel: Lai Man, Camberwell.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Engine: 4300cc 8-cylinder (approx 380 bhp) Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel driv Performance: 0-60 in 4.9 seconds, top speed 175 mph
At the wheel: Kris Stazsewski, Waterside Way.
p drivers put their skills to the ultimate test
day
e 3-pagal speci
5th
4th
4th
3rd
2nd
1st
On the podium 5th place: Yusuf Ramadan, Sutton – two day trip tickets to Oxford Joint 4th place: Simon Brimming, Orpington, Joao De Abreu Teles, Waterloo – £250 each 3rd place: David Hoy, Rainham – iPad Air 2nd place: Mark Gosney, Rainham – £500 1st place: Andrew Currell, Bexleyheath – brand new Citroen C1 car
ally stage decides the victor
ns and ised a experience, took part will ve all 20 of our on’t forget. rts cars, Ferrari 430 and ce for all. The
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rally driving experience in the second part of the day was equally exciting, with the fastest driver winning the top prize of a brand new Citroen C1. The afternoon session consisted of rally driving in a 1.7 litre Ford Puma (above). The instructors gave great rally techniques, such as handbrake turns and lift off over steer. This activity took place on a purpose-built 1.6km gravel rally stage, the perfect place to get to feel the adrenaline rush.
Drivers did six practice laps before being timed on one single lap, which would determine the winner of the car. All driving experiences came with a fully qualified driving instructor, so everyone had the ability to get the very best out of the supercars and the rally driving experience. Andrew Currell had the fastest time in the rally driving experience and drove with skill and great ability. Well done to you Andrew!
A real ‘adrenaline rush’ say drivers n Hironmoy Deb It’s been nice – everything was good. Driving the supercars was a great experience as I have never had the chance to do this before! n Hanif Mohammad It’s been good fun! I really enjoyed driving the Lamborghini – I wish I had one. The Ariel Atom ride was scary though, it was like being on a roller coaster. n Simon Brimming Last year’s 500 challenge was good but this year it was as advertised; a complete
adrenaline rush! Driving the supercars was amazing! It was like being a kid in a sweet shop! If I were to go home with one of them it would be the Ferrari but then again I like the Lamborghini or the Porsche....or the Audi! n William Hill It’s been good – the two top cars I enjoyed driving were the Porsche and Ferrari. n Wajahat Kazmi It’s been a brilliant day. It has been such a nice experience to speed in some amazing supercars. My favourite was the
Ferrari. The Atom car was marvellous, so fast it felt like a rocket, I felt like I was going up in the sky! n Zacheus Koleoso Today has been very nice. I liked the Porsche because it obeyed my commands. The Atom was terrifying – I know how Lewis Hamilton feels now! n (Greg) Kwassi Parkoo I’ve enjoyed everything. My two favourite cars to drive were the R8 and the Ferrari.
n Turn over page for more!
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Eco Challenge 2015
Key moment for Andrew
Rally champ Andrew Currell, right, is presented with his prize by Managing Director John Trayner. n Akram Anouf I thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the Eco Challenge. I had a very nice day. My favourite car was the Ferrari, the venue was really nice and the driving instructors were excellent, as well as really helpful. The rally car, in my opinion, was the hardest and most challenging. I really hope I am Driver of the Month again in order to take part in this great experience next year. n Lai Man I really enjoyed the Lamborghini. It was tough to put into gear, but it was fast. I managed to get it to over 100 mph and I think I got to 110 mph. The instructor was good and patient. I hope that I can have the opportunity to go again next year and win the car. n Barry Clements The venue was brilliant – well looked after, staff very friendly, plenty of food and drink, and the highspeed Atom ride was the one to remember. Driving five of the finest cars was a great day out. The Ferrari was my choice, pedal to the metal in each gear. God knows how fast I was going, these cars don't do slow but the need for speed is what the days are about. The rally at the end of the day was worth waiting for. The experience was superb, handbrake skids, muddy track – can't beat it. The instructors were superb, one of the best days out I've had in a long time. n Mark Gosney This was a day not to be missed. It was really exhilarating. I'm now so glad I did all that hard work in order to be able to take part in such an amazing event! I am only just now coming down from the Eco Challenge day. What a superb and
