Stagecoach gives glimpse ‘Behind the Buses’

Stagecoach East has held a ‘Behind the Buses’ event, giving people a look behind the scenes at its operations.

Local councillors and bus users got to see the engineering, commercial, control and maintenance work that goes into running a modern transport fleet, including electric vehicles. The event was aimed at strengthening relationships with local people and politicians, and giving a better understanding of not only the role that public transport plays within the community, but also the work that goes on behind the scenes to keep the fleet running. The day included a tour of an electric bus, the opportunity to meet the team that keeps it on the road, and a ‘behind-the-scenes tour’ of the depot in Cambridge.

Amongst others, the event was attended by Councillor Robert Dryden, of the Labour Party, and Councillor Elliot Tong, of the Green Party, both from Cambridge City Council.

“Running a modern public transport network across our busy and forward-looking region is a challenge, particularly in a congested city like Cambridge” – David Boden, Business Development Director of Stagecoach East

David Boden, Business Development Director of Stagecoach East, said: “Running a modern public transport network across our busy and forward-looking region is a challenge, particularly in a congested city like Cambridge, but one that we thrive on. As we see the buses going around our region, it is easy to forget the sheer levels of sophistication and effort that go into ensuring that they are in the right place at the right time, properly maintained, and looking the way that we would expect, in order to give our passengers the quality of service that they desire.

“It is a huge undertaking and so we were very proud to be able to talk about some of the work and innovation that makes this possible. I am always hugely impressed by and grateful to the people here who work so diligently to keep the wheels rolling. They are truly ‘key workers’ keeping people and communities connected.

“When you consider our introduction of electric buses and some of the world-leading speed-control technology that we have introduced on the Busway, it goes to show that our great region has a transport network to be proud of.”

” now understand more about the problems you encounter in keeping the busses running on time” – Councillor Robert Dryden

Cllr Dryden added: “I found my time at the bus depot interesting and I now understand more about the problems you encounter in keeping the busses running on time. I also enjoyed having a go at driving a bus, maybe there might be a job for me!”

“…it was great to learn about the company’s progress towards a sustainable bus fleet” – Councillor Elliot Tong

Cllr Tong agreed: “I had a fantastic time at the event; I left highly informed about Stagecoach’s operations in the area, and it was great to learn about the company’s progress towards a sustainable bus fleet.”