Issue 39 • April 2016
See page 2
In this issue
Another route through our history Page 5
Welcoming our new team members Pages 6-7
Schools visit their local bus garage Page 8 2
A digital future for Bus Talk WELCOME to the first digital edition of Bus Talk! Going forward, all copies of your favourite magazine will be firstly emailed to all employees. It will also be available on the employee portal and company website, so you'll be able to keep yourself up to date with the latest Go-Ahead London news at any time. Bus Talk in previous years was known as The Clipper (for London Central news) and In General (for London General news). The first editions were released in-house only in 1990 and 1989 respectively. The Clipper, In General and now Bus Talk have always kept Go-Ahead London staff up to date on all company news and have even given us a peek into the lives and hobbies of our staff, including drivers and senior managers. Some issues
even featured celebrities, including the gone but never forgotten Stephen Lewis, known to many as Blakey, from On the Buses. If you have any stories about your hobbies, holidays or general interesting experiences, please call Anne Dunn on 01932 243 400 or email anne@ruxley.co.uk Although you will no longer receive Bus Talk as a hard copy, the informative content and layout will remain the same. However, if you have any difficulties accessing any upcoming digital versions of Bus Talk, please call the communications department on 020 8545 6105 or ask a member of your management team for assistance. Welcome to the future! John Trayner, MD, Go-Ahead London
The Eco Challenge is back! THE ECO Challenge 2016 is finally under way! Go-Ahead London’s most prestigious annual competition is back, and this year’s lucky winner will be the proud owner of a brandnew, eco-friendly, 1.2 litre Fiat 500 car! To have a chance to be entered into the competition, you need to become a Driver of the Month winner between March and August 2016. Drivers of the Month are the exemplary employees who consistently drive safely and fuel-efficiently. In September, Managing Director John Trayner will choose 20 finalists based on the monthly RAG (Red, Amber and Green) scores, which include miles covered and acceleration counts. The lucky finalists will then compete in a series of exciting driving challenges, which will take place at Vision Motorsport in Oxfordshire in September. Communications Co-ordinator Greg French said: “The morning session consists of test driving supercars, including the Lamborghini Gallardo, Porsche GT3 and Ferrari F430. “The competition moves up a gear in the afternoon when our drivers are challenged with rally
driving in a 1.7 litre Ford Puma. “The person with the fastest time around the purpose-built stage wins the top prize – a brand-new, eco-friendly Fiat 500 car.” Greg added: “It will certainly be a day to remember. Getting paid to test drive supercars and try out some rally driving is an opportunity our drivers shouldn’t miss. “I urge them all to aim to become a Driver of the Month winner so they can have the chance to be picked to participate in this exciting competition and maybe win a brand new car!” Have YOU got what takes to become this year’s ECO Challenge winner?
New Barking site nears completion
BUILDING work at the new Barking site is now in its final stages and Area General Manager Gavin Smith is looking forward to its opening. “Everything is on track and it is hoped the site will be finished by the end of April,” he said. As well as operating the new route
147, which runs from Canning Town to Ilford and starts on May 7, the garage at River Road will also be given more routes from Rainham. “We are hoping to move more of Rainham’s routes to Barking by the end of the summer,” said Gavin. “We are also looking at moving the iBus hub
there.” Docklands and Rainham General Manager Stephen Murray said: “The Barking site has much better facilities for everyone. “It is more centrally located and offers an excellent opportunity for the business going forward.”
Promoting a healthier life... ...70s style! By Tom McGlew ARE you sitting comfortably…? When I was a lad back in the new age of colour television, there was a children’s TV programme called ‘Why Don’t You?’. It was aimed at children and exhorted the benefits of being active, of doing something – anything other than sitting in front of the television. Over the years there has been lots of research into the possible effects a sedentary lifestyle is having on our health and well-being. It
is generally accepted that being less active can raise your risk of suffering from cardio-vascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes and some forms of cancer. If you think about your day, especially if you are a bus driver or working in an office, how much of your workday is spent on your derriere? How much time before and after work? Do you catch the bus or train to work? Sat in traffic jams on the drive in? Then what? Behind the wheel or sat in front of a PC? Commute home? Six-eight hours sleep? Repeat?