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unless I won the lottery. My favourite car was the Ferrari closely followed by the Audi. I have no idea how fast I went as I was too busy concentrating on everything else. All I know is it felt I had never gone faster. I was a bit disappointed with the Aston and the Lamborghini was hard work. The lap in the Ariel Atom was exciting. The rally session again is something I did not think I would ever do. I found it easier than I thought it would be and a very memorable experience. The venue and all the instructors were excellent. All in all, I thought it was a perfect day and hope to be there again next year. n Kris Stazsewski I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to take part in this year’s Eco Challenge; I really Raw power: The Ariel Atom. enjoyed the day. Driving those supercars was a fantastic experience, I’ve which was enhanced by the expertise, always dreamed about it. There was even support and experience from staff at more adrenalin riding in the Ariel Atom. But Vision Motorsport. A big thank you to John the best part of the day was driving the Trayner for making it possible. Ford Puma on the rally cross track – it was n Joao De Abreu Teles the best thing I’ve ever done in my life. I’m This has been a very good and lovely looking forward to doing it one more time. experience. I loved the Audi R8, it was Everything was perfectly done on the day, really comfortable and very fast at the including the food. Thanks once again. same time. Everyone has a chance in this n Andrew Currell (first-prize winner) competition. I had a brilliant day. The supercars were n Simon Daniels brilliant but the Atom cars were from a It’s been so good! Driving the supercars different planet. They were so fast I had was my highlight. I’m glad that I came this tears in my eyes, the instructor was driving far in the Eco Challenge competition! so quick. It was a different league to my n Yusuf Ramadan motorbike – and that’s fast. My thoughts on No doubt about it being a great day. I winning the top prize – AMAZING! got to drive cars that I never would have enjoyable day it proved to be and one I will cherish the memories of for a long time to come. It was a sheer thrill to take part and I am so glad that I qualified for this company event. I would encourage any of my GoAhead colleagues to strive in their attempt to be a Driver of the Month and so maybe get the opportunity of participation in a company Eco Challenge day. n David Hoy I would like to take this opportunity to voice my gratitude on being chosen to have taken part in such a fantastic event. I thoroughly enjoyed my day
Day in the Life of ... Operating Manager Kastriot Gashi
Kastriot's day is full of variety F
OR Operating Manager Kastriot Gashi, every day brings different and exciting challenges. Having worked in the industry since 2003, Kastriot spent six years as a driver before taking on supervisory and then management positions. He transferred to Croydon Garage at the end of March this year. “As Operating Manager, there are a lot of tasks that I am involved in. I have accountability for the depot as a whole,” said Kastriot. “My normal day in the garage starts by consulting front counter and engineering running shift offices to establish
a smooth daily operation. “It is my responsibility to ensure that we have sufficient staff cover on a day-today basis and any future arrangements, working closely with the engineering department ensuring vehicle availability to fulfil our contractual obligations with TfL. “With the assistance of two Assistant Operating Managers, I must also ensure that we interact with our drivers daily. Any more demanding issues are referred to my level. “It is also important that we are proactive and prepare ourselves for any upcoming changes at the depot.”
It’s all go for Kastriot at Croydon.
At the moment, Kastriot and the Croydon team are looking forward to welcoming 39 new hybrid vehicles to the fleet. In preparation for this, he is working on a plan with
All’s going swimmingly for former lifeguard... ORPINGTON Garage welcomed a new Operating Manager this summer, with Martin McNamara taking over the helm at the beginning of July. Prior to joining Go-Ahead London, Martin was a Staff Manager for First Group in Bristol. “There are areas I would like to look at such as engagement, staff retention and developing interdepartmental relationships within the depot,” said Martin. “We have a good team with a wide range of backgrounds here, they’re really nice people and have been more than helpful.” When he’s not at work, Martin’s big passion is football – both watching and playing. “I played for a local team when I
was in Bristol and I’m hoping to find a team I can play with here. I’m a Leeds supporter too, although I don’t get the chance to see them so often now.”
Martin is also a keen swimmer and once worked as a lifeguard at a children’s club, for which he learned some valuable life-saving skills.
the engineering and roadside department to cascade and integrate the vehicles into services, ensuring that all the vehicles are suitable for the routes operated at the garage. He is also working to make sure that all the drivers are trained to drive these new vehicles. In addition to this, Kastriot has also spent time working on a Stoptober project. On October 3, Croydon will provide a bus and driver to an organisation working in partnership with the NHS and the London Borough of Croydon giving advice and helping people to give up smoking. “The bus will stop around the busy areas of Croydon and organisation staff will offer help to people looking to quit the habit,” he said. “There is quite a lot going on at the moment. Despite having the day planned in advance, from time to time I have to drop what I am doing and prioritise something else. “I have to say that I do love my job and we are definitely not short of new and interesting projects to work on at Croydon!”
