Latest Blog List

Awards shortlist for Manchester!

15 Feb 2012 15:03:41 GMT

Our bus operations in Manchester have been named as a finalist in the ‘Large Business’ category at the inaugural Greater Manchester Green Business Awards.

The company has been shortlisted for its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and to recycling waste, as well as its internal schemes, which are designed to engage staff and encourage them to support Stagecoach’s environmental initiatives.

The awards recognise local organisations, both large and small, which have placed environmental best practice at the heart of their business success.

Christopher Bowles, managing director of Stagecoach Manchester, said: “We take our environmental responsibility very seriously, and we aim to offer the most up-to-date vehicles and best service possible to our customers, while at the same time keeping the environmental impact of our operations to a minimum.”

We've won another green award!

16 Nov 2011 10:21:17 GMT

We are celebrating further green success after being named Low Carbon Vehicle Operator of the Year.

After investing heavily in state-of-the-art hybrid electric buses and launching innovative projects such as Britain's first BioBuses and vehicles running on biomethane made from household waste, we were delighted to among the winners at the 2011 Low Carbon Champion Awards held in London this week.

Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Sir Brian Souter said: “We’re delighted to have won this latest green award, which recognises the hard work of our employees in reducing the impact of our operations on the environment.

“As well as looking at new and innovative ways to make our fleet even greener, we believe it's important to help people reduce their own carbon footprint by offering good value, greener, smarter transport and raising awareness of more sustainable ways of living and doing business."

We've won a top green award!

31 Oct 2011 11:50:22 GMT

We are celebrating a recent success at the 2011 Route One Operator Excellence Awards after winning a top green honour.

Along with Scottish vehicle manufacturer Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL), we were jointly awarded the inaugural Green Award at the Birmingham ceremony, after leading the UK on the introduction of state-of-the-art green hybrid-electric buses which produce up to 30% less carbon emissions than conventional diesel buses.

Government figures published earlier this year confirmed that Stagecoach is leading the way on investing in new greener buses using state-of-the-art hybrid electric technology.

We're testing a gas bus!

03 Oct 2011 15:24:24 GMT

At Stagecoach we have recently launched a six-week trial in Liverpool of a new hi-tech bus powered by compressed natural gas (CNG).

CNG-powered buses are used extensively in continental Europe, but this is the first trial of this kind of vehicle in the UK.

The 12-metre single-decker MAN EcoCity bus has an engine that is quieter than traditional diesel-engined vehicles and also has significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions than standard buses.

The bus can also run on biomethane, which we already use as a fuel as part of a project in Lincoln.

We're shortlisted for a top green award!

19 Sep 2011 15:57:47 GMT

We are in the running for a top environmental honour after being shortlisted as a finalist at the 2011 Scottish Green Awards.

Stagecoach has been named as one of four finalists in the Best Green Large Company category at the awards ceremony to be held in Glasgow on 29 September.

It is the third consecutive year that we have been shortlisted at the Scottish Green Awards. In 2009 Stagecoach was named Best Travel Provider at the event and we also won the Best PR Campaign Award.

We've been highly commended!

29 Jul 2011 09:39:57 GMT

Our commitment to sustainability was recognised at the inaugural 2011 BusinessGreen Leaders Awards when we were highly commended in the main Company of the Year category at the awards ceremony held in London.

We were nominated for our commitment to becoming a greener business and were among companies honoured for leading the way in helping build a low carbon economy.

Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Sir Brian Souter, who has been the driving force behind our environmental strategy, was also a shortlisted finalist in the Leader of the Year category.

A year's free travel for Robyn!

23 Jun 2011 14:07:00 GMT

Child care student Robyn Durnell has won free bus travel for a year on Stagecoach South services after entering our Green Week online competition.

Robynl, 17, who commutes daily by bus from her home to Alton College, received her prize - worth £775 - from Steve Venables, Acting Operations Manager for Stagecoach in Aldershot.

She said: “I’m delighted as I often enter competitions but this is the first time I have ever won a prize!”

We're blending our own biofuel!

20 Jun 2011 14:03:38 GMT

Stagecoach has become the first UK bus company to mix our own biofuel on site using a new bio-blender installed at our Kilmarnock depot.

This means that around 100 buses in the west of Scotland will operate on up to 40% biofuel which will be mixed on site. We have invested £75,000 in the new technology which allows our staff to set the blend of fuel that is required.

The new initiative follows the launch of the UK’s first bio-buses in Kilmarnock in 2007 – nine vehicles which run on 100% biofuel made from used cooking oil and other food industry by-products.

