Go-Ahead London
In preparation for Remembrance Day, one of Go-Ahead London buses has been specially wrapped to become a "Poppy bus".
The Ee200 bus, shown in the images, is a brand new BYD ADL electric bus. Working in partnership with Transport for London, the unique wrap is designed to support the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal.
Ee200 is Go-Ahead London's 445th electric bus, with more being introduced into the Go-Ahead fleet, providing passengers with green and reliable public transport.
Stagecoach West has unveiled a Plaxton Panorama coach in its Oxford Tube fleet that has been treated to a poppy-themed livery ahead of Remembrance Sunday. It complements a number of buses elsewhere in the group that already carry poppy-themed designs.
The design on the Panorama was created with support from the Armed Forces Covenant and the Ministry of Defence. It is what Stagecoach West Managing Director Rachel Geliamassi says is “a longer-term gesture of appreciation and gratitude” for the service and sacrifice of armed forces members.
Defence Relationship Management National Account Manager Sam Berkson has thanked Stagecoach for its backing. “It is clear that Stagecoach recognises the benefits of being a Forces-friendly employer and I look forward to its continued support for defence and advocacy for its people.”
Stagecoach Chief Operating Officer Sam Greer said: “Stagecoach is proud to have thousands of veterans in our employment, so recognising the significance of remembrance weekend with free travel is vital.
“Remembrance Day and the Poppy Appeal are causes close to the hearts of many of our employees and customers, and we are very pleased to be making this commitment that will hopefully help people to attend memorials across the UK.”
The ongoing free travel commitment, which includes Armed Forces Day in the summer, underlines Stagecoach’s commitment to its employee-led, UK-wide Veterans’ Network.
That was established to allow those working for Stagecoach and who have served in the military to come together as a single voice to make changes, raise awareness, help to influence decisions within the business, and introduce new ways of working.
The group’s work with the armed forces saw it claim a silver award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme in July. That scheme acknowledges organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support for the armed forces community and which align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant. Stagecoach has been a member of the latter since 2015.
The operator is offering free travel to any serving personnel in uniform, or with proof of a military ID card, veterans wearing medals or veterans' badge, and cadets in uniform attending remembrance services. This is also offered by the operator during Armed Forces weekend each year.
Stagecoach South has pledged a £10 donation for each bus running in our region to this year’s Royal British Legion Poppy appeal.
For many years the company, which operates bus services across Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex, has supported the appeal by branding all its vehicles with poppies.
Managing Director Marc Reddy said, “We’re thrilled to continue supporting the poppy appeal. This year, in our efforts to drive net zero and reduce waste, we’ve chosen not to decorate buses with temporary stickers but will instead donate our money directly to the Royal British Legion.
“We employ a large number of former service personnel at our local bus depots and we’re extremely proud to help the charity continue its vital support and care for our veterans. With 387 Stagecoach buses running every weekday across our region, we’re pleased to offer a matching £3,870 for this year’s fundraising campaign. You’ll also see our popular full-livery poppy buses running around north Hampshire and the Blackwater Valley, as our permanent tribute to the charity.”
Clare Peppiatt, Regional Poppy Appeal Manager for the South-West at the Royal British Legion said: “For the first time during the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, you can wear a plastic-free poppy that is entirely made from paper. In line with the charity’s commitment to sustainability and reducing its impact on the environment, Stagecoach will also be taking an eco-friendlier approach to their donating. We are hugely grateful for the support of Stagecoach, who contribute vital funds that go towards helping veterans, current serving personnel, and their families.”
As mentioned above, Stagecoach has confirmed free bus travel to military personnel past, present and cadets across the 11th and 12th of November.
On either day, Armed Forces personnel in Uniform or proof of military ID and veterans (wearing medals or a Veterans badge) will be able to travel free on any Stagecoach Bus across Brighton, Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex.