So, what is to be done about this? Ultimately, we are responsible for our own health. Bus driving and working at a desk inevitably involves prolonged time seated. The NHS live well website* has some useful tips to reduce sitting time. Perhaps you can incorporate some of these into your day: n Stand on the train or bus n Take the stairs and walk up escalators n Set a reminder to get up every 30 minutes n Alternate working while seated with standing
n Place a laptop on a box or similar to work standing n Stand or walk around while on the phone n Take a walk break every time you take a coffee or tea break n Walk to a co-worker's desk instead of emailing or calling n Swap some TV time for more active tasks or hobbies So, why don’t you? *http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/ fitness/Pages/Fitnesshome. T H E aspx
H& S
C O L U M N
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News across the Group In this column, we highlight business news from around the Go-Ahead Group.
Try it and see!
Beamish museum building bus depot
BLUESTAR is encouraging locals to consider being a bus driver by hosting a ‘try-it-and-see’ bus driving event at the Ageas Bowl. Experienced instructors were on hand with training buses, so would-be drivers could see for themselves just how easy it is to manoeuvre the vehicles across a specially laid-out course at the Hampshire cricket ground. Operations Manager Paul Coyne said: “If people can drive a car, we’ll teach them the rest and, with the right training, it’s far easier than they might think.”
OPEN-AIR museum Beamish is to build a depot as part of the retelling of life in the north-east in decades past. Go-North East is part-funding the 1950s-style Northern General Bus Depot, which will be home to a number of post WW2 trolleybuses and buses. The attraction will show visitors how old vehicles are looked after and also enable rare items from its collection to be put on permanent display.
Seeking greater satisfaction BRIGHTON & Hove and Metrobus are rolling out customer experience workshops to staff to help generate ideas for the company to improve all aspects of the service for passengers. The training has been road tested by Manager Luke Taylor and Operations Manager Paul Harding before it gets rolled out
to drivers and all other departments. The last Bus Passenger Satisfaction scores saw both Metrobus and Brighton & Hove with 90 per cent. The company has recently started working with the Institute of Customer Service to pilot the use of the UK customer satisfaction index survey on bus services within the Group.
New job brings new goals for Chris CHRIS Gibbs has been appointed Performance Manager at Sutton and will also cover Stockwell. The former driver joined Go-Ahead London in 2010 before becoming Controller at Stockwell in 2013 and Cover Performance Manager at Sutton in 2015. In his spare time, Chris is a keen footballer and plays for a six-a-side team in Beckenham. Here we find out his goals for his new role. “I have worked my way up through the company and am committed to
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maintaining a safe and reliable service for the public,” he said. “Every day is challenging at the control centre, but we have a great team and I get a real sense of satisfaction from performing well.” Outside work, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife, Emily, son Lucas and daughter Kara. He also supports Blackburn Rovers football team and makes the 500-mile round trip to watch them play several times a season. “They used to be great!” joked Chris.
ROUTE HISTORY... A
HIGH-PROFILE murder case in the 1960s was solved with the help of evidence discovered on a route 36A bus at Peckham garage. A gun and five boxes of ammunition were said to have been hidden under the rear seat of the bus by James Hanratty. He was later hanged for the murder of Michael Gregsten and the wounding of Valerie Storie in what became known as the A6 murder case. The gun found on the bus was identified as that used in the murder.
Going back to a quieter time in its history, buses have been operating on route 36 as far back as 1911 when the London General Omnibus Company ran a service from Queen's Park to Victoria. By 1934, the route had been extended to Hither Green but was shortened in 1991 to finish in Lewisham. The current route from Queen's Park to New Cross Gate has been in place since 2003. On January 28, 2005, London Central ran the last crew-operated Routemaster on the service before replacing
Above: An AEC Regent III Routemaster built in 1950 on route 36B.
them with one-man operation Plaxton President-bodied Volvo B7TLs. Alexander Dennis Enviro 400s now operate on the 36 service, which is one of the few routes still to cross central London. It is a 24-hour service with a peak vehicle requirement of 33. Richard Taylor, a driver at New Cross garage for 14 years in August has driven mainly on route 36 since he started in 2002. “It was crew-operated Routemasters in those days,” said Richard. “They always started new people on this route, so it was the first one I drove. It was quite sad when the conductors were taken off as it was something you’d grown up with. It was a bit like the TV series On the Buses and you can feel quite nostalgic remembering those days.
