Bus talk issue 34 june 2015

Issue 34 • June 2015

Enjoying a double dose of success...

Stockwell has won two new routes - see page 8

In this issue

Bus travel and the visually impaired Page 4

Go-Ahead bid boosts charity funds

One carefully sculpted bus A

SUCCESSFUL bid for the Lest We Forget bus sculpture by Go-Ahead London helped TfL raise £100,000 at an auction for charity in March.

The three charities that will benefit are Kids Company, Transaid and London Transport Museum.

The 60 Year of the Bus sculptures first went on display in October 2014 on four walking trails across London.

Go-Ahead London sponsored Lest We Forget, which was designed by Liverpool artist Lee O’Brien to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War One and to remember the war dead.

Sheldon Malcolm, who

The 2.5-metre long poppyattended the auction to decide themed sculpture is now on which bus Go-Ahead London would sponsor, was successful display at Go-Ahead London’s in his first bid for Lest We Forget. head office in Merton.

Communications Manager Sheldon Malcolm with the Lest We Forget bus sculpture.

24-hour New Routemaster service Page 5

A close-up view of the intricate detail in the artwork on the side of the bus sculpture.

We carry out module trial for TfL Page 8 2

Portal: New look, new features THE employee portal has a brand new design, which went live on May 26, with even more features added.

Every employee in the company now has their own individual email address that is used to access the portal.

The portal now has route running records and duty cards.

The next feature to be added will be payslips. It is hoped they will be available on the portal by around July.

Communications Co-ordinator Lance McFarlane said: “There has been good feedback on the portal and even employees with little computer experience have quickly got to grips with the system.”

Avoiding the pitfalls…

H& S

By Tom McGlew

Whilst falls into pits are thankfully very rare, they do occur and people do get injured.

Whenever you need to work on a vehicle in a pit, think first about what work you need to do and whether you can position the vehicle so that there is no gap behind you and therefore no hole to fall into.

If you can’t do this, then pit boards should be positioned to cover any opening behind you. If you require access to pit stairs, then you should slide the pit board in and out of position – but always make sure any opening in the pit is covered when you are not beneath the vehicle.

The common ‘pit protection’ system in all our garages is: Where a pit is not completely covered by a vehicle, then a barrier must be in place

T H E

C O L U M N

around the openings at the front and/or rear of the pit. The fabric, retractable barrier, known as a Tensator, is positioned a safe distance away from the pit edge to warn that an opening is near.

Whilst it is true the barrier would not stop you falling, it acts as a physical and visual reminder that you are close

to the edge. Where a barrier is up around an open pit, you should not work inside the perimeter.

We’ve recently carried out a safety audit of vehicle inspection pits in garages.

The purpose of these was to identify what we have in place to prevent slips, trips and falls in and around pits and look

to further improve the safety of you, your colleagues, cleaners and others working in pit areas.

Several garages have begun trials with a lighter weight, aluminium board that has a removable barrier. The barrier is fitted in place to protect you from falling backwards, when, for example, you are working on a vehicle but may need frequent access beneath the vehicle using the pit steps. The barrier can then be removed when moving the vehicle on and off the pit.

As is always the case, if you find damaged barriers or posts make sure you tell a supervisor and raise with your local safety rep. Likewise, sort or report any spillages or tripping hazards immediately.

Please work safely in pit areas, and don’t let complacency drop you or a workmate in it.

Ready for a new challenge?

THE 500 Challenge has now become the Eco Challenge and this year we have added some twists, turns and chicanes!

It will be a super-charged, hands-on, one-off driving experience – not for the faint-hearted!

Those lucky enough to attend this year’s Eco Challenge will be test

driving some top-of-the-range sports cars, including the Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari 430 and Porsche GT3.

There will be 20 participants made up of three or four teams and those with the fastest lap times will have the chance to become the winner of the top prize, a brand new car!

To get the opportunity to participate in the Eco Challenge 2015, make sure you become a driver of the month winner between March and August.

The top 20 winners will be selected

by Managing Director John Trayner.

Will YOU be one of the first to experience the new and improved Eco Challenge in September?

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Camberwell General Manager Hannah Self and driver/mentor Peter Hughes meet with SELVis.

Opening our eyes to the needs of others E

NHANCING customer service for people with sight loss was the aim of an open forum held in Borough, at the John Harvard library, with representatives from charity SELVis. South East London Vision (SELVis) is a new charity led by, and for, blind and partially sighted people in Bromley, Bexley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark.

SELVis helps to build social networks and promote independence and selfdetermination. The charity also aims to ensure members receive high quality services relevant to their needs.

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.

Camberwell General Manager Hannah Self and driver/mentor Peter Hughes met with SELVis to find out how Go-Ahead London could help make bus travel easier for blind and partially sighted customers.

Peter said: “One lady told us how she was waiting at the bus stop when a few buses arrived together. She couldn’t see the one she was waiting for because it was at the back of the queue, so she missed it.

“Drivers should make sure they always pull right up to the bus stop rather than assuming everyone can see them at the back of the queue.

New Routemasters (26 PVR).

Contract begins on October 31, 2015.

Arriva Kent Thameside n Route 347 (Romford to Ockenden), won from Blue Triangle, using new diesel singledeck vehicle (1 PVR). Contract begins on October 17, 2015.

Arriva London North

n Route 78 (Nunhead to Shoreditch), using new battery hybrid double-deck vehicles (17 PVR). Contract begins on November 14, 2015. n Route 173 (Goodmayes to Go-Ahead London Beckton), using existing diesel Blue Triangle double-deck vehicles (15 PVR). n Routes 649/650/651 (Romford schools), using existing Contract begins on October 17, 2015. diesel double-deck vehicles n Route 673 (Chadwell Heath to (7 PVR). Contract begins on Beckton), won from Docklands January 2, 2016.

Buses, using existing diesel London General double-deck vehicle (1 PVR). n Route 11/N11 (Liverpool Contract begins on October 17, Street to Fulham Broadway/ Hammersmith), using existing 2015.

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“Another thing drivers can do to help is to keep an eye on passengers who ask to be told when they get to a particular stop,” added Peter. “Although there are on-board announcements, if it’s busy or noisy some passengers may not be able to hear them. Also, the announcements will stop if a bus is on a diversion.”

SELVis members will be visiting Camberwell garage for a familiarisation exercise on June 24. Buses will be made available so they can practise getting on and off and moving around the bus in their own time, without having to worry about other passengers.

CT Plus n Route 385 (Chingford to Walthamstow, Crooked Billet), using existing diesel single-deck vehicle (1 PVR). Contract begins on October 17, 2015.

Metroline n Route 190 (West Brompton to Richmond), using existing diesel single-deck vehicles (10 PVR).

Contract begins on November 12, 2015. n Route 297 (Willesden to Ealing Broadway), using existing diesel double-deck vehicles (16 PVR).

Contract begins on December 5, 2015.

Metroline West n Route 92 (Ealing Hospital to St Raphaels), using existing diesel double-deck vehicles (18 PVR).

Contract begins on November 14, 2015. n Route 295 (Ladbroke Grove to Clapham Junction), won from Tower Transit, using new hybrid double-deck vehicles (21 PVR).

Contract begins on October 31, 2015.

Stagecoach East London

n Route 174 (Harold Hill to Dagenham), using existing diesel double-deck vehicles (21 PVR).

Contract begins on October 17, 2015. n Route 296 (Ilford to Romford), using existing diesel single-deck vehicles (6 PVR). Contract begins on October 17, 2015. n Route 496 (Romford to Harold Wood), using existing diesel double-deck vehicles (8 PVR).

Contract begins on October 17, 2015.

Tower Transit

n Route 23 (Westbourne Park to Liverpool Street), using existing diesel and hybrid double-deck vehicles (28 PVR). Contract begins on November 14, 2015. n Route 339 (Leytonstone to Shadwell), using new and existing diesel single-deck vehicles (9 PVR). Contract begins on October 31, 2015.

Driver/mentor Michael Webber, left, and driver Jean Comty.

Round-the-clock Routemasters

T

WO New Routemasters went into service on route 12 on Saturday, March 28, becoming Go-Ahead London’s third route to convert to the iconic buses.

The Camberwell garage route runs between Dulwich Library and Oxford Circus, 24-hours a day.

During the week, route 12 carries around 33,000 passengers a day, and has a PVR of 36.

There will be a phased roll-out, with two buses entering service at a time. It is hoped that the route will be running entirely with New Routemasters within the next few weeks.

The first Go-Ahead London route to convert to New Routemasters was route 11 in September 2013, followed by route 453 in October last year.

Route 12 is the 13th London route to convert across all operators.

Driver/mentor Michael Webber has taken a New Routemaster out many times and said: “They are lovely to drive and I enjoy driving route 12 because you get lots of tourists. They’re much more friendly because they’re on their holidays and enjoying themselves!”

Michael has worked at GoAhead for 13 years, originally at Go North East. He came down to Camberwell three years ago to help out and enjoyed it so

much he decided to stay.

Jean Comty, who has been a driver at Camberwell for 12 years, said: “I love driving the New Routemasters and prefer them to any other bus I’ve driven. The cab is very comfortable and spacious with more legroom.

“Customers are very positive about them and like having the three doors as it means they can get on and off more quickly and easily.”

Former colleague will be sadly missed IT IS with great regret that we announce the death of former GoAhead Group Engineering Director Phil Margrave, aged 60, who passed away suddenly on April 28 after being taken ill.

Phil retired in September 2014 after 43 years in the bus industry, starting as an apprentice with London Transport in Chiswick in 1971.

He joined London General in 1992 and was Engineering Director at Go-Ahead London from 1996 to 2008. He was appointed Group Engineering Director at Go-Ahead in 2008 and remained in that role until his retirement.

Phil worked tirelessly throughout his career to raise the standard of bus specifications and to champion new, innovative and

eco-friendly technologies.

He was immensely liked and respected by people in the industry and was known for his loyalty and sense of humour.

The funeral was held at St Joseph’s Church in Redhill on Thursday, May 14. There was a huge turnout, with family and friends joined by colleagues from across the transport industry.

He leaves a widow, Rita, son Lewis, daughters Lauren and Lucy and new grandson Hudson.

Managing Director John Trayner said: "Phil was a one-in-a-million guy, always there when you needed him, loyal, trustworthy and great company to be with. He will be missed by so many people who he either helped or worked with in a long and illustrious career."

Former Group Engineering Director Phil Margrave.

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FACE 2

FACE

Meet the new WELCOME to the following employees who have joined the Go-Ahead London team:

IN OUR Face 2 Face column, we chat to Emma Tooze, Operating Manager at Bexleyheath and Belvedere garages, who has worked for the company for 15 years.

We ask Emma a series of light-hearted questions.

Q: What would you do for a good night out?

A: Have a meal and a drink with family and friends.

Q: Where have you enjoyed visiting in the UK? A: Great Yarmouth – it’s a good place for a family holiday.

Q: What was the last film you went to see?

A: Avengers: Age of Ultron.

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

A: I like family time - my husband and I spend a lot of time at the stables where my daughter Chloe rides her horse.

Q: Which comedian makes you laugh?

A: Peter Kay. Q: What was your favourite subject at school?

A: Art – I liked drawing.

Q: What music do you enjoy?

A: I like a mixture – reggae, Lionel Richie, Celine Dion.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?

A: The variety of the work.

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u KRISTIAN LAKE Scheduler

Merton Head Office

THIS is Kristian’s first job since leaving school and he joined the schedules department on April 13.

He is still studying for a level 3 BTEC in ICT during evenings and weekends and hopes to achieve a distinction* level in September.

Kristian said his computer skills are a great asset as a scheduler as well as being able to work to deadlines, perform well under pressure and be a good team player.

Kristian has been a bus enthusiast since he was a child and enjoys travelling on new bus routes and taking photos, some of which he puts on his own website. His interest was sparked by his dad, who was an office worker at the Acton Works, London Underground’s engineering works.

He said: “There’s a good atmosphere at Go-Ahead London – people are very friendly and work well together.”

u GRAHAM JONES Scheduler

Merton Head Office

BEFORE joining the schedules department on April 13, Graham worked for publishers McGraw-Hill, selling on-line medical books, data and resources to universities around the world.

