Bus Talk - Issue 15 - April 2012

No.15 • April 2012

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

‘AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF WORK FOR COMPETITIVE TENDER’

BATTLE FOR KEY ROUTES COMMENCES I

T WILL soon be a case of all hands on deck as a number of people at Go-Ahead London prepare for the retendering of two large tranches of work.

The first group of routes to go out to competitive tender are: n Route 44 (Victoria Station-Tooting Station) and its night counterpart n Route 77 (Waterloo Station-Tooting Station) n Route 87 (Wandsworth-Aldwych) and its night counterpart The above services account for 71 buses worth of work.

The second group of routes are: n Route 37 (Putney Heath-Peckham) and its night counterpart n Route 219 (Wimbledon-Clapham Junction) n Route 270 (Putney Bridge Station-Mitcham) n 424 (Putney Heath-Fulham Football Club)

n 485 (Hammersmith Bus StationWandsworth) The above routes amount to 61 buses worth of work.

Managing director John Trayner said: “This is an enormous amount of work going up for competitive tender at one time.

“It is true that we have been very fortunate lately and have won a considerable amount of work but this could so easily change. It is extremely hard to retain work and we expect a lot of competition for these routes.

“Our ability to remain competitive is an ongoing challenge to this business but my priority will be to retain all of this work and safeguard the futures of all those who work on these routes.

“We also await the result of the tenders for routes 24, 36 and 225.”

YOU COULD WIN THIS CAR!: p2

LISA EMBARKS ON A CHALLENGING NEW ROLE: p6

New garage strengthens position GO-AHEAD London has welcomed 400 new employees following the Group’s acquisition of Northumberland Park bus garage in Tottenham.

The garage was previously part of First Group, which has also recently announced

that it plans to sell its North Devon business and bus routes serving Kings Lynn.

As well as the property, the deal includes the 130 vehicles based at Northumberland Park, along with its bus routes.

n Continued on page 3

CREATURE COMFORTS WITH JACKIE : p8

INSIDE: STAFF RECOGNISED AT LONDON BUS AWARDS p 4-5

WIN a fabulous Fiat 500 T

he 500 Challenge is back which means the chance to win a fabulous Fiat 500 is here once again!

From 1 March to the end of August, all 14 Go-Ahead garage managers will enter their ‘greenest’ drivers of the month in to the competition and the top overall 20 will be shortlisted for the final.

The competition will be held in September at the Millbrook Proving Ground – one of Europe’s leading vehicle test facilities.

The 20 lucky drivers will compete in an array of challenges including, an eco-drive, hill climb and even blindfolded driving!

It’s all change for the good...

IT’S been a particularly busy period for some garages, with a number of different route changes having recently taken place.

Camberwell is one garage that has really had its work cut out for it in recent months, gaining the 345 and 355 services from Stockwell and Merton respectively.

Both the 345, from South Kensington to Peckham, and the 355, from Brixton to Mitcham, began running out of the garage on March 31.

...I also need to thank the training school for training up as many new drivers as they have...

In total, 131 extra drivers were recruited for the two routes, with 27 drivers also moving over from Stockwell to help.

“It has certainly been busy recently and there was a lot of logistical planning involved in making everything work,” said operating manager Derek Barker.

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“The changes will, however, make us one of the biggest Go-Ahead London garages, which is a lot of work but is also great news for us.

“Everyone in the garage has been fantastic in getting everything up and running and I also need to thank the training school for training up as many new drivers as they have recently.”

There was also a set of route movements earlier in the month with Blue Triangle winning both the 20 service, from Walthamstow to Debden, and the 462, from Hainault to Ilford, from Arriva London. Both of these routes started operating from the garage on March 24.

New routes It’s not just Camberwell that received new routes on March 31 either – Stockwell, Merton and Waterside Way also took on new services.

Stockwell won the 19 service, from Finsbury Park to Battersea Bridge, from Arriva London and Merton took on the 249 service after the 355 went to Camberwell to make room.

Waterside Way has also taken on the 493 service, from Tooting Broadway to Richmond, having won the contract from London United.

Communications manager Sheldon Malcolm, who is responsible for arranging this event, said: “I am looking forward to this year’s 500 Challenge. There is always a fantastic level of driving in the final and I am keen to see what our drivers can do.”

The greenest driver of the day drives away with a fitting and economically friendly Fiat 500 Twin Air; a great car with low emissions capable of 69 miles to the gallon.

Good luck to all those taking part.

Searching for the best in the business GO-AHEAD London is preparing for this year’s IRTE Skills Challenge, with applications for a place in the team now taking place.

The event, which takes place June 26-29, aims to find the best engineers in the bus and coach industry from across the UK. Anyone can volunteer for a place on the team and they will then be put on a waiting list until the team is decided.

The big change this year is that regional companies can also enter their own teams, so there will even be the possibility that Go-Ahead subsidiaries such as Go South Coast can enter their own teams.

Apprentice “Because of the changes this year we are hoping that Go-Ahead London will be able to enter a London Central and a London General team,” said engineering training manager Ian Saich.

“I also suggested that an apprentice division might be quite a good idea, especially as last year’s successful team was comprised of former apprentices.

“We haven’t decided on a way of picking the team(s) yet but the IRTE has said they could send us a test which colleagues can then complete.

“It’s a great competition and a fantastic way for engineers to show off their skills. I’m really looking forward to seeing the final team once they have been selected.”

Blue Triangle leads the way with new iBus hub T

HE first of Go-Ahead London’s new iBus hubs officially opened at Blue Triangle this March.

Thanks to recent tender wins, it was decided to open a new hub with more iBus screens and equipment, much to the delight of controllers based at the garage.

The hub was officially opened on March 22 with operations director David Cutts and general manager for service performance Gill Tynan in attendance.

“This is great news for Blue Triangle iBus controllers who have worked tirelessly over the past three years. They have showed great dedication and commitment to ensuring that the high service performance standards are delivered,” said Bradley Faithfull, who began his official duties as road manager for East London on February 25.

The more user-friendly hub will control routes operating from Blue Triangle and Docklands, as well as routes from Northumberland Park garage previously operated by FirstGroup (see page one).

In conjunction with the tender wins, two new controllers, Asif Chaudry and Daniel Butterfield have also been appointed to work alongside the existing controllers and those from Northumberland Park. (See related story on right.)

New work, new iBus controllers

ABOVE RIGHT: Colleagues gather as the road manager for East London, Bradley Faithfull, cuts the tape at the official opening.

RIGHT: Ken Gibson, left, with new controllers Asif Chaudry, seated, and Daniel Butterfield, right.

New garage strengthens position n Continued from page 1 Thirteen Transport for London contracts are operated from the garage, including Route 67 (Wood Green-Aldgate), Route 476 (Euston-Northumberland Park), and a number of school contracts.

Managing director John Trayner said he is delighted with the acquisition, which boosts Go-Ahead London’s market share and further

strengthens its position in the capital.

“The Northumberland Park area is new territory for Go-Ahead London and will complement our Docklands Buses and Blue Triangle operations,” John said.

“Tottenham is an area of London that is being regenerated and developed and that bodes well for a public transport operator. We were offered

Northumberland Park and its operations at a good price and the acquisition perfectly complements our strategy for growth.

“We look forward to building on the garage’s strengths and to working with the Northumberland Park team.” n Look out for a fuller feature on Northumberland Park garage in the next issue of Bus Talk.

THANKS to recent tender successes, a number of iBus controllers have recently been appointed.

“Well done to everyone who got through the selection process.

The successful candidates fought off stiff competition from some 60 applicants,” said general manager for service performance Gill Tynan.

Congratulations to the following who have recently been appointed as iBus controllers: Asif Chaudry – East London, Daniel Butterfield – East London, John East – nights, Cath Watson – Mandela Way, Stan Matthew – New Cross, Debbie Stewart – Mandela Way.