“It’s a busy route with some heavy traffic and you have to be very on the ball and make sure you’re in the right lane. “I’ve got friends along the whole length of the route, so it’s nice when they get on and say hello. Some friends have even taken photos of me on the bus when they’ve spotted me in traffic, then put them on Facebook!” Go-Ahead London retained the route 36 contract in February 2013 following tough negotiation and will be hoping for an extension to this key route in 2018.
Above: Richard Taylor, a route 36 driver for 14 years.
Our new improved public website launches soon
Above: Routemaster RM758 on route 36 in 1999.
GO-AHEAD London’s new website goes live at the end of April. The revamped site will be user-friendly and easier to navigate with a modern design. Communications Manager Sheldon Malcolm said: “Our aim is to provide a new-look website where customers can find information about upcoming events and news quickly. “We have designed a site
which is sleek and attractive to our passengers and future employees.” Prospective recruits can find quick links to job vacancies, while customers can search for routes, garage contact information and book tickets for our latest commercial day trips. “The site should generate a lot of traffic,” said Sheldon. “We look forward to getting it out there!”
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We meet the new Welcome to the following employees who have joined the Go-Ahead London team:
OBERT WILLIAMS Assistant Operating R Manager Merton GOLF buff Robert Williams used to work in the prison service before joining Merton garage. The Assistant Operating Manager explains how he is getting into the swing of things in his new role. “I worked in the prison service for 14 years,” said Robert. “During that time, I managed people from all walks of life in an extremely challenging environment. “Every day is different in the bus industry and my priority is to maintain Merton’s performance results and offer the best customer experience possible.” Robert’s responsibilities include analysing the Staff Utilisation Summary (SUS), which looks at the garage’s weekly cost figure, and also monitoring the iBus controller’s report. “The report determines how each service runs and highlights any room for improvement,” he said. Outside work, Robert enjoys playing golf and cricket. “I play for West Indian cricket team Viscount in New Malden,” he said. “I won the best bowler award for two consecutive years and the best all-rounder.” Robert has also won several golf competitions.
MAIR U Sutton
MAKING t was an ob Umair join controller f “During m room and “I picked Ahead Lon Some of more than work with “I look for Outside w three sister
AZ JAWAID Operating Manager R Camberwell SNOOKER enthusiast Raz Jawaid joins Camberwell garage from Arriva, where he worked as Deputy Operations Manager. He has worked in the bus industry for more than 10 years and is looking forward to getting the ball rolling in his new position. “I have brought many transferable skills with me from my previous employment,” said Raz. "I believe that the key to achieving goals and hitting targets is a positive balanced attitude and I am sure that the talented staff at Camberwell will support one another and assist in the future success of the depot. “A positive team spirit is something I want to focus on. I aim to improve staff engagement by having more open forums, putting up posters in workshops and creating a sense of community. “I want everyone to work in a comfortable, safe environment and to know that they can talk to me when they need to.” Raz was born in north-west London, but now lives in leafy Kent. “I enjoy the peace and quiet,” he said. “It’s a different sort of lifestyle to London and there is lots of nature around.” In his spare time, Raz plays snooker, and while he is still waiting for his first century break, he says he is “getting better all the time”.
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INST W Croyd
ARSENAL Assistant Deputy Op “I’ve been with peopl forward to Winston best Driver results. “It’s said. Outside w “My signat drizzle cak Family is takes his s this year,"
w faces in the team
R KHAN Performance Manager n
the move from iBus Controller to Performance Manager bvious choice for new employee Umair Khan. ns the Sutton garage from Abellio, where he worked as a for two years. my time at Abellio, I gained a lot of experience in the control was able to shadow performance managers,” he said. up a lot of things, which has helped me in my new role at Gondon.” the employees at Sutton have been with the company for 20 years. Umair said: “I have a lot of respect for the people I and am already really pleased with the results we’re getting. rward to continuing to improve our performance.” work, Umair enjoys spending time with his six brothers and rs as well as going to the gym.
