Stagecoach unveils new bus supporting those who serve in the Armed Forces

The special liveried bus is the first vehicle within Stagecoach to be solely branded in support of the Armed Forces Covenant and will operate in the North West region of England.

It will also be used for various events throughout the year, including Remembrance and Armed Forces Day, where those in the military or who have served previously can get free travel on all of Stagecoach’s services throughout the UK.

The branded Armed Forces Covenant bus, as well as Stagecoach’s pledge to give free travel to military and ex-military personnel on key dates, comes from its recently established Veteran employee network.

The network has been involved in numerous improvements and changes throughout the company such as revising its reservists policy to better support employees, attending Career Transition Partnership events and attracting service leavers direct from resettlement programmes.

Simon Tramalloni, operations manager and co-lead of Stagecoach Veterans Network said: “It gives me great pleasure and immense pride in how the company recognise those that have served our country with our Veterans group.

"As a network we have achieved so much in the last 12 months. The network allows likeminded individuals to share their stories and also talk in a safe place about any concerns or issues they may have.

“This newly branded bus is another clear message to people that we fully support our Armed Forces and have a place in our network for those thinking about joining Stagecoach or are already working with us.

“This achievement is a credit to the determination and drive of our network and its members and we will continue with our commitment to all Defence Personnel and our Veterans with the aim of achieving Gold employer status in the next few years and continue with our support for the Armed Forces and our colleague Veterans.”

Sam Berkson, national account manager for Defence Relationship Management said: “I’d like to thank Stagecoach for this public and very visible commitment to the Armed Forces community.

“It is clear that Stagecoach recognises the benefits of being a Forces-friendly employer.”