Podcasts about National Express

Send us a textOh, how we miss Hastings. Please come back. Today Jaden talks about the ZZ Top-influnced Icelandic band KALEO, Zac talks about the absolutley brutal mathcore masterpiece Ire Works by The Dillinger Escape Plan, and Daniel talks about action sports music with National Express by The Divine Comedy.Follow us on Instagram if that's your thing: https://www.instagram.com/theplaylisterspod/

Der Tag in NRW: Geflügelbauer: Sorge vor der Stallpflicht; National Express: Ärger um RE4; Trotz Vorwürfen: Esser darf in NRW-AfD bleiben; Israel: Kommt ein Yad-Vashem-Ableger nach NRW?; Bundeswehr stoppt Flächenumnutzung auch in NRW; Abschied im Zorn: Schramma verlässt CDU; RWE: Pakistanische Landwirte drohen mit Klimaklage; Chronische Erschöpfung: Bilder im Landtag zu ME/CFS. Moderation: Edda Dammmüller. Von WDR.

London becomes a magical winter wonderland at Christmas, with sparkling lights, festive markets, and iconic decorations. But visiting during the holidays also means closures, no public transport on Christmas Day, and the need to book key experiences well in advance.In this episode, Tracy shares practical tips on:What's open and closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & Boxing DayHow to get around when public transport stops (and the National Express option)Where to book a Christmas Day meal — and why reservations are essentialStocking up on groceries before supermarkets closeThe best lights, markets & festive highlights to add to your itineraryHow to plan for New Year's Eve fireworks and the New Year's Day ParadeLater, Tracy is joined by Ollie from Discover Real London to chat about their private Black Cab Christmas Lights Tours - a cosy, personalised way to experience the city's festive sparkle.Whether you're exploring markets, strolling quiet streets on Christmas Day, or celebrating New Year's in London, this episode has everything you need to plan your perfect holiday trip.Visit London Travel Planning for articles on London's Christmas lights and festive activities. Consider supporting the podcast from just $3 per month to help us continue providing valuable UK travel planning information.

Listen as Raven Heyward, founder and host of DiversifyHER, converses with  Dorothy G. Capers with us. She is the Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary for C.H. Robinson, a global leader in logistics and transportation. She oversees a diverse legal team and reports directly to the CEO.Before joining C.H. Robinson, Mrs.Capers earned her J.D. from Howard University School of Law and her B.A. from the University of Illinois. She held senior legal roles at Xylem, National Express, and US Foods, and she also served as a litigator in both government and the private sector. She's published on corporate governance and enforcement policy, and she actively gives back through mentoring and board service. Connect with Mrs.Capers:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorothy-g-capers-6982361/Email: Dorothy.Capers@chrobinson.com

