Bus operator Stagecoach has started a major rebrand with new logos and new exterior liveries for their services in Britain.
Extract from Stagecoach group
· Stagecoach introduces permanent new-look bus design, shaped by customer research calling for a more simplified and modern service
· 37% of people in Britain would use buses more if they were easier to use, according to new Stagecoach research
· Fresh design follows multi-million-pound investment in greener buses, smart technology, customer service and better journeys
· Celebratory one-of-a-kind mosaic bus livery also unveiled, featuring the faces of customers, drivers and communities from across the UK
· Buses to start appearing in the new livery from February, with the first new buses operating in Manchester from Spring 2020
30th January: Stagecoach, the UK’s largest bus and coach operator, has unveiled a brand new look for its iconic buses, shaped by the needs of customers it proudly serves across the UK, every day.
The new bus design is part of a wider commitment from Stagecoach to simplify, modernise and enhance its customer experience, whilst reaffirming the customer-first approach that runs through everything it does – from its drivers and buses, to its customer service and technology solutions.
When conceiving the new bus design, Stagecoach asked thousands of customers to share their thoughts on how the new design could serve them best, and what would encourage them to use public transport more regularly.
The findings highlighted that 69% of customers often found it confusing to find the bus they wanted, with a further 37% stating they would use the bus more often if it was simpler and more modern.
We've been proudly connecting the nation for 40 years. Today we reveal a new look for our iconic buses & brand. What better way to celebrate than by creating a one-off mosaic bus featuring the people who made us who we are. 👋 to us if you see this bus out & about in Newcastle. pic.twitter.com/WL8o2HrRDp— Stagecoach Group (@stagecoachgroup) January 30, 2020
Taking on board feedback from customers, the bus operator created a new simplified and clearly colour coded design for its various bus services to make it easier and instantly recognisable for passengers to identify their required service, representing the three different types of journey; Azure blue for its Local service, Amber yellow for Longer, and Ocean green for Specialist.
Stagecoach’s instantly recognisable ‘roundel’ icon, a familiar sight on the British road for two decades, has been rejuvenated, modernised and simplified and will be universally adopted across everything that the bus operator offers, representing the three different types of journey. These include:
· Local buses – these are everyday community buses with strong local connections that take people to work, education, hospitals, leisure activities with friends and family and life’s important moments.
· Longer distance – buses with added comfort and value for customers that need to take a bus beyond the place they live.
· Specialist – these are specialist services built for purpose – for drivers who need to park their car outside of town and use park and ride services, university students who need a lift to class and tourists who want to go sightseeing around the country
This year marks 40 years since the birth of Stagecoach. It has come a long way since 1980, from humble beginnings, starting with just two buses in Perth, Scotland, and growing dramatically to become the UK’s largest bus and coach operator. Today, Stagecoach serves over 2.5 million passengers a day, playing a vital role in keeping people and communities connected across the country.
Read more here
The fourth type of service they forgot to mention is the bus services in London; they have to use an all red livery as part of TfL’s requirement to operate contracted routes in London. At least London will get to see the new logo when they bring in new buses and repaint their existing buses for TfL service.
Stagecoach will be using new buses for their London contracted routes; here’s the brief list with information used from the London Bus Routes Service Changes page:
| Route | New bus make and type | Expected date |
| 25 | 31 Hybrid Enviro400H MMC | 23rd May 2020 |
| 173 | 15 Electric double deckers | 17th October 2020 |
| 174 | Electric double deckers | 17th October 2020 |
| 425 | 21 Hybrid Enviro400H MMC | 4th July 2020 |
Back in 2018, bus operator Arriva started the process of rebranding by changing their logo and their colours. You can read more about Arriva’s rebrand in the press release here.
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