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News Category: People

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.

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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 East Anglia appoint Rupert Cox as Managing Director

16 August 2024

Go East Anglia appoint Rupert Cox as Managing Director

  • New MD will head up leading bus operator in Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk
  • Appointment made following interim period as MD
  • Experience of Rupert Cox will strengthen Go-Ahead’s leadership

The Go-Ahead Group today announces that Rupert Cox has been appointed as the Managing Director of Go East Anglia, effective from 1st September, following a successful period as interim MD, a position he started in June 2024.

Rupert first joined Go-Ahead in March 2024, working on business development projects and stepped into the interim role following Gavin Smith’s move to head up Go-Ahead’s Fastrack network operations in Kent.

Rupert’s industry experience spans two decades with all his career spent at Stagecoach where he began as graduate trainee manager before continuing to build his career through several commercial and operational roles. He then became Managing Director for the company covering the West of England and his last role was as Regional Director covering the South and Midlands in England.

Martin Dean, Managing Director of UK Regional Bus, Go-Ahead Group said “We’re delighted to appoint Rupert permanently as the Managing Director of Go East Anglia. He is an experienced and knowledgeable industry leader, with a track-record of delivering for customers, and his extensive career in bus will undoubtedly benefit our business.”

Rupert Cox, Interim Managing Director of Go East Anglia said “I am excited to have been appointed as the Managing Director of Go East Anglia. I’m looking forward to working in partnership with our transport authorities to grow our network across Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk and deliver services that benefit our customers and the communities that we serve”.

Go East Anglia is part of the Go-Ahead Group, and manages two operators, Konectbus and Hedingham and Chambers.

Go-Ahead named as leading Transport employer for Apprenticeships for third year running

26 July 2024

Go-Ahead named as leading Transport employer for Apprenticeships for third year running

  • Go-Ahead Group secures position as leading Apprenticeships employer in the Transport industry for the third year running
  • Public transport operator ranked 7th on the list of the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers, accredited by the Department for Education
  • Go-Ahead recruits’ apprentices across its regional bus companies and the largest UK rail company, Govia Thameslink Railway

The Go-Ahead Group is proud to be recognised as the top apprenticeships employer in the transport industry for a third year running in a ranking accredited by the Department for Education. Go-Ahead was named as the 7th top apprenticeships provider in England overall.

In the last 12 months the company has taken on nearly 1,000 apprentices through its award-winning apprenticeships programme, recruiting people into roles including bus drivers, train drivers and engineers in the bus and rail. The schemes act as a catalyst for the creation of permanent jobs at Go-Ahead and its subsidiaries across England, offering people a kick-start to their employment or an alternative path for those choosing to change careers.

Go-Ahead is committed to employing apprentices that represent the communities we serve and to grow diversity in teams across our bus and rail businesses. This year at Go-Ahead London, 65% of apprentices are BAME, nearly 20% are women, and 15% are neurodiverse.

More than 150 apprentices recently graduated at Go-Ahead London, the capital’s largest bus operator and at Govia Thameslink Railway, Go-Ahead’s UK rail operator, there was a 50% increase in women apprentices in 2023, with 60 of 176 apprentice new starters being women.

Miguel Parras, Group Chief Executive of Go-Ahead Group, said:

“At Go-Ahead, we understand the vital role apprenticeships play in our business and are committed to supporting the next generation of talent in our business and the industry as a whole.  Retaining our status as the leading transport employer for apprenticeships is a big achievement for everyone involved who has worked so hard and with such dedication, to ensure our apprenticeships programme continues to go from strength to strength”.

Go-Ahead’s Hannah Man wins customer excellence award at everywoman awards for Transport and Logistics

01 July 2024

Go-Ahead’s Hannah Man wins customer excellence award at everywoman awards for Transport and Logistics

Hannah Man, Communications Manager at Go-Ahead London, part of the Go-Ahead Group was announced as the winner of the Customer award at the annual everywoman awards in Transport and Logistics in London on Thursday 27th June. The award is presented to a woman in industry whose commitment to the highest standards of customer service led to outstanding business results.

The everywoman in Transport and Logistics Awards shine a spotlight on the industry’s most exceptional talent, providing an opportunity for companies and individuals to put forward candidates for categories celebrating all stages of their career journey.

