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News Category: Bus

Victoria Garcia MBE wins Route One Special Award

14 November 2024

Victoria Garcia MBE wins Route One Special Award

Victoria Garcia MBE from Brighton and Hove Buses and Metrobus, part of the Go-Ahead Group, was recognised with the Special Award at last night’s Route One awards ceremony in Birmingham.

The Special Award is a unique accolade determined solely by the judges and awarded to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the industry, deserving of special recognition.

Victoria has shown great determination to push boundaries to improve accessibility and inclusion for all bus users. She is recognised as the go-to professional for accessibility in the industry.

Her transformational work includes working in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society to deliver dementia friendly flooring and seating to enable those customers with dementia to have confidence to travel safely and more often.

Recently she partnered with the Thomas Pocklington Trust, the Sight Loss Council and the Driving Vehicle Standards Authority (DVSA) to develop the national and local bus and coach operators training materials to improve driver awareness of customers with visual impairments, building confidence in their use of buses, and drive equity and inclusion for all.

“”
I am delighted that Victoria’s achievements have been deservedly recognised at the Route One awards. Working with our customers and in our communities is so important for us as a business and her compassionate approach, along with her proactive engagement in community initiatives, and commitment to fostering an increasingly inclusive environment are an invaluable resource for the continued growth and success of all our bus companies and the customers we serve.

Matt Carney

CEO, Go-Ahead Bus

Go-Ahead mobilises 15-year Fastrack contract

12 November 2024

Go-Ahead mobilises 15-year Fastrack contract

More than 2.5 million people annually travel on the rapid transit network in the Dartford, Ebbsfleet & Gravesend areas

Services operate on dedicated busways delivering reliable and punctual services for communities

The Go-Ahead Group has successfully mobilised operations on the Fastrack network across North Kent under a 15-year contract in an agreement with Kent County Council that is worth £110 million.

Operations will commence with an interim diesel fleet before transitioning to a fleet that will be fully electric and in operation by Spring 2025. 28 zero-emission ‘tram-like’ buses will take to the streets of Kent, with on-street charging infrastructure to provide power to buses through the day.

The Fastrack network provides customers with a frequent ‘turn up and go’ service, connecting people to jobs, education, healthcare and shopping in an area of rapid economic growth which is undergoing significant regeneration.

With more than 2.5 million trips annually, reliable and punctual journeys are vital. The routes have dedicated traffic free lanes to get customers where they want, minimising delays.

“”
It’s been a breath of fresh air working with Go-Ahead on delivering the next generation of Fastrack. Putting the customer first has been our shared ambition on this journey and so much has been achieved in a relative short space of time. This new operational focus and extended service is just the first step of the new look Fastrack and we remain on course to deliver the full Electric Fastrack network in 2025, bringing our full investment to life.

Shane Hymer

Fastract Development Manager, Kent County Council

“”
We’re pleased to be working in partnership with Kent County Council to manage and operate the Fastrack network. We’re ready to make a difference for the customers and communities who will rely on our services and look forward to introducing a transformational zero-emission fleet with all new buses set to be operational by Spring 2025, benefitting our customers and the environment.

Martin Dean

Managing Director for UK Regional Bus, Go-Ahead Group

Go-Ahead Group and Google launch industry-first feature to help customers keep track of spending on bus journeys

05 December 2023

Go-Ahead Group and Google launch industry-first feature to help customers keep track of spending on bus journeys

The Go-Ahead Group, a leading public transport operator, is teaming up with Google to introduce a new feature aimed at enhancing the customer experience for bus travel.

In collaboration with Google and Littlepay, Go-Ahead’s Brighton & Hove Buses is unveiling an industry-first initiative which will simplify the way passengers manage their mobile payments for bus journeys. The new feature, integrated with Google Wallet, will provide customers with greater visibility into their ride history and savings accrued through time-based fare caps.

Up to 80% of Go-Ahead’s passengers pay digitally when they board Go-Ahead’s regional buses – with an increasing number ‘tapping on’ and ‘tapping off’ when they make a journey with the benefit of flexible capping in many areas. Instead of cash, customers are adopting smart cards, contactless and apps to pay for their journeys.