Is AI rewriting the rules of SEO? In this episode, Marius Tudor, Senior Digital Marketing Manager at National Express joins me, to dive into AI-driven search and its impact on brands. We explore how tools like Google's AI Overviews and crawler-blocking tech are pushing brands toward richer content like video to stay visible.Marius shares strategies for future-proofing your brand's visibility and loyalty by optimising SEO for conversational AI queries, adapting to shifting user behaviour, and leveraging platforms like TikTok as search engines for younger audiences.Marketing Vs The World is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Asset Management can be explained as a systematic process of planning, operating, maintaining, upgrading and replacing assets cost-effectively with minimum risk and at the expected levels of service over the assets' life cycle. One sector where effective asset management can make a huge difference is public transportation, with organisations having to keep track of an exhaustive list of costly vehicles and infrastructure. Long time listeners may recall a previous episode where we interviewed the train operator, Greater Anglia, after they successfully achieved ISO 55001, the best practice standard for asset management. Now 3 years on, they've been recently recertified and have learned a lot since their initial certification. In this episode, Andrew Barnes, Head of Asset Management at Greater Anglia, joins Ian Battersby to discuss how they currently manage their ISO 55001 certification, what they've learned in the past 3 years since certification and the benefits of effective asset management.   You'll learn ·      Who is Andrew Barnes? ·      Who are Greater Anglia? ·      How do Greater Anglia manage their ISO 55001 certification? ·      What lessons have been learned since their initial certification? ·      What are the main benefits of ISO 55001? ·      Andrew's top tip for ISO Implementation     Resources ·      Isologyhub ·      Greater Anglia ·      ISO Support Plan   In this episode, we talk about: [02:05] Episode Summary – Ian Battersby is joined by Andrew Barnes, Head of Asset Management at Greater Anglia, to discuss their experience with being certified to ISO 55001 for the past 3 years, explaining the lessons learned and benefits gained.    [03:25] Who is Andrew Barnes? Andy is currently the Head of Asset Management at Greater Anglia. A fun fact that not many people know about him is that he was part of the Lord Mayor's Show in the 80's, though he had a bit of a wardrobe malfunction that ended with him getting a stern talking to! Andy has been working in the railways since 1985, starting as an apprentice with British Rail. [05:15] Who are Greater Anglia? Greater Anglia are a train operator who took over from National Express, East Anglia back in 2012. They serve the Anglia region from Liverpool Street Station, and are unusual among railway companies in that they are under a full repairing and insuring lease. This differs from most who have station access conditions, where the responsibility for maintenance and repair is split between Network Rail and the train operator. They currently operate 134 stations, with 2 more under construction which are Burley Park (due to open in October 2025) and Cambridge South (opening in early 2026). In addition to the stations, they also own 7 depots for train stabling and maintenance. So in short, a lot of assets to keep track of! [07:40] Extra asset requirements – They are also now challenged on cleanliness at train stations. This involves mystery shoppers visiting stations and marking them against certain criteria to give a score, which Greater Anglia tend to score quite highly. They also have to inspect all of their assets on a conditioned surveying scheme, the scores of which need to be communicated to Network Rail. [09:00] Andy's role as Head of Asset Management – Andy is relatively new to this role, becoming the Head of Asset Management in April 2025. He has a team of asset inspectors that conduct the condition surveys internally. He's also responsible for the Engineer Insurance Team, part of their role is to determine the technical aspects of large schemes that require focused designs. [10:05] How do Greater Anglia manage their ISO certifications? – In addition to ISO 55001, Greater Anglia also hold ISO 9001 and a number of standards specific to engineering. They have benefitted from 3rd party support in the form of utilising Blackmores consultancy to help gain certification and aid with on-going support for internal audits. Their processes and procedures are all managed by their Project Management Team, who conduct regular reviews against ISO requirements to ensure they stay relevant and in alignment with best practice. They also have a strategic asset management plan, risk register and continuous improvement plans in place to address various elements of both asset management and general quality management. Like with most ISO Standards, there's a lot of crossover in the requirements, so elements of each certification can easily be integrated and used to bolster an existing management system. [11:15] The benefit of a maturing management system – Andy is quite keen on learning from their maturing management system. Through effective implementation, you can look back and see what's working well and where improvements can be made. Having a certain level of management system maturity enables you to make more informed continual improvement decisions. [13:20] A structured approach – Prior to ISO 55001 certification, they were still doing everything that was required of them to maintain assets simply because that was the right thing to do. What they lacked was the structured processes and procedures to support that hard work. It wasn't as planned and more of a reactionary approach to asset management. Andy appreciates the clearly defined lines, processes and ability to learn from their mistakes as a result of ISO 55001 implementation. It simply helped provide a more consistent and collaborative base for effective asset management. [14:25] Other benefits from ISO 55001 certification:- Improved efficiency: New and improved processes helped to manage both their time and internal resource. They eliminated unnecessary meetings, and consolidated key discussion points for their regular meet-ups to ensure important updates were prioritised. Risk Mitigation: They now have a structured approach to learning from past mistakes. This is managed via a Lessons Learned Database, which collates the answers to specific questions that get asked after project completion. They make sure to include contractor input so all parties involved feel the benefits. Recently, they've also been granted access to Network Rail's Lesson's Learned database, so they will benefit from an even wider knowledge base for future projects. Consistent approach: Their current management system ensures that everyone is following the same policies, processes and procedures. People know what their responsibilities are, who to communicate what to and how they can help contribute to improvement efforts. Continual Improvement culture shift: The management system doesn't require everyone to know everything from the get-go. It encourages a culture of learning with the goal of continual improvement, so people aren't afraid of suggesting actions for innovation.   [19:45] Lessons learned: Not just from mistakes – Ultimately, from an asset management point of view, Greater Anglia want to maintain or renew an asset as functional and preserve it for as long as possible. They need to intervene as quickly and as efficiently as possible to minimise the impact to people using it. Minimising the time on site with things like modular construction and hauling large equipment are things we've done due to lessons learned from other projects. These were positive changes that we've taken on not due to mistakes but simply from trying different things. A lesson learned doesn't have to result from a mistake. It's about learning from both risks and opportunities. [21:20] Top ISO Implementation tips from Andy – Do your homework: Have a good understanding of your Management System and take your time to weave it into your day-to-day activities. A helping hand: Make use of an ISO champion, whether that's someone internal with ISO knowledge or a 3rd party dedicated ISO consultancy (such as Blackmores) to help you break down an ISO Standard into something you can understand and apply to your way of working. Recording evidence: Don't just talk the talk, walk the walk! Once a process or procedure is documented, follow it, and record evidence of this. Same goes for any actions for improvement that are raised, don't just let it sit there, action it. [23:45] Andy's take away from ISO 55001 management – Andy is surprised by how attuned their business is to the Standard. The Standard speak may seem obtuse or vague, but its adaptability is it's greatest strength. You have the flexibility to apply it in a way that works for your business. [25:15] Andy's book recommendations – 1984 by George Orwell and Adolf Hitler: My part in his downfall by Spike Milligan. [26:35] Andy's favorite quote – ‘By Failing to prepare, you're preparing to fail' – Benjamin Franklin If you'd like to learn more about Greater Anglia, check out their Website and Linkedin. If you'd like any assistance with ISO 55001 Asset Management, feel free to get in touch with us, we'd be happy to help. We'd love to hear your views and comments about the ISO Show, here's how: ●     Share the ISO Show on Twitter or Linkedin ●     Leave an honest review on iTunes or Soundcloud. Your ratings and reviews really help and we read each one. Subscribe to keep up-to-date with our latest episodes: Stitcher | Spotify | YouTube |iTunes | Soundcloud | Mailing List

CitySwift, the Irish data-company leading in performance optimisation for the public transport sector worldwide, has announced its expansion into the APAC market. This news has been marked with its first partnership in the region, with Citybus, a leading bus operator servicing over 1.1 million customers daily across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. Following twelve months of rapid growth for the business, CitySwift - which was founded in 2016 by Brian O'Rourke and Alan Farrelly - will now be working in the APAC region with further global expansion set to be a key focus in 2025. Since inception, CitySwift has operated in its home territory of Ireland, as well as the UK and the US. In 2024, CitySwift partnered with leading UK bus operators, including Go-Ahead Group, Transport for Wales, and National Express. Earlier this year, CitySwift signed its largest deal to date with Transport for London, a move that underscores the demand for data-driven solutions to alleviate challenges faced by operators, passengers and drivers alike. "Across the world, operators are looking for ways to make bus networks more efficient, reliable, and sustainable, and data-driven technology is proving to be the key. At CitySwift, we are committed to helping cities and operators harness the power of AI to optimise routes, reduce emissions, and improve passenger experience. Our expansion into the APAC market is a direct response to the growing need for smarter public transport and we're excited to bring our expertise to the region at a time when the world is looking for innovative ways to make mobility more sustainable," said CEO Brian O'Rouke on the announcement. This latest partnership with Citybus aims to power Hong Kong's public transport network using AI and data to improve bus service reliability and deliver a better customer experience. With a fleet of over 1,700 buses and a workforce of more than 5,000 employees, this agreement marks a significant milestone for Citybus. The operator is setting up a new AI-driven Operations Control Centre to elevate the customer experience and boost operational efficiency. In addition to reducing excess wait times, balancing supply and demand, and enhancing overall operational efficiency, the partnership will also lower costs through team and vehicle efficiency improvements while embracing digital transformation and technological innovation. Richard Hall, Managing Director of Citybus, commented: "Citybus is unwavering in our commitment to investing in the long-term future for our business and the franchised bus system in Hong Kong. Thanks to CitySwift's AI-powered performance management platform, we are poised to deliver an even more customer centric, efficient and agile network based on our strong operating foundations. We look forward to this new partnership with CitySwift and delivering an enhanced operating model achieving even greater outputs and ultimately a stronger and higher quality customer proposition, enhancing our business and growth opportunities in the future." Powered by AI data processing, CitySwift works with public sector transport authorities and private bus operators to break down the barriers to accessing and interpreting transport data, replacing manual analysis with insights, recommendations and simulations. This solution enhances efficiency, benefiting drivers, passengers, partners, and cities, aiding in the transition from private vehicles to more sustainable public transportation. With its industry-leading technology, CitySwift envisions a future where public transport is the travel mode of choice in cities across the world. See more stories here.

CitySwift, has announced the rollout of its platform to all bus operators in London. London has one of the largest public transport networks in the world with nearly 9,000 buses serving approximately 1.8 billion passenger journeys annually. It is operated by seven bus operators on 675 routes franchised by Transport for London (TfL). CitySwift has the potential to over time enable all of London's Bus Operators to use data, AI optimisations and simulations to mitigate disruptions, optimise resource use and facilitate collaboration. Increasing the performance of the network will deliver more reliable bus services to drive increased passenger volumes and a better passenger experience. "Our work with both authorities and operators in multiple regions since 2016 has consistently delivered tangible results in improved reliability, efficiency, and passenger and driver satisfaction. We are thrilled to bring these advantages to all operators, drivers and passengers in the London bus network, contributing to TfL's vision of providing the most efficient and reliable transport network," said CEO and Co-founder Brian O'Rouke on today's announcement. CitySwift currently employs 17 people in the UK and 50 people in Ireland, with ambitions to double headcount in both countries over the next 3 years. Founded in 2016 by Brian O'Rourke and Alan Farrelly, CitySwift empowers private operators and public transport authorities to achieve unmatched efficiency by using data to solve problems. CitySwift's AI-powered performance optimisation platform delivers insights, simulations, and actionable recommendations to support the provision of high-performing bus services. This news follows a year of rapid growth for CitySwift in 2024. During that time, the company secured €7 million in funding and announced renewed and new partnerships with Transport for Wales, National Express, Transport for Greater Manchester, Go-Ahead Group, and more. See more stories here.

Für die Ausbildung des Fahrpersonals ist das Unternehmen National Express neue Wege gegangen. Einerseits wurde eine innovative Lösung für die Ausbildung gesucht. Andererseits, weil nicht genügend Fahrzeuge zur Verfügung stehen, da sie im Betrieb sind. Gemeinsam mit dem Innovationszentrum für Bahntechnik und Mobilität (IZBTM) hat National Express einen sogenannten digitalen Zwilling für den regelmäßigen Fortbildungsunterricht entwickelt. Ein digitaler Zwilling ist ein dreidimensionales Modell eines technischen Systems, der bestimmte Details und Funktionen beinhaltet. Zum Beispiel lassen sich über einen Maus- oder einen Tastaturbefehl am Modell die Türen eines Eisenbahnfahrzeugs öffnen. Lernenden werden dadurch praxisnah und spielerisch verschiedene Lernszenarien vermittelt. Sie können kritische Handlungsschritte sicher durchzuführen, ohne Angst haben zu müssen, irgendetwas falsch machen zu können. Das Konzept hat so überzeugt, dass National Express und das IZBTM im Jahr 2024 die Auszeichnung für exzellentes Digitales Lernen im ÖV der VDV-Akademie erhalten haben. In dieser Folge erläutern uns Daniel Jentz, Mitarbeiter Schulungsentwicklung und digitale Lernplattformen bei National Express, und Matthias Niessner, Geschäftsführer des IZBTM, wie ein digitaler Zwilling entsteht, wie er eingesetzt wird und wie Unternehmen unterschiedliche Herausforderungen bei der Einführung meistern können. Jetzt reinhören! Folge direkt herunterladen