Hannah’s remarkable journey in the transport industry, spanning nearly two decades, reflects her resilience, versatility, and unwavering commitment to customer service. Commencing her career in 2003 as a graduate trainee in the industry, she immersed herself in various roles, gaining comprehensive insights into all aspects of the industry, from driving to management at Go-Ahead London, London’s largest bus operator. During the London 2012 Olympics, she showcased her exceptional networking and communication skills to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.

Beyond her current role as Communications Manager overseeing internal communication output for colleagues across Go-Ahead London, Hannah champions the advancement of women’s careers as an ambassador for Go-Ahead Women. The initiative, launched by the company earlier this year will see 1,500 new women bus drivers hired by the end of 2025, gender equality in the business and £8m invested to create inclusive working environments across Go-Ahead’s bus businesses.

Nina Sjolund-Nesbeth, Head of People and Culture at the Go-Ahead Group said “Hannah’s dedication to customer service and to personal development throughout her career at Go-Ahead is a testament to her character. Her role in championing women in Go-Ahead’s workforce is outstanding and I am proud that she has been rightfully recognised with this award”.

Tom Joyner, Managing Director at Go-Ahead London said “Hannah’s knowledge and experience of the industry is exceptional. She has been a champion of customer service since joining the industry in 2003 and continues to excel in her current role as Communications Manager at London’s largest bus operator. I want to congratulate Hannah on this wonderful achievement”.

Hannah Man, Communications Manager at Go-Ahead London said “I’m excited and proud to have won the Customer award at the annual everywoman awards for Transport and Logistics. Customers are at the very heart of our business and in everything I do I want to improve their experience and help to achieve better results for our business. I’d like to thank my colleagues for this nomination and their support”.

Go East Anglia Managing Director to take on new role leading Go-Ahead’s Fastrack operations in Kent

14 June 2024

Go East Anglia Managing Director to take on new role leading Go-Ahead’s Fastrack operations in Kent

  • Experienced bus industry leader Gavin Smith to head up the team responsible for the Fastrack contract in Kent
  • Rupert Cox, currently working in business development at Go East Anglia appointed as MD on an interim basis
  • The Fastrack contract will run for 15-years with Go-Ahead operating routes from November 2024

The Go-Ahead Group today announces that Gavin Smith, Managing Director of Go East Anglia will transition to a new role within the Go-Ahead Group, effective from 17 June. Gavin will head up the team delivering the Fastrack network in Kent, a 15-year contract worth £110 million which Go-Ahead will operate from November 2024.

Gavin has worked in the public transport industry for over 20 years, starting his career as a bus driver in London before progressing into management roles and later leading the development and mobilisation of Go-Ahead’s River Road depot. He worked as Operations Director of Go-Ahead Singapore and then as Project Director in Australia before becoming Managing Director of Go East Anglia, a role he has held since July 2022.

Gavin will be replaced on an interim basis by Rupert Cox, a highly experienced bus industry professional, formerly a Regional Director for Stagecoach UK Bus, Rupert has worked with Go East Anglia since 1st March this year on business development projects.

Commenting on his move to the new role, Gavin Smith, said “I’m excited to be taking on the job leading the Fastrack network in Kent. Under the new contract, Go-Ahead will continue its decarbonisation journey, transitioning from a diesel to an all-electric fleet to serve our customers and we will welcome over 100 new colleagues to the business”.

He added “Go-Ahead’s investment in people and development has enabled me to build a varied career in the decade that I have been at the company, and I look forward to more success as we mobilise the Fastrack contract in the months to come”.

Martin Dean, Managing Director of UK Regional Bus, Go-Ahead Group said “We’re excited to appoint an experienced leader in Gavin to the role as we move towards the mobilisation of the contract. Gavin’s expertise and focus on delivering high quality services will be crucial as we take on the responsibility for more than 2.5 million people who travel across the Fastrack network annually. We’re also delighted that Rupert, a knowledgeable industry leader, has agreed to take on the role overseeing our East Anglian business, building on his extensive career in bus”.

Go-Ahead announces Board appointment to drive UK and international growth

13 June 2024

Go-Ahead announces Board appointment to drive UK and international growth

  • UK’s leading public transport operator announces new Non-Executive Director
  • Louise Cheeseman will join the Board of the Go-Ahead Group from July 1st
  • Her appointment will bring greater diversity in thinking and strengthen the Board with recognised industry expertise and experience to support Go Ahead’s strong growth strategy

Go-Ahead has announced the appointment of experienced transport leader Louise Cheeseman, who will join the board of the Go-Ahead Group as a Non-Executive Director, effective from July 1st.

The addition of Louise as a new Director will support the company’s strategic plan to grow its business within the UK and internationally, ensure greater diversity in thinking whilst also strengthening the Board with internationally recognised industry expertise and experience.

Since its acquisition by Kinetic and Globalvia over 18 months ago, Go-Ahead has acquired bus and coach companies across the UK, won major contracts to run franchised bus networks internationally, and built its market share overseas including the contract award for the renowned Stockholm Metro. It is the leader in the deployment of zero-emission buses in the UK with over 1,200 zero-emission buses, and is on track to achieve its plan of decarbonising its entire 7,000 strong bus fleet by 2035.

Louise brings a wealth of experience to Go-Ahead from her diverse career as an award-winning senior leader in public transport across the public and private sector. Louise began her career in rail operations working for Northern Rail and Arriva Rail. She led Hull Trains as Managing Director for over four years from 2017, overseeing a key part of the UK’s rail network. Her most recent role in the industry was as Director of Bus at Transport for London (TfL) from 2021 to 2024 where she oversaw the strategic direction of the capital’s bus services.

In 2023 Louise founded Women in Bus and Coach (WiBC), a national network created to encourage, represent, support, and retain women in the bus and coach profession. She remains Chair of the network continuing to advocate for greater diversity and inclusivity in the industry. Go-Ahead became a member of WiBC this year as it launched its highly regarded Go-Ahead Women campaign, aiming to achieve gender diversity by 2035, which commenced with a target of recruiting 1,500 women over the next 18 months and committing more than £16m investment for training women and investing in places of work.

Louise’s experience of delivering outstanding bus and rail services for customers, coupled with her knowledge of bus decarbonisation and commitment to gender equality will help Go-Ahead continue to be a leader in these areas.

Commenting on the appointment of Louise Cheeseman, Miguel Parras, Group CEO of Go-Ahead said “We are delighted to welcome Louise to her role on the Board of the Go-Ahead Group. Her knowledge and experience is unrivalled, and Louise will play a vital role in supporting our management team to deliver its strategic plan of growth, achieving our ambitious decarbonisation and equality targets, and most importantly, delivering on our mission of connecting people and communities across the globe, both today and tomorrow.”

Go-Ahead Group Announces Corporate Sponsorship for Women in Bus and Coach (WiBC)

09 May 2024

Go-Ahead Group Announces Corporate Sponsorship for Women in Bus and Coach (WiBC)

Go-Ahead Group is proud to announce its partnership with the Women in Bus in Coach (WiBC) as a corporate sponsor, further solidifying its commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity in the workplace.

WiBC is a leading organisation dedicated to creating a national network to encourage, represent, support, and retain women in the bus, coach, and community transport profession. As a corporate sponsor, Go-Ahead Group joins WiBC in alignment with a common goal to foster an industry that embraces gender equality and provides dignity, respect and fairness for all.

“At Go-Ahead, we believe in the power of diversity to drive innovation, creativity, and success,” said Carolyn Ferguson, Chief People Officer of Go-Ahead Group. “By partnering with WiBC, we are reaffirming our commitment to creating a workplace where all individuals have equal opportunities to thrive and succeed.”

This partnership builds upon Go-Ahead’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, including the launch of the Go-Ahead Women campaign in March, which aims to increase the number of women bus drivers. Through initiatives like these, Go-Ahead Group strives to create a workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, has equal opportunities to succeed.

“We are thrilled to welcome Go-Ahead Group as a corporate sponsor of WiBC,” Kerri Cheek, Director for WiBC. “Their commitment to diversity and inclusion reflects a shared vision of creating a more equitable future for women in business. Together, we will work towards breaking down barriers and empowering women to reach their full potential.”

As part of its sponsorship, Go-Ahead Group will actively participate in WiBC’s events, mentorship programs, and advocacy efforts, demonstrating its ongoing support for women’s leadership and advancement in the workplace.

For more information about Go-Ahead Women, please visit Go-Ahead Women – Supporting women in the bus industry.

Go-Ahead’s blue London buses to drive diversity with more women behind the wheel

28 March 2024

Go-Ahead’s blue London buses to drive diversity with more women behind the wheel

  • The ‘Go-Ahead Women’ buses are a part of a national recruitment campaign to encourage more women bus drivers
  • The blue double decker buses will be operating on Go-Ahead London route 132 from Bexleyheath to North Greenwich
  • The Group aims to attract 1,500 women drivers to its UK and Ireland bus operations in a major recruitment drive
  • The Group plans to invest £15.5 million to create inclusive environments and offer eight weeks of paid training for new recruits

This morning marked a significant milestone for Go-Ahead as two vibrant blue double-decker buses hit the London streets, with a bold message: “Go-Ahead Women”. These buses, now operating on Go-Ahead London’s Route 132 from Bexleyheath to North Greenwich, symbolise Go-Ahead’s commitment to promoting gender diversity within the transport industry.

As part of a national recruitment campaign, Go-Ahead is dedicated to encouraging more women to pursue careers as bus drivers. With the ambitious goal of attracting 1,500 women drivers to its UK and Ireland operations by 2025, Go-Ahead aims to challenge the status quo in a sector where women currently represent only 11.5% of driver roles.

Recognising the need for greater representation, Go-Ahead is also investing £8 million in upgrading bus depot facilities which includes work to create inclusive working environments where women colleagues have opportunities, feel supported and empowered to thrive.

The Go-Ahead Women initiative offers an inclusive platform for women, featuring an 8-week fully paid training program, on-the-job coaching, and mentoring schemes, which is an estimated investment of £7.5 million. The company seeks to achieve gender parity by 2035, a pioneering endeavour in an industry historically dominated by men.

The launch of these eye-catching buses today, proudly driven by Go-Ahead London women drivers signifies the need for a cultural shift within the transport industry.

Carmen Bell, one of the Go-Ahead London drivers, shared her journey: “My friends were surprised when I expressed my desire to become a bus driver, but now they see me behind the wheel, interacting with passengers, and they realise it’s a perfect fit for me.”

Sandra Fraser, another Go-Ahead London bus driver, expressed her enthusiasm for more women joining the profession: “I started driving a few years ago, and witnessing more women entering the industry is fantastic. The support, mentorship, and women-only recruitment days make it accessible for anyone considering a career in driving.”

Carolyn Ferguson, Chief People Officer for the Go-Ahead Group, emphasised the company’s commitment to empowering women: “With this new campaign we’re determined to break down barriers in the transport industry and create a workplace where women can thrive.

“I’m sure there are lots of women who have never thought about being a bus driver and so, this is a perfect way to explore the opportunities available.”

To learn more about the ‘Go-Ahead Women’ initiative and join the movement towards diversity and inclusion in transport, visit Go-Ahead Women – Supporting women in the bus industry.

Go-Ahead plans to recruit 1,500 women bus drivers, aiming for 50% gender equality by 2035

08 March 2024

Go-Ahead plans to recruit 1,500 women bus drivers, aiming for 50% gender equality by 2035

  • Go-Ahead sets an ambitious target to achieve 50% gender equality by 2035 in its bus divisions
  • The Group plans to invest £8 million to create inclusive environments and training opportunities
  • New recruits will receive eight weeks of fully paid training estimated to be an investment of £7.5 million in total

Today, the Go-Ahead Group announces the launch of an exciting new initiative to attract and recruit 1,500 new women drivers across its bus operations.

With the ‘Go-Ahead Women’ initiative, the company is embarking on a mission to achieve 50% gender equality by 2035, marking a significant step in the traditionally male dominated transport sector.

Recognising the need for greater representation, Go-Ahead is also investing £8 million in upgrading bus depot facilities which includes work to create inclusive working environments where women colleagues have opportunities, feel supported and empowered to thrive.

According to recent data from Women in Bus and Coach, women make up 10% of the workforce in the bus industry. At present, 11.5% of bus driver roles are occupied by women within Go-Ahead’s bus companies and the group is outlining its commitment on International Women’s Day to bridge this gender gap and to achieve true gender diversity by 2035.

In addition to the recruitment drive, new hires will benefit from a comprehensive 8-week fully paid training program, designed to equip them with the skills and confidence needed to excel in their roles. This initiative underscores Go-Ahead’s commitment to lead the industry in nurturing talent and providing equal opportunities for career advancement.

In Go-Ahead’s UK rail division, the number of women train drivers joining Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) has steadily increased year-on-year, with 2023 seeing the highest split yet at 40%. Go-Ahead and GTR continue to focus on attracting more women in rail to ensure its workforce represents the communities it serves.

Matt Carney, Chief Executive – Go-Ahead Bus said: “Gender equality isn’t just a goal – it’s a commitment to building a better future for all. By setting an ambitious target to achieve 50% gender parity by 2035 and investing £8 million to support women drivers in their work environment, we are taking decisive steps to create a more inclusive and equitable workplace.”

Carolyn Ferguson, Chief People Officer for the Go-Ahead Group said: “We firmly believe that diversity drives innovation and success. We’re investing in training and development opportunities for women drivers, and by doing this we’re not only enriching our workforce but also paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future.”

A journey for every man, woman, and child in England: Go-Ahead sells 60 million bus tickets at £2

20 February 2024

A journey for every man, woman, and child in England: Go-Ahead sells 60 million bus tickets at £2

  • Go-Ahead has sold more £2 tickets than the population of England since national bus fare cap began
  • Big boosts in passenger numbers on longer routes in Sussex, Yorkshire, and Buckinghamshire
  • Government’s “Get Around for £2” scheme helps safeguard routes and support customers with the cost of living

Go-Ahead’s bus companies have sold a £2 bus ticket for every man, woman, and child in England since the country’s nationwide bus fare cap was introduced by the Government at the beginning of 2023.

Ticket sales have reached 60 million across the group’s eight regional bus networks – surpassing the English population, which is 56.5 million according to the Office for National Statistics.

The Department for Transport’s “Get Around for £2” scheme has made bus travel cheaper on all of Go-Ahead’s regional bus companies – which have networks stretching from Cornwall to Northumberland.

The biggest seller of discount tickets in Go-Ahead’s network is Brighton & Hove Buses and Metrobus, which has carried more than 15 million passengers at £2. All of Go-Ahead’s regional bus companies outside London and Manchester are participating in the scheme.

Longer routes have proven particularly popular under the scheme. Journeys showing big increases in passenger numbers include:

  • Metrobus routes 270-273 – Crawley and East Grinstead to Brighton – a 30% increase in passenger numbers
  • Carousel Buses route 102 – High Wycombe to Heathrow Airport – a 40% rise in customers
  • East Yorkshire Buses’ X46 service – Hull to York – a 43% increase in passengers
  • Salisbury Reds X3 – Salisbury to Bournemouth – a 25% jump in passengers
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In just over a year, we’ve sold a £2 bus ticket for every man, woman and child in England. That’s great news – it shows that the bus fare cap has encouraged our regular customers to get out and about more frequently, and it’s attracted new passengers onto our buses.

Longer bus services between towns and villages are proving particularly popular at £2. The success of this scheme is a reminder of just how important buses are in connecting communities and helping people to access vital local services.

Martin Dean, Go-Ahead’s Managing Director, Regional Bus

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The number of people who are saving money through our get around for £2 fare cap is continuing to grow and grow – with fares in England, outside of London, falling by over 6% and by nearly 11% in rural areas.

It is clear getting around for £2 has got people back on our buses, better connecting our communities, supporting the economy across the country and giving people the freedom to travel and save some cash while they do.

Guy Opperman, Roads Minister

Participating Go-Ahead bus companies include:

  • Brighton & Hove Buses and Metrobus
  • Go South Coast – Bluestar, Morebus, Southern Vectis, Salisbury Reds, and Swindon’s Bus Company
  • Go South West – Plymouth Citybus, Go Cornwall, Go Devon and Dartline
  • The Oxford Bus Company – including Carousel Buses, Thames Travel and Pulham & Sons
  • Go East Anglia – Konectbus, Hedingham and Chambers
  • East Yorkshire Buses