Author: Metroline Comms

• Metroline set to pilot Vehicle Avoidance Lateral Lights (VALLs) on 24 buses.
• Pioneering VALLs system creates illuminated footprint around vehicle which can improve safety for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and people with hearing impairments.
• Partnership between Metroline and JBDL is supported by the TfL Bus Safety Innovation Challenge

Leading London Bus operator Metroline is to pilot an innovative new lighting system designed to make the capital’s roads safer. The Vehicle Avoidance Lateral Lights (VALLs) system illuminates the area on the sides of buses to help show road users that they are in close proximity to a bus which is especially important for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and people with hearing impairments.

The VALLs system is the first of its kind and has been developed in partnership with Jimmy Beam Downlights Limited (JBDL) using JBDL’s lighting system. Each VALL unit features a downlight with 4 LEDs, acting as a passive system with three functions that aims to prevent a collision between a bus and other road users by creating an illuminated ‘footprint’ which clearly identifies the lateral clearance area around the vehicle. This will provide cyclists and people with hearing impairments a more visual warning of a buses’ proximity and movements.

Metroline’s pilot of the system will begin in February using 24 buses, including night services in operation on route 6 from Willesden garage. Speaking about the initiative, Sinead Maguire, Head of Transport Safety for Metroline, said: “We are very excited to be leading this innovative pilot which marks an important step for the project and reinforces our commitment to Vision Zero and making London’s roads safer for all.”

The VALLs System features include:

• The ‘Slow Speed’ light facility: An automatic function operating through the system’s control box, the slow speed facility ensures that the VALLS switch on when the engine switches on, and remain on until the bus reaches a speed above 15kph (9mph), at which point they switch off.

• Synchronous flashing with Indicator: When the bus is indicating, the VALLs footprint will flash on the ground in conjunction with the indicator, providing a visual aid for other road users in close proximity such as cyclists and pedestrians as well as the hearing impaired who may lack sufficient warning of a turning bus in urban environments when lighting conditions deteriorate.

• Constant Lateral Clearance Area: The downlights remain active as long as the engine is on under 15kph, meaning the footprint is projected even in stop-start traffic. The driver can also activate the vehicle light switch, which overrides the slow speed automation and allows the footprint to be projected at all times.

Metroline and JBDL are both contributing to the funding of the project and were successful in their joint application to the Transport for London Bus Safety Innovation Challenge  for support. The TfL Bus Safety Innovation Challenge was established to identify new, innovative products and solutions which will improve the safety of the London bus network and work towards Vision Zero, which aims to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on London’s transport network.

The VALLs system will be piloted on Metroline’s buses from next month.

This week saw Holloway Garage host a special delegation from the Government of India’s Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, facilitated by Transport for London. The delegates alongside some representatives of TfL were given a presentation on Metroline’s operations in London, highlighting the successes and challenges of operating in the city. The delegation also received a tour around the century-old garage, and were deeply interested in the efficiency of Metroline’s electric bus operation.

Managing Director Stephen Harris said “It was a pleasure to receive the delegation from India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. We were pleased to be able to share our insight and expertise as a London Bus Operator, highlighting our partnership with Transport for London and our trailblazing work with electric buses in the capital. As one of the world’s fastest growing economies, we hope that the visit to Metroline has helped to provide inspiration for the continuing development of their own rapidly evolving and highly modern transport networks.”

 

A new “Wellbeing Bus” was launched this week which is designed to help improve the health of bus drivers. The Wellbeing Bus is a collaborative project between Transport for London, Unite the Union, and London’s Bus operators and is being delivered by occupational health service provider Medigold Health as part of a London-wide initiative.

Launched at West Perivale on Monday 4^th November, the Wellbeing Bus has been developed to provide advice and professional health screenings to help identify possible issues or risk factors that could contribute to poor health. The bus has already received a positive reception from drivers and will make its way across all 15 Metroline garages over the next few months.

The Wellbeing Bus will provide rapid health diagnosis in an easily understood format that drivers can even access whilst on their break. The bus will be staffed by Medigold Health’s Occupational Health Technicians and features two electronic health assessment kiosks. Completely free of charge, drivers and other employees will be able to receive a full professional wellbeing screening on the bus, through the health assessment kiosk which will measure height, weight, body mass index, body fat %, blood pressure, heart rate and hydration level.