ATRICK ELLIS Assistant Operating Manager P Stockwell PATRICK Ellis is the new Assistant Operating Manager at Stockwell. He joined the Go-Ahead Group in 2014, moving to Go-Ahead London this year. “I studied economics at university and then went on to become a graduate management trainee at bus operator Go South Coast,” he said. “My employment there gave me experience in various garages and departments in both the regulated and deregulated bus industries.” Regarding his move to Stockwell, Patrick said: “The main appeal of the job for me is the variety it offers and working with people from different backgrounds and departments, all striving together to achieve the common goal of improving the performance of the garage.” Outside work, Patrick loves playing sports and watching Countdown – and one day hopes to compete on the popular words and numbers game show. “I think I am naturally better at the calculations than the conundrums,” he said. “But in a few years’ time when I’ve really honed my skills I would certainly love to take part.”
TON NAIRNE Assistant Operating Manager don
L fan Winston joins the team at Croydon as the new Operating Manager. He previously worked at Arriva as perations Manager. n a manager for 15 years, so I have lots of experience dealing le,” he said. “I know about the bus industry and I’m looking maintaining the standard that Go-Ahead London is achieving.” will be responsible for helping the Croydon garage achieve the r Quality Monitoring (DQM) and Mystery Traveller Survey (MTS) ’s important we do our utmost to achieve a high standard,” he
work, foodie Winston likes to rustle up a series of tasty treats. ture dishes are a West Indian Sunday lunch and a lovely lemon ke,” he said. “They’re very popular with the family!” important when it comes to supporting Arsenal and Winston son, Daniel, when time permits. “I think the league is over for us he said. "But there is always next season!”
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Garages are a class act for school visits G
O-AHEAD London was a class act when it welcomed pupils from four schools to its garages. Children from the Kintore Way Centre in Bermondsey, Hotham Primary School in Putney, HighShore School in Southwark and Cavendish Lodge Nursery in Wandsworth visited Mandela Way, Putney and Stockwell respectively to get a taste of what it takes to run a busy bus garage. Mandela Way Operating
Manager Nicola Phipps said: “We were delighted to welcome back the children from the Kintore Way Centre. “The visit was a great success and was hosted by Senior Garage Assistant Jan Howell and driver Carol Ellington. “The children had great fun sitting in the driver’s cab and going through the bus wash!” Putney Operating Manager Darren Barnden said: “The children from Hotham Primary
ckwell garage. y School children at Sto Cavendish Lodge Nurse
Hotham Primary School pupils at
Putney garage.
School had a fantastic time. “Educating children about public transportation forms part of the curriculum and learning about the bus routes helps with their reading and maths. “Driver Kypros Kyprianou did an excellent job and was thanked by the teachers.” Stockwell General Manager Hannah Self said: “The students from HighShore mixed needs secondary school had a great day at the garage. “Their teacher told us that
HighShore School pu
pils at Stockwell garag
e.
Children from Kintore Way Centre at Mandela Way garage.
The schoolchildren enjoying their day out at the garages.
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they were full of beans on the way home and talked of nothing but buses!” The garage was also visited by Cavendish Lodge Nursery. “The staff and children had a fantastic time,” said Hannah. “They particularly enjoyed going for a ride on the bus and their teacher was very grateful. “I would like to thank driver Claude Parchment who assisted me on both occasions.” More school visits are planned for the future.
Rewind 10 years...
