Raed erga eee ean Serie oe STOCK Deer taming = DURHAM expresspress “Smart” bus technology | Where we are v4 | 3 could ‘win this lunch bag Introducing the Every Time Center a Buahcod Taercreecs cnn A: rove oer we cotnun rake costa bape te bey Toe be Nec men scueselne oH ve orang Yaron core customer care and related departments (functions rer eer ashen scuva, eed ba race veg marennee eet management). west of the Downers Grove office. It is centrally located Poe ieee eg Soe corre mae soa rear Tis arge sry trou et ly ares Zo promeamot Ne sen oan we era aideuyecouny ane ate yeen el ‘The Every Time Center is convenient located off @ ‘major interstate in Chicago's western suburbs. expect the new building will house around 200 people. “The building also comes equipped with 2 whole building diese! generator. Should there be a power Continued on page 4 NEC continues to enhance its online presence ANY CHANGES are taking place right now in our organization and that includes enhancements to ‘our online presence, In February, NEC celebrated the launch of our new website, wnw.nationalexpresscorp.com. ‘The website follows the new corporate logo and graphic. identity adopted by our parent company, National Exoress Group. Current, the website offers press releases and community interest stories (rctuding stories featured in this newslette), as well as general information about National Express Corp and our operating brands, Durham Schoo! Services and Stock Transportation, Inthe near future, the site wil include executive bios and photos. Our intranet site, ‘www.NEConline.com, also had ‘a makeover to include the new ‘graphic identity New content, and the new NEC logo,will be added to both the Durham and Stock external ‘websites inthe coming months. (Please note: this will have no impact on the brands or logos ‘currently associated with Durham School Services and/or Stock Transportation. The website ‘addresses will remain the same: ‘vww.durhamschoolservices.com and wwwstocktransportation.com}. ‘The goal ofthese improvements is to create @ Unified look for all of our websites as well as to provide the latest company information to our customers, employees, and communities that we serve. < national express“Smart” bus technology helps keep the Every Time promise T'S HARD TO BELIEVE the school year has almost ‘come to an end = and ‘what a year is been ' tke 1 thank everyone for ther ‘commitment throughout the year to help make "07-08 record-setting year for safety performance, Hats off to all ‘employees for continuing to ‘make safety your number-one potty! You are a valuable part (of each students fe and education ‘We have an excitng schoo! year head withthe implementation of Business “Transformation in Zone 1, which begins in ‘August in the North Cental Region. New systems and technology are key to helping tus moot our Every Time promise — both in the oflce and in the fll, and the “smart” bus is an important part of tis. ‘The "smart" bus ineorporates new technology onto our existing buses, and in the future, new buses wil come from the ‘manufacturer withthe technology already installed. The technology used on the “smart” bus wil provide information to both vers and the staff who support our driver. ‘Access to accurate and tnely information is citical to everything we do. ‘The “smart” bus will have GPS (Global Positioning System), a mobile interactive ‘console, enhinced radio communication «nd willbe digital video ready. Brian Stock (hier Executive Officer National Express Comp Tho “smart” bus wil feature a mobile interactive console. 2 exprosspross GPS technology GPS technology wil securely send bus location and possibly other informa tion, via satelite, so the bus ccan ultimately be seen on a ‘computer in the office. (GPS wil allow us to better ‘support our divers in the case of an emergency and ‘also on a day-to-day basis. Lam sure you can all relate to the experience of tying to communicate to dispatch, fora varity of reasons, your ‘exact location. Its often very cificut to get the message across. With GPS, we wal know exactly where you are when you need ‘support of any type. Inthe future we could share the informa- ‘ion with customers and parents so they can also see if a bus is on time. We could also se historical data that willbe maintained to see f ou routes are efficient (Our GPS wi not be ikea typical ‘consumer unit you may have seen for use in personel vehicles with a display tis more lke @ black box sending automatic information to those supporting our drivers, For crivers to see route information, they vl use the mobie interactive consol. Mobile interactive console The “smart” bus wil abo include a mobile interactive console to provide drivers access to inforraton they need to make the right decisions for our customers. It can provide support for divers rot familar with a route (eparee, Charters or schoo! ips), and provide alerts about local trafic delays, construction and absent passengers. ‘The console is an interactive device with @ touch sereen that wil be durable and easy to use. ‘can be used on or of the bus, bout wl be taken of the bus at the end of each route To keep ‘ur strong focus on safety, vers wil not interact with it Uwe the bus isin mation Enhanced radio communication ‘The reco will remain the primary ‘communication tool for ives, but there Is technology that can extend the range of rachos by using the internet. Not ony wil the ‘technology extend the distance which the radio signals can be shared, it wil also provide added functionality such as being ‘able to connect the radio to a phone system, Digital video cameras Digital video cameras can enhance passenger and driver seourty and safety, and help with student menagement issues. ‘They can record passenger behavior so it can be reviewed later with incident reors, {and provide better support for driver traning, This technology is not pat of our base offering to customers, but we willbe ready ‘0 support GPS technology, mobila interactive ‘consoles and enhanced radio communica- tion willbe part of our standard offering Installation will begin several months prior to limplementation, and willbe scheduled soit does no impact regular operation of our routes. Training and support Please know that we wil provide the necessary training to make sure employses fully underetand any new technology we Introduce. Ifyou have any questions or feedback, you can cal the Business: “Tansformation Line for Confidential Supoort at 1-866-952-0522, or send an emall to ‘eadback@nationalexpresscorp.com, The hotine was set up to help you get answers to your questions, orto direct you to an ‘appropriate source. Your questions are ‘racked because its tkely others may want the same information, but your personal Information is not logged so as to maintain the confidential nature of the support ne. Enjoy the summer! We have an exciting year ahead, and we wil continue to ‘Communicate our progress as we get closer to Zone 1 implementation. < YZ (?Ventura CSC gives back to the community ANAGER Maggie Kirvan and officers in getting their class B Operations Supervisor Tut Uribe conventional crive’'s license using air of the Ventura, California CSC brakes. This license is required to drive (located in Oxnard, near the Oxnard the Police Command Post. Airport) have been working withthe local Drivers have donated their time, driving (Oxnard Police Depariment as a liaison for for various police programs throughout Dutham School Services forthe past six the year They have transported youth years. Tutihas been working with Otficer program participants to soccer garnes, Humberto Jimenez and Officer Luis Knott's Berry Farm and even Halloween McArthur on developing ways in which parties. They have also driven for senior Durham can give back to the community, programs, including events held at the “We wanted to give Durham Schoo! ‘Chumash Casino, Santa Monica pier ‘Services the recognition it deserves,” and have also provided transportation Hedus tieaaien aaa soe stated Tut. to senior proms, David Perez, Juana Perez, Tani Alani, Together they established a goal to In February, buses were used to [evbipoptel are teh roe assist the department in the youth and ‘transport local officials and police officers senior programs, and it has been an to 8 SK run in support of Tony Pedeferr. ‘experience that they will never forget. ‘Tony was seriously injured during a trafic individuals within the community. Dutham School Service's taining stop and the money raised from the run Without the drivers’ assistance, many department, along with Training Supervisor went toward his surgeries. Juana Perez, _seniors and youth would not have been Tim Chezum, and Designated Behind the Bernie Vanderpuil and Yanet Garcia ‘able to travel, due to funding shortages. ‘Wheel Trainer David Perez, have assisted volunteered to drive for this event We appreciate those ctivers who in training several of the Oxnard police ‘The Ventura CSC has helped numerous _corivibuted and donated their time. < Durham continues to expand operations HE NATIONAL EXPRESS