NO. 27
GLOUCESTERSHIRE'S 100 BIGGEST EMPLOYERS
25 years on the road
Reliable carrier of more than 500 million passengers, in charge of an ever growing fleet of 306 buses and employer of 535 staff and counting – this page is the stop off for StagecoachWest. This year it celebrates 25 years in business, during which it has seen its fleet grow by 85 per cent and staff numbers grow by 60 per cent. Running out of six depots – Gloucester, where it also has its head office, Cheltenham, Stroud, Swindon, Wye & Dean and North Bristol – the business has been serving the West and connecting passengers for over two decades, but hasn’t fallen behind the times.
“And it doesn’t end there. Just because we have improved over the last 25 years doesn’t mean we are standing still. From our intelligent tracking systems which monitor safe driving to digital technology that gives our passengers real-time bus arrivals, the landscape is ever changing,” added Mr Cox. Passengers can download the Stagecoach app to plan their journey, track their bus and buy tickets wherever they are – often at a 10 per cent cheaper rate. “Today, we run a large network of services both day and night, compared with a quarter of a century ago, have better trained drivers and better provision for passengers comfort on board,” said Mr Cox. "A recent independent survey by consumer watchdog Transport Focus showed nine out of 10 customers said they were satisfied with the service.” Female bus drivers are proactively encouraged to join the team and the business drives towards its aims of a more diverse workforce, including great rates of pay, flexible hours and part-time working. Ever innovating – one of its latest initiatives is an invitation to visit businesses throughout the region to talk about potential new routes and adapted services to help their staff leave the car at home and travel by bus. “With our continued focus on safety, outstanding service, passenger comfort, environmentally friendly vehicles and ongoing driver training, the journey continues – but we like to think we are on the right road,” said Mr Cox l For more information visit www.stagecoachbus.com/about/west
Reflecting on just how far it has come, Stagecoach West’s celebratory 25 year infographic opposite marks a roadmap of milestones - highlighting the continuing development and advancements in bus travel and on board passenger comfort. Its journey includes improving everything from frequency of services, to modern–day payment technologies, more environmentally friendly buses and special driver training. “Twenty five years of Stagecoach West is a real achievement and we’ve come a long way,” said Rupert Cox, the managing director of Stagecoach West, who leads a dynamic young management team, including a fellow director still only in his early thirties. “Mobile phone, tablet and laptop users would not have been able to connect outside the workplace a few years ago. However, today passengers can enjoy free Wi- Fi and those on our Gold buses can relax in the extra comfort of bespoke Italian leather seats, enjoy extra leg room and air-cooling in warmer months.” Just like most fledgling businesses, the company’s founders multi-tasked and were hands on in all areas. Brian Souter, now Sir Brian, drove the first Stagecoach bus from Dundee to London and his sister Ann Gloag made the sandwiches. How times have changed.
Rupert Cox, managing director, StagecoachWest
May 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 27
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs