No.3 • April 2010
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
HARD WORK AND PROFESSIONALISM RECOGNISED AT INDUSTRY AWARDS
IMPRESSIVE On the road with the new ELT: p3
NIGHT VISION A day in the life of Terry Smith: p6
WINNERS! Top class: Jennie Gillespie, managing director John Trayner, Patrick Mitchell and Andy Hemper.
GO-AHEAD London staff were recognised in three out of seven categories at the recent London Bus Awards, held to pay tribute to those who have gone the extra mile in delivering great customer service. Jennie Gillespie, who works on Sutton garage’s 213 service, won the ‘Communication with Passengers’ category for her cheerfulness and caring approach to her job. Jennie’s professionalism has been recognised by both passengers and colleagues. She said: “I was really pleased to be nominated but was sure that one of the other two shortlisted candidates would win. I couldn’t believe it when
I realised I’d won! I enjoy being a bus driver – it’s not hard to be nice to people and it makes the day go more quickly if you’re cheerful.” Andy Hemper, also from Sutton, won the ‘Best Travel Experience’ category. Passengers describe Andy as a driver who makes them feel safe and comfortable, no matter how challenging the circumstances. He recently received praise for helping to defuse passenger conflict on the 93 service, the route he drives on. Andy said: “I’ve entered the National Bus Driver of the Year competition before but this is the first time I’ve been put forward for an award. I was really pleased when they called out my name at
EXTERMINATE… Who’s a big fan of the Doctor?: p8
the ceremony.” Patrick Mitchell’s 40 years of exemplary service was one of the reasons he won the ‘Bus Network Ambassador’ category. Patrick is not only a garage mentor but he also spends a day each month helping to teach handicapped people how to use the bus. Patrick said: “I was delighted to win the award – it’s great to be recognised in this way.” n Jonathan Best (Stockwell), Afonso Carvalho (Waterside Way), Robbie Small and Gerry May (Camberwell) and David Flynn (Stockwell) were also nominated for awards by their local managers.
SPECIAL FEATURE: GO-AHEAD LONDON’S RUNNING SHIFT TEAMS