No.1 • December 2009
HEALTH & SAFETY COMPETITION: P4/5
Long service awards: special feature P6/7
MEET THE CHALLENGE! FROM THE MD
T
HIS year has undoubtedly been one of the toughest years in Go-Ahead London’s history. Managing director John Trayner takes a look back at the past 12 months and previews the year ahead… This year has been one of unprecedented challenges. The credit crunch, recession and
subsequent loss of work have all made operating bus services a tough business to be in. However, we continue to be successful and 2009 has had its high points. We did, for example do well in QICS2 and performed better than many of our competitors – that’s, of course, a credit to all of you who are working in garages to deliver the quality service we provide on a daily basis. We have now fitted Mix Telematics to all our buses and all drivers have received gas feed training. This has been one of our most successful projects yet, with the initiative offering a win-win situation to all. We also welcomed East Thames into Go-Ahead London. The challenge is to further integrate this business into the existing network
and raise the performance of its routes. Our challenges for the year ahead include reducing the cost of risk management, accidents and associated litigation. This is placing a heavy financial burden on us and we need to manage the whole process a lot better. The next year will also be tough and we must strive to become ever more cost effective. I am optimistic that we can meet the challenges of 2010, as we have done this year. In the meantime, may I take this opportunity to thank you all for your hard work and commitment throughout the year. My fellow directors and I wish you a happy Christmas and peaceful New Year.
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GARAGES TAKE ON NEW ROUTES
P2
INSIDE: PRIZE COMPETITION P7 ...LONDON BY NIGHT OFFER P8
Garages take on new routes
On the move: Route 201 now operates out of Merton. MERTON and Bexleyheath garages are now operating two additional routes following their transfer from the recently-acquired East Thames Buses. Route 201, Morden to Herne Hill, has moved to Merton from East Thames’ Mandela Way garage.
The company’s Route 132, Bexleyheath to North Greenwich, has transferred from Belvedere depot to Bexleyheath. Both routes, which started from their new locations on November 7, are using the existing buses. A review is to be conducted in
Eight buses for shuttle service HIGH speed rail travellers who alight at Stratford International now have a shuttle service to take them to the regional train station – even though it’s only a short distance away. There is currently no pedestrian walkway between the two stations, so the short bus ride ensures they have a safe link. The walkway will not be built until work is completed on building the new Westfield shopping centre at Stratford. Meanwhile, Go-Ahead London has been awarded the contract from Southeastern to run the 2
BusTalk l December 2009
shuttle service for a year, with a possible one-year extension. The service, which officially began on December 13, is being operated out of Docklands, with support from New Cross garage. As part of the contract requirements, the company has bought eight single deckers equipped with dual doors to provide the service. They will run every two minutes at weekday peak times, and between seven and eight minutes during off-peak periods. Weekend frequency will be every 15 minutes.
the new year on the locations of East Thames’ eight remaining routes. Mandela Way operates Route 1, Canada Water to Tottenham Court Road Station, Route 42, Liverpool Street to Denmark Hill, and part of Route 185, Victoria to Lewisham.
Belvedere operates the other part of Route 185, along with Route 108, Stratford to Lewisham, Route 180, Belvedere to Lewisham, Route N1, Tottenham Court Road Station to Thamesmead, and two school routes, 661 and 669.
It’s all in the name BUS TALK is the new name for the Go-Ahead London staff magazine. MX for News was good and it was clever, but some of you thought it was too clever and that few people, other than drivers who use the term, would actually understand what we meant. For those of you still in the dark it meant Mutual Exchange (MX) of news. Sorry we got it wrong.
Bexleyheath leads the way in crime prevention A COMBINED drive to reduce crime on the buses is reaping dividends with garages reporting a growing number of arrests. Leading the way is Bexleyheath, which has seen a five fold increase in the number of arrests over the past 12 months. In fact, Bexleyheath has notched up more arrests than any other bus garage in London! This has been achieved as a direct result of the close partnership with the Bexley borough Safer Transport Team (STT). The STT, made up of regular police officers and Police Community Support Officers, travel on the buses and liaise closely with the drivers. Bexleyheath general manager Karl Blair said: “The reason for the big increase in the number of arrests is that the STT has really got behind the crime. “We give them photo evidence from our CCTV systems and they have been very successful in identifying the culprits.
