Stagecoach gearing up to reward Hartlepool's green champs

Stagecoach North East is a sponsor of the Best of Hartlepool competition and a spokesman for the firm described its backing of the Green Champion category as “particularly appropriate”.

That’s because the Stagecoach North East Hartlepool bus depot was named the best in the UK in 2015, as part of a national eco-driving initiative. But that’s not the only way the firm is doing its bit to protect the environment.

All Stagecoach vehicles have a system called GreenRoad installed. It uses a traffic-light LED system on the dashboard, which gives drivers instant feedback on their driving manoeuvres.

That encourages smoother, safer, and more fuel-efficient driving. Stagecoach North East also has a Fleet Elite standard which means drivers must clock up more than 500 driving hours in a year and achieve an average of five or less events – such as harsh braking or acceleration per 10 hours of driving over the calendar year – to succeed.

The spokesman added: “With just under 50 per cent of Stagecoach bus drivers in Hartlepool achieving Fleet Elite status, the depot beat all others across the UK with a score of seven. The depot’s exceptional performance is so successful that it ranks as one of the best depots in the world for bus companies taking part in the GreenRoad scheme.”

Since GreenRoad started in 2012 many Stagecoach North East drivers have improved their scores using the depot computer, and others use their phones to link onto the GreenRoad data.

All of the initiatives have helped to bring about improvements in fuel efficiency and reduction in CO2 emissions

The Best of Hartlepool awards are being held in association with Niramax, and in which Specsavers, Stagecoach North East and Hart Biologicals are category sponsors.

The deadline for entries in the competition is Saturday, April 2. Then, judges will draw up a shortlist.

Then it’s on to the grand finale at the Hardwick Hall Hotel on Tuesday, April 26.

The awards will honour unsung stars. To nominate, send your name, address and telephone number, the name of the business or person you wish to nominate, along with their address, telephone number and email (if known).

State which category your nomination applies to (from the list of categories) and provide a description of the reasons for your nomination (no more than 300 words).

Post your nomination to: Nicola Meldrum, Alexander House, Second Floor, Rainton Bridge Business Park, Houghton-le-Spring, Sunderland. DH4 5RA alternatively email [email protected] or [email protected]