The screening also features the Boomerang Life Balance, which looks at various factors of an employee’s lifestyle including sleep, smoking, relaxation, home life, work life, stress, diet, alcohol and exercise. Following their screening, the Occupational Health Technicians will be on hand to provide each employee with guidance and lifestyle advice. Information leaflets featuring health tips and advice for various fatigue related conditions including sleep apnoea will also be provided on the bus.

Medigold Health’s Deputy CEO, Scot Smith, was at the launch and commented; “At Medigold Health we are passionate about employee health and wellbeing and we know, first-hand, that a healthy workforce makes for a safer, happier workforce. We are delighted to be working with TfL, Unite and a number of leading London Bus Operators to deliver a proactive, efficient and accessible wellbeing solution for bus drivers and employees across London.”

Speaking at the launch, Metroline’s Managing Director Steve Harris said, “We are delighted to launch the Wellbeing bus across our garages. This is a really good step forwards and represents a positive collaboration between TfL, Unite, London’s Bus Operators and Medigold Health. The bus looks great and I would like to thank our engineers and everyone connected in the launch for their outstanding work, with this new initiative, drivers will be able to get further assistance, information and support to remain in the best of health.”

The Wellbeing Bus will be at Metroline garages between 4^th November 2019, and 20^th January 2020

London bus operator Metroline has been shortlisted in five categories in the finals of the prestigious UK Bus Awards. Metroline’s initiatives, garages, drivers and engineers have all been recognised by the awards, which showcase the achievements of the UK bus industry and encourage and reward best practice and outstanding standards of customer services. The all-important finals take place at a glittering ceremony in London at the Troxy on the 19^th November 2019.

Metroline’s School Library Bus has been nominated in the Bus & the Community category. The award recognises bus projects or initiatives which make life better and make big improvements for local people in the community. Metroline engineers worked tirelessly to convert a double deck bus into a special library bus to be made a permanent part of the playground at a local primary school.

Willesden-based Bus Driver Agnieszka Narbut was shortlisted in the Top London Bus Driver category. The award sponsored by Transport for London (TfL) and Luke Rees-Pulley Charitable Trust, celebrates bus drivers who deliver outstanding customer service and those that go out of their way to do whatever’s necessary to help passengers have the very best journey.

Metroline’s Holloway Bus Garage has been recognised for its environmental initiatives and operation of electric buses, as one of the finalist in the Environment category. The award not only recognises the efforts made to improve the green credentials of bus services, but also improvements made to the overall environment in the communities where they operate.

Talented young Metroline engineer Mitesh Patel has been shortlisted for the Unsung Hero award. The award recognises employees who are committed, devoted to duty, and truly go above and beyond making sure customers get where they need to be and have the very best journey.

Finally, Alperton Bus Garage has been shortlisted for the Top London Bus Garage award. The award celebrates bus depots that are truly committed to their customers and employees, and to delivering outstanding performance and customer service.

Mark Yexley, Chairman of the UK Bus Awards, said: “Reaching the finals is a huge achievement in itself, and for Metroline to be nominated in five categories is outstanding. It’s great to be able to celebrate all the individual talent in our industry, and great to see shortlists in the Top London Driver and Unsung Hero categories. Everyone at the Alperton garage should be very proud too, congratulations! We would like to wish Agnieszka and Mitesh the very best of luck, as well as all the teams involved in delivering such remarkable projects.”

Sean O’Shea, CEO of Metroline, said: “We are delighted to have been named as a finalist in 5 categories at the UK Bus Awards. It is tremendous news and a testament to the hard working members across the company. These nominations are well deserved and we all wish the very best of luck to all of our Metroline finalists.”

The winners of the UK Bus Awards will be announced in London on the 19^th November.

It was a pleasure to welcome the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy Shirley Rodrigues, TfL’s Managing Director for Surface Transport Gareth Powell and TfL’s Director of Bus Operations Claire Mann on board an electric route 43 bus this morning. Routes 43 and 134, both operated by Metroline, will become London’s first exclusively electric double deck routes.

