Lets get Reddy to Rumble!

Someone up there must think he is doing a good job!

First UK Bus has made Managing Director changes, prompted by the demands of the Competition Commission to provide large volumes of highly detailed information about its operating companies. Andy Scholey, MD for First in Manchester, is being seconded to the central First UK Bus team to help deal with the current Competition Commission Inquiry. Andy, who has been MD in Manchester since 2007, will also assist in planning First’s bus provision for spectators at the 2012 London Olympics, for which FirstGroup has been announced as the preferred bidder by the Olympic Delivery Authority for spectator transport, requiring around 900 coaches and buses. He will return to his position as MD in Manchester once his work on both projects is completed. Replacing Andy in Manchester will be Richard Soper, the current MD for First in Hampshire and Dorset. The responsibilities at Hampshire and Dorset will be assumed by Marc Reddy, who will combine the role with his current position, MD for First in Devon & Cornwall. All the changes will come into effect on Monday 8 March. Nicola Shaw, Director (First) – Bus, UK, Ireland and Germany, said: “These are important roles for each of the three directors involved and I am sure they will each carry on their proven track record of success in business.” Good luck to Marc in what must be seen as a vote of confidence by the Senior Team at First group. Update: I have just come home and realised that this post didn't go live when I expected it too - typed in the wrong date so my fault but it does allow me to point you to Omnibuses blog which has also picked up this story and added to it. In a move that will probably see the largest span of control for any single English operational managing director ever, Marc Reddy prepares to take over the reigns at First Hampshire & Dorset... in addition to his current managing directorship at First Devon & Cornwall. Excluding outstations, the distance between his furthest garages (Penzance & Barnstaple) used to be a mere 107 miles. Now, from Penzance to Portsmouth, it becomes 241 miles. Truly of Olympic proportions The full post can be seen here...

Further Reading Uncle Terry: Im a celebrity... Highton-Ridley - award winning shot TGP: Dads Patterns PTOTPA: 57000 in Devon Omnibuses: Destigmatise Leon Daniels: Lucky Dip First on Twitter / Facebook 26 Feb 09:13 Due to a road traffic accident in Yealmpton on the A379 Mayflower Link Service 93 will for the time being not serve Plymstock, Brixton, Yealmpton or Longbrook. It will be diverted via the A38, Ivybridge and through Ermington before continuing normal route on the A379 through Modbury 09:54 Royal Parade, Plymouth closed to traffic in both directions due to an accident. While closed services coming into City from Plymstock/Plympton area will travel as far as St Andrew's Cross roundabout (by the post office). Services travelling from West/North Plymouth (Saltash, St Budeaux, Ernesettle, Southway, Estover, Derriford, Torpoint) will travel as far as Derrys Cross roundabout. More info. 13:18 The accident in Yealmpton necessitating the diversion of service 93 has now been cleared and the Mayflower Link Service 93 is now operating it's normal route. Thanks for your patience during the diversion and delays. 15:11 Royal Parade in Plymouth is now open to traffic after the earlier closure resulting from the accident this morning. We thank you for your patience during the closure and while services were diverted. Citybus on Twitter / Facebook 26 Feb 08:13 Due to a serious accident which has closed the A379, both the City College and Grammar School buses from Kingsbridge will be unable to operate this morning. Assuming the road re-opens later in the day the afternoon services will operate as normal. The situation is entirely beyond our control; however we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. 09:39 Royal Parade has been closed in both directions to all traffic due to a serious accident. The closure is likely to be in place for some time. All buses will terminate on the Viaduct or in Union Street. We have dispatched as many staff as we can find to provide assistance to drivers and customers. 11:21 The Royal Parade closure is likely to last until the early evening or longer. We have several staff in the City Centre who will assist you with up to date information on where to catch your bus. Look out for high viz jackets with Plymouth Citybus on the back. We will do all we can to stick to our timetables but with such a major road closed delays are bound to occur particularly during the evening rush hour. 14:32 Royal Parade has just been reopened. We will get everything back to normal as soon as we possibly can. Thank you all for your patience.