Graham believes a scheduler needs to be good with numbers, have an analytical mind and pay attention to detail.

Outside work, he enjoys cycling, photography, playing snooker and watching football. Graham is a West Ham supporter and is looking forward to watching games at the former Olympic Stadium which they are moving to in 2016. He’s also a bus enthusiast.

Graham said: “Go-Ahead London is a great company, very friendly and welcoming and it’s easy to ask questions here.”

w faces in the team

u LAUREN ARSCOTT Accounts Payable Clerk

Merton Head Office

LAUREN joined the finance department on March 31, having performed the same role previously for security company G4S, in Sutton.

Dealing with supplier invoices and reconciliation of supplier accounts, Lauren says speed, accuracy and attention to detail are the most important skills for her job.

Outside of work, she is busy planning her wedding, which is in the autumn. She also enjoys socialising with friends and going to the gym.

Asked about her first impressions at Go-Ahead London, Lauren said: “Everyone has been really nice and welcoming.”

u JORGIA PONDER Directors' Secretary

Merton Head Office

BEFORE joining Go-Ahead London on February 16, Jorgia worked at another great London institution – Buckingham Palace!

She worked on a six-month contract as PA to the head of security at the palace, and felt very privileged to work in such an iconic location. Jorgia is now PA to Directors John Trayner, David Cutts, Richard Harrington and John Slattery.

“I’m really enjoying working here,” said Jorgia. “Everyone is very nice and friendly.”

Outside of work, she enjoys seeing friends, going to the cinema and holidays – she’s just got back from a trip to Albufeira in Portugal.

Garage looking forward to open day CAMBERWELL drivers are already volunteering to get involved with an open day, to be held at the garage on Saturday, September 5.

The event will be similar to open days held at Merton and Stockwell garages and will

feature new and heritage buses, bus wash trips, tours, stalls and refreshments.

Innovation corner will display buses with groundbreaking technology such as the flywheel and New Routemaster.

Local schools and organisations have

been sent information about the event and Go-Ahead employees are encouraged to join members of the public for a fun family day out.

All funds raised on the day will be donated to a local charity.

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Double route success

Route 322 driver Junior Davy.

S

TOCKWELL garage has taken on two new routes in recent months, which is great news for the future of the garage.

Route 432 was won from Arriva London and began operations at Stockwell on April 4. It runs from Brixton to Anerley, with a peak vehicle requirement of 10 doubledeckers.

Former Abellio London route 322 started at Stockwell on May 2 and runs between Clapham Common and Crystal Palace.

New hybrid single-deck vehicles have been introduced with a peak vehicle requirement of 10.

They are both high frequency routes and run every 12 to 15 minutes.

Route 322 was operated by Stockwell garage once before, almost 10 years ago to the day, starting on April 30, 2005.

To accommodate the two new routes at the garage, route 19 has now been split between Stockwell and Northumberland Park. A number of Stockwell drivers went

Route 432 driver Chi Man. with the route to Northumberland Park for a month to help out but have now returned to Stockwell, either on route 19 or the two new routes.

“The new routes are performing really well – even better than we could have hoped,” said Operating Manager Steve Murray.

Driver Junior Davy added: “I used to drive on route 322 the last time it was at Stockwell, so I know it well. I always enjoyed it and I was very happy to take it on again.”

Go-Ahead trials module for TfL

Route 129 is trialling the module.

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A NEW ‘one module per bus’ trial is under way on New Cross route 129, saving drivers from having to carry around their own modules.

The module stays on the bus and each time there is a driver changeover, the new driver simply ejects the module from the ETM (electronic ticket machine) then logs back in with their duty number (pictured right).

With the new system, drivers don’t carry their own modules, meaning these expensive bits of kit are much less likely to get lost or forgotten.

TfL approached Go-Ahead London with the idea for the trial and route 129 was chosen because it’s a reasonably quiet route. The three-month trial started on May 9 and, if successful, may be rolled out to other routes.

Driver/mentor Andy Boud helped to train drivers on the route and said: “Everyone

was given an information card with questions and answers about how the new system works. If drivers have any problems, they just need to speak to their controller.

“The trial has gone very well so far.

Drivers had some concerns initially about not having their own modules but now they’ve got used to it, they think it’s a good idea.”

Rewind 20 years...

1995

WE HAVE dug even further back into the archives this month and found articles from 20 years ago, and, amazingly, some still familiar faces.

June 1995 No 31

Spotted – Martin on postcard e has MARTIN Brown’s pictur rld. wo the r been sent all ove r has cto du con ss Cro The New a on is he t tha d ere cov just dis on nd Lo l postcard of a typica on sale scene – a big red bus – ts. spo rist tou ’s ital at the cap er nag Ma ting era Op e rag Ga d tte John Brown first spo venir Martin’s picture at a sou shop.

“I was browsing through I saw some postcards when s,” said bu 12 one of a number him ed nis og rec I John. “Then .” rm tfo pla the on standing the John told Martin, who, ia, tor Vic at s next time he wa s. ard stc po the of bought one r be num the ed on ph He tele s wa it if ed on the back and ask t. prin e larg a possible to obtain

Image Makers

It wasn’t, but the him 40 manufacturers did send e of som complimentary cards, and ily fam to t which he has sen a. aic friends in Jam a “Why not?” he said. “I’m them let I’d ht ug tho I so r, sta know!” the Martin had no idea that en, tak en be had ph gra photo

in the THE company’s image blic pu ling vel tra the of s eye the on nd doesn’t only depe also it’s – ses bu reliability of the od. go k loo y the t tha important s bu And that’s where the cleaners come in. ndon Often while much of Lo g to rkin wo are y the ing is sleep the on t ou ensure that buses go n. itio nd road in pristine co full and The team of almost 90 shifts rks wo rs ane cle part-time daily tine around the clock on rou to ks tas list cia cleaning and spe ys rne jou ’ ers ng sse pa help make . ble ssi po as le ab ort tem is as comf pretty tedious. The sys At present, there are 33 . much more flexible 35 at ng of cleaners at New Cross, “We can target the cleani yheath ople pe es tim Camberwell, 13 at Bexle the to s the vehicle . am ckh Pe at are ht ff and eig are available, and the sta years, four hours Over the past couple of more efficient working nised they do k the company has reorga thin I ht. eig now most instead of have we cleaning duties so that and job ent a magnific ent em ang arr an rs, ime rt-t ud of the are pa every reason to be pro and the ff sta the th bo ts we send sui t ses tha condition of the bu ” company. ds. roa out on to the says erwell “Office cleaning it isn’t,” Members of the Camb er nag g, left, Kin a Engineering Quality Ma Tin w: cre ing clean buses Peter Bell. “Sweeping and Ann Chapman. e can be for eight hours at a tim

e been but he knew it must hav , when ago rs yea more than two 12 te rou m fro ed he switch from to route 36 and moved Peckham. e and ‘It was a bit of a surpris wn kno e hav n’t I still would hadn’t about it now if Mr Brown ,” he age gar brought it into the said.

spaper

London General's staff new

Number 16 July 1995

All change for Kathryn Within days of joining the company, from the hotel and catering industry, Administrator Kathryn Oram was involved in an in-house training programme.

She is pictured here with Merton Operating Manager Graham Johnson learning how to use the company’s computer systems.

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Lions roar to victory!

Putney Lions celebrate their cup final success.

IT WAS a nail-biting final, but Putney Lions football team were the triumphant winners of the George Arnold league cup after a closely-fought final against Raynes Park Rovers on April 22.

Employees from Putney, Camberwell, Stockwell and Mandela Way garages are included in the Putney Lions team that played in the Morden and District league final.

At full-time, the score was 2-2. After extra time, it was

3-3, so it was then down to a penalty shootout.

Putney Lions goalkeeper Marc Cooper made a sensational save during the shootout to allow Dwain Williams to step up and score the winning penalty.

Stockwell General Manager and Club Secretary Derek Barker said: “Congratulations to the team and a big thank you to all the supporters who attended on the night to cheer on the Lions.”