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Waiting for the reading bus GO-AHEAD London has recently delivered a double-deck bus, donated by fellow Go-Ahead Group Company Hedingham, to Hollymount Primary School in Wimbledon. It was organised by Sutton Engineering Manager John Hanby with the help of engineers Brian Shepherd and Kevin Haugh.
At the start of the new school term, parents and pupils were very excited to see the much talked about bus on site. Work is currently under way to convert the bus into a reading area for pupils. Melanie Reinecke, Hollymount School PTA Chair, wrote to Managing Director John Trayner expressing her appreciation: “I wanted to say a very big thank you from myself, the school, the parents and, most importantly, the children. Your staff were so professional, hardworking and friendly and we are so thankful to you for granting them the time to make this bus available to us.” Top: Hollymount School pupils eagerly await the bus’s arrival. Left: It is placed in position so work can begin, right.
‘Charging’ ahead! F
OLLOWING a number of trials, GoAhead London has ordered 51 electric buses – the biggest full-electric singledeck bus fleet in the UK. The new buses will be operated on route 507 (Waterloo Station to Victoria Station) and route 521 (Waterloo Station to London Bridge Station). The buses comprise a BYD chassis, electric drive train and batteries from Chinese manufacturer BYD and an ADL Enviro200 body. Five of the vehicles will be based at Mandela Way with the rest at Waterloo. BYD electric vehicles were trialled on the routes previously, with Go-Ahead London being particularly impressed with the battery on the vehicle and its longevity. The buses can operate all day on the routes with just one battery charge. The company has also trialled electric single-deck vehicles from Spanish company Irizar (as reported in the August 2015 edition), which will continue until the introduction of the new vehicles, after which they will be relocated. Engineering Director Richard Harrington said: “These are some very exciting times for us. The vehicles will be cascaded into the fleet ahead of the launch date of August next year. We will be working to redesign the parking plan at Waterloo to accommodate the battery charging point as well as ensuring there is a high voltage
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All-electric bus fleet will set a UK first... supply to the garage.” The buses have a range of 150 miles and most of the charging will be done overnight. Buses can have a fast charge over four hours at 80 kilowatts an hour or a slow one over eight hours at 40 kilowatts. The order of electric buses follows GoAhead London being awarded the contract for both routes for a further five years on the basis that they will operate all-electric buses on them. This is all part of TfL’s vision for an
Ultra Low Emission Zone by 2020. Richard added: “The two routes will be the first high-frequency services to be converted to all-electric operation. It is an honour to have been chosen. I think the routes really suit electric vehicles as some of the buses are not in use during non-peak hours, which gives us plenty of time to recharge the batteries if required.Closer to the time, our drivers will receive familiarisation training on the new vehicles.”
Rewind 20 years...
1995
August 1995
No 32
This edition’s dip into our history features some classic Routemasters turning heads in Brighton and Sweden!
RM on special duty in Sweden e DRIVER Bryan Dunthorn n in tur to ds hea caused a few a g vin dri – st gu Au in Sweden r ste London Central Routema of s through the street Gothenburg. The company’s RML t of 2283 was one of a flee to d use six London buses ls cia offi s, lete transport ath s to ge villa ir the m fro s and VIP
spaper
London General's staff new
World the stadium during the . ips Athletics Championsh the ed vid pro al London Centr m fro ach pro ap an bus after ercial Leaside Buses to Comm Manager Phil Clark. Bryan drove the bus to the 36Immingham docks for en, then hour crossing to Swed nburg the spent 14 days in Go ish ed Sw a by accompanied
al vintage electric tram RML 2283 beside a loc Bryan Dunthorne and the Routemasters. transport depot used by blic pu urg nb the Go at the ineering “The support from eng o als s wa conductress. staff at New Cross tainly well y ver Said Phil: “The bus cer s wa s superb. The bu have ellent exc an made an impact, and we s wa and t mments turned ou co le rab ou fav ny ma had nt for London credit to advertiseme about Bryan. He was a Central.” the company.