The new zero-emission buses on routes 43 and 134 are not only helping to reduce carbon emissions and improve the air for all Londoners but are also improving the customer experience on buses. A journey in an electric bus is smoother and quieter than one with a traditional engine, and customers will have access to free-to-use USB charging points.

Commenting on this, Metroline’s CEO Sean O’Shea said “This is an important milestone for Metroline, and London, as we continue to deliver greener and cleaner transport for our customers. Metroline have made a substantial investment and commitment to electric buses, making the UK’s largest single order. With the launch of London’s first exclusively-electric double deck routes, which will carry around 18.5 million people across the capital a year, we will continue making real progress in improving air quality in the capital.”

(Image: TfL)

Metroline’s latest zero-emission, electric double deck buses hit the streets of London today. Route 134 operating from Potters Bar Garage adds to Metroline’s growing fleet of almost 100 zero-emission, electric buses by the end of this year. Together with Route 43, also operated by Metroline,  the two routes will be London’s first, end-to-end fully electric double deck bus routes by the end of the summer. The conversion of the two routes, which carry around 18.5 million people* across the City annually, to zero emission vehicles will further assist in improving air quality in London.

The first 134 buses entered into service at 6.59am, departing from Potters Bar and made its way to North Finchley where it picked up its first passengers.  Chosen to drive the new bus on its inaugural journey was driver Kevin O’Sullivan. Speaking about the new electric 134, he said: “I think it will make a real difference in making the air cleaner…Electric buses will become popular everywhere in London, and the more there are, it might help more buses outside of the city become electric too.”

The new buses were delivered by Optare, an award-winning British manufacturer known for their lightweight Metrodecker series of double deck buses, based in Yorkshire. The vehicles on the 134 route are the electric Metrodecker EV series and represent the latest in engineering. The bus is able to carry over 90 people to their destinations and has a range of over 150 plus  miles on a single charge. Each bus is charged by purpose built power supplies that have been installed at Potters Bar garage, and like the route 43 buses in Holloway are charged during the night and periods of low local demand in order to mitigate the garage’s energy demand. As the UK’s reliance on renewable sources, already at 33%, increases, the environmentally friendly credentials and sustainable benefits of these buses will continue to increase.

Commenting on the launch, Sean O’Shea, CEO of Metroline said: “Metroline have made a significant investment and commitment to electric buses and with the launch of electric buses on our 134  service today, we continue to lead the way by delivering London’s first completely zero-emissions, all-electric routes. Combined with our electric buses operating on route 43, today’s launch marks a significant step forward for Metroline, and London,  as we continue to deliver greener and environmentally cleaner solutions for our customers on the London Bus network.”

Graham Belgum, Optare’s CEO commented “Optare is thrilled to partner with Metroline in delivering one of TfL’s first zero emission double deck routes.  The launch of the Metrodecker EV into service on route 134 represents the culmination of 4 years work for the company and a major milestone in the our zero emission journey.  We look forward to a successful partnership with Metroline and a growing presence in the Capital”

Holloway Garage won the Environmental Campaign Champion award at last night’s London Bus Awards.

The London Bus Awards are a celebration of the commitment of drivers and teams from across the capital’s bus industry, recognising those who have gone the extra mile to deliver an excellent service to customers. Taking place in London’s Living Room on the top level of London’s iconic City Hall, the awards were hosted by Claire Mann, Director of Bus Operations at Transport for London, who praised the industry’s work in delivering an improving service and strong implementation of Destination Zero training. The award’s 8 categories were highly contested between nominees from a range for different London Bus Operators, which also included Metroline’s Willesden Garage who were shortlisted for the Best Vehicle Care Award.

The Environmental Campaign Champion award recognised the efforts of an operator or individual who have made substantial efforts to contribute towards cleaner air for London, and have demonstrated innovation, leadership and commitment towards achieving this. Metroline’s Holloway garage was commended for their community focused initiatives, including their aim to improve air quality though the ‘Cleaner Air for Bus Drivers’ initiative, and the implementation of a fully electric bus route (43) operating from the garage.