2006
This edition’s dip into our history features a new BTEC Intermediate Award and the first diesel-electric bus trials.
spaper
London General's staff new
Spring 2006
in m d a e g ra a g d n a g n ri e e Engin tion a c fi li a u q C E T B w e n in ff sta
hool Engineering Training Sc gton rrin A MAJOR new BTEC Ha d har Ric er nag Ma uary aims programme began in Jan said: “The qualification in d lete mp co h the wit s which, when ate did to provide can that and ing about a year, will mean and rst de un e, knowledg at least rt bus po most employees have sup to d uire req lls ski cation. te to one professional qualifi operations and contribu iate ed rm Inte EC BT al and Called the leg d uire meeting the req , which have we s Award, the qualification tion liga ob ual contract by ed ion iss mm co en be has .” support as a company London Buses, aims to introduction an m fro art Ap es in er the delivery of bus servic ust to the bus ind ry, oth lude inc London. ed ver co ts jec key sub the et me to ned sig ity de is ual It working with others, eq e lth hea e training needs of garag lac and diversity, workp g 9 PG , administrators, engineerin ring nto me hop and and safety, supervisors, and works ness, accident prevention are aw satellite managers. procedures. of staff and disciplinary A total of 106 members will also review case anies are Candidates throughout both comp end at studies. lieve taking part and all will att Richard added: “We be g, inin tra ys da five or r fou rm st lea l be of eno ous y-gained the course wil s depending on previousl help to people in their job qualifications.
g of and the smooth runnin from art ap t bu , any the comp with a m the e vid pro l wil it t tha fits in recognised award which ion cat alifi qu al with the nation ” rk. framewo in Among those involved ver Dri are e leading the cours
le, Training Manager Eric Da ham Gra Operating Managers rmack Johnson and Alan McCo y Ton OM t tan and Assis Atkinson. is Above: John Trayner tes and ida nd ca h pictured wit rs. de lea course
the This provides power to tor. mo ic ctr wheels via an ele il Ph or ect Dir Spring 2006 Engineering are e “W d: sai Margrave ership delighted to be in partn rchase pu to with London Buses and if ses bu se and operate the uld wo I l sfu ces suc the trials are be y ma le cip prin the expect types extended to other vehicle in London. gh “As yet, however, althou be to ses bu the we expect have significantly cleaner, we imise min to look at the need to ting era op h emissions along wit t bu , yet ys da ly costs. It’s ear the e iev ach can we we hope s with environmental objective cost reductions. in test “If the results achieved r uced we rod po rep the be in track trials can n Brian Lodge plugs e Camberwell electricia e. hav l arg wil ch we on n s the se in service new Wright bu per as he puts one of the 30 a of al go r ou ed achiev tbus vehicles igh Wr a new e and Th 2 cent reduction in CO performance in terms of ine – similar eng e -litr the 1.9 a of use ility ab confirmation of reli efficient use of energy and rage family car – to ave the to ng uci the potential for red ry pack. power train.” charge a 336-volt batte emissions.”
On trial as hybrid buses enter service
THEY’RE pioneering r, London’s drive for cleane s bu ly environmentally-friend
travel. London Central began gextensive trials of the lon rid hyb ic awaited diesel-electr six h wit bus in February, vice vehicles in scheduled ser side ng alo g nin run 0 36 te on rou conventional LDPs. The buses are operating e and from Camberwell garag berts Ro Bill er nag Ma al Gener y ver said: “We’re using two on icle veh of different types the a challenging route and ble ena to is this d hin be idea ’ ses bu us to compare both
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Kids enjoy an unforgettable day BEXLEYHEATH bus garage has been commended for making a dream come true for two disabled children. Connor and Thomas Loughnane both have a life-limiting heart condition and Thomas also suffers from autism. Their mother, Sharon, asked the garage if it would be possible for her sons to come in and see some of the buses.
Operating Manager Emma Tooze said: “The day was a great success. The boys were very shy at first, but once we took them out on the bus and through the bus wash, they came out of their shell. “We also took them to the iBus room and let them put on the headsets.” Sharon said: “The staff at the garage were fantastic and went out of their way to make
the boys feel special. The whole experience was magical and a dream come true, especially for Thomas, who loves buses, but due to his autism cannot use public transport. Being able to go on a bus with no crowds made his day.” Emma, who was assisted by driver Debbie Kane, said: “It was worth it to see the two boys smile.”
Pictured: Operating Manager Emma Tooze presents Thomas Loughnane with a certificate commemorating his visit. Pictured right: Connor Loughnane proudly shows his certificate.
