Stagecoach rewards 2022 eco-driving champions across North East Scotland

• Christopher Ball Memorial Awards scheme held as a tribute to former employee
• Buchan named best depot for eco-driving performance for a second year
• System helps achieve improvement in fuel efficiency across UK bus operations

Stagecoach, the UK’s largest bus and coach operator has recognised its UK Bus eco-driving champions through an annual awards scheme held in tribute to a former employee.

Christopher Ball, Stagecoach Ecodriver Project Manager, sadly passed away in 2014. Christopher was instrumental in introducing the GreenRoad eco-driving technology to Stagecoach’s bus companies across the UK and was a respected and well-liked employee.

Pictured above from left to right: Stagecoach Operations Managers Craig Elrick and Alex Flanagan

As a tribute to Christopher, an awards scheme in his memory was introduced in 2015 and the company has recently awarded the 2022 winners. The Christopher Ball Memorial Awards are awarded to the best performing eco-driving depot and individual within Stagecoach.

Stagecoach Bluebird’s Buchan depot won the top UK depot award for their outstanding performance over the last 12 months, a win they also received in 2021. The depot employs 99 bus drivers and operate a fleet of 41 buses and coaches.

The winning bus operating company was North Scotland, making them the most eco-efficient across Stagecoaches 19 operating companies.

The GreenRoad system is installed on all Stagecoach vehicles. Using a traffic-light LED system on the dashboard, the system gives drivers instant feedback on their driving manoeuvres, encouraging smoother, safer, and more fuel-efficient driving.

To date, use of GreenRoad’s system and Stagecoach’s comprehensive driver training programme has helped deliver a significant improvement in fuel efficiency and reduction in CO₂ emissions across Stagecoach operations in the UK.

Pictured above, from left to right: Stagecoach Operations Manager Craig Elrick, Champion John Thompson and Stagecoach Managing Director Peter Knight

Stagecoach Bluebird Managing Director Peter Knight said: “We are grateful to be able to pay tribute to Christopher and his involvement in the introduction of this eco-driving technology at our bus companies, through these important awards.

“Smoother, fuel-efficient driving is safer and provides more comfortable journeys for our customers. I’m delighted our team in Buchan have won this award for the second year running, the recognition is a boost for the team who have gone above and beyond to keep our services running over the past year.”

Richard Hemming, GreenRoad Vice President of Customer Success, commented: “Year after year, Stagecoach tops its own previous record, demonstrating the power of its determination and focus. We are proud of the role that GreenRoad has played in helping Stagecoach create a culture of safety and environmental awareness, continuing with the inspiring legacy left by Christopher Ball. We hope this year’s winners take pride in their achievements, and look forward to helping Stagecoach reach for even higher future goals.”

About GreenRoad

GreenRoad, a global leader in driver behaviour technology, provides highly effective fleet driver safety and compliance solutions. Currently used by more than 100,000 drivers, the GreenRoad solution employs advanced real-time, in-vehicle feedback and change management methodologies to promote meaningful, lasting change in driver behaviour. In addition, GreenRoad’s data-based predictive analytics give fleet managers the information they need to optimise overall fleet management.

As proven by deployments with hundreds of customers in the bus & fleet, utilities, logistics, oil & gas, construction and other industries, the GreenRoad solution improves safety, minimises operational costs, reduces risk and enhances compliance.