GENERAL SATISFACTION WITH WARRINGTON'S BUSES

Bus Users UK, the independent bus passenger representation organisation, recently held a bus users surgery at Warrington Interchange on Tuesday 8 September. The feedback confirmed that Network Warrington was a worthy winner of the Bus Company of the Year award in last year's UK Bus Awards.

Bus Users UK's surgeries, which are organised around the country, give bus users the chance to tell the people responsible for running their bus services what they think. It's not unusual for some people to give compliments, but as our surgeries are seen as a chance to air grievances, we hardly expected that more than 30% of the comments would be compliments: which was indeed the case at Warrington!

In particular people commented on the efforts made to ensure bus interiors are kept clean, and many thought drivers were polite and helpful too. One disabled lady described the easy access buses now on virtually all Network Warrington services as a "lifeline" and one couple who had always gone everywhere by car until they got their free bus passes recently were delighted with the bus service.

By far the largest thing people wanted to see changed wa the level of service in the evenings. While services on most main routes are frequent during the day, they drop down to much lower frequencies from about 6pm onwards, which people felt limited their opportunities to go out in the evening. This change to the pattern of services is not peculiar to Warrington, and is something that affects bus users throughout the country.

A number of people were concerned that free passes for over-60s and disabled people would be taken away or curtailed in some way, but we were able to reassure them that there was no threat to these passes, and it would require a change in the law to take them away or reduce their validity.

Around 100 local people came by to give us their views and there was no issues to give us any overriding concern about the bus service in Warrington. They were able to talk to managers from Network Warrington, Halton Transport, Arriva and Warrington Borough Council.

Charlie Shannon, Operations Director for Network Warrington, said "Network Warrington enjoys participating in Bus Users UK surgeries. They provide an impartial opportunity for our customers to let us know what they think of our services. It is their feedback which drives our business forward."

September 2009

NEW BUSES FOR NETWORK WARRINGTON

Network Warrington has recently introduced twelve smart new eye-catching Volvo buses into service.

Pictured above outside Warrington Town Hall with two of the new buses are
(L to R) : Charles Moseby of Wrightbus Ltd.; Arthur Argyle of Volvo Bus UK Ltd.; Les Hoyle, Chairman, WBT and Charlie Shannon, Operation Director, WBT.

The buses are fitted with bodywork by Wrights of Northern Ireland and bring even greater standards of comfort to bus passengers in the town. More and better seating, improved interior lighting and ultra-clean environmentally-friendly engines are just some of the qualities the new buses offer. Naturally, they incorporate the usual low-floor features - spaces for buggies and a wheelchair, electronic destination displays and CCTV.

The buses will spend most of their time on Services 16 & 16A serving Whitecross, the Hospital, Bewsey and Dallam in addition to Services 20 & 21 which cover the Longford and Orford areas. They will also venture onto some other Network Warrington services from time to time. Customers are sure to be impressed as soon as they get on board.

Les Hoyle, Warrington Borough Transport's Chairman, said "The introduction of these new buses is a further demonstration of our commitment to provide the best possible bus service for everyone who lives, works and does business in Warrington."

These latest additions bring the total number of low-floor buses in the fleet to 94 and ensure that over 95% of Network Warrington journeys will be operated by easy access buses.

August 2009

WBT VOTED UK BUS OPERATOR OF THE YEAR

Warrington Borough Transport (WBT) has won the highest accolade in the bus industry, UK Bus Operator of the Year.

Over 750 top professionals involved in the growing success of the UK 's bus industry attended the annual award ceremony in London on Tuesday to help celebrate WBT’s well deserved accolade.

The local bus operator beat off stiff competition from a shortlist of 11 bus operators in the UK to win the overall Bus Operator of The Year Awards as well as Shire Operator of the Year.

The award judges, some of the most respected transport professionals in the UK , acknowledged how WBT has transformed the quality of bus travel in Warrington with its constant investment in vehicles, and innovative local marketing initiatives.

UK Bus Awards chairman John Owen said that the standard of entries had been “amazingly high”.  He added, “Our winners today are delivering innovation and marketing, supported by top quality customer service. The result is strong passenger growth and a shift from car to bus in towns and cities all over the country.”

John Bannister, MD at WBT, said: “Achieving national recognition for the hard work and dedication to customers of all our staff is fantastic. It has been a real team effort, and the staff can feel really proud of what they have achieved. Our recent customer satisfaction ratings of 98% impressed the judges and the UK Bus Awards’ mystery traveller who travelled on our local routes confirmed our drivers’ commitment to excellence’’. He went on to say “The Board of Directors, who have been tremendously supportive of the company throughout, realise that receiving this accolade does not mean that the job is complete, and that we can rest on our laurels. We know that there are improvements that can still be achieved to further enhance our service to the travelling public in an environmentally friendly way and we will be working very hard to implement these.”

