STAGECOACH NAMES THIS YEAR’S UK BUS ECO-DRIVING CHAMPIONS

Pictured above: John Thompson from Peterhead depot with the award

• Christopher Ball Memorial Awards scheme held as a tribute to former employee
• Buchan named best depot for eco-driving performance
• Elaine Black from Macduff Depot named best driver
• System helps achieve improvement in fuel efficiency across UK bus operations

Stagecoach has recognised its UK Bus eco-driving champions through an annual awards scheme held in tribute to a former employee.

Christopher Ball, Stagecoach Ecodriver Project Manager, sadly passed away in 2014. Christopher was instrumental in introducing the GreenRoad eco-driving technology to Stagecoach’s bus companies across the UK and was a respected and well-liked employee.

As a tribute to Christopher, an awards scheme in his memory was introduced in 2015 and the company has recently awarded the 2021 winners. The Christopher Ball Memorial Awards are awarded to the best performing eco-driving depot and individual within Stagecoach UK Bus.

Stagecoach Bluebird’s Buchan depot won the top UK depot award for their outstanding performance over the last 12 months. The depots in Peterhead and Fraserburgh employ 80 bus drivers and operate a fleet of 31 buses and coaches.

Elaine Black from Macduff Depot has been awarded the Best Driver accolade for having the best Green Road score across all Stagecoach drivers across the UK.

The GreenRoad system is installed on all Stagecoach vehicles at the Group’s bus companies. Using a traffic-light LED system on the dashboard, the system gives drivers instant feedback on their driving manoeuvres, encouraging smoother, safer, and more fuel-efficient driving.

To date, use of GreenRoad’s system and Stagecoach’s comprehensive driver training programme has helped deliver a significant improvement in fuel efficiency and reduction in CO₂ emissions across Stagecoach operations in the UK.

Stagecoach Bluebird Managing Director Peter Knight said: “We are grateful to be able to pay tribute to Christopher and his involvement in the introduction of this eco-driving technology at our bus companies, through these important awards.

“Smoother, fuel-efficient driving is safer and provides more comfortable journeys for our customers. I’m delighted our team in Buchan have won this award for the first time, the recognition is a boost for the team who have gone above and beyond to keep our services running over the past year.”

Richard Hemming, GreenRoad Vice President of Customer Success, commented: “Year after year, Stagecoach tops its own previous record, demonstrating the power of its determination and focus. We are proud of the role that GreenRoad has played in helping Stagecoach create a culture of safety and environmental awareness, continuing with the inspiring legacy left by Christopher Ball. We hope this year’s winners take pride in their achievements, and look forward to helping Stagecoach reach for even higher future goals.”