Promoted Colin Rowe has also been promoted to regulator at Bexleyheath and is on the reserve panel for controller.

In addition, three drivers have been placed on reserve: Robbie Brion (Mandela Way), Michael Yates (Putney) and Paul Singh (New Cross).

“The reserve candidates will be especially valuable during the Queen’s Jubilee and the Olympics, and this work will develop them for future opportunities as they arise,” said Gill.

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A glittering IT WAS success all-round for Go-Ahead London staff at the 2012 London Bus Awards.

The awards, held on March 15 at the London Transport Museum, honour London bus drivers and staff who have displayed commitment and professionalism during the course of their work.

Christine Powell from Bexleyheath came out on top for the category of ‘bus service ambassador’ for her wonderful work with local schools.

“I was pleased and excited to be nominated for something that I enjoying doing so much,” said Christine. “I was so surprised when I found out that I had won as there were three other nominees as well. I was very pleased for both myself and the garage.

Christine works on a special school bus rota where she has built up an excellent working relationship with many schools in the local area. She spends time visiting schools and equipping children with the skills to stay safe while travelling on public transport.

“I really enjoy speaking with the children because, after all, they are the drivers of the future. If we give them the right impression we can attract them to the industry,” Christine added.

IN OUR Face 2 Face column we chat to Zuriel Cabrera Navarrete who is a driver and CCTV analyst at New Cross garage. We asked Zuriel a series of lighthearted questions.

Q: If you were an actor, which actress would you choose as your leading lady?

A: Angelina Jolie.

Q: As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A: A pilot – I had family members who were pilots.

Q: If you could win a holiday, where would you like to go?

A: New Zealand because the scenery looks beautiful.

Q: What talent would you like to have?

A: To play the guitar; my son is taking guitar lessons and I would love to be able to play too.

Q: What makes a good day at work for you?

A: No accidents!

Q: What is the first record you remember buying?

A: I don’t remember the title but it was by Carlos Santana.

Q: What is your earliest childhood memory?

A: Climbing up a wall at the back of our garden to look at the dog next door.

Q: What characteristics do you think make a good friend?

A: Loyalty and patience.

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Christine Powell proudly shows her award presented to her by Leon Daniels, managing director of Surface Transport.

Congratulation

Engineering a bright future with 16 making the grade A PRESENTATION took place on March 23 at head office for colleagues who had earned their NVQ level two or three.

In total, 16 employees attended to collect their awards, which were presented to them by engineering director Richard Harrington.

Also in attendance was assessor Terry Stone from The College of North West London.

Engineering NVQs are intended for employees who are able to perform to given standards in the workplace and are

recognised by a qualification that is relevant to standards set by the industry.

“It’s great to see the skills of my colleagues officially recognised and we hope to see many more collecting their NVQs in the future,” said engineering training manager Ian Saich.

RIGHT: Engineering director Richard Harrington, centre, with the NVQ recipients.

g evening!

From left: Chris Ryan, Leon Daniels managing director of Surface Transport, who presented the awards, Dennis Holligan and Kevin Salter.

Three brave drivers from Go-Ahead London also received commendations in the category of ‘actions above and beyond the call of duty’.

Dennis Holligan, from Merton; Steve Ryan, from Bexleyheath; and Kevin Salter from Camberwell all received commendations for their actions during the London riots last August.

All three drivers were operating vehicles that were set upon by rioters.

Despite this, the drivers continued with their duties and kept their services running so that they could transport their customers safely away from the violence.

Bexleyheath driver Craig Honeyman was also nominated in the ‘outstanding newcomer’ category.

All winners received a prize on the night of £500.

ns to all the above from Go-Ahead London.

Info screens to go digital INFORMATION screens at all garages are going to receive a significant upgrade by being turned into digital signage.

In the past, information screens were only able to display basic information but, thanks to new software, their performance will be vastly improved.

The software uses eye-catching, broadcast quality and television-like multimedia messaging without the tremendous bottleneck of continual video production.

By the middle of May every garage should have a plasma screen in the output area using the software.

While information displayed on the screens will be managed centrally, garage managers will also be given access so they can add their own information locally.

“The upgraded screens are part of our continued efforts to improve communication,” said communications manager Sheldon Malcolm.

“I am really looking forward to seeing them in use and think the improvement they make will enhance communications with all employees.”

Tender news from across London IN OUR regular column for Bus Talk, we highlight recent announcements made by Transport for London. All operators have retained their routes for a further five years.

Quality Line • Route 470 (Colliers Wood Station to Epsom). New single deck buses (7 PVR) will run on the service when the new contract begins on 17 November.

London United • Route 27 (Chalk Farm to Turnham Green). New double deck buses (27 PVR) will run on this service when the new contract begins on 10 November.

• Route 267 (Hammersmith-Fulwell).

Existing double deck vehicles (16 PVR) will run on the service when the new contract begins on 10 November.

• Route 419 (Hammersmith-Richmond).

When the new contract begins on 10 November, the service will run with existing single deck vehicles (6 PVR).

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COMMENDATIONS BEXLEYHEATH n ORHAN Salih has been praised by a customer who says he gives excellent service and is always extremely helpful.

BLUE TRIANGLE n IMPECCABLE service provided by driver Mildred Nakayiki has earned praise from Mr Kalinzi, who said she “provided good customer care” with a high level of professionalism.

CAMBERWELL n THE pleasant and helpful attitude of Steve Chandler has been applauded by Mr Kirnon who described him as “courteous and good natured” while driving during the poor winter weather.

MERTON n MS DIGGER has praised Kakoyi-Tumba Kande for being so kind to her son after he was sick on her bus.

NEW CROSS n HIGH praise for Tuan Le Van who was described by a customer as being patient and polite, with a fantastic manner.

PECKHAM n PINAR Washington has been commended by a customer for providing good care of a visually impaired passenger. The customer described Pinar as “thoughtful and kind”.

PUTNEY n MS COLE has written in to thank Andrzej Slowik for his “courteous, efficient and safe” driving as well as for helping an elderly passenger.

STOCKWELL n THE professionalism shown by Roy Lambe has been observed

by Mr Southall. Roy was “cheerful, caring and very polite” during the customer’s journey.

SUTTON n TRIO Barry Middleton, Rob Doyle and Julie Jessup have been collectively praised by Mr Horry who says they deserve “a lot of credit for the excellent service that they all deliver”.

A new role for Lisa is certainly no accident FOR THE first time at Go-Ahead London, an accident prevention manager has been appointed for the east side of the company.

Lisa Collins took up the position of accident prevention manager Lisa Collins gets to work on some of her future plans.

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in a myriad of roles across Arriva London, including 12 years as a training development manager.

Lisa has been training for her new role before taking on responsibility for accident prevention at her own three garages during the last week of March “I joined Go-Ahead London in search of a new challenge. Last year, the cost for accident claims with Go-Ahead London was £11 million. My previous experience is in driver training, and now my time spent at Stockwell garage developing my skills will prepare me for the role of reducing accidents and claims,” said Lisa.

No other manager has held this position before at Blue Triangle, Docklands and Mandela Way. Lisa said she is looking forward to working together with drivers to implement new ideas to help reduce incidents.

OBITUARY n A tribute to my dear friend Tomek Michalski

By Rafal Miderski

Ian moves on...

WELL DONE to Ian Bates on his promotion to operations engineer at Metrobus. Ian took up his new role on March 23.

Stockwell engineering manager Nick Rouse will take on the engineering manager role at Merton alongside his current duties.

Good luck to Ian in his future career at Metrobus.

for Mandela Way, Docklands and Blue Triangle on February 6 after joining the company from Arriva London.

Lisa spent many years

Tomek Michalski IT WAS early in the morning on March 7 when a plane took off from London heading for Bydgoszcz in Poland carrying six Mandela Way drivers, senior garage administrator Ray Utting and general manager Nigel Wood.

Their sad mission was to honour their friend and colleague Tomek

quiet and composed man who on his last journey. was always there to help his Tomek died in a tragic traffic colleagues. collision on February 21 while Tomek was full of energy and riding his motorbike. He left the will to live. He was friendly behind his beloved wife Katarzyna and always had a smile. He was and children Dawid and Julia. very important to us and we will His British adventure began in 2006 when he joined FirstGroup in remember him forever. Time does not heal all wounds, so let’s just Bolton. After a year, he moved to London with a group of colleagues get used to the pain.

We’re missing you, our friend. and friends to experience driving Wherever you are, Rest In Peace. the world-famous red bus. After spending a few months at Stockwell garage, he became part of the Mandela Way family.

He worked hard and strove to realise the life plans and aspirations he Many floral tributes had set. He was a modest, for Tomek.

Michael keeps the family Singer right in vogue...

Michael Reynolds with pictures of his Singer Vogue during the restoration...

could,” said Michael. “I think it’s ‘A LABOUR of love’ is how a New better now than when it came off the Cross driver described the restoration manufacturer’s line in 1967!” of a classic car to its former glory.

Michael refuses to consider selling the Michael Reynolds spent years Singer Vogue and is, in fact, eagerly restoring a 1967 Singer Vogue, which anticipating the summer months when used to belong to his father. he can take it out for a drive.

Michael remembers his father He hopes that one of his two sons, purchasing the car when he was 20. who live in New Zealand and Florida, The car was second-hand, but the will keep it. original owner had only kept it for nine “I would never sell it. It is a family months. car and I hope it stays in our family “The car has been in the family since forever,” said Michael. it was almost new,” said Michael.

“When my father died I decided to restore it. It took a long time, it was a real ongoing thing over many years.”

Michael stripped the car to its bare bones, before completely restoring it to full working condition, including carrying out work on the engine and suspension assembly.

“Getting all the parts for the car was very difficult, but I have ...and the finished article. renewed everything I possibly

RETIREMENTS n Michael Hubbard FOREIGN travel is likely to be a high priority for Michael Hubbard when he retires this month (April).

The New Cross driver, who has also worked at Catford and Sidcup, leaves on 24 April after almost 33 years of service.

“Hopefully, we will be visiting my eldest son, who lives in Singapore, later on this year. We’ll then travel on to Australia and New Zealand to spend Christmas with my youngest son, who has recently emigrated,” said Michael. “We also want to go to Canada again soon as some of our friends live there and are always asking my wife and I to visit.”

On his last visit to Canada, Michael felt at home as while visiting Niagara Falls he saw an old London bus that is used for tours. He looked at the front and saw that it once ran on Route 21 from Sidcup garage – the very route he used to drive on!” n Tom O’Brien SPENDING more time in his garden is among New Cross driver Tom O’Brien’s plans when he retires this April.

He is also looking forward to taking time out with his family and is excited about the upcoming wedding of his son in September.

“I will also be taking a holiday to Ireland,” said Tom. “It will be nice to spend more of my leisure time in Ireland without having to worry about rushing back to work.”

Tom, who has worked at New Cross for almost 36 years, started his career in the bus industry as a conductor, becoming a driver five years later.

n Dick Sayers MOST PEOPLE use their retirement as an opportunity to put their feet up but Dick Sayers has decided to spend this summer sailing to Holland and the Baltic instead.

Buyer for group purchasing Dick started working for Go-Ahead London in August 1990 and will be retiring in May. Dick started out as the warehouse manager at Stockwell before moving into purchasing, spending time at Mitcham, Gatwick and finally Croydon.

“As well as the sailing, we have also bought a caravan on the coast that will be great for spending more time with our grandchildren,” said Dick. “I will definitely miss the job and all my colleagues.” n Roger Vernalls COLLEAGUES said a fond farewell to New Cross driver Roger Vernalls, who retired in March after almost 38 years of service.

Bus Talk caught up with Roger on his last day at work and he wished his colleagues all the best for the future.

“I am very happy. I have had my hand shaken so many times today. It has been really nice,” said Roger.

“It has been a good job – it helped me see my children through university.”

After a celebratory retirement meal, Roger said he looks forward to relaxing and enjoying himself a bit. “My wife and I are thinking of going to live in the United States when she retires in a couple of years time,” said Roger. “It is sunny for most of the year in the south and you don’t have to go very far if you want to go skiing in the winter.”

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We’re gearing up for ‘the greatest show on earth’ W

ITH the Olympics now only months away, garage champions and drivers have been busy making sure everything is ready for the big event.

The most recent undertaking was the Olympic diving test, which took place between February 17 and 26 at the Olympic Aquatic Centre.

Champions helped coordinate the various Go-Ahead London drivers, supervisors and managers, who were there to get some early first-hand experience.

“I thought it went very smoothly considering the road closures that were put in place,” said Putney

champion and senior garage administrator Grahame Bradley.

“Getting a taste of what things will be like during the Olympics was fantastic. I can’t wait to find out what I am going to be doing during the event.”

Mileage clerk and Olympic champion for Peckham Peter Cooke echoed Grahame’s comments, saying he was excited for the event to get underway.

“As I have recently changed roles I wasn’t eligible to drive during the Olympics, so it is great to still be able to get involved,” said Peter.

“At the moment, the majority of my time has been spent liaising with my colleagues and making

Grahame Bradley

Peter Cooke

sure everybody knows what they are going to be doing.”

Drivers for the Olympics will receive training in three modules, the first of which is currently taking place. Module one includes information about the Olympics,

customer care and drivers’ roles within the games. Modules two and three are also coming up, with module two, about depot familiarisation, and module three, about route learning, taking place from June onwards.

Animals enjoy home comforts Carly steps out for cancer care with dedicated carer Jackie

THE PHRASE ‘taking your work home with you’ really does take on a whole new meaning for animal sanctuary volunteer Jackie Young.

On Friday evenings and all day Sunday, Merton mileage clerk Jackie volunteers at the Riverside Animal Centre in Wallington.

The centre is part of the London Wildcare Trust, which deals with more than 4,000 sick or injured birds and animals every year. Jackie’s duties range from cleaning cages and feeding, to more intricate work such as cleaning wounds and helping with injections.

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“I mainly work with wildlife, dealing with creatures such as pigeons, foxes and hedgehogs,” said Jackie.

“We tend to do the simpler tasks on the Friday evening, with Sunday being a lot more hands on with the animals, which I really enjoy.”

For Jackie, the work doesn’t stop when she finishes her shifts as she even takes animals home to care for them if necessary.

“It’s great making sure the animals are being looked after and enjoy a better quality of life than they may have otherwise had,” added Jackie.

CARLY HAWKINS and her sister braved the Sunday sun on March 11 to take part in the Marsden March to raise money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

Commercial assistant Carly took part in the walk to raise money as her mum had died of lung cancer in 2003. Carly and her sister spent a lot of time at The Royal Marsden when her mum was ill.

“When my sister told me she was taking part I thought it would be a great opportunity to show my appreciation to the hospital and signed up, too,” said Carly. “Donations are really important to help The Royal Marsden continue its work.”

The 14-mile march takes walkers from Chelsea to Sutton hospitals with Carly and her sister finishing in three hours and 55 minutes.

Money raised helps provide treatment and care for cancer sufferers as well as research into the disease.

“The march was great fun but it wasn’t the coolest day to be walking 14 miles!” said Carly. “The charity is a fantastic cause to support.

I will definitely be signing up next year and hope to raise even more money.”

If you would like to sponsor Carly just visit www.justgiving. com/carly-hawkins.

Published by Go-Ahead London. Produced by Ruxley Communications, Walton-on-Thames. Printed by Evolve Print Solutions, Rickmansworth.