The awards judges added: “Warrington Borough Transport is a truly deserving bus operator of the year 2008.”

Check out the UK Bus Awards website here with details about the UK Bus Operator of the Year award here and the Shire Operator of the Year award here.

November 2008

SERVICE 17 - A NEW BUS SERVICE FOR CHAPELFORD

Network Warrington is pleased to announce that the long awaited bus service serving the new and expanding Chapelford development, commenced operation on Monday 21 July 2008.

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The New Route
Buses depart from Warrington Interchange (Bay 17) and operate via the Service 13/14/15 route to Hood Lane North, then via Burtonwood Road, Sunset Boulevard, Boston Boulevard, Whittle Avenue, and Westbrook Crescent to terminate at Westbrook Centre, near ASDA.
A route map is available on line as a PDF (click here)

Bus Stops on Service 17
Buses will stop at the existing Service 13/14/15 bus stops to Hood Lane North, then at Sunset Boulevard, near Denver Drive, near Virginia Gardens, Portland Road (East) and The Boulevard, then at existing bus stops from Thatch Cottage to Westbrook Centre.

Bus Times (Monday to Saturday except Public Holidays)
From Warrington Interchange (Bay 17) to Westbrook Centre at 07:05, 07:25, 07:45 and every 30 minutes until 17:45, then 18:30.
(Buses pass Virginia Gardens 10/11 minutes later)
From Westbrook Centre (lay-by), opposite ASDA, to Warrington at 07:20, 07:49 and every 30 minutes until 18:19, then 18:50.
(Buses pass Virginia Gardens 4/5 minutes later)
A timetable is available on line as a PDF (click here)

July 2008

WBT DRIVES LOCAL PRIDE

Warrington Borough Transport (WBT) celebrated a group of well-known local Warrington heroes this week by honouring them with the rare tribute of naming a bus after them.

The local bus operator launched ‘The Pride of Warrington’ campaign to celebrate community pride and local heroes last year and invited the community to nominate people they believed to be committed Warringtonians. Several local residents were awarded the initial honour last summer and now a group of some of Warrington’s most respected leaders have been credited for their dedication to the community and attended a naming ceremony on 18th April 2008.

Warrington Borough Transport’s Managing Director, Nigel Featham, said: “Warrington’s bus service is locally owned and an integral part of every day community life; and with recent investment in the new bus interchange and new vehicles, I would like to think it is something we can all be proud of. We are certainly proud of the community we serve.

“To build on this community pride we would like our buses to carry the names of people who make a positive contribution to local life. These ‘living heroes’ whose names now adorn our buses will remind everyone of their amazing work for the community.”

The esteemed individuals recognised this time are;

• Steven Broomhead (Chief Executive of the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and former Chief Executive of Warrington Borough Council),
• Paul Cullen (former player and now head coach of Warrington Wolves),
• Lord Hoyle (former Warrington MP and now Chairman of Warrington Wolves),
• The Reverend Stephen Kingsnorth (of Warrington Borough Ministry who has worked tirelessly on behalf of local faiths and voluntary groups),
• Michael Hancock (Managing Director of Warrington's Independent Department Store and Chairman of Warrington Town Centre Partnership),
• Paul Hafren (Principal of Warrington Collegiate).

Mr Broomhead said, "I have a long association with Warrington, not only with the NWDA but with the Council, Warrington Collegiate and Warrington Wolves, and I also take a keen interest in the town's affairs. I am honoured that my name is being recognised alongside esteemed Warringtonians on our vital public transport system. A vibrant economy is supported by excellent transport links and the bus network is a key part of this, providing not only an efficient form of transport, but one which limits environmental damage.”

The tradition of naming vehicles stems from the steam engine era and even today new trains receive a naming ceremony before their first journey.

If anyone would like to nominate friends or family, young or old, to be acknowledged for their local commitment to the community, from youth support to charity work, please contact Warrington Guardian with their name and a summary of why they are proud of them.

April 2008

WBT IS FIRST UK BUS OPERATOR TO WIN INTERNATIONAL BEST PRACTICE ACCREDITATION FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY

Warrington Borough Transport (WBT) has just become the first UK bus operator to achieve OHSAS 18001 accreditation, the internationally recognised standard of best practice for the management of Health and Safety at work.

OHSAS 18001 is an international assessment specification developed by a number of the world’s leading national standards bodies, certification bodies, and specialist consultancies. It has been developed in response to the need for companies to meet their health and safety obligations

The local operator’s management and staff had to undergo intensive preparation for the assessment, including reviewing all existing health and safety practices to ensure a strong and consistent health and safety culture exists throughout the organisation. OHS assessors conducted a rigorous ten-day evaluation of the company and reviewed management practices, systems and documentation to guarantee health and safety was paramount at all levels of the organisation.