Send us a textIn the first of this two part feature we discuss Selina Brown's journey; obtaining two Degrees and a Masters by the age of 21, her work with BBC & MTV as well as her global experience encompassing New York, Kenya, and Gambia.Not only did she author children's book "Nena" series in 2020, she established the Black British Book Festival, heralded as Europe's largest Black literature festival. In 2023 she partnered with the esteemed Southbank Centre and received sponsorship from influential brands publishing entities, including Audible, Pan Macmillan, Hachette, Simon Schuster, National Express and Penguin.Connect with Selina :https://www.blackbritishbookfestival.com/Subscribe to Reggae Uprising Podcast : https://www.danieal.live/podcastVisit Store : https://dgarms.live/Disclaimer : Reggae Uprising Podcast does not own any of the rights to any of the music or extracts featured. It is used only as a tool of education, upliftment and empowerment for and of people of the diaspora.Subscribe & Connect : www.danieal.live/podcastOfficial Merch : www.dgarms.com

I'm joined by National Express chief executive Alex Jensen.This podcast is free, as is Independent Travel's weekly newsletter. Sign up here to have it delivered every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CitySwift, the cutting-edge performance optimisation platform revolutionising the public transport sector across the globe, has today announced its partnership with its largest customer to date, Go-Ahead Group, a leading transport provider of bus services. This move assures that all Go-Ahead Group operating companies in the UK and Ireland will roll out CitySwift's AI-powered solution which optimises bus efficiencies, benefiting passengers, drivers, and cities. This partnership follows strong results delivered by CitySwift through projects with several operating companies across the Go-Ahead network in the UK, including East Yorkshire Buses, Oxford Bus Company, and Go North East. With this partnership announcement CitySwift will now optimise 1.3 billion passenger journeys per year including supporting the review of Go-Ahead Ireland's services in the Great Dublin Area. This latest development ensures that CitySwift's industry-leading technology will be deployed in all entities in the UK and Ireland under the Go-Ahead Group's umbrella, achieving unparalleled efficiency by leveraging advanced analytics, simulations, and optimisations. Alan Farrelly, CCO and Co-founder of CitySwift said on today's announcement: "Our mission is to make public transport the travel mode of choice for citizens across the UK, Ireland and beyond. This partnership with Go-Ahead Group marks a milestone in our journey as we continue to build the smart cities of the future. We have worked with Go-Ahead Group since 2020, seeing tangible results across the companies who implemented our technology in achieving more efficient, faster, and reliable bus services. It is fantastic to have the opportunity to take this further, and have our platform deployed across all companies in the Go-Ahead Group in the UK and Ireland." Through this partnership, CitySwift will enable Go-Ahead to use data to create more transparency around network performance, allowing for hidden opportunities to be surfaced, the root cause of issues to be easily identified, and providing effective and efficient solutions that deliver better results on the road. CitySwift facilitates seamless integration and deployment, providing public transport operators with scenario planning and actionable recommendations which foster continuous improvement and service excellence, keeping the passenger experience at its core. Matt Carney, chief executive at Go-Ahead Bus, said: "Care for our customer and care for our community are two of our values at Go-Ahead. We recognise that buses are an essential service for many of our customers and communities, so continually improving these services is vitally important to us. We are committed to continuously improving service reliability and punctuality for the tens of millions of customers who use our services across the country. Using the CitySwift AI-powered platform to optimise our schedules and timetables will help us achieve this." Powered by intelligent data processing, CitySwift optimises more than 1 billion passenger trips yearly. CitySwift's platform removes obstacles to accessing transportation data, empowering teams with rapid and reliable performance insights. CitySwift-powered performance improvements benefit drivers, passengers, operators, and cities. Founded in 2016, CitySwift has grown to have a presence across the UK, US and its home territory of Ireland, covering transport networks in all major UK cities. This year has delivered accelerated growth at CitySwift, with the Irish-founded company having closed its latest funding round of €7 million in February as the company looks to scale globally. 2024 has seen the team secure partnerships across the UK, such as Transport for Greater Manchester, National Express, Transport North East, and most recently Transport for Wales. In the Irish market, CitySwift recently established a partnership with Bus Éireann, Ireland's national bus company, to optimise the network in Galway, Cork, Limerick and other large...