Tender NEWS
vehicles (19 PVR). Contract begins on September 17, 2016. n Route D7 (Mile End to Poplar), using existing diesel double-deck vehicles (13 PVR). Contract begins on September 17, 2016.
from across the capital
n Route 21/N21 (Newington Green to Lewisham/N21 Trafalgar Square to Bexleyheath), using new battery hybrid double-deck vehicles (27 PVR). Contract begins on October 8, 2016. n Route 63/N63 (Kings Cross to Honor Oak/N63 to Crystal Palace), using new battery hybrid double-deck vehicles (27 PVR). Contract begins on November 12, 2016. n Route 321 (New Cross Gate to Foot’s Cray), using existing diesel double-deck vehicles (20 PVR). Contract begins on October 8, 2016. n Route 363 (Elephant and Castle to Crystal Palace), using new battery hybrid double-deck vehicles (13 PVR). Contract begins on November 12, 2016. n Route P12 (Surrey Quays to Brockley Rise), using existing diesel single-deck vehicles (15 PVR).
IN OUR regular column, we highlight recent announcements made by Transport for London. All are retentions unless stated otherwise.
Blue Triangle n Route 346 (Upminster Station to Upminster Park Estate), won from Arriva, using existing diesel singledeck vehicles (3 PVR). Contract begins on October 1, 2016. n Route 376 (Beckton to East Ham), using existing diesel singledeck vehicles (8 PVR). Contract begins on September 17, 2016.
Docklands Buses n Route 276 (Newham General Hospital to Stoke Newington), using existing diesel single-deck
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London Central
Contract begins on October 8, 2016.
Arriva London North n Route 279 (Manor House to Waltham Cross), using existing diesel double-deck vehicles (33 PVR). Contract begins on October 15, 2016. n Route 313 (Chingford to Potters Bar), using existing diesel single and double-deck vehicles (8 PVR). Contract begins on November 5, 2016. n Route W3 (Finsbury Park Station to Northumberland Park Station), using existing diesel double-deck vehicles (24 PVR). Contract begins on October 15, 2016.
Arriva London South n Route 405D (West Croydon to Purley), using existing diesel doubledeck vehicles (2 PVR). Contract begins on October 29, 2016. n Route 450 (West Croydon to Lower Sydenham), using new diesel singledeck vehicles (19 PVR). Contract begins on October 1, 2016.
CT Plus n Route W19 (Ilford to Lea Bridge Station), won from Blue Triangle, using new diesel single-deck
vehicles (15 PVR). Contract begins on November 26, 2016.
Metroline n Route 16/N16 (Victoria to Cricklewood/N16 to Edgware), using New Routemasters (22 PVR). Contract begins on October 8, 2016. n Route 32 (Kilburn Park to Edgware), using existing battery hybrid double-deck vehicles (18 PVR). Contract begins on October 8, 2016. n Route 107 (Edgware to New Barnet), using existing diesel doubledeck vehicles (11 PVR). Contract begins on October 8, 2016. n Route 189 (Oxford Circus to Brent Cross), using New Routemasters (18 PVR). Contract begins on October 8, 2016. n Route 316 (Cricklewood to White City), using existing diesel single-deck vehicles (17 PVR). Contract begins on October 8, 2016.
Stagecoach East London n Route D3 (Bethnal Green to Leamouth), using existing diesel single-deck vehicles (14 PVR). Contract begins on September 17, 2016.