The groundwork for this new scheme was developed between teams at Google and at Go-Ahead’s payment provider Littlepay. Key benefits of this new feature include:

Real-Time Savings Information: Passengers tapping to pay for a bus journey will now quickly see how much they’ve saved through time-based fare caps, providing a clear understanding of the economic benefits of public transportation.

Ride History at Your Fingertips: Google Wallet will display comprehensive ride histories for passengers, allowing them to effortlessly keep track of their bus journeys and savings.

Enhanced Security and Convenience: The collaboration with Littlepay ensures secure and convenient payment transactions, reinforcing Go-Ahead’s commitment to delivering a frictionless travel experience.

The initial rollout of this feature is set to take place at Brighton & Hove Buses, serving as a pilot program to refine and optimise the functionality. Following this debut, Go-Ahead aims to expand the feature to more cities across the UK and beyond, offering passengers an unparalleled level of control and insight into their public transportation expenses.

“”
We are excited to join forces with Google to bring this groundbreaking feature to our passengers. This initiative reflects our commitment to leveraging technology to enhance the customer experience and make public transportation more accessible and user-friendly. We believe this collaboration will set a new standard for the industry, reinforcing our dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction.

Kanwar Brar

Go-Ahead’s Chief Digital and Information Officer

Nick Hill, Commercial Director at Brighton & Hove Buses said: “Most of our passengers are already using digital or contactless payment methods, so it makes sense for us to trial new ways in which we can further enhance the customers’ journey. With 60 million passengers on our buses a year, the customer experience is a top priority”.

“Paying for transit using Google Pay is quick, easy and secure” said Jonathan Hill, Head of Transit Partnerships, Google Pay, “By teaming up with Littlepay and Brighton & Hove Buses we are enabling Google Wallet users to track their spending and progress towards daily, or weekly travel caps. We want to help people feel more in control of their spending and encourage use of sustainable transport”

Paul Griffin, Head of Commercial at Littlepay said: “Being able to communicate in real time with passengers as part of the pay-as-you-go experience is a huge leap forward. This project will benefit riders, giving them visibility of savings made through PAYG. It also gives operators a pathway to develop relationships with PAYG passengers and create a real sense of membership and valued loyalty. Littlepay is delighted to be first to market with Google on this important initiative.”

The Go-Ahead Group looks forward to pioneering this transformative solution, with the goal of making public transportation a more seamless and enjoyable experience for passengers.

Leonard Lee appointed Managing Director of Go-Ahead Singapore

03 October 2023

Leonard Lee appointed Managing Director of Go-Ahead Singapore

New leadership at Go-Ahead Singapore, effective this month.

Andy Thompson to return to the UK to take up a new role at The Go-Ahead Group. Go-Ahead Singapore operates 440 buses and employs more than 1,000 people.

The Go-Ahead Group has appointed Leonard Lee to lead its successful bus business in Singapore, with responsibility for overseeing a team of more than 1,000 people.

Leonard became Managing Director on October 2nd, succeeding Andy Thompson who is returning to the UK to take up a new role for Go-Ahead Group.

Previously Engineering Director, Leonard has been with Go-Ahead Singapore since the company began operating buses in the city in 2016. He has overseen multiple innovations including the introduction of industry leading telematics, digitalisation tools and solar panels on buses.

A Singapore citizen, he has a degree in engineering from Nanyang Technological University and an MBA from the University of Manchester. Prior to joining Go-Ahead, he worked for one of the world’s largest container port operators, PSA Corporation.

The change of leadership comes after a period of prolonged success for Go-Ahead Singapore. The company runs 440  buses on 31 routes on the island with a commuter satisfaction score of over 90%.

Go-Ahead’s contract to operate buses was extended by Singapore’s Land Transport Authority last year, and runs until 2026.