In this episode of Marketing vs The World, we're joined by Marius Tudor, Senior Digital Marketing Manager at National Express, to discuss one of the hottest topics in the digital marketing world: Google's Search Generative Experience (SGE).We dive into whether SGE could signal the end of traditional search engines and what this means for marketers. But that's not all—we also tackle the critical issue of financial literacy and why it's something everyone should learn, preferably in school.Meet Marius Tudor: From Advanced Mathematics to Digital MarketingMarius Tudor's journey is as unique as it is inspiring. With a background in advanced mathematics, computer science, and English from Romania, Marius' analytical and problem-solving skills laid the foundation for his career in digital and performance marketing.Currently leading the digital marketing efforts at National Express, Marius oversees SEO, affiliates, and paid search strategies. His transition from a highly technical background to a creative yet data-driven role in digital marketing is a testament to the versatility and breadth of the marketing field.Google's Search Generative Experience (SGE): What Is It and Why It MattersGoogle's Search Generative Experience (SGE) is the latest evolution in search technology, promising to change how users interact with search engines. Unlike traditional search results, SGE provides AI-generated, ChatGPT-like answers directly on the search engine results page (SERP). This could significantly impact how users find and engage with content.Marius explains that while SGE is still in its infancy, its potential to disrupt organic search is substantial. "Google has always focused on improving user experience, and SGE is the next step in that journey," Marius says. However, he cautions marketers to stay alert, as SGE could shift the balance of power in search results, particularly affecting organic search.How SGE Could Impact Organic Search and Content CreationOne of the key concerns with SGE is its potential to diminish the importance of organic search by providing answers directly on the SERP, potentially reducing the need for users to click through to content creators' websites. Marius and Abbie discuss the implications of this, particularly for content creators who rely on organic traffic.Abbie points out that while SGE might currently highlight subpar content, there's hope that as the technology matures, Google will refine its algorithms to prioritise high-quality, non-AI-generated content. "Just stick with good practices and quality content creation, and you'll come out on top," she advises.The Role of Brand Investment in a Post-SGE WorldMarius emphasises the importance of brand investment as a strategy to weather the changes that SGE might bring. "Investing in your brand and creating strong brand affinity with your audience is crucial. If people are specifically searching for your brand, you're in a strong position regardless of algorithm changes," he explains.In a world where Google's AI might dominate search results, having a recognizable and trusted brand could be more important than ever.Professional Takeaways: Integrating Channels for Maximum ImpactWhen asked about the performance of different marketing channels in the wake of SGE, Marius highlights the importance of an integrated approach. By ensuring that SEO, PPC, and affiliate marketing work together, businesses can maximise their reach and effectiveness."Getting these channels to work together is key," Marius explains, noting that a holistic strategy will likely yield the best results in an ever-changing digital landscape.Financial Literacy: Why It Should Be Taught in SchoolsShifting gears from the professional to the personal, Marius shares...