Number 16 July 1995
Late entry wins Great RM Run into July’s London An eleventh-hour entry r rally paid off ste to Brighton Routema rage … Ga y tne Pu handsomely for before the ys da two d roa the Out on had just ers ine event, the Garage’s eng d up and uce spr 23 25 L one day to get RM ready. only RM in the And, London General’s the award for the n company’s new livery wo y. rall the on s best in-service bu ller Danny tro con d sai ,” illed “We were thr ductor on con bus’s Stephen, who was the s only wa y rall the the day. “Our entry into the e for be ys da r fou organised three or event.” ers did a terrific Danny said: “The engine
job – the bus had by the organising special A small plaque awarded Operators and silver body, The Routemaster expected to be hubcaps Owners’ Association, is its star status. te no and fixed to the bus to de ople who took pe al ner Ge a looked n Other London terloo driver Tony treat. We part in the rally were Wa rry Freestone, weren’t Webb and conductor Ba and Merton’s , 16 even who crewed DRM 25 own bus, RM his ve dro aware Ian Hoskin who the so g, ivin e-g priz a the day was Craig there was going to be 938. His conductor for .” nus bo a award really was Woolsey. ow Controller is pictured with Driver on the trip was fell OVE: Ian Hoskin, left, AB o als s wa e yth Geoff Hodson. Bernie Sm nductor Craig Woolsey. ir families from the co the and ff displays the sta er oth g on am INSET: Geoff Hodson garage. memento of victory.
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Assistant Operating Manager Brad Campbell, right, answers questions during the forum at Mandela Way.
Forums aim to improve travel experience
O
PEN forums have been held at Camberwell and Mandela Way Garages to help support drivers in improving our customers’ experience when they travel with us. The first forum was at Camberwell in July, the second at Mandela Way in August. The forums ran from 10am until 2pm so that drivers could drop in when they came off their shift. Operating Manager Nicola Phipps, acting Assistant Operating Manager Brad Campbell and Training and Development Manager Eric Dale hosted the Mandela Way forum.
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 General n Route 35/N35 (Clapham Junction to Shoreditch), won from Abellio, using new hybrid double-deck vehicles (20 PVR).
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Nicola said: “We had a really good response, drivers were comfortable talking to us about how they are not always sure of the best way to deal with some situations. They discussed things that had happened out on the road and asked how we thought they could have handled them better. “Drivers were given advice and we used role play exercises to get ideas across. We asked how they would feel in the situation if they were the customer. “It was a very honest and open discussion and the drivers were very appreciative of the opportunity to sit down
and discuss their issues.” Brad added: “There were some interesting questions put forward and, at times, some topical debates. We also looked at Mystery Traveller reports and customer complaints to highlight the impact drivers have on the business. “The forums are not just good for giving drivers information but a very productive interactive tool for managers. It became apparent that we were all one team striving towards the same goal.” The next forum planned will be for iBus Controllers, to give them the tools to advise drivers when they’re out on the road.
Contract begins on April 30, 2016. n Route 40 (Dulwich to Aldgate), won from Abellio, using new hybrid double-deck vehicles (18 PVR). Contract begins on April 30, 2016. n Route 129 (Greenwich, Cutty Sark to North Greenwich), using existing diesel doubledeck vehicles (7 PVR). Contract begins on June 4, 2016. n Route P5 (Elephant and Castle to Nine Elms), using new and existing diesel single-deck vehicles (10 PVR). Contract begins on April 30, 2016.
April 30, 2016. n Route 481 (Kingston to West Middlesex Hospital), using new diesel single-deck vehicles (4 PVR). Contract begins on May 7, 2016. n Route 484 (Camberwell Green to Lewisham), using existing diesel single-deck vehicles (13 PVR). Contract begins on March 19, 2016.
London United
Arriva London North
Tower Transit
Abellio
CT Plus
n Route 345/N345 (Peckham to South Kensington), won from London Central, using existing diesel double-deck vehicles (26 PVR). Contract begins on
n Route 377 (Ponders End to Oakwood Station), using new diesel single-deck vehicles (4 PVR). Contract begins on July 9, 2016. n Route W5 (Archway to Harringay), using new and existing diesel single-deck vehicles (8 PVR). Contract begins on February 6, 2016.
n Route H32 (Hounslow to Southall), using existing diesel double-deck vehicles (13 PVR). Contract begins on March 5, 2016. n Route H91 (Hounslow West to Hammersmith), using existing diesel double-deck vehicles (14 PVR). Contract begins on March 5, 2016. n Route 28/N28 (Wandsworth to Kensal Rise/Camden Town), using existing diesel doubledeck vehicles (22 PVR). Contract begins on April 30, 2016. n Route 328 (Chelsea to Golders Green), using doubledeck vehicles (23 PVR). Contract begins on April 30, 2016.