Employee Commendations BELVEDERE n ROUTE 180 driver Daniel Taylor has been praised for his pleasant attitude and smooth driving. “A pleasure to travel with.” n GAZMEND Geci has been commended for waiting for a passenger to board a route 180 bus. BEXLEYHEATH n “I WAS so impressed by his politeness and friendliness,” said a customer about route 401 driver Abdellah Abou-Elmajd. n A GRATEFUL customer thanked route 1 driver Ahmed Mehdaoui for finding her bag, which she had left on the bus. “The best customer service I have ever experienced!” n “HE IS a top man,” said a customer about route 89 driver Adriano Costa Lucas. “He drove at a sensible speed and it was a good journey.” n ROUTE B16 driver Garry Whitaker has been commended for the exceptional kindness he showed to an injured passenger. CAMBERWELL n A RELIEVED customer thanked route X68 driver Leroy Lecky for finding her wallet, which she had left on the bus. “I really appreciated his help.” n CARLEY Rust Williams has been praised for the excellent customer service skills she showed when helping an elderly lady on route 185. n “HE IS a great example of a good bus driver,” said a customer about route 345 driver Ryan McFarlane. n “A TRUE gentleman.” James TomlinLindsay has been thanked for waiting for a customer to board a 345 bus. “He restored my faith in mankind.” CROYDON n ROUTE 367 driver Junior Cowan has been complemented on his smooth driving. n AL-ASHLY Lamazan has been thanked for helping a disabled passenger on route 293. n ROUTE 119 driver Kweku Quartey has been praised for his skilful driving. n TOBIAS Nicholson has been commended for waiting for elderly passengers to board a route 127 bus. “He had a kind attitude. Well done to him.” DOCKLANDS n ROUTE D6 driver David Tuck has been thanked for his politeness and professionalism. “He had a positive effect on the passengers.”
MANDELA WAY n “HE WAS exceptionally polite and very kind,” said a customer about route 1 driver Charles Nelson. MERTON n “AWESOME” driver Roger Hockham has been praised for waiting for a customer to board a route 219 bus. “I couldn’t be more thankful for such a kindhearted man.” n ROUTE 164 driver Wendy King has been commended for her excellent customer service. n MICHAEL Pierre has been thanked for waiting for a disabled passenger to board a route 44 bus. n ROUTE 77 driver Richard Higgins has been commended for helping an elderly lady get off the bus. NEW CROSS n ROUTE 108 driver Glester Sutherland has been praised for his smooth driving. “He clearly wanted his passengers to have a comfortable ride.” n GLENN Hatch has been commended for his excellent knowledge on route 21. “He really knew about London. Give him a high-five from me!” n A THANKFUL customer has commended route 286 driver Winston Samuels for waiting for him. n CHRISTOPHER Thompson has been recognised for his friendly nature and smooth driving on route B14. NORTHUMBERLAND PARK n “HE WENT above and beyond the call of duty,” said a customer about route 192 driver Yomi Akerele. “I was very grateful that he found my oyster card holder.” n KATARZYNA Sosnowska has been commended for her excellent driving on route 192. “She was very professional.” n “LOVELY driver and very patient with the schoolchildren,” said a customer about route 192 driver Olivia Demetriou.” n “GENTLEMAN” Kevin Roberts has been praised for the kindness he showed to his passengers on route 20. ORPINGTON n AN APPRECIATIVE customer thanked route 246 driver Philip King for waiting as she boarded the bus. n KARL Norton has been commended for assisting a partially sighted customer on a route 352 bus. n ROUTE R11 driver Derval Green has been praised for his excellent driving and customer service skills. n ADAM Eastwood has been commended for his polite attitude on route R4.
PECKHAM n ROUTE 63 driver Tomas Petr has been commended for his considerate attitude. “I was struck by how lovely he was. I think a lot of other passengers were pleasantly surprised, especially as there are so many roadworks going on along that route.” PECKHAM n ROUTE P12 driver Pinar Washington has been praised for helping elderly customers. PUTNEY n A GRATEFUL customer has thanked route 85 driver George Fisher for finding her bag, which she left on the bus. “There were a number of invaluable items in there. I am so relieved!” n MICHAEL Mehari has been praised for finding a customer’s card wallet on route 22. n “HIS expert help saved the day,” said a customer about route 14 driver George Maxim, who recovered a phone, which had been dropped under his bus. STOCKWELL n ROUTE 170 driver Stewart Robinson has been commended twice for his politeness, patience and smooth driving. “He is a breath of fresh air.” n ERIC Ofosu has been thanked for helping Spanish passengers on route 11. “He was extremely helpful and patient.” n ROUTE 11 driver Bobby Sigola has been praised for his helpful attitude. n RACHELLE Leeatin’s “outstanding customer service” has been praised by a disabled customer. “She made everything comfortable and easy for me.” SUTTON n “IT IS a joy to be on her bus,” said a customer about route 80 driver Jayden McGuigan. “She is so helpful and patient.” n ROUTE 151 driver Robert Baldock has been praised for his helpfulness. n A HUGELY appreciative customer thanked route 93 driver Gabor Pungor for helping her find her wallet, which she had left on the bus. n ROUTE 154 Nicholas Mulvenna has been commended for his polite and considerate nature. WATERSIDE WAY n VICTOR Cursaru has been praised for assisting a blind passenger on route G1. “He was very helpful and polite.” n A VERY grateful customer has thanked route 493 driver Sekou McDonald for finding his phone, which he had left on the bus.