CitySwift, leader in performance optimisation for the public transport sector across the globe, has partnered with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), local government body responsible for transport in the Manchester region. This partnership looks to power the future of Manchester's public transport network through the use of AI and data. This move makes TfGM the first franchised transport authority in the UK to utilise AI to deliver more reliable, frequent and quicker bus journeys, building on the Greater Manchester Bus Strategy announced last year. The plans laid out in this report highlight Greater Manchester's vision for the future bus network, aiming to make buses the first choice for more journeys within the Bee Network. The strategy sets an initial target of a 30% increase in bus patronage by 2030 from 2022/23 levels, equating to nearly 50 million additional bus journeys annually. This growth will be driven by improvements such as a more integrated, user-friendly, and frequent network, and better infrastructure for reliable bus journeys, with CitySwift playing a key role in this transition. Founded in 2016 by Brian O'Rourke and Alan Farrelly, CitySwift's performance optimisation platform gives operators and transport authorities insights, recommendations, and predictions, supporting them in the delivery of efficient, reliable and in-demand services. CitySwift empowers public transport authorities and operators to achieve unparalleled efficiency by leveraging advanced analytics, simulations, and optimisations. With its easy-to-use industry-leading technology, CitySwift envisions a future where public transport is the travel mode of choice for all people. Speaking on today's announcement, Brian O'Rourke, CEO and Co-founder of CitySwift said "The goals and vision set out in the Great Manchester Bus Strategy speak clearly to our mission at CitySwift - grow patronage with frequent and more reliable buses.. I am thrilled that we're partnering with TfGM, supporting them in achieving this goal through our transport data-solutions, as we continue to build the smart cities of the future." Through this partnership, TfGM will have access to CitySwift's performance data across the entire Bee Network, helping to identify trends and pain points such as traveller destinations and service performance, allowing them to recognise where improvements should be made to benefit passengers. Additionally TfGM will leverage CitySwift's latest product offering, Spotlight, a globally leading intelligent recommendation engine for bus network enhancements. Designed for stakeholders, the product enhances decision-making by providing AI-powered insights into performance and resource parameters like timeliness, cost, and vehicle numbers through scanning the whole network, executing optimisation variations, and proposing ROI improvements. Catherine Towey, Senior Lead for Bus Franchising at TfGM said: "Customers are at the heart of the Bee Network and by working with CitySwift we will be able to see more clearly than ever how services are performing. We can then use this information prioritise improvements and deliver a better service for passengers." Powered by AI data processing, CitySwift optimises over 1 billion passenger journeys annually, working with public sector transport authorities and private bus operators to break down the barriers to accessing and interpreting transport data, replacing manual analysis with reliable, actionable insights. This solution enhances efficiency, benefiting drivers, passengers, partners, and cities, whilst remaining human-centric throughout. This news follows a series of other partnerships for the data transportation company across the UK, including National Express, Transport North East, Transdev Blazefield, and trentbarton. Since its inception, CitySwift has grown to have a presence across the UK, US and its home territory of Ireland, covering transport networks in all major UK cities. See more stories here.

CitySwift, leader in performance optimisation for the public transport sector across the globe, has announced the continuation of its partnership with National Express West Midlands (NXWM). The three year extension comes following impressive year-on-year results, including improved bus punctuality and efficiencies. Since September 2023 NXWM's use of CitySwift's advanced AI and data technology has led to a reduction of more than 20% in late running, customer wait times have been reduced, and passengers per journey have increased. This follows strong results from previous years and consequently NXWM is now rolling out CitySwift's platform across its entire fleet of over 1,400 buses. As a leader in the largest UK urban bus market outside of London, NXWM provides on average 210 million bus passenger journeys per year across the West Midlands and has worked collaboratively with CitySwift to develop best-in-class transport solutions that analyse passenger and service data, drive optimum performance, and delivers a much more efficient use of resources. Speaking on today's announcement, Alan Farrelly, CCO and Co-founder of CitySwift said: "National Express West Midlands has been core to CitySwift's product development since 2019, and we are thrilled to extend our partnership for a further three years. This next phase will enable National Express West Midlands to further strengthen their commitment to enhancing the public transport network and improving the passenger experience through our technology." The latest innovative CitySwift solution is Spotlight, a globally leading intelligent recommendation engine for bus network enhancements that is integral to building smart cities and regions of the future. NXWM is the first UK transport operator to adopt Spotlight, with the West Midlands being the first region in the world to benefit, resulting in faster, more customer-centric choices that balance resources, passengers, cities, and operators. Ed Rickard, Network Director at National Express, commented: "Our collaboration with CitySwift to deliver Spotlight for the benefit of bus users across the West Midlands, and in major cities across the UK, is a groundbreaking achievement for the National Express West Midlands and CitySwift teams. We are delighted to continue working in partnership with CitySwift over the coming years and proudly leading the charge in the UK when it comes to the use of AI-powered data and insights that are key to an efficient, cost-effective delivery of bus service performance for customers across our network." Designed for schedulers; Spotlight improves scheduler decision-making by providing AI-powered insights into performance and resource considerations such as timeliness, cost, and vehicle numbers. It scans the entire network, delivering service optimisation options, and efficiency improvements. Andy Foster, Director of Bus Planning at National Express, added: "We are excited to be extending CitySwift's AI performance optimisation capabilities across our bus network in the West Midlands. Traffic conditions on our region's roads have worsened and can negatively impact the reliability of our services. However, using CitySwift's AI analytics and optimisation tools our skilled schedulers and network planners have been able to respond effectively, maximising our productivity and efficiency while also reducing late running for customers that rely on our bus services." Founded in 2016 by Brian O'Rourke and Alan Farrelly, CitySwift's performance optimisation platform gives operators and transport authorities insights, recommendations, and predictions, supporting them in the delivery of efficient, reliable and in-demand services. CitySwift empowers public transport operators and authorities to achieve unparalleled efficiency by leveraging advanced analytics, simulations, and optimisations. With its easy-to-use industry-leading technology, CitySwift envisions a future where public transport is the travel mode of choice ...