“Importantly, the increasing number of arrests has been matched by a consistent decrease in the amount of criminal damage on our buses.” A clear example of this is the reduction in the incidents of etching on windows, which is estimated to have saved the garage around £20,000. An increased number of arrests has also been recorded relating to routes operated by Sutton and Merton garages. Here, employees work in close liaison with the Sutton, Merton and Kingston Safer Transport Teams. General manager Colin Langford said: “We hand over a lot of CCTV information, but the teams also come into the garages to run workshops where they can chat to the drivers. “This form of communication is proving very useful as the drivers get to know the officers and they can pass on information about trouble spots and potential culprits.”
Service drive going in the right direction
New and retained routes announced across the company IT’S all systems go over the next few months with the start of no less than 14 contracts for new and retained routes. All the TfL contracts are for the standard five-year period, plus provisional two-year extensions. New buses are joining the fleet for six of the routes, with the biggest single investment being 27 double-deckers for Peckham’s Route 63 King’s Cross to Honor Oak. That contract started on November 14. There are also 25 new double-deckers for Route 21 Newington Green to Lewisham, which is run from New Cross garage and started on October 10. As part of this new contract, the N21 is diverted to serve Bexleyheath instead of Foots Cray. Other additions to the Go-Ahead London fleet include 14 new double-deckers for the brand new EL1 and EL2 routes. These will be run by Blue Triangle and cover Ilford, Barking and Dagenham Dock. They start on February 20. Nine new single-deckers are to be used on Docklands’ new Route 300 Canning Town to East Ham. The route, which was previously run by East London Buses, starts on March 6. Camberwell garage’s retained Route 360, running from Elephant and Castle to Kensington, will have six new hybrid buses and starts on January 23, 2010. The new vehicles will join seven hybrid buses
already used on the route, meaning that it will be entirely operated by hybrids once they are delivered. One new single decker will be added to eight existing buses for the new Route G1 Streatham to Clapham junction. The garage is yet to be confirmed. Other new or retained contracts, which will use existing vehicles, include: PECKHAM • Retained Route 363, Elephant and Castle to Crystal Palace, started on November 14. NEW CROSS • Retained Route 321, New Cross Gate to Foots Cray, started on October 10 and is now running 24 hours. PUTNEY (all retained and started on November 21) • Route 14 Putney Heath to Warren Street station • Route 39 Putney Bridge to Clapham Junction • Route 74 Putney to Baker Street • Route 430 Roehampton to South Kensington. STOCKWELL • Retained Route 333 Elephant and Castle to Tooting, starting on January 23 (Mandela Way loses Route 133 Streatham to Liverpool Street and, in May, Route 322 Crystal Palace to Clapham Common).
We can take pride in awards GO-AHEAD London was highly commended in four categories at the UK Bus Awards last month. The glittering occasion at the London Hilton is the top annual celebration of excellence in the bus industry’s calendar. The company’s Go-Green initiative, launched at New Cross garage by Minister for Climate Change Joan Ruddock a year ago, was highly commended in the national Innovation Award sponsored by Alexander Dennis. London awards: n Transport for London’s Bus Garage of the Year Award: Waterloo. n TfL’s Service Quality Award: Putney engineering team. n The Luke Rees-Pulley Charitable Trust Award for Top London Bus Driver: Bob Wiltshire, Bexleyheath, and Stephen Winfield, New Cross. General manager – operations Pat Mahon said: “We are obviously disappointed not to have won in these categories, but the competition is very tough and we can be proud of the results. “I would like to congratulate all those who were highly commended for their achievement.”