Managing Director Nigel Featham commented, “Our commitment to safety goes hand in hand with our aim of providing the best possible bus service for everyone who lives, visits and does business in Warrington”.

“Undergoing external assessment, though demanding, gives us the assurance that we are managing safety in accordance with best practice standards. It also reassures our workforce and customers that we take their well being seriously”.

“Put alongside our existing Investors in People and Chartermark accreditations, achieving 18001 standard demonstrates our all round commitment to good practice management and brings real business benefits”.

April 2008

NIGEL FEATHAM BIDS FAREWELL TO WARRINGTON

Warrington Borough Transport (WBT) has announced that Nigel Featham, Managing Director for almost nine years, will be leaving the company in May after accepting the role of Managing Director at Arriva Yorkshire.

The company will be sad to see the highly regarded Managing Director leave after driving the company through an exciting period of change and development, which has seen it establish itself as a top class bus operator.

During Nigel Featham’s tenure, WBT has been transformed; with major investment in the bus fleet, the opening of Warrington’s new Bus Interchange, the installation of the popular real time passenger information system, sustained growth in bus passenger numbers and record-breaking passenger satisfaction levels. 

WBT’s Chairman Les Hoyle, said: “Nigel will be sorely missed by the whole of the Warrington community, not just WBT, and he will be a hard act follow. Not only did he help build the company’s reputation for innovation and customer service excellence, but his passion and motivation for working in partnership with the town and its people was a key asset for the community”.

“He has actively supported the local area with many initiatives, including the local strategic partnership and the Town Centre Partnership.  We wish him the very best in his new role.”

Diana Terris, chief executive of Warrington Borough Council, says: “The council wishes Nigel every success in his new role at Arriva. Throughout his time at WBT, Nigel has been a real force for growth and development, with the result that Warrington is proud to have one of the most successful bus operations in the country. I’d like to thank Nigel for his outstanding personal contribution to the town and the community, and for all his hard work and dedication in leading WBT to such a prestigious position. We look forward to working with his successor in maintaining WBT's standing at the top of the public transport league."

Nigel Featham said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with such a dedicated team of people; from the staff, to the wider community and in particular the excellent support received from a local authority that is genuinely committed to local public transport services”.

“I am delighted to have been offered this new role at Europe’s leading transport group. The opportunity to work with the industry leader and its outstanding management team is not one to be missed. The foundations and progress we made at WBT have undoubtedly contributed to my own personal development and I shall always be proud of my time with the company.”

Arriva is one of the largest transport services organisations in Europe, employing more than 37,000 people and delivering more than one billion passenger journeys across 10 European countries every year. Nigel Featham’s new role, based in Wakefield, will be to head up Arriva Yorkshire. He will report directly to Mike Cooper, managing director of Arriva UK Regions, and will assume full accountability for Arriva Yorkshire’s operations, including its five depots, and will lead the strategic direction of the business.

“I am anticipating a hugely enjoyable challenge at Arriva and the decision to leave has been made easier with the knowledge that I shall be leaving the company in good hands. The board members and staff are passionate about WBT’s continued success and will continue to provide the very best bus service for the community,” Nigel Featham concludes.

WBT will be recruiting for a successor who will be able to maintain the company’s strong focus on customer service and continue to build upon its reputation for innovation and marketing excellence.

March 2008

WBT ROUTES GROW TREES

Bus operator Warrington Borough Transport (WBT) is actively seeking local residents to support its launch of a dynamic industry-leading environmental tree-planting programme, ‘Our roots grow trees’.

For every annual Savercard sold throughout March, April and May, WBT will plant and maintain a tree in India, Tanzania, Kenya or Uganda.

In conjunction with Carbon Clear Ltd, WBT has introduced this initiative to help reverse the devastating effects of deforestation, drought and famine in these areas. The work of Carbon Clear helps combat poverty in developing countries and the trees that are planted will have a wide variety of nutritional, medicinal and agricultural uses for the local population.

Bus travel is already acknowledged as an environmentally friendly way to travel – a single bus can do the work of up to 35 cars. WBT is committed to the environment and believes this shouldn’t stop at simply providing an eco-friendly means of travel. The company has recently invested over £8 million in new low-emission buses and the innovative tree plantingtree-planting scheme will help to further offset the impact local WBT buses have on the environment.

Les Hoyle, Cchairman of WBT, said: "Through this initiative, we are demonstrating our long-term commitment to improving the environment in which we operate. Bus travel is one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport and we want to contribute further by identifying new opportunities to minimise our carbon footprint.”

"In the longer-term, we hope this project will also help to incentivise even more people to travel by bus, enabling all of us to responsibly confront the problem of climate change and help to offset the impacts of pollution."

“So now by buying a Savercard you’ll help the environment, help communities around the world and help your local community by keeping another car off the road”.

March 2008