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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FACE 2
FACE
IN OUR Face 2 Face column, we chat to Mick Reavill, Engineering Manager at Mandela Way and Camberwell, who has worked for the company for 10 years. We ask Mick a series of lighthearted questions. Q: Where would you go for a dream holiday? A: Cornwall, particularly Newquay. They have some fantastic beaches there. I’m not a good surfer, but I look great in a pair of flip-flops! Q: What’s your favourite TV programme? A: Wheeler Dealers. I’m a bit of a petrolhead and am the proud owner of a M4 BMW convertible. Q: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? A: I like spending time with my wife, Krystyna, going out for dinner and going to the gym. Q: As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A: An engineer! Q: What would you do if you were invisible for a day? A: I would sit in on an Arsenal transfer meeting. Come on you Gunners! Q: Who or what makes you laugh? A: Not Going Out with Lee Mack. He is very quick-witted. Q: What do you enjoy most about your job? A: The great team that I work with and the challenges of working in the bus industry. Q: Which band or singer would you like to see in concert? A: Rick Astley. I think he’s working at Butlins now!
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Retirement n Roy Lambe, Driver, Stockwell. STOCKWELL driver Roy Lambe retired in March after 35 years of service. He has picked up awards, received several commendations, reunited a passenger with her Christmas presents and baked several cakes. Here we find out his recipe for success. Roy started at Riverside in 1981 before it became Hammersmith garage. He then moved on to Victoria before finally settling in at Stockwell in 1993. “I started out driving the old Routemasters,” said Roy. “I then decided to work on the night buses and ended up driving them for 25 years! “It was tough at first but I soon got used to it. Once my body clock had adjusted, I was fine. I also met some really interesting people.” The dedicated driver has had an illustrious career, including his commendations and winning the Top London Bus Driver gong at the UK Bus Awards in 2012. “I was very grateful to be recognised,” said Roy. “So many excellent drivers applied and it was brilliant to be rewarded for my endeavours on the road.” Roy was also praised for finding a case of Christmas presents, which had been left on his bus. “I was just doing my usual check for lost property when I saw the case,” he said. “The owner was chuffed to bits when she got it back.” The commendations king is now looking
Driver Roy picks up his award in 2012. forward to spending time with his wife June, five children, 14 grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren. “I’m wondering if I should be retiring, he joked! “There are so many birthdays to buy for!” The great-grandad is a big hit at birthdays with his made-to-order culinary creations. “I’ve been baking since I was five,” said Roy. “I make everything from wedding cakes to Christmas cakes. If anyone wants one, let me know!” “I have mixed emotions about my retirement,” he said. “I have enjoyed my time with the company and will miss the people I’ve worked with. “My advice for anyone who wants to have a long career in the bus industry is be yourself, get on with everyone and smile!”
Safety first for 'patient' Tom DILIGENT driver Tom Monteith has received an award for clocking up an amazing 35 consecutive years of accident-free driving. “I was very pleased to be given a safe driving diploma by the company,” said Tom. “I come to work and just get on with my job. Throughout the years, I have seen a huge increase in traffic and roadworks, but there is nothing you can do about it, you have to take your time. My advice to anyone is don’t rush. Patience is key.” Tom, who is based at Sutton, hopes to
stay with Go-Ahead London as long as he is able. “It would be lovely to get an award for 40 years of safe driving,” he said. “We’d have to have a big party to celebrate!” Operating Manager Glenn Woodman said: “Tom has been one of our most reliable drivers for a number of years so it is fitting that he received an award for his outstanding service.” ABOVE: Tom Monteith, left, receives his diploma from Operating Manager Glenn Woodman.