Got a story for BusTalk? Then give our reporters a call on 01932 243400 or email go-ahead@ruxley. co.uk. We’re always keen to include news on employees’ hobbies and achievements. BusTalk l December 2009
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HEALTH AND SAFETY WEEK • OCTOBER 2009
DELIVERING T In our Face 2 Face column, we chat to driving and mechanical inspector Steve Orr, who is also one of the company’s delegated driving examiners. We ask 10 light-hearted questions… Q: What is your favourite film? A: The Italian Job. Q: What music do you like to listen to? A: Simply Red, Jools Holland, and Mark Ronson. Q: What is your favourite season and why? A: Summer – you can’t beat being outside in the sunshine on a warm summer’s day. Q: Who do you most admire? A: My late best mate Chris. Throughout his 10-year battle against cancer he always managed to have a smile on his face and never once complained. Q: If you had the time / money, what hobby would you most like to take up? A: Motor racing. Q: What are your favourite sports? A: Formula 1, golf and football. Q: Describe your perfect day off… A: Spending some quality time with my wife, Angie, and family. Maybe driving into Greenwich, having lunch and then going for a walk in the park. Q: Which celebrity would you like to have round for Sunday lunch? A: Freddie Starr. Q: What would you feed him? A: Hamster and chips! Q: Which country would you most like to visit? A: Mexico. 4
BusTalk l December 2009
WINNERS: BEXLEYHEATH
Above: MD John Trayner, left, and Simon Goodchild from BUSTAG, right, with the winning team from Bexleyheath. Right: Mandela Way team joined by Paul Roberts of the Metropolitan Police, left, and Colin Opher, general manager,
RUNNERS UP: MAND
ELA WAY
Competition focused on he BEXLEYHEATH and Mandela Way claimed the top two places in Go-Ahead London’s annual competition to promote health and safety. This year’s event followed a different format and involved many more people than in previous years, the objective being to put across the message that health and safety is everyone’s responsibility. The event took place between 19 and 23 October which was European Health and Safety Week and used the assistance of London Buses, contractors, police, fire brigade, the NHS and even local businesses.
Risk and safety manager Andrew Smith said: “This year’s competition was by far the most ambitious exercise our garages have attempted. The teams really were determined in their efforts to convey the importance of health and safety to as many of their colleagues as possible.” Bexleyheath’s safety team invited representatives from the police and London Buses to the garage to tell staff about their role and to get feedback. The team also organised a competition for spotting defects on buses and a health and safety treasure hunt, both of which carried prizes. In addition, firefighters attended
THE MESSAGE!
Everyone’s involved n Blue Triangle put across a safety message concerning motorcycle, health promotion and speed awareness in the garage. They also ran a safety poster competition which children of staff at the garage could enter. n Camberwell enlisted the help of a local cycle shop in a special promotion and highlighted hazards in the garage and on the road. There were also visits by the police and the Workplace Violence Unit.
Flying the flag at Blue Triangle.
Putney drivers play spot the hazard.
n Docklands held a week-long Telematics competition to find the most fuel-efficient driver, which was won by Tariq Mahmood, who also won the Go-Ahead London Fiat 500 challenge. n The driver and engineering training team held a bus defect spotting quiz and a competition to suggest ways to improve safety in garages.
‘On yer bike’ at Camberwell.
A serious message for staff at Merton.
n Merton used accident photographs to hammer home the safety message. Among other features were a Mix Telematics presentation and a TOCU and STT roadshow. n The Workplace Violence Unit and PCSOs visited New Cross and personal assault alarms were trialled. Contractors Interclean and EvoBus were involved in health and safety activities. n The fire brigade demonstrated what it was like to approach a real emergency as a smoke generator was set off at Peckham.
New Cross were taking the pressure.
Stockwell placed their emphasis on health.
ealth and safety awareness a drill and there were fitness challenges using computer games. Bexleyheath’s team members were Sam Hannigan (leader), Neil Beckett, Paul Bowhay, Vicki Hayes, Dee Hill and Bob White. Representatives from Lambeth council, London Buses, TOCU and the Safer Transport Teams (STT) attended Mandela Way’s activities. The activities they ran included hazard perception and pre-service inspection videos and competitions. The runner-up team members were Wendy Slater (leader), Robbie Brion, Jackie Francis, Dino Frimpong and Paul Muffitt.