The judges were greatly impressed by the multiple initiatives Holloway Garage had put in place to help improve its surrounding environment. In operation since 1907, Holloway’s garage has seen a number of significant transport developments, moving from the age of horses to trams, trolleybuses to routemasters, and now to more environmentally friendly and sustainable vehicles.  The ‘Cleaner Air for Bus Drivers’ initiative saw the garage work with partners, CWC Environmental, Archway ZEN and the Mayor’s Air Quality Fund,  and its drivers to limit the amount of time spent idling with their engines running. Encouraging drivers to switch off when stopped has helped to improve air quality for both drivers and local residents, and helped to reduce noise levels around bus stops. In addition, Holloway Garage’s investment and commitment to electric buses saw significant development  to enable electric buses to charge and operate from Holloway with ease as well as a number of measures that will improve the environment along each round and around the bus garage.

Speaking about the award win, Fola Olawo-Jerome, Metroline’s Garage Manager at Holloway, said: “We are delighted to have won the Environmental Campaign Champion award. We have been working very hard at our garage to deliver London’s first electric bus route and improve air quality for the local community. This award is a great honour and it will motivate everyone in the garage to keep up the good work.”

Sean O’Shea, Chief Executive Officer of Metroline said, “This is a great recognition of all of the hard work that has been put in locally to get our electric buses into service. Congratulations to the whole team at Holloway Garage.”

London bus operator Metroline launched its new all-electric, zero emissions buses on London’s streets today, the first day of the inaugural London Climate Action Week.

 

By the end of summer, along with route 134 which is also operated by Metroline, these 2 routes will become London’s first fully electric, zero-emission double deck services. The conversion of these routes, which carry around 18.5 million people* across the City annually, to zero emission vehicles will further assist in improving the air quality in London.

 

The first service took to roads this morning at 7.36am, departing Holloway Garage and making its way to Friern Barnet, where it served its first passengers at just past 8am this morning. Customers were impressed by the environmental credentials of the bus and commented on the smooth and comfortable journey the service provided.

 

The bus’ maiden journey was driven by Afzol Hussain. A driver at Holloway since 2012, and a Mentor at the garage who has been training staff on the new buses, Hussain shared his excitement, saying, “”It feels good. Out of all the years driving on route 43, starting from driving buses like the VPL, TP…this electric bus is far better.” He added, “This bus doesn’t make any noise. The passenger doesn’t feel like they are sitting in a bus it is so comfortable.”  “It will have a big impact on the environment…I think that in the next decade, every bus in London will be electric.” Afzol said.”

 

The new buses are the result of a collaboration by Chinese automotive company BYD and British Bus builders Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL), and will operate from Holloway garage. The new vehicles will be completely electric, utilising both BYD’s proven electric chassis and ADL’s expertly designed E400 MMC body, and will contribute to cleaner air in London through zero emissions.

 

Metroline’s launch coincides with the first ever London Climate Action Week. A new initiative launched by the Mayor of London that aims to encourage low emission transport and clean energy, in addition to inspiring community action and business leadership on climate issues. Furthermore, following the launch of the Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ), Metroline has committed to ensuring its fleet meets all low-emissions standards, and the implementation of an all-electric route 43 represents a significant step forward for both the Company and London.

 

The new buses are powered by power supplies housed in Holloway garage. With a daily mileage range in excess of 200 miles, the buses are only recharged at night when local demand for electricity is at its lowest. With the UK drawing 33% of its power from renewable sources, the buses’ already impressive environmentally friendly credentials will only continue to become more sustainable with each passing year.

 

The conversion of route 43 route is the latest development in Metroline’s advocacy for electric transport vehicles, which will continue with the introduction of electric buses on route 134 later this year. Metroline has consistently led the way for the adoption of industry leading technologies including electric buses in the capital, having been chosen to pilot 5 prototype BYD electric buses on London streets and subsequently investing in the UK’s largest order of electric buses from BYD. Metroline’s experience with BYD buses meant that they were perfectly placed to assist in the development of the new bus. Discussing the new electric buses, Adrian Jones, Engineering Director, Metroline said:

 

“The launch of the new electric buses on route 43 is a triumph for both Metroline and for London. Providing a new challenge for Metroline’s engineering teams, we worked closely with engineers at BYD to develop these new buses, using what we learnt from our trials with their prototypes. As a result, they are perfectly designed to deliver Londoners to their destinations, whilst helping to keep London’s air cleaner with zero-emissions.”

 

Commenting on the introduction of electric buses onto the No.43 route, Sean O’Shea, CEO, Metroline, said:

 

“It is fitting that the launch of London’s first all-electric route coincides with the start of London Climate Action Week. This is a significant step, route 43 serves thousands of Londoners each day from the heart of the City at London Bridge and Bank, to Islington and Holloway, as well as the suburbs in North London. It has been a great team effort to be ready for this moment, and it demonstrates our continued investment and commitment to leading the way for our customers and helping provide cleaner air for Londoners with our ever growing fleet of all-electric, zero emissions buses.”

Potters Bus Garage Open Day: Saturday 20th July 2019, 10.30am – 4pm.

On Saturday 20th July 2019, Metroline will again open the doors of its bus garage in Potters Bar High Street to local people and transport enthusiasts alike from where up to 200 buses operate from.

The aim as in past years is to raise funds for charities such as Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation. Admission is by programme, priced at £2.50, available at the garage entrance. This year, we again hope to raise over £1,000 for charities similar to last year.

Atrractions include a display of buses, some dating back to the 1950’s and 1960’s through to the present day, including brand new all electric double deckers. A number of stalls will also be present selling transport memorabilia.

Again we shall be running our popular free bus rides to local destinations with a variety of different vehicles.

Metroline Buses 84, 242 and PB1 stop at the garage entrance.

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

• Adrian Jones is appointed Engineering Director at Metroline, and will oversee the Company’s London Engineering Operations.

• This follows the appointments of Stephen Harris as Metroline’s Managing Director, Ian Foster as Group Engineering Director and Sean O’Shea as Chief Executive Officer.

• Metroline, a member of ComfortDelGro continues to deliver innovative and pioneering services in London with the introduction of over 60 fully electric buses across two routes.

London bus company Metroline has announced the appointment of Adrian Jones as the new Engineering Director. Previously Metroline’s Chief Engineer with a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years, Adrian is the latest in a series of new high-level appointments at Metroline, London’s 2^nd largest bus operator.

A member of the Singapore based ComfortDelGro Group, Metroline continues to be one of London’s most ambitious and dynamic bus companies, employing more than 5000 people, across 14 garages with 99 of London’s busiest routes, the company strives to innovate, lead and grow with the aim of being the best bus company in the capital.

As Engineering Director, Adrian will be at the helm of Metroline’s 250 strong engineering team and fleet of over 1700 buses, operating from numerous engineering sites across London, including the purpose built engineering facility, the Central Engineering and Logistics Facility (CELF).

Speaking about his appointment, Adrian said “I am delighted to have been appointed as Engineering Director at Metroline. Working with our team of dedicated engineers across the company has been a very rewarding experience, and I am excited to be overseeing things at a particularly exciting time for engineering, with the addition of the new electric buses into our fleet. Having worked at Metroline for over 4 years, I am looking forward to helping the Company to continue to innovate and maintain Metroline’s strong reputation for engineering excellence.”

Stephen Harris, Managing Director, Metroline, commented “I am really pleased to see Adrian become Engineering Director at Metroline. Adrian has always sought to bring fresh ideas to the team and has over a number of years become an integral part of the Metroline team and  I have no doubt that we will see the company’s industry-leading engineering arm continue to excel under his oversight. Metroline’s engineering division has always been at the forefront of London’s bus system, and I am confident we will continue to lead the way and deliver the best service possible.”

The announcement follows significant recent appointments at Metroline over the last year including Stephen Harris as Managing Director and Ian Foster as Group Engineering Director. Stephen has worked with Metroline and its predecessors since 1986, leaving briefly in 2001 and returning to Metroline as an Area Business Manager, Operations Director and now Managing Director. Sean O’Shea was also appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer after serving the company for 28 years and was previously Metroline’s Chief Operating Officer.