In this episode Paul Comfort interviews Erick Van Wagenen, CEO of WeDriveU, formerly National Express. They discuss the transformation of National Express, the North American Transit Alliance, and the evolving role of contractors in public transportation. Additionally, Erick reflects on his 18-year career with WeDriveU, where he progressed from assistant general manager to CEO, and discusses the rebranding and strategic initiatives under his leadership.Erick shares his insights on industry trends, including electrification, addressing labor shortages, and leveraging innovation to help operators drive more safely. Erick and Paul also discuss the impact of inflation on costs and how strong partnerships with agencies paves the way through the rough spots.And we don't usually get into other forms of transit like on-campus shuttles, but these connections are fundamentally important to schools and the community. Erick talks about campus transportation systems, like at Princeton University, that connect students and the larger community together. Finally, Erick reflects on WeDriveU's approach to global operations, adapting to post-COVID challenges, and how contracting helps shape the future direction in the transit sector.Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo https://www.modaxo.comHost: Paul ComfortProducer: Paul ComfortEditor and Writer: Tris HusseyExecutive Producer: Julie GatesSpecial thanks to:Brand design: Tina OlagundoyeSocial Media: Tatyana MechkarovaMarketing content, Transit Unplugged Newsletter, & transit puns: Tris HusseyIf you have a question or comment, email us at info@transitunplugged.com.Follow us on social media: LinkedIn - Twitter - Threads- Instagram - FacebookSign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter00:00 Introduction to Transit Unplugged02:02 Interview with Eric Van Wagenen Begins02:25 National Express and WeDriveU Overview03:00 Global Operations and Services03:59 Entrepreneurial Spirit and Customer Success06:57 Industry Trends and Challenges08:55 Innovation in Transportation12:19 Campus Transportation Focus13:47 Future of Public Transportation14:42 Impact of Inflation on Contracting16:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts16:53 Coming up next week on Transit UnpluggedDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent (“Modaxo”). This production belongs to Modaxo, and may contain information that may be subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information, and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or...

In our first-ever episode of Marketing vs The World, host Abbie Dando sits down with very special guest Rebecca McKee, founder of This Brand Works. Together, Abbie and Rebecca chat about the critical role of branding in business success, the importance of long-term brand building and the integration of creativity and data in marketing.And, because every episode unpicks a personal life challenge too, Abbie and Rebecca talk about challenges faced by female leaders in the industry.In this episode, Abbie and Rebecca discuss:Rebecca McKee's BackgroundJourney from a Northern steel town to founding This Brand Works.Career highlights include roles at National Express, Virgin Atlantic, Expedia, eBay, and Sky.Importance of BrandingBrand is not just a logo; it's the essence of your business.Consistent branding creates long-term memory structures in customers' minds.Brand vs. Performance MarketingBalancing short-term sales tactics with long-term brand building.The concept of 'compound interest' in brand awareness.Case StudiesVirgin Atlantic's unique brand positioning in a commoditised market.Liquid Death's disruptive branding in the bottled water industry.Strategies for StartupsImportance of customer insights and research.Building a community and co-creating the brand with the audience.Challenges for Female Business LeadersOvercoming imposter syndrome and taking up space in male-dominated industries.The significance of personal branding and appearance in professional settings.Long-Term Investment in BrandingDifferentiating between immediate ROI and sustainable brand value.Successful examples like Airbnb's brand-focused marketing strategy during the pandemic.