Judges were Go-Ahead Group engineering director Phil Margrave, Andrew Smith and Steve Dimond from PHSC, the company’s safety consultants. Phil Margrave said: “I would like to congratulate all the teams for their flair and imagination and the tremendous effort they all put in to make the competition a real success.”
n Hazard spotting competitions covering dangers in the garage and out on the road were among the activities staged by Putney and Waterside Way. n The focus of Stockwell’s competition entry was personal health and fitness with help from Lambeth NHS Trust. Activities featured fitness, anti-smoking promotions and advice on reducing fat and sugar intake. n Sutton worked in partnership with the London Ambulance Service to run Heartstart first aid training and the promotion of Community First responders. n Waterloo staged disability awareness programmes, a safety quiz and enlisted the help of EvoBus. BusTalk l December 2009
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Long service awards: special feature
Awards celebrate loyalty
25 YEARS
35 YEARS
40 YEARS
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BusTalk l December 2009
More than 1,000 years of combined service
IT WAS celebration time on November 27 as Go-Ahead London’s long servers were honoured for their loyalty to the company. They were invited to attend the annual long service event, which was held, once again, at the Victoria Park Plaza Hotel. Any employee who had achieved the milestone anniversaries of 25, 35 and 40 years’ service was eligible to attend the ceremony. Following dinner, certificates were presented to worthy recipients by group chief executive Keith Ludeman. Managing director John Trayner made a speech about each employee. The evening’s entertainment also included a disco. Congratulations to the following on their achievement: 25 years
Peter Adlington, Peckham driver Brian Aylwin, driving instructor George Baker, New Cross driver Gilbert Benedit, New Cross driver Terence Benneworth, New Cross driver Kevin Best, New Cross driver Stephen Briant, Merton driver Nigel Burrows, New Cross engineer Valerie Clark, head office personal secretary Graeme Ferguson, New Cross road operating supervisor Richard Harrington, chief engineer, head office Kevin Haugh, Putney engineer William Honeyman, New Cross driver Donald Quamina, Peckham driver Bernard Rajewski, Camberwell accident prevention manager Stephen Schouw, Stockwell engineer Osen Simpson, Stockwell driver Simon Simpson, Merton engineer Terence Smith, Sutton driver Alfred Tear, Bexleyheath driver Michael Thompson, New Cross road operating supervisor Kevin Wilson, New Cross driver 35 years
Keith Bloor, Sutton driver Michael Cribben, assistant systems manager Delroy Frater, Peckham driver Jerome Griffiths, Merton engineer Barry King, company convenor (London Central) Colin Langford, Merton and Sutton general manager Geoffrey Robertson, technical services manager Steven Shorland, Putney engineer Ronald Smith, New Cross senior garage administrator John Wainwright, Merton garage administrator Kenneth Wiltshire, Bexleyheath driver 40 years
Lenworth Burton, Merton driver Raymond Gillman, New Cross driver Malcolm Smith, schedules manager Rauley Ventor, Putney driver
COMMENDATIONS CAMBERWELL n DRIVER Charles Lewis is described as “incredibly polite and courteous” by Rebecca Ison. “His gentle manner and friendly approach are really appreciated.” n AMERICAN Rogers Carey admits he is from the “home of the picky customer’”, but praises Lenford Cox for his driving professionalism and greeting customers as they boarded his bus. n DRIVER Delroy Bhola is commended by a Mrs Guttentag for his smooth driving and courtesy to passengers and other road users. n MR S. PARFITT thanks driver William Ritchie for his kindness. Mr Parfitt is disabled and his partner uses a wheelchair and he describes William as “really kind”. DOCKLANDS n DRIVER Rashel Ahmed is commended for his professionalism by Miss C. Faint. MERTON n DRIVER Rostislav Komarek is praised by Mrs C. Temple for the concern he showed for his passengers after a van cut across the bus. There was no impact and no-one was hurt, but Mrs Temple said Rostislav was “extremely considerate”. n DRIVER Richard Burton is thanked by Mrs J. Reynolds and a friend for spotting them trying to cross the road to catch his bus, and waiting. n PASSENGER M. Bull praises driver Ahmad Sozan for helping a young girl on her own who was being picked on in the bus by a gang. NEW CROSS n PRAISE from a Mr Merry who says he was
“impressed” by the way he was treated by counter staff when he went to retrieve lost property. n CONSIDERATE and a “really good driver” is how a Ms Webster describes Sheldon Pinnock. n DRIVER Mustapha Laidouci is commended by Chris Flynn for being helpful and friendly. PUTNEY n DRIVER Danny Tiwari gets two commendations by customers for his friendly and helpful attitude. Mr T. Bandera says Danny’s “the best” and Mr P. Semmett praises his “perfect” driving. STOCKWELL n ERICA WALSH praises Route 333 driver Joao Gouveia on his friendliness, his “excellent” driving and smartness. n PASSENGER Ruby Muir praises Route 88 driver for being “helpful and obliging”. n PAT on the back for driver Ngoc Chien Tran from Mr M. Brown. The customer says Ngoc drove smoothly and carefully. n NIGHT bus driver Charles Hamlin is thanked by Miss A. Joseph for helping her. She was threatened in the street and was running when Charles spotted the incident and stopped to pick her up. Miss Joseph says she did not hail the bus, but “goodness knows what would have happened if he had not stopped”. n MR R. PHILLIPS praises driver Garry Battman for lowering his bus for elderly people and ensuring they were seated before driving off.
