Stagecoach bus drivers continue to lead the way in safe and fuel-efficient driving scheme

Stagecoach’s bus drivers are continuing to lead the way in a prestigious global performance measurement programme.

A total of 4,187 bus drivers working for the UK’s biggest bus, coach and tram operator have been awarded Fleet Elite status and a special badge, under a comprehensive driving safety measurement programme managed by GreenRoad, whose safety & telematics system serves professional drivers in the UK, Ireland, Europe, the Middle East, America, Australia and New Zealand.

And over 2000 drivers have achieved the Master Fleet Elite status for maintaining the rating for four or more consecutive years.

More Stagecoach employees gained Fleet Elite status than any company in the worldwide scheme. Every year, Stagecoach invests millions of pounds in training for its professional team of drivers and investing in new technology to make its operations even safer.

The transport operator has also deployed the country’s first new bridge alert technology developed, together with GreenRoad.

GreenRoad’s safety technology is used across all of Stagecoach’s buses in England, Scotland and Wales and has proven to be extremely effective in helping drivers improve their skills. Using a simple traffic-light-like LED system on the dashboard, GreenRoad gives drivers instant feedback about their driving manoeuvres, encouraging smoother, safer, and more fuel-efficient driving.

To gain Fleet Elite status, drivers must achieve an average of five or fewer events, such as harsh braking or acceleration, per 10 hours of driving over a 500-hour minimum period the entire calendar year. 110 Stagecoach drivers scored zero – a perfect score – during the period.

Sharon Vye-Parminter, Health, Safety and Environment Director for Stagecoach, said: “To see so many of our drivers receive Fleet Elite and Master Fleet Elite status is a real testament to the quality of our teams across the UK and their commitment to driving safely and efficiently.

“Smoother, fuel-efficient driving is safer and provides more comfortable journeys for our customers, as well as helping to cut our carbon footprint and meet our sustainability targets.

“Congratulations to every individual who was awarded this year.”

Zohar Elhanani, GreenRoad’s CEO, said: “We applaud Stagecoach for its continued commitment to driver safety. We are very proud of the role GreenRoad has played in helping attain such high driving standards as reflected in the number of drivers meeting Fleet Elite status this year. The programme has had a significant impact on promoting driver and passenger safety over many years and we look forward to seeing continued engagement by Stagecoach and its bus driver community in the years to come”