And the reserves are roar-some too!

THE Lions are also celebrating a win for the reserve team, which plays in division four of the league.

They won their final match 7-1, thus winning their division on goal difference.

The team is managed by Camberwell driver John Heward and Stockwell driver Derek Thomas. They were both delighted with the victory and said the whole squad thoroughly deserved this result after a long, hard-fought season.

Countdown to kick-off...

A GREAT day out is in store on July 25 when the annual 6-a-side charity football tournament takes place at Goals Soccer Centre in North Cheam.

Merton driver Scott Horney, who organises the event, is keen to encourage as many Go-Ahead London employees as possible to put a team together for the inter-garage tournament.

The team to beat will be last year’s winners from Camberwell garage!

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The cost is just £10 per player and all proceeds will go to charity. This year, the beneficiaries will be First Touch, a charity which supports the neonatal unit at St George’s Hospital, and the children’s ward at Royal Brompton Hospital.

As in previous years, Go-Ahead London will be covering the cost of hiring the pitches and social club as well as providing the trophy.

Spectators are encouraged to come

along and support the teams from 10am on the day. For an entrance fee of £10, they can also enjoy the buffet in the sports and social club next door after the event. There will be a raffle and, hopefully, an auction with drinks available at the bar.

To enter a team or for more details, contact Scott Horney on 07989 109169, email scott.horney@galbuses.com or via Merton garage.

Employee Commendations BELVEDERE n CHRISTOPHER Hills has had commendations from two different passengers. “He makes people smile and is pleasant to everyone,” said passenger Mr Trent. “Please thank him for the great job he does and being the nice guy he is.” The second commendation came from Mr Lee, who said: “He is one of the friendliest bus drivers I have ever met. It’s so nice to have someone cheery who says good morning to passengers.”

A welcoming smile from Northumberland Park driver Orisha Bartley

BEXLEYHEATH n DESPITE congestion, overcrowding, cars in bus lanes, people jumping queues and unwarranted customer abuse, driver Clive Richards remained “calm but firm, ensuring fairness to customers”, said customer Mr Hunt.

“Everybody on the bus was very appreciative of his actions.”

BLUE TRIANGLE n CUSTOMER Mr Newall wanted to thank all the route 649 drivers for making his journeys a pleasure. n WHEN a young man tried his best to get on the bus without his Oyster card, customer Mrs Turle said Jagdeep Hayre “dealt with it extremely well”.

She said: “He stayed calm and polite throughout. The young man got off the bus without any upset.”

DOCKLANDS n “VERY kind, polite and down to earth” is how customer Ms Porter described driver Tyrone Briscoe, who she has travelled with a number of times. “He always gives a friendly greeting,” she added.

MERTON n “WHAT a lovely, kind, cheerful man,” said customer Mrs Denvir after travelling with driver Paul Irons. “He waited for my daughter and I to get across the zebra crossing so we wouldn’t miss the bus, then smiled and said hello.”

NEW CROSS n DRIVER David Warner saw customer Ms Flemming running towards a request stop, so stopped to wait for

her. “I can’t thank the driver enough for his kind action, which put a smile on my face,” she said. “I could not wait to get to work to tell my colleagues. His simple act of kindness made me determined to be extra nice and helpful to my customers.”

ORPINGTON n CUSTOMER Ms Hayes praised Peter Huttly for his “positive and enthusiastic personality”. She added: “He is always happy and says good afternoon, which is refreshing.”

PECKHAM n “I JUST wanted to say the driver was very kind and considerate, and reopened doors for passengers,” said Mr Hardy after travelling with driver Hassan Kamara.

STOCKWELL n CUSTOMER Mr Greenway and his heavily pregnant wife were “very, very grateful” to driver Beresford Bentley for giving her time to sit down before continuing on his route and for his “wonderful and smooth” driving. n STOPPING and starting the bus smoothly is a skill driver Thomas

O’Shea has perfected, according to customer Ms Daigre. She added that he was also “exceptionally helpful and gave directions to passengers asking about routes”. n BASIL Kouadio received a glowing report from a mystery traveller survey.