CORP ——_Durhiam School Services. ‘an operator serving the state for more I family continues to grow at In February, Durham increased its than 26 years. A&E is headquartered record pace, thanks to a key ‘market presence in the state of New York _in Oswego, New York, and has five ‘2cquisition and several bid wins for with the acquisition of ARE Transportation, addtional ofices. A&E operates approximately 300 routes throughout the region. It was a busy bid season for the Durham Business Development and Marketing ‘Teams. Their hard work paid off: Durham adkled business Birmingham and Southfield, Michigan; Northampton, Massachusetts; Santa Rosa, Florida; Piscataway, New Jersey; River Tals, Winols; and Spokane and Tacoma, Washington, With the adition of Alabama and Michigan, Durham now operates in 20 stateal < exprossprose 3Gormley CSC celebrates silver anniversary in style N/SATURDAY, January 26, 2008, the Gormley, Ontario CSO ‘celebrated 25 years of operation at their Annual Awards Dinner and Seasonal Party “The festivities included dinner and dancing, as wall as an awards ceremony. (One hundred and sixty four drivers were recognized for excellence in safety. milestone of her own — 20 years of sate driving! Lina received a siver plaque — Forty-two drivers recsived a plaque for one year of safe ciiving; six drivers received a Stock safety watch for five complete with a lovely years of safe driving and four ‘mantle clock and a 27-inch livers received a Stock gold Color television for her fing for 10 years of safe driving, accomplishments. < Driver Lina Vercese celebrated an imoressive Lina Verceso Sunderland honors two exceptional drivers HE SUNDERLAND, ONTARIO. T (CSC recently held their annual seasonal awards dinner and banquet. Over 250 staff members and their spouses celebrated with a festive dinner and dance, During the awards ceremony, drivers Karin Graham and Joan Risebrough were honored for their exceptional commitment to safely on the road - 25 years of colision-ree driving. Each received a plaque, Stock goblet, 25-year pin and Take me out to the ball game ATERBURYOAY mas voir to toy VY i esicma nn thal pak wing te Ne Ban Peck ae iis tapi eat 8 ines We Det Oy Was fsa fr hae Dah iby 050 Sonate $8 bss tate) toreor a be ong teeta fe Wet re tourette erie wh essa Pre Duran Schon Sarre mart ated this year’s Waterbury Day celebration. He spent the day spreading the Durham spirit throughout the ballpark, ‘meeting with children, livers, players and the Rock Cats’ mascot, The day was a home run! < Drivers Celia Matos (eft) and Wanda Santiago (right) with Pride the dog. 4 exoresspret choice of aft for their impressive accomplishment. Graham chose a DVD player; Fisebrough selected a television. Graham and Risebrough are not the only drivers at the ‘Sunderiand with outstanding diving records. Roselein Cook can boast more than 39 years of accident fre-criving (eight of those years with Stock Transportation). < ae) ‘outage, the generator can power tho entire site, allowing for uninterrupted power. This specification could not bbe met in the current Downers. Grove facility, and It's absolutely essential due to the work we will be performing there The operations center will be ready for occupancy June 2, 2008. (Once the faciity is open, operating hours willbe from 3 a.m. to 9. pam. (CST, to accommodate our ‘customers In citferent time zones across North America, ‘The current Downers Grove feclity vill remain in operation. The financial ‘and accounting functions wil continue to expand, as will other departments, ‘whose roles and responsibilities will Increase as Business Transformation moves forward. <Durham School Services driver takes a plunge ti a ‘ORIGINALLY STARTED as a friendly bet between two Durham Schoo! ‘Services employees. Driver Christina Ramirez of the Lake Vl linois CSC was ‘challenged by Lake Vila Operations Manager Lora Jackson to raise $500 in ‘support ofthe Law Enforcement Torch un Polar Plunge. The event, held on Merch 1, benefited Special Olympics lino, a not-for-profit organization devoted to providing training and competition for ‘more than 20,000 disabled children and adults across the state Durham School Services was pleased to help sponsor and donate five small buses for the event, as well as support (Christina, who decided to brave the cold and plunge into the icy waters of Lake Michigan. Durham Schoo! Services is also the official transportation ‘sponsor for the Special Olympics ‘Summer Games in Calfornia and Texas, as well as a Gold ‘Medal Sponsor in California, Texas and Washington. Each year, hundreds of people take to the water Since the events inception nine years 290, $1.7 milion has been raised by more than 5,245 plungers. Christina added her name to the ist this year, and withthe help of co-workers, family and friends, she raised a total of $530! Next year, two Durham ctivers wil take the plunge. They hope to each reach their gal of $1000. < Plungers brave the cold as they enter the icy waters of Lake Michigan. Merriam driver wins Valentine’s Day contest ‘TWAS VALENTINE'S DAY, and Dwanah Fantoy, a driver at the Merriam, Kansas CSC, was finishing her morning route. As she was geting ready to drop off the students at Mission Valley Middle School, she noticed a limousine next to her bus. When the limo stopped and a decjay {rom the local radio station ~ 106.5 WDAF “The Wolf” ~ got out, the students on her ‘bus began cheering. A crowd began to {grow outside, Dwanah had no idea what the commotion was about - but she was soon coaxed out ofthe bus to find out. Dwanah learned she was the winner of WDAF' “Kiss-A-Gram" contest. The award was a surprise to Dwanah and the ‘school. Students on her bus had secretly ‘nominated her by sending a letter about their favorite bus criver to the radio station (cee an excerpt from the note below). ‘Commenting on the leter, WDAF's ‘Morning Show Producer Hilary Woods sald, "I needed Kleenex - you have a great employee!” The radio held a brief awards ceremony before school began, Dwanah, a Durham driver since 2006, received prizes valued at $800, including a kiss from a Howlin’ Hottie (one of WDAF's radio station ‘models) plus a git package that included flowers and a romantic getaway. < mam ay Dwanah Fantroy (second trom right) poses with the WDAF's Morning Shows: from left to ‘ight, Howtin’ Hottie Jil Schuetz, Moming ‘Show Producer Hilary Woods, and Howrln’ ‘Hottie Lucas Prannostal. THE WINNING LETTER “The majority of the kids on my bus want to nominate our driver Mis. D. for the kiss-o-gram but wee not alowed to put our cell phone number on the Internet therefore we decided to write you. Mrs, D. is an awesome driver. She has been my driver for the past 2 years and is a ighly respected woman by the kids on our bus. Mrs. D. isthe only driver I've had that can spot a child hopping a fence from the next block, stop the bus and wait for him. know because it was me. Mrs. D. is always teling us how awesome we are and how she wouldn't trade | us for another route in the world...She is just an extraordinary lady that wo love and will miss next school term because most of us will be entering high school and she only transports elementary and middle school. Could you please da Us a favor? If ‘Mrs. D. does not win one of your kiss-o-grars could you at least play a song for her that lets her know how much we appreciate her? We've asked her to listen to the station while on route on Valentines Day from 6:45 - 9:00, = The Mission Valley Middle Schoo! Kids of Bus 128, Mrs. D ‘expresspress §Cumberland CSC wins regional safety award Nemo oo Suse Region's Annual Award for Safety ee Kel’ ‘Cumberland General Manager Paul Neves ‘accepts the regional safety award trophy. accidents and inuries, as well as improved safety performance. The competition also awards quarterly performers, with ‘Cumberiand winning the first-quarter {tophy and tying for frst place in the second and third quarters. ‘The Cumberland team was presented with a trophy and plaque, in addition to other gifts commemorating their achieve- ‘ment. Managers from all 17 GSCs in the Northeast Ragion — as well as quests from the corporate headquarters in owner's Grove, llinois - were in attendance. ‘The outstanding effort on behalf of the students transported every day by the Cumberland staff is part of what makes the Durham difference,” said Regional Vice President Alain Briand, “The excellent skis, talents and abilities of each and every employee of our Cumberland CSC contributed to this award,” “The drivers and attendants in Cumberland are among the best we have Durham teams up with Indiana Jones at 2008 NSBA Conference |AMOUS FOR HIS QUESTS for FF ee ree hip cracking escapes fom danger, Incfana Jones made his way fom the big sereen into the Dutham School Services trade show booth. The booth was part of the National School Board Association's (NSBA) annual conference held in Orlando, Florida thie March ‘Along wit the conference, Durham hed a customer appreciation inner at MGM Studios inde the Indiana Jones Stunt Theme Park. Both Dutham