Employee Commendations BELVEDERE n A RELIEVED Miss Nanedi praised Mankumar Rai for his honesty after he returned her bag, which she had left on his bus, with all the contents intact – including £100 in cash. n A LOST wallet was handed in by driver Adesegun Aderibibe belonging to Mr Burns, who said: “A very sincere thank you to Ade, he is a credit to the company.” BEXLEYHEATH n A LADY with a pushchair got off the bus to make way for a wheelchairuser after driver Michael Gilbert tried unsuccessfully to find space for him on buses behind. Mr Nicholls said: “The driver's practical and positive approach and attitude meant that an awkward situation was resolved.” n STEVEN White was praised by Mr Marsh for “waiting at stops for people with young children to get on the bus”. n BOTH Wendy Caplehorne and Robert Childs were thanked by wheelchair-user Mrs Mothobi for waiting and lowering the ramp for her. CAMBERWELL n CUSTOMER Mrs Spells was very impressed with driver Sadik Sawaba’s consideration for cyclists. “The driver was very aware of cyclists on the left of the bus and several times waved them through safely before continuing,” she said. n “I’VE never met such a lovely bus driver,” said Ms Winiarczyk after travelling with driver Donnah Carp. “Her excellent customer service made my day.” CROYDON n DESPITE bad traffic, driver Ian Boyd was “exceptional” said Ms Ramdheen: “He was polite and helpful and suggested an alternative route for my return,” she added. n DRIVER Terence Bridger received praise from a customer for his actions following a road accident. “I was really appreciative of his quick thinking, professionalism and courtesy towards not only the passengers but everyone else involved,” said Mr Hawkins. DOCKLANDS n ERROL Walters was praised by customer Winnie Lam after she got on the bus going the wrong way. At the next stop, he got out of the cab and
helped Winnie across the road so she could get the bus going the other way. MANDELA WAY n DRIVER German Montoya found a fan in customer Miss Mallett, who said: “What a lovely man and a great asset to your company. He is a capable, positive person who I am sure cheers up most that travel on his bus.” n CUSTOMER Ms Oseland said driver Myron Lindsay showed “exemplary customer service, politeness and friendliness”. n FOLLOWING an attack by another passenger, Mr Rowe wrote to commend driver Abdul Mumin. He wrote: “I would like to pass on my thanks to the driver for his support and help. He allowed me to remain on the bus, called the police and waited until they arrived.” MERTON n DRIVER Eduardo Cenedeze was described as “kind, smiling and smart” by Mrs Mordoch. She added: “Drivers on route 163 and route 164 are always kind and friendly.” NEW CROSS n JOSEPH Wright helped reunite an elderly passenger with her daughter after she got off a coach at Marble Arch instead of Victoria. Joseph told the lady that his bus was going to Victoria and phoned her daughter, Ms Alexander, to assure her that her mother was on her way. n MS PATTERSON thanked driver Shaun Stanberry for his kindness and said: “The driver opened his door to me, even though he was ready to leave, and smiled.” ORPINGTON n A YOUNG disabled customer praised driver Ioannis Zafeiroudis. “The driver was considerate enough to see me using a cane and lower the ramp,” said Ms Jones. n MARK MacWilliam received praise from Mr Appleby Kenny, who said: “The very helpful driver explained that the 358 was on diversion, how to get through to Penge/Beckenham and also offered transfer tickets.” PUTNEY n DRIVER Davanne Blomeley “left a lasting impression of what customer service skills are about” with Ms Baker, who added: “Her politeness and
professionalism have stuck with me the whole weekend.” n MR GLADYGA said thank you to driver Nadine De Souza, “the 491 driver that makes the journey more enjoyable and is always positive and brings a smile on a daunting morning journey to work!” STOCKWELL n THE TUBE strike brought out the best in passenger assistant Tina Reynolds, according to Ms Collins, who said: “She was amazing, didn't lose her rag, calmed down the grumpy ones and was outstandingly awesome!” n APPOLINAIRE Domingo received a big thank you from Ms Woods. “He saw me running towards the bus and waited. It really made my day that he was so considerate,” she said. n MR ANDRATS, who is a wheelchairuser, was grateful to driver John Abad for his “kindness, exceptional friendliness, patience and courtesy”. n CUSTOMER Ms Robbins-Jones said: “I left my bag on the bus – it contained my life! I'd like to congratulate the honesty of Passenger Assistant Mustapha Sherriff who returned it to me. I'm a 67-year-old woman with a heart condition and the loss of my bag nearly caused my demise! Mustapha and his driver deserve a medal.” SUTTON n A ‘MYSTERY Traveller’ commended Trevor Brewer for his “exceptionally clear speech and diction”, adding: “The driver said thank you and smiled as I used my Freedom Pass, which really was nice.” n CUSTOMER Ms Doran, who left her handbag on the bus, said: “Within 20 minutes of contacting Sutton Garage, Controller Robert Sciberras had located it and put my mind at ease. Thank you Robert for your quick and efficient assistance.” WATERSIDE WAY n “I AM very happy to report an example of outstanding customer service from a bus driver on the G1 bus route,” said wheelchair-user Mr Andrats after travelling with driver Alan Cooper. n MISS Little praised driver Tadeusz Hordejuk and said: “He was very informative and patient. I was very impressed and salute the lovely man who made my journey home much more enjoyable.”