“”
Our buses carry thousands of people every day in Singapore, and our colleagues do a great job every day in running essential public transport services. We’re committed to investing in, and expanding, Go-Ahead Singapore. Leonard is a terrific leader who knows the bus business inside out, and he is the ideal person to take the company to its next stage in development. Andy Thompson has been an exceptional managing director over the last four years. Under his tenure, we’ve become a well established player in Singapore public transport and I’m pleased that he will be staying with The Go-Ahead Group.

Christian Schreyer

Group Chief Executive, The Go-Ahead Group

“”
I am excited and truly honoured to be appointed to this role. I would like to thank Andy for his guidance and tremendous support over the years. Under his leadership, Go-Ahead Singapore has set a high standard, and I look forward to building on this legacy and driving our company’s continued success.

Leonard Lee

Managing Director, Go-Ahead Singapore

Go-Ahead mobilises Manchester’s first Bee Network buses

24 September 2023

Go-Ahead mobilises Manchester’s first Bee Network buses

More than 600 Go-Ahead colleagues involved in overnight launch of Manchester’s first franchised buses

Go North West takes over depots in Bolton and Wigan

Manchester’s mayor, Andy Burnham, on hand to see the first buses off shortly after 5am

The first Bee Network buses left depots in Bolton and Wigan this morning, marking the start of a new era for public transport in Greater Manchester.

A fleet of 320 buses will operate 50 routes – the first piece in place of a network eventually intended to span buses, trams, trains and bikes across the city.

The mobilisation marked a culmination of months of preparation by a team of 600 people at Go North West, which won the first two contracts to operate Bee Network buses. Go North West’s parent company, The Go-Ahead Group, deployed bus drivers from across the UK to help with this weekend’s launch.

The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, was at Bolton’s Weston Street bus depot to see off the first bus, along with Christian Schreyer, Chief Executive of The Go-Ahead Group.

“”
It’s been a real pleasure to welcome the first customers on board our Bee Network buses – the response we’ve had from the public today has been terrific. We’ve been preparing for today’s launch for many months and it’s fantastic to see the buses out on the road. This is, of course, only the start of the Bee Network and there is a lot of work still to come. But our goal is to work with the Mayor to deliver world class transport for a world class city, Manchester.

Nigel Featham

Managing Director, Go North West

Go-Ahead invests £40 million in drivers and buses for Bee Network launch

22 September 2023

Go-Ahead invests £40 million in drivers and buses for Bee Network launch

Go-Ahead bus drivers travel from across the UK to support launch

102 new buses form part of Bee Network fleet in Bolton and Wigan

Bee Network buses will begin carrying passengers at 5am on Sunday

Experienced bus drivers have travelled from across Britain to take part in Sunday’s Bee Network bus launch in Manchester, with vehicles set to be driven by colleagues from as far afield as Cornwall, Brighton, London and East Yorkshire.

Yellow-branded Bee Network buses will begin on Sunday morning on 50 bus routes in and around Bolton and Wigan – the first stage in what will eventually be a fully integrated public transport network across Greater Manchester.

 

Go North West has borrowed 85 drivers from its sister Go-Ahead bus companies across Britain for a three-month period to ensure the Bee Network launch goes smoothly, while new driver are being trained. All have volunteered for the secondment and have undergone extensive route training, an induction to Manchester and familiarisation with vehicles.

Go-Ahead and Transport for Greater Manchester have invested in 102 new buses, of which 50 are zero-emission electric vehicles. These will form part of an overall fleet of 320 vehicles to be mobilised on Sunday, branded in yellow Bee Network colours. The new vehicles will be fully accessible, with passenger information screens, space for two wheelchairs plus CCTV and two-way radios for security.

Sunday’s launch will be the culmination of ten months’ preparation and will involve more than 1,000 people – working out of two depots, operating 50 routes. The first bus out will leave Bolton’s bus depot at 5.07am.

Of a total of 550 drivers involved in Bolton and Wigan Bee Network operations, 70 are new recruits hired as part of Go North West’s “Elite Bus Driver Academy” training program and 85 are secondees from across the UK.