and Stock customers new and old wer invited ‘and participated in on-stage roleplaying !Ahighght of tho evening was the appearance of Executive Vice President ohn Eliott dressed as the treasure hunter rime This year algo marked the fst tim that the cinner theme was cared overt the marketing trade show booth. The booth 6 expresspress was extremely popular and showcased a treasure wheel which gave attendees an ‘opportunity to win Durham schoo! bus key chains, Sharpie markers, and even a snake! There was also a drawing for the grand prize, he DVD box set of the Indiana Jones series and a gift certificate {ora trip to see the newest Indiana Jones movie this suremer. Director of Marketing Carina Noble called this year's conference a great ‘The employees at Cumberland each received a jacket in recognition of their safety performance and award, inthe company’, said Area Director of Safety Linda Coates. "Each driver and attendant takes the job of safaly transporting their students very seriously. ‘They understand the importance oftheir responsibilty: Ther professionalism and ‘concern for thelr passengers goes beyond Just doing the jab; they truly care for the ‘welfare of the Cumberiand kids.” < ‘success. “For both current customers 2s woll as prospective customers, it was a very good show for us." Noble added that the booth experienced its highest foot trafic for 3 trade show, allowing us to introduce our high quality services to many new districts and increase brand ‘awareness across the industry. Next year’s NSBA conference will beheld in ‘San Diego, California, It wil be challenging to top the Indiana Jones theme, < Pictured from ltt to right: Business Development Director Greg Wolter, Executive Assistant Tammy Adour ana Business Development Director Gary Cchetoniaisplay their support for Durham's Indiana Jones theme at ‘he 2008 NSBA trade show.Durham driver lends a helping hand HILE ON HIS WAY home from cchurch March 2, Mevin Hurndon, a driver from the ‘Terrell, Texas CSC, happened to come across a group of stranded students from Miles Independent School District. Their bus had broken down on their way to see a theatrical performance. Melvin decided to use his expertise and assist the stranded students, Using a wrench, Melvin was able to tighten a nut that had come loose and ‘caused the ar brakes to malfunction. Melvin did more than just tghtan the aut He offered them the wrench and taught the driver how to fix the problem in the future. Durham General Manager Don Ledbetter also offered assistance over the phone, Melvin then escorted the group to the neareet interstate to ensure they were (on thelr way safely ‘Terrell Independent School District ‘Superintendent Kelly Rodgers called Melvin “a great Samaritan.” As a reward for his kindness, Melvin was presented wth his wrench, along with a letter thanking him for his assistance. He wes also given a framed plaque with all ofthe students" signatures. Karyn Brown, the teacher who was with the students, was grateful forthe (reat service that Durham provided. The biggest reward for Melvin was the fact that he had the chance to help the group in desperate times, "I would say it actually ‘brought joy to my heart to help someone in need,” said Melin, < ‘Motvin Hurndon (ight accepts a letter of thanks from Terrell Superintendent Kelly Rodgers (ef). Breakfast of champions HE LONDON, Ontario, CSC held its Srd Annual Breakfast of Champions in February at the Golden Griddle Restaurant. This driver relations event proves to be one of the most popular, with approximately 150 drivers, monitors ofice and shop staff attending. The breakfast celebrates the additional effors by the drivers and monitors over the winter months, and they certainly earned their meal during the winter of 2007-08, ‘The London CSC is located in the heart of London, Ontario, at 623 York Street, London Joined Stock Transportation in 2005 and employs five office staff, including the Divisional Leadership ‘Team, four shop mechanics, including our lead hand, and approximately 194 crvers and 44 monitors. They transport special-needs students for the Thames Valley District School Board on 130 routes ‘across the city. < Alliston driver encounters dangerous situation ‘across a person stranded on a fllen tree, hanging over a rushing creek. But for Dorothy Farrel, of the Alston CSC in Ontario, Canada, that was exactly what she encountered last December on one of her daly routes. Dorothy was transporting a student by van along the route, when she saw a young gil who was trying