FACE TO FACE › MICHELLE HARGREAVES
The established InterConnect and CoastalConnect livery is set for a makeover, whilst also retaining the established brand image. STEVEN KNIGHT concept the team at Skegness started to write children’s stories about the exploits of the buses, which were illustrated using cartoon characters. “The buses needed repainting and a refurbishment so the timing was right. We also simplified fares and now offer children’s single fares for £1 after 0900hrs with adult singles costing £2.40. Adult and children’s Dayrider tickets offer further discounts and family/weekly tickets are also available.” I asked whether the bus themselves has become an attraction rather than just a bus service. “Yes,” said Michelle. “Children have really taken to them and rather than perhaps making just a couple of bus trips during their holiday they want to travel on every one of our Skegness Seasider fleet.” I witnessed that during my travels when a young girl with her parents was having a ‘strop’ at Fantasy Island and was refusing to get on ‘Shelly’ insisting they wait for ‘Rocky’. “In just a matter of weeks the buses have become an integral part of the holiday attractions,” Michelle continued. “We have seen a higher level of engagement between passengers and our drivers who also hand out badges to children.” There’s a separate badge for each of the bus characters. “We have three story books, which we sell for charity and the team at Skegness are writing more. They have even 20 | COACH & BUS WEEK | August 20, 2014
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Changes to FastCat and Humber Flyer liveries are underway. ‘Tiddles’ is an ADL Enviro300-bodied MAN photographed in Scunthorpe bus station. STEVEN KNIGHT written a song about the buses. In addition to the passenger experience there is also a greater sense of ownership and pride at the depot amongst both drivers and engineers”
Staff involvement
Whilst Skegness Seasiders is a bespoke product, Michelle is keen to replicate the staff
involvement across Stagecoach East Midlands. That means making sure driver and union representatives are part of the initial planning process for major projects. Next in line for the makeover experience is the Grimsby/ Cleethorpes operation. The catalyst for change is the planned delivery of 23 ADL Enviro200s towards Christmas.
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18/08/2014 09:14