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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Ade's a star of stage and screen A
N APPEARANCE on the London Live channel in a film called Woolwich Boys was a career highlight for aspiring actor Ade Odunuga, who joined Go-Ahead London in July this year. The film was broadcast in August and was the first time the Blue Triangle driver had been on TV, although he has been on stage many times. Ade first remembers acting on stage at the tender age of five, in a school play. He took to it immediately and continued to appear in many more productions during his schooldays. He continued acting
after leaving school and it was during a stage performance that he was spotted by the director of Woolwich Boys. He contacted Ade and offered him a role in the film. Ade has been working on another film called Mona and as well as acting in it, is also the assistant director. “I’m also writing the script for another project,” said Ade. “It’s a one-man show, which I will perform and I’m currently looking for a suitable small theatre to stage the show.” With more filming due to start in October, look out for Ade on stage or on film near you somewhere soon.
Aspiring actor, director, script writer and Blue Triangle driver Ade Odunuga.
A touching first rate effort
Trio take on the quest to be the best THE UK Bus Driver of the year competition took place in Blackpool on the weekend of September 5 and 6, with three Go-Ahead London drivers taking on the challenge. The best bus drivers from operating companies around the UK came together to take on 10 challenging tests, including positioning at bus stops, judgement of width and length and driving in traffic. All this while under the close scrutiny of marshals who impose penalty points for the smallest of errors. Drivers also had to complete a two-part theory test to ensure they have a professional knowledge of the Highway Code and Driver CPC.
Great performance Winning team Sutton A, with Scott Horney in red shirt, centre back, and Scott’s two daughters at the front.
AN entertaining final resulted in a win for Sutton Garage’s A team, who beat Waterside Way Garage 5-3, at the 6-a-side football tournament held at Goals Soccer Centre in July. The event raised £1,000, including gift aid, for First Touch, which supports the neo-natal unit at St George’s Hospital, and the children’s ward at Royal Brompton Hospital.
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Ten teams competed, with the charity First Touch fielding a team for the first time. Go-Ahead London garages taking part were Blue Triangle, Camberwell, Docklands, Merton, New Cross, Orpington, Sutton (two teams) and Waterside Way. Organiser and Merton driver Scott Horney said: “The day went really well and the weather was lovely. My daughters
Sophia and Millie, who both benefited from the charity, ran a stall selling items donated by sponsors. After the match, there was a raffle with prizes including a Kindle and a TV. “With everyone’s help, I’ve now raised £35,000 for the charities in eight years. I’m planning to run the 6-a-side tournament again in 2016, and my target is to reach £40,000 in the next couple of years!”
There was some tough competition this year but Merton’s Stephen Appiah and Stephen Chipperfield from Waterside Way managed to get into a credible top third of the rankings. Trevor Roberts from Peckham was ranked among the top two thirds. Training and Development Manager Eric Dale was at the event and said: “The drivers performed well in some areas but this year there was more emphasis on blind spots. There were a lot of penalty points given out if the marshals didn’t see a driver looking over their shoulder clearly to check the blind spot. “Last year, our highest ranking was fifth place, but I’m confident that, as we gain more experience, we can do even better next year.”