The new appointments follow the 2018 departure of former CEO Jaspal Singh and reflect Metroline’s strategy to restructure to help further improve the company’s efficiency and to provide reliability and long term stability in line with ComfortDelGro’s objectives of growing the business through delivering an industry leading service.

Discussing Metroline’s ambitions for the future, Chief Executive Officer Sean O’Shea added “It’s an exciting time to be part of Metroline, the new appointments reflect our continued desire to lead from the front, innovate and deliver the high quality, safe and reliable service that London expects. Our current focus is the expansion of our electric bus operations providing zero-emissions services for Londoners and leading the way for bus operators across the capital. As part of ComfortDelGro, one of the world’s largest land transport companies for passengers, our continued ambition is to be the best bus company in London through delivering a world-class service.”

Metroline is a wholly-owned London subsidiary of ComfortDelGro Corporation. Metroline’s principal business is the provision of bus services under contract to London Buses, operating through an area that extends from North to West London, including Central London and the City, carrying over 1.2 million passengers every day.

We are really pleased to have launched our special library bus this week at the Sinai Jewish Primary School. The bus will now be permanently located in the playground and will help put reading at the heart of the school, promoting a love of books and helping the children to learn library skills, practice story making, listen to stories and share books.

The ribbon was cut this week at the official launch by Headteacher, Mrs Lipshaw, CEO of Metroline, Sean O’Shea and the Mayor of Brent, Cllr Arshad Mahmood.

Commenting at the launch, Sean O’Shea said,

“I’m delighted to see our bus here at the Sinai Jewish School…When I talk about the places that Metroline transports people I have to date mentioned places like Harrow, Wembley and Edgware. With this bus I’ll have to add a new destination which is wherever the children’s imagination will take them.”

Speaking about the bus Mrs Lipshaw commented,

“This is an amazing opportunity for our school, to encourage the children to read in an age where they have become so dependent on technology. I want the children to revitalise their enthusiasm for reading real books. We hope that this will help to maintain our excellent reading levels in the school and give the children a rich variety of genre in their reading.”

Thank you to everyone at Sinai Jewish Primary School for such a warm welcome and we hope everyone enjoys this special bus.

Monday 26^th November:  Metroline launched London’s first bus driver apprenticeship that will provide support, training and upskilling over a period of 12 months to 24 new apprentices.

The 24 successfully selected apprentices to join Metroline’s new programme will be involved in modules designed to help develop confidence and encourage skills development, with practical hands on and classroom based training, whilst being paid to learn and train to become a bus driver for one of London’s leading bus operators.

The apprenticeship with be delivered within the framework of the Apprentice Levy arrangements, using a combination of practical training and off-the-job learning which is supported by our training partner Interserve.

Coinciding with the launch of Metroline’s Bus Driver Apprenticeship, Metroline also officially opened new training centres at its Cricklewood and Willesden Junction garages. The ‘Metroline Centres for Skills and Development’ are new training facilities equipped with modern interactive training aids and will be used for training and skills development across the business ranging from Management Training to improving basic literacy and numeracy skills.

Commenting on these events, Metroline’s CEO Sean O’Shea said:

“Metroline have run an award-winning, industry leading engineering apprenticeship for a number of years now and as a result, we understand the positive benefits that apprenticeships can bring to our industry and the communities that we operate in. Being able to extend this now to include drivers is a very positive step forward and combined with launching our new Metroline Centres for Skills and Development, this highlights our continued commitment to investing in our people.”

Claire Mann, Director of Bus Operations at TfL, said:

“We’re delighted that Metroline are introducing this apprenticeship scheme that will give people vital life skills and training. Bus drivers are the lifeblood of this city and anything that encourages more Londoners to consider a rewarding and vital career as a driver on our historic and iconic buses is good for the capital.”

Ron Capper, Head of Metroline’s Recruitment and Training said:

“We have a great training team at Metroline that continually sets the standards in terms of delivering training excellence so that our drivers are prepared and able to provide the safest driving standards and an excellent customer experience. We are confident that our new apprentices will really benefit from this initiative and will have a great experience gaining confidence, new skills and an additional recognised qualification.”