to cross a creek by crawiing on a fallen tree. The git ‘appeared to be about eight and was ‘wearing a backpack. Typically during December the ‘temperatures are cold, but the area had | TIS NOT EVERY DAY that you come bbeen experiencing a warm thaw. The Fivers and creeks began to rise and flow rapily, making them dangerous areas to be near, Dorothy immediately stopped the van. Because Dorothy had a student with her, she did not want to leave the van. instead, she shouted from her window to the gi, making sure she was okay and explaining the dangers of crossing the creek. She ‘waited for the young git to reach safe ‘ground and reminded her to never do anything like that again. Looking back on the incident, Dorothy ‘ald she did not help the ail in order to Me ce, Dorothy Farell recelve pralse. "I didn’t do it to be a hero; | did it because the child was in a dangerous situato exoresspress 7NEC “End of the School Year” contest — win a logo branded lunch bag! ‘S THE SCHOOL YEAR winds down, we'd lke to take a moment to thank each and every one of ‘our employees forall your hard wark (Our continued success depends on your Commitment to qualty transportation, outstanding customer service, and above all, safety ‘We'd also ike to invite you to Participate in our “End of the School Year" ‘contest. To enter, all you need to do is. ‘answer the ive questions below. Each ‘question is based on an article in this newsletter You can send us your answers by e-mail, fax or mail (see the box for tale) We must receive your anewers by June 13, 2008. 1. What are the two new states Durham ‘School Services will be operating in ‘uring the 2008-2009 schoo! year? 2. What ol Durham diver Owanah Fantroy win on Valentine's Day? 8, Which Stock drivers were honored for 25 years of accident-free cving? 4. Where is our new Every Time Center located? 5. What dangerous situation di Alston ctiver Dorothy Farrell encounter? Allcorrect answer sheets vil be eligible for a grand prize drawing on Juno 16, 2008. Twenty-five lucky winners will receive a logo branded lunch bag. ‘Thank you again for @ wonderful schoo! year, and good luck! < School bus driver decides job is best choice for her ‘The folowing story was submitted by iver, Catherine Ruth. The Kitchener, Ontario, CSC is located an hour west of Toronto and services 174 routes for three local schoo! boards. The location supports all ypes of vehces, from conventional 72 passengers to minivans, and specializes in the transportation of special needs children. The dedicated staff in the office and shop as well as the crvers provide an excelent service to their customers. hen I retired from my full time job at the age of 40, | decided {0 ty fun jobs, Yes, some jobs are funl I've had about ten jobs inthe last fourteen years, sometimes juggling two or more ata time, (One day, | passed a sign that reed, "SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS WANTED — WILL TRAIN." | contemplated this job for 8 expresspress several weeks. Did | want a job that requited a Monday to Friday commitment? Could | handle the chlcren? | knew the bus runs would break up my day and | wondered how | could fit this job into my other job atthe sewing machine store. Was it possible? | started training for my B class license but after three days, fd had enough. tm talking about a gi who didnt fill her own ‘car with gas, never mind looking for cotter-pins and checking fluid levels. 1 ‘went in to quit but, no such luck. | agreed to train for an € class license and | haven't looked back. In my enthusiasm for this job, Ive trled to convert my friends to be a school bus iver but I've had no luck. They/re just ‘not interested and have chosen to Ne vicariously through me. I think they lve dll lives, but what can | say? Yes, there are days ! wish I had never ‘seen that sign, usually when there is zero visbilty from blowing snow and my Job is to get the children home safely. At those times, all eally want isto be at home mysel. Al things considered, | love my job. The children make me laugh. One ite boy was surprised to find that I dnt live on ‘my school bus and actually had a home to goto. Some days, I think he might be right. Other children tel me they want to be a ‘school bus driver when they grow up. The other drivers listen to my grumbling ‘and laugh. We've all been through it, they tellme. ''m starting on my fourth year as a river and have given up all my other jobs. No, I don't expect to be doing this job forever, but who knows, stranger things have happened. < © 200 nao rs Coe