WIN £50 IN VOUCHERS! OUR seasonal competition invites you to spot 10 things you might see in December. Find the 10 words in our grid and you could stand the chance of winning £50 in Marks and Spencer vouchers. The words can be found forwards, backwards, horizontally or diagonally. Put a line through each word you spot and then send your completed grid together with your name,
address and phone number to Ruxley Communications, 81 High Street, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey KT12 1DN. The sender of the first entry selected at random on January 15, 2010 will win the prize. Only Go-Ahead London employees are eligible and the judges’ decision is final. The 10 words to find are: carol singers, decorations, fog, frost, holly, ice, ivy, robins, snow, wreaths.
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Brighton run is no problem for cyclists
On your bike: Maggie Brittle, Dave Chapman, Peter Walton, Jason Mahoney, Matt Brittle, Chris McKeown, Nigel Pike, Clive Gaywood, Paul Walker, Darren Connolly, Derek Parker, Liz Parker, Dave Jones, Hugh Brathwaite, Andy Rutherford and Michael Smith. PEDAL power raised £1,000 for charity as intrepid cyclists from New Cross garage stretched their legs on this year’s London to Brighton cyclathon. The event, which is organised
by the British Heart Foundation, has become a regular sporting challenge for the garage’s cyclists and they’ve raised many hundreds of pounds over the years. Organiser Derek Parker thanked
all those who took part and friends, families and colleagues for their sponsorship. He also thanked Chris Jeffery for driving the bus to take everyone home. Derek said: “We had a really
enjoyable day. Everyone made it to Brighton in about seven hours without too many problems.” If anyone is interested in joining the team next year, please contact Derek Parker at New Cross.
Gently does it for 500 winner Tariq
MD John Trayner hands Tariq the keys. PRACTISING every day driving more fuel-efficiently paid dividends for Tariq Mahmood – the winner of the Go-Green Challenge 500. Docklands driver Tariq, who won the fabulous Fiat 500 car, said that it was his gentle touch on the throttle and brake which really helped him win the final of the competition. “The gentle touch is the approach I take every day when driving the bus and it’s something I practise when I drive my own car,” explained Tariq, who has been a bus driver for 11 years. “When it came to the final where we had to take part in various driving trials I just adopted the same method. “However, the competition was very tough so I was surprised and delighted to have won. The car is great – easy to drive around town and, although small, quite spacious inside.” Tariq was one of 20 competition finalists who battled it out at the Millbrook vehicle testing ground, taking part in several tests, including an eco drive, hill climb and a blindfolded drive! The Go-Green 500 Challenge has proved so popular that a similar event is now being planned for 2010 and once again there will be a fabulous prize on offer. But for the moment, that prize remains under wraps! 8
BusTalk l December 2009
Published by Go-Ahead London. Produced by Ruxley Communications, Walton-on-Thames. Printed by Evolve Print Solutions, Rickmansworth.