Heavenly picture marks anniversary

Bus drivers for Stagecoach West decided to go above their bosses’ heads - and mark the firm’s 25 years in business with some quick thinking, skilful driving, a drone – and the thumbs up from the management.

Ten of the company’s buses were positioned to spell out its birthday in years.

Bill McCartney, Stagecoach West depot transport manager, was one of those coordinating on the ground.

“This was a bit of fun – and a challenge for the drivers and the drone pilot to get the buses in position and perfectly lined up in what were difficult weather conditions,” said Mr McCartney.

“But we felt it was important to celebrate 25 years in business and a quarter of a century serving the community.”

Stagecoach West bosses had already given two of its double deckers a special silver anniversary makeover.

The eye-catching livery, in sparkling silver, blue and red, includes the slogan: “Celebrating 25 years of Stagecoach West”. The two bus are now operating in the Gloucester and Swindon areas.

Over the last quarter of a century Stagecoach West has grown to operate 300 buses throughout Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, South Herefordshire, South Gloucestershire and North Bristol, transporting 509 million passengers.

It has also made a number of other ‘magic 25s’ appear – albeit with several noughts on the end of each.

Investment of £250,000 was recently made in the latest engine technology for each of its Stagecoach Gold buses.

All of which reduced nitrogen oxide emissions by 90 per cent, compared to the buses they are replacing, and also saw Wi-Fi and USB charging added for passengers.

Stagecoach West’s managing director, Rupert Cox, said: “It has been an exciting 25 years for our company and during that time we have seen Stagecoach West grow and the level of service we provide our customers continue to rise.

Stagecoach West’s 25-year timeline

1993 – Stagecoach West is born when Stagecoach acquires Western Travel

1996 – First low floor step-free bus enters service

2002 – New bus service begins for the University of Gloucestershire

2004 – New buses launched on 94 route between Gloucester and Cheltenham with real-time information at bus stops in partnership with Gloucestershire County Council

2007 – Bus network expanded in the Forest of Dean and Dukes Travel acquired by Stagecoach

2009 – 94 route becomes first double decker Gold route in Stagecoach

2013 – All local bus services fully converted to low floor step-free buses

2014 – Stagecoach West makes record investment in buses in Cheltenham with 24 new buses for routes D/E, 41 and 94U

2016 – Brand new £3.5 million bus depot opened in Swindon

2017 – New Bristol depot opened and contactless payments launched across all services

2018 – Stagecoach makes record investment in new buses in Swindon with 22 new Gold double deckers on routes S6 and 55.  Stagecoach West launches Arle Court Park & Ride in Cheltenham. New £7.5m Gloucester Transport Hub opens.