Go-Ahead companies which have loaned drivers include:

  • Go Cornwall Bus
  • Plymouth Citybus
  • Bluestar (Southampton)
  • Morebus (Bournemouth)
  • Southern Vectis (Isle of Wight)
  • Oxford Bus Company
  • Go-Ahead London
  • Brighton & Hove Buses and Metrobus
  • East Yorkshire Buses
  • Konectbus (Norfolk)
  • Hedingham & Chambers (Essex)
  • Go North East (Tyne & Wear)
“”
This is a big day for transport in Manchester and we’re delighted to have colleagues from across the UK helping us. So if you get on a Bee Network bus this weekend and hear an unfamiliar accent behind the wheel, don’t be surprised. These drivers will tide us over while we train hundreds of home-grown new drivers in Manchester who are going through our bus driver academy. Everyone behind the wheel of a bus will be extensively route trained and familiar with tickets, vehicles and customer service. We’re proud to be running 102 brand new buses, and we look forward to delivering exceptional public transport for Manchester.

Nigel Featham

Managing Director, Go North West

The final countdown: Go-Ahead prepares to operate Manchester’s first Bee Network buses

18 September 2023

The final countdown: Go-Ahead prepares to operate Manchester’s first Bee Network buses

Yellow Bee Network buses will roll out of depots in Bolton and Wigan on Sunday morning

Customers to benefit from safe, secure, comfortable zero-emission buses

Go North West welcomes colleagues from 6 incumbent bus brands, plus drivers new to the industry

Over 1,000 colleagues are ready to operate 320 buses on 50 routes

The Go-Ahead Group is making final preparations to run Manchester’s first Bee Network buses this weekend, with services due to begin on Sunday on 50 routes in Bolton and Wigan.

More than 1,000 colleagues at Go-Ahead’s Go North West operating company are involved in a team effort to run the yellow-branded buses, which mark the start of Transport for Greater Manchester’s Bee Network – which will be an integrated system bringing together all modes of local transport.

Mobilisation efforts have been underway for 10 months since the award of a contract to Go North West by TfGM. Go North West is taking over two depots from outgoing operators and buses will be swapped out, with fully trained new drivers in place, overnight.

Bee Network buses will replace Manchester’s six incumbent bus brands over the next 18 months, providing a joined up network for passengers. This weekend is the first of three phases in which buses across Greater Manchester will go yellow. Six liveries from legacy bus companies will eventually disappear.

Of the Bolton and Wigan fleet, 50 buses are zero-emission electric vehicles and all are fully accessible. All the buses on the network are equipped with passenger information screens and space for two wheelchairs, plus CCTV and two-way radios for security.

Go-Ahead brings expertise in franchised bus services from its track record as London’s largest bus operator, running a quarter of buses in the capital. The company also runs buses under contract for transport authorities in Ireland, Sweden and Singapore.

Fares remain £2 for an adult ticket, or £1 for a child.

“”
It’s all change for Manchester’s buses and we have a team of over 1,000 people ready to go this weekend. We’ve been working around the clock for months on a mammoth operation – every vehicle, every depot and every driver needs to be ready. We are determined to deliver world class public transport for a world class city. Go-Ahead is proud to be working with the Mayor and with Transport for Greater Manchester over this exciting changeover weekend.

Nigel Featham

Managing Director, Go North West

Angie Doll appointed Chief Executive Officer of Govia Thameslink Railway

14 September 2023

Angie Doll appointed Chief Executive Officer of Govia Thameslink Railway

Leadership transition at Britain’s biggest rail company with effect from the end of November

Angie Doll steps up from Chief Operating Officer to become Chief Executive Officer

After five years at GTR, Patrick Verwer moves to The Go-Ahead Group as Rail CEO

Govia Thameslink Railway announces today that Angie Doll is to become its Chief Executive Officer at the end of November, replacing Patrick Verwer who is stepping away from day-to-day management of Britain’s largest rail network.

The appointment has been made by The Go-Ahead Group and Keolis, joint owners of GTR – which delivers a fifth of all UK passenger rail journeys through its Thameslink, Southern, Great Northern and Gatwick Express services.

Angie is presently Chief Operating Officer of GTR – a role she has held since October 2021. Prior to that, she was Managing Director of Southern and Gatwick Express. She joined the railway industry in 1999 as station manager in Brighton, and has held a series of senior passenger delivery and strategic positions at Go-Ahead rail operating companies.

Her achievements include leading the UK’s first domestic high-speed train services at Southeastern, introducing a new Gatwick Express fleet and leading Southern to become National Passenger Operator of the Year in 2021. An advocate for diversity in the workplace, she has won the Everywoman Transport and Logistics Champion award and the Rail Business Award for Diversity, and she is a champion for youth employability.

The leadership handover at GTR enables Patrick Verwer to move to The Go-Ahead Group to take on a strategic role as Rail CEO. He will oversee rail development projects at Go-Ahead, which operates rail networks in Germany and Norway as well as the United Kingdom and has plans to expand in light rail under its ‘Next Billion Journeys’ strategy.

“”
Angie is a superb leader with a true instinct for the railways, and a keen eye for the needs of passengers. She has excelled in every role she’s held at Go-Ahead and she is the ideal person to steer GTR to its next phase of growth. I’d like to thank Patrick for his outstanding achievements in leading Britain’s busiest and most complex rail network over the last five years. He has delivered many innovations and he’s built a strong, stable and consistent service over a period in which the industry has faced significant challenges. I’m delighted he will be taking on a broader role at Go-Ahead, bringing fresh thinking, as well as years of experience to help us grow our rail business. I very much look forward to continuing working alongside him.

Christian Schreyer

Group Chief Executive Officer, The Go-Ahead Group

“”
This railway is very close to my heart and I feel proud and honoured to be taking on this new challenge. I very much look forward to leading the wonderful teams at Govia Thameslink Railway, so we build on the great progress we’ve already made. Partnering with our stakeholders and industry colleagues to deliver for our customers is going to be my absolute focus, so we meet customers’ needs, connect people and help communities thrive.

Angie Doll

“”
It has been an absolute pleasure working with the GTR team. They have shown dedication, true customer focus and incredible resilience. Together we have delivered significant innovation and development across London and the South East, including improvements to customer information and service punctuality, more focus on security and safety, as well as improvements to accessibility and diversity. I am absolutely delighted to be handing over the reins to Angie Doll later this year, and very much look forward to starting my new role at The Go-Ahead Group.

Patrick Verwer

From Kyiv to Brighton: Ukrainian evacuee drives buses for Go-Ahead

25 August 2023

From Kyiv to Brighton: Ukrainian evacuee drives buses for Go-Ahead

Former HGV driver is first to complete training under scheme to recruit Ukrainian refugees as bus drivers.

Initiative to hire Ukrainians has been developed in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions.

A Ukrainian evacuee has begun driving for Go-Ahead’s Brighton & Hove Buses under a government-backed initiative to recruit people displaced by the war.

Volodymyr Syrotiuk worked in a warehouse and drove heavy goods vehicles near Kyiv before the conflict in his home country broke out in 2022. He has since settled in Brighton and has joined the team at Brighton & Hove Buses.

Go-Ahead began taking steps to hire Ukrainians in November last year, when Brighton & Hove and Metrobus invited refugees to an open day in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions.

Ukrainians receive immediate settled status in Britain and have the right to work straight away. The Government has eased the process of exchanging their Ukrainian driving licenses for British ones, and Go-Ahead has introduced a new company policy and a special training programme to support refugees back into work.

Originally from Ukraine, Volodymyr has faced challenges of displacement and cultural adjustment since moving to the UK but has shown remarkable resilience since joined the team at Brighton & Hove Buses.

 

“”
We’re extremely happy to welcome Volodymyr to the team. As a company we can offer jobs to people from Ukraine who are looking to rebuild a more peaceful life. I hope this is the first of many to come, and that we continue to be able to help more refugees like Volodymyr find work and security in the UK.

Ed Wills

Managing Director of Brighton and Hove Buses

“”
I like it here in the UK, I have my family here and see them quite a lot, I have a daughter that finished university this summer as an architect, it’s made settling into the country easier. I’d encourage my friends from Ukraine to come here, and to seriously consider being a bus driver like me. I get to be in a position where I’m responsible for 80 people for every journey and it’s satisfying.

Volodymyr Syrotiuk

“”
We’re thrilled to hear about Volodymyr’s job start with Brighton & Hove Buses. We met Volodymyr at a Jobs Fair and his positive attitude shone through. We helped Volodymyr to access the Flexible Support Fund for help with the costs of converting his Ukrainian driving license to a British license. At the Jobcentre, we’re all about making a difference and removing barriers to work. By partnering with local businesses like Brighton & Hove buses, we’re able to build a stronger workforce and make a difference in our community.

Eloise Cornish

Employer Advisor Lead at Brighton and Hove Jobcentre

Open Top Cup: Go-Ahead routes vie for title of Britain’s best open top bus route

25 August 2023

Open Top Cup: Go-Ahead routes vie for title of Britain’s best open top bus route

Two scenic bus routes operated by The Go-Ahead Group are competing this weekend for the coveted title of Britain’s favourite open top bus tour.

Toon Tours, a cultural journey around Newcastle and Gateshead, is pitted against the New Forest Tour – a rural excursion through the depths of a national park – in the final of the Open Top Cup, a competition organised to mark a resurgence in popularity of open top bus tours.

The competition, organised by Great Scenic Journeys, began earlier this year with 32 open top routes from all corners of the UK. Through several rounds of social media voting, these have been whittled down to a final two, which will be put to the public over the August Bank Holiday Weekend.

Toon Tours is run by Go North East. A hop-on, hop-off trip, it showcases the attractions, museums, nightlife and industrial heritage of the north-east. It includes a ride along the Newcastle Gateshead Quayside with views of the Tyne and Millennium bridges, plus visits to Newcastle United’s ground St James’ Park, to the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and to Ouseburn, Newcastle’s cultural quarter.

Meanwhile, the New Forest Tour gives customers a glimpse of wandering ponies, pretty villages and magical landscapes, with a view a treetop level supplemented by audio commentary. The tour allows people to access walking trails and bike rides throughout the New Forest National Park.

“”
It’s exciting that these two fabulous scenic services have made it to the final and we are proud that our efforts have been recognised. Open Top Buses are a trend right now, with people re-connecting with the great British outdoors and enjoying the pleasures of a trip overlooking great scenery. These two routes couldn’t be more different in terms of scenery, however, share the same interest in offering great customer service. I wish them both the best of luck; they both deserve to win.

Martin Dean

Go-Ahead’s Managing Director

“”
It’s been great to see the fans of these lovely scenic routes get behind their favourites and the response on social media and beyond has been fantastic, reflecting the surge of interest in open top bus routes everywhere this summer, which has been reflected in high patronage across the nation. Sustainable, high quality fun days out are what makes scenic bus journeys so popular and rightly so!

Giles Fearnley

Chair of Great Scenic Journeys

Go-Ahead’s regional bus companies run a variety of open top tours across Britain. Others include:

City Sightseeing Oxford, offering passengers a glimpse into Oxfords heritage, starting and the railway station, to Castle Mill Stream’s hidden treasures and past the Sheldonian Theatre.

Clacton Breeze, allowing passengers to soak in the Essex coastline, all the way to the Clacton Pavilion and Pier.

Brighton City Sightseeing, with panoramic views of the shoreline, starting from the famous Brighton Palace Pier and ending at Brighton Station.

Ocean City Sights, a circular route from Plymouth City Centre around the historic Barbican and onto Plymouth Hoe and Plymouth Sound.

The Beachcomber, which goes along Scarborough’s seafront and to many of the town’s attractions such as the Rotunda Museum and Peaholms Park.

The Needles Breezer, from Yarmouth to Needles Battery and back via Freshwater Bay, Alum Bay, Totland – with views that will simply take your breath away.

Purbeck Breezer, from Bournemouth to Swanage, via the golden sands and clear waters of Sandbanks and Studland.

The final starts on Friday 25 August and finishes at the end of Bank Holiday Monday 28 August.