Stagecoach Manchester has launched a special livery Armed Forces Covenant bus, showing its support to active service people and veterans in the Greater Manchester area.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
Stagecoach Group, the parent company of Stagecoach Manchester, recently received a Bronze Employer Recognition Award from the covenant. The award recognises the bus company as an employer that actively supports defence personnel and veterans.
Stagecoach also pledges to give free travel to military and ex-military personnel on key dates, including Remembrance and Armed Forces Day, following a decision from its recently established Veteran employee network. The network has been involved in numerous improvements and changes throughout the company, such as revising its reservist policy to better support employees, attending Career Transition Partnership events and attracting service leavers direct from resettlement programmes.
Kathryn McInnes, Stagecoach Veterans Network spokesperson based at Sharston Depot, commented: “This new livery is a clear message of support to all military personnel and veterans. Stagecoach is a Forces-friendly employer and I’m proud to be part of the Stagecoach Veterans Network which works to ensure support for service people within the business, and to create safe spaces for them to share their stories and openly discuss any concerns or issues they may have.”
The special liveried bus is one of a limited number across the UK to be solely branded in support of the Armed Forces Covenant and will operate in the Greater Manchester area.
Lee Wasnidge, Managing Director of Stagecoach Manchester said: “This new livery honours the brave service of people both within our business and the communities we serve. As a business, we are also working towards achieving the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Employer Recognition Award and will continue to support the Armed Forces and veterans however we can throughout Greater Manchester.”