Managing Director of Stagecoach UK Bus, Les Warneford said: “We have had great success in Kilmarnock with the bio-buses which have helped us reduce our own carbon footprint and attract more people on to greener transport. The installation of this bio-blender means the rest of the vehicles at the depot can now run on up to 40% biofuel, making it one of the greenest bus fleets in the country.”

Introducing our biomethane buses!

31 May 2011 09:25:13 GMT

Stagecoach has launched a fleet of greener buses powered by household rubbish and animal waste.

The innovative project has been launched on some of our buses in Lincoln, in partnership with Lincolnshire County Council and the East Midlands Development Agency. It involves 11 Optare Solo buses which have been converted to run on biomethane fuel which is created from recycled waste and will help reduce carbon emissions from the buses by up to 40% and help cut landfill.

Stagecoach Chief Executive Brian Souter launched the buses at Whisby landfill site in Lincoln.

Green Week ends... but our work continues

27 May 2011 15:11:42 GMT

It’s the final day of our 2011 Stagecoach Green Week and, although our activities for this week are nearly over, our hard work to become a greener business will continue.

During the week, our customers have enjoyed giveaways, roadshows and competitions, while our staff have been involved too - many have taken part in community initiatives, and have put forward their own green suggestions.

We have set ourselves ambitious targets to reduce our carbon footprint and we will continue to try new ideas and new technology to become a more environmentally-friendly company.

Roadshows on the go!

27 May 2011 13:48:57 GMT

During this year’s Green Week, roadshows and events have been held at a number of our bus companies across the UK.

In Ayr, passers-by were intrigued by the goodies on offer at the Green Week roadshow earlier in the week while staff - and Buster the mascot - were on hand to give out freebies and promote the benefits of taking the bus.

What a giveaway!

26 May 2011 11:17:56 GMT

Stagecoach Merseyside staff played their part in Green Week by handing our green travel kits to passengers in Liverpool.

The team – dressed in their special Green Week t’shirts – took to the streets to spread the word about Stagecoach Green Week, handing out the giveaways to hundreds of passers-by.

Cleaning up the beach!

25 May 2011 12:05:19 GMT

Members of Stagecoach East Scotland's Green Team and staff volunteers took part in a litter pick on Leven Beach and Promenade yesterday as part of Green Week 2011.

Despite the blustery conditions, the team managed to collect 10 bags of rubbish, improving the appearance, and safety, of the beach for the local community and visitors.

The East Scotland Green Team was established at the start of this year, and is made up of staff representatives from depots across East Scotland, who take an active role in developing and promoting green practices throughout the company.

Jodine's our green champion!

25 May 2011 11:18:25 GMT

Each year, we launch a search for our Green Champion – an employee who has done most to champion greener working practices and sustainability.

We’re delighted to announce that the 2011 Stagecoach Green Champion title – and cash prize – was awarded to Stagecoach North East Marketing Manager Jodine Milne who was the driving force behind the local bus company’s energy-saving and carbon reduction initiatives, engaging employees through local eco-teams.

Jodine is pictured receiving her award from Stagecoach Group Finance Director Martin Griffiths.

The silver award went to South West Trains ticket office clerk Dilip Patel, while Stagecoach Manchester Health, Safety and Environment Advisor Bill Priday won the bronze award.
Congratulations to all our green champions!

We're fitting greener bus engines!

24 May 2011 16:37:48 GMT

Today Stagecoach announced that we are fitting new, greener engines in some of our mid-life buses to reduce emissions and lower our carbon footprint.

We plan to spend around £500,000 over the next 12 months re-powering around 50 buses with more efficient engines.

The new Euro 5- engines will replace the vehicles’ current Euro 3 engines, reducing fuel consumption by up to 25% and lowering carbon emissions as well as pro-longing the life of the vehicles and providing greater reliability for passengers.

Grab a green giveaway!

24 May 2011 11:21:13 GMT

As part of Green Week, we are handing out green travel kits to customers at bus stations and travel centres across the UK.

Our green kit contains a bookmark made from recycled tyres, a pencil made from recycled newspapers, a Sudoku activity book made from recycled paper and an eco-friendly screenwipe for mobile phones and ipods, all stored in an organic travel case.

All of our goodies can be used while travelling – making it even more enjoyable to take the bus!

Welcome to Stagecoach Green Week 2011!

23 May 2011 10:18:46 GMT

Today marks the first day of Stagecoach Green Week 2011 – a week-long programme of events designed to show customers and staff the measures we are taking to reduce our carbon footprint as well as offering tips on simple ways that people can live greener lifestyles.