He was said to be “unfailingly polite, anticipated passenger needs, drove extremely well in challenging traffic conditions and was focused on the job.

Equally, he managed potential clashes over onboard space very well”. n WHEELCHAIR-user Mr Andrats said driver Derick Brown “followed procedure in the Big Red Book to the letter” when deploying the ramp and showed “kindness, patience, friendliness and courtesy”. n MR Andrats, also travelled with driver Mitchell Chong and said: “Please pass my special thanks to this young driver who deployed the bus ramp to allow me to board, and later alight, at Sloane Square Station. He made everything easy and comfortable for me.” n MR Dennis was impressed with driver Daud Mohamed and said: “This driver is a credit to your company. I ran for the bus from the top of the road to the bus stop, and he must have seen me in his right-hand mirror. He held the bus for me and when I thanked him he was very friendly, which was a great experience after a long shift. He continued to be friendly to every passenger and was an excellent driver.”

SUTTON n DRIVER Miroslaw Mielczarek was commended by customer Mr Featherstone for waiting for another passenger who was rushing to catch the bus. n “A simple smile can make a real difference,” said customer Mr T. When he got on the bus, driver Raymond Heads was smiling and “gave the impression he liked and enjoyed his job”.

WATERLOO n “SUCH a smooth drive,” said passenger Mr Taylor after travelling with driver Adu Dapaah. “The driver got us there as quickly as anyone else, without jerking or swinging the bus around.”

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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John enjoys the country life A

FTER almost 40 years in the bus industry, Sutton driver John Valler is now enjoying a well-earned rest at his new home in Dorset.

He joined Sutton garage as a conductor in 1975 and worked for around 11 different garage managers during his career.

Although he wanted to move into bus driving, there was a minimum height Former Sutton driver John Valler, required to drive RTs right, with his son David. and he wasn’t tall enough!

He did get his Public Service as The Derby, flower shows, Vehicle licence in 1982, Wimbledon and coastal trips.” however, and although he still In 1993, John suffered his couldn’t drive RTs, he could first heart attack. Once he had drive other buses such as recovered, he made a number Metros, MCWs and PVLs. of lifestyle changes to improve “Sutton had a lot of semihis health and diet. Despite country routes,” said John. “I this, 10 years later he suffered a really enjoyed driving around second heart attack and had to places like Epsom. I also take two years off work. liked doing excursions such He returned to work on light

duties until he went into hospital for a quadruple bypass operation in 2003. Sadly, just two weeks before his operation, John’s wife, Angela Joy, died.

Many of John’s colleagues attended Angela’s funeral and the company provided two double-deck buses to transport the mourners.

John returned to driving about

three months after his operation and achieved a number of safe driving awards over the years.

In 2005, he was proud to receive the manager’s driving award at Sutton.

Aged 65, John went part-time, driving night buses three days a week for the next ten years.

John retired on April 5 and soon after moved with his son, David, to a bungalow in Verwood, Dorset, close to Ringwood Forest.

“It’s a lovely area,” said John. “I enjoy history and I’m planning to visit National Trust and English Heritage properties and do a bit of gardening. My daughter, Mary Ann, has already been to visit us with her husband and three children.

“The one thing I will miss is the great sense of camaraderie you get in the bus industry.”

Casting off for kids' charity

Tony Cox. Paul Cowley.

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FOUR Bexleyheath drivers were selected to enter a charity angling competition at Monk Lakes Fishery in Staplehurst, Kent, on June 6.

The four were Tony Cox, Paul Cowley, Derek Comrie and Mick Allen, who all belong to the Bexleyheath garage angling club.

The event raised money for SAM’S (Smiles and Memories), a charity for terminally-ill children. The charity is supported by the Masonic Lodge, which organises the competition each year.

Two teams representing Kent and Essex competed, with the Bexleyheath drivers joining the Kent team.

Tony Cox is Secretary and Treasurer of the Bexleyheath garage angling club and has been running it for the last eight years. Paul Cowley and Derek Comrie are committee members at the club, which is sponsored by the garage and has monthly outings.

Tony said: “This is the third year we’ve competed at the event. We lost out last year but won the previous year.”

Derek Comrie.

Mick Allen.