We’ll also be using the week to remind people of the time – and money – savings that can be made by taking the bus instead of going by car.

Throughout the week, eco-friendly giveaways are being held at bus stations across the country, along with roadshows and the launch of new environmental measures at several Stagecoach companies across the UK and North America. In addition, poster competitions and educational talks are taking place at a number of schools and in some areas Stagecoach companies are holding environmental awareness events in partnership with local councils. There will also be the chance for people to win a year's free travel on their local bus network in the UK*.

Information on green issues will also be provided to Stagecoach employees throughout the week as well as advice on ways in which they can reduce their carbon footprint both at work and at home. Staff will also have the chance to put forward their own green suggestions and many employees will take part in green activities such as car-share schemes, local litter-picks, green competitions and raffles, the proceeds of which will go to environmental charities.

*Offer excludes London

Stagecoach Green Week is fast approaching!

18 May 2011 12:04:14 GMT

It’s that time of year again….Stagecoach Green Week begins on Monday (23 May) and we have plenty of green awareness activities going on for staff and customers across the UK.

During the week, we are again giving customers the chance to win a year’s free travel on Stagecoach bus services in their local area so make sure you look out for more details on that next week.

We are also holding customer giveaways, roadshows and school poster competitions to help raise awareness of green issues. Our staff won’t miss out either, with lots going on for them too as we take the chance to show our employees, and our passengers, that we are making good progress in our aim to become a more sustainable business.

Don’t forget, Stagecoach Green Week 2011 takes place from 23 – 27 May.

We're leading the way on hybrid buses

22 Apr 2011 13:30:40 GMT

Government figures have shown that Stagecoach is leading the way on investing in new greener buses using state-of-the-art hybrid electric technology.

Transport Minister Norman Baker recently visited our operation in Oxford as the Department for Transport confirmed that a total of 542 vehicles have been bought through the Government’s Green Bus Fund in England. More than 20% of them have been purchased by Stagecoach – that’s the biggest investment in low carbon buses outside London.

We have also announced that we are spending a further £3.8million introducing an additional 20 Alexander Dennis Enviro 400 electric hybrid vehicles in Manchester, with a support package of £1.8million from the Green Bus Fund.

This latest order means that, in the past year, Stagecoach has placed orders for 142 state-of-the-art hybrid electric vehicles, at a cost of £26.9million. The buses will to go into service across the country, delivering a 30% cut in carbon emissions compared to standard vehicles.

Hybrid buses are already in operation on Stagecoach services in Manchester and Oxford (pictured) with more on the way for England and Scotland by 2012.

In line for top awards!

19 Apr 2011 15:42:40 GMT

Stagecoach Group is in the running for two honours at the 2011 BusinessGreen Leaders Awards.

We have been named as a finalist in the Company of the Year category, while our Group Chief Executive Brian Souter has been shortlisted as Leader of the Year at the awards ceremony to be held in London on 7 July.

We are nominated for our commitment to becoming a more sustainable business, following the launch of our sustainability strategy and our investment of £11million in a range of measures to meet our environmental targets.

We estimate that our five-year programme, from 2009-10 to 2013-14, will save a total of nearly 150,000 tonnes of CO2e.

Brian Souter has been shortlisted for his commitment to environmental improvement. His drive towards improved business sustainability and his commitment to creating new, innovative transport links are behind our advanced environmental strategy.

New eco-driving technology!

17 Mar 2011 14:14:15 GMT

Stagecoach is investing millions of pounds in a hi-tech eco-driving system for our bus operations in Scotland, England and Wales.

Around 13,800 Stagecoach drivers will soon start using the GreenRoad system to help reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions, improve passenger comfort and cut the risk of accidents.

We are targeting a 4% reduction in fuel consumption using the technology, which is being rolled out on its fleet of 6,500 buses outside London.

The GreenRoad 360 system uses a dashboard traffic lights-style system to provide drivers with real-time feedback on their driving style, including speed, braking, acceleration, lane-handling and turning.

A key element of the initiative will also be an EcoDriver incentive scheme giving employees the chance to earn “green points” that are converted into financial benefits from a potential £900,000 annual bonus pot.

New bus orders!

12 Jan 2011 11:23:34 GMT

Stagecoach has announced multi-million-pound plans to buy and lease a total of more than 520 new buses and coaches for its operations across the UK in 2011-12.

We are investing £52million in 360 new buses and coaches for the coming financial year. These vehicles will be introduced in our regional bus networks across the UK, further improving the standard of travel for passengers in Scotland, England and Wales.

We have also confirmed plans to lease more than 160 new state-of-the-art vehicles for our bus operations in London, which were acquired in October 2010.

The new orders follow an annual tendering process and all of the vehicles meet the latest Euro 5 emissions standards. The latest announcement follows investment in more than 60 hybrid electric buses, which was announced late last year.

Celebrating green success!

18 Nov 2010 12:05:53 GMT

Stagecoach recently won a top honour at the 2010 Green Business Awards for its innovative Bio-bus project in Kilmarnock.

The company scooped the Travel and Transport Award at a ceremony held in London earlier this month after the judges noted that Stagecoach “has demonstrated that public transport can make a significant contribution to reducing the country’s carbon dioxide emissions”.

Since its launch, the Bio-bus project has reduced CO2 emissions from the vehicles by 80%, saving 2450 tonnes of carbon. Around 2million passengers have used the Bio-buses since the project was introduced and more than 70tonnes of used cooking oil has been recycled at East Ayrshire Council’s recycling plant since the start of the project – a significant increase on the volume usually recycled at the facility.

Going green in Manchester!

13 Oct 2010 11:33:14 GMT

Stagecoach Manchester has become the second Stagecoach bus company to launch electric hybrid buses.

Following the introduction of 26 of the cleaner, greener vehicles in Oxfordshire, Manchester has launched a fleet of 30 vehicles to its operations.

The vehicles are manufactured by Alexander Dennis and BAE Systems and produce 30% less carbon emissions than standard buses.

The new vehicles in Oxford and Manchester represent a £16million investment, £5million of which is being provided through a support package from the Department for Transport's Green Bus Fund.

Greener clothing for Stagecoach bus drivers!

29 Sep 2010 16:25:12 GMT

In its latest environmental initiative, Stagecoach is issuing its bus drivers across the UK with new greener clothing made from recycled plastic bottles.

Incorporatewear, which designs and supplies the company’s uniform, has developed a new fleece which is now being rolled out to staff across Stagecoach’s UK Bus division.

Stagecoach has adopted the unusual garment as part of its commitment to becoming a more sustainable business. By introducing the new fleeces to all of its 14,000 drivers, the company could save around 350,000 plastic bottles being disposed of in landfill sites*.

*Statistics from EXCELASSOC CO., LTD.

We're shortlisted for the Scottish Green Awards!

15 Sep 2010 11:47:29 GMT

Stagecoach Group is in the running for a top honour at the 2010 Scottish Green Awards.

The transport group has been named as one of three finalists in the Best Green Large Company category at the awards ceremony to be held in Glasgow later this month.

This year's announcement follows a double success for Stagecoach at the same event last year when the company was named Best Green Travel Provider and Best Green PR Campaign.

Stagecoach has implemented a number of ground-breaking environmental projects in Scotland, including the introduction of the UK’s first Bio-buses (pictured), Scotland’s first carbon neutral bus network and the country’s first reverse vending recycling scheme.

Steve's our Green Champion!

02 Sep 2010 09:05:13 GMT

Stagecoach Manchester Depot Cleaner Steve Dawson was delighted to be named the 2010 Stagecoach Green Champion. Steve, who works at Princess Road Depot, is part of the “Green Team” at the Princess Road depot, which is focused on reducing energy consumption. Steve took a very simple approach, working his way round the depot switching off lights and electrical equipment. His dedication has set an example to colleagues and slashed electrical consumption at the depot, saving over £50,000 a year and making him a worthy Green Champion.

Steve is pictured with Stagecoach Group Chief Executive Brian Souter and Non-Executive Director Helen Mahy.

Hybrid buses go into service

01 Sep 2010 12:04:22 GMT

Stagecoach has launched Britain's biggest single investment in green hybrid bus technology. The first of a £16m investment in 56 state-of-the-art buses for the UK, with 30% less carbon emissions than standard vehicles, have gone into service in Oxford.

British bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis and BAE Systems have provided the technology behind the new low carbon buses, which feature an innovative regenerative braking system. A fleet of 26 hybrid vehicles will run on some of the busiest city centre routes in Oxford. city has one of the highest levels of bus use in the UK, with around 50% of all local journeys made by bus. Stagecoach's major bus network in Manchester will also benefit from 30 new electric-hybrid vehicles from September.

New biobuses arrive in Cambridgeshire!

16 Jun 2010 15:07:22 GMT

Stagecoach in Cambridgeshire has taken delivery of three brand new buses which run on 100% recycled biofuel. The newest vehicles mean Cambridgeshire now has 23 biobuses in total for local passengers to enjoy.

In 2007, Stagecoach West Scotland became the first bus company in the UK to introduce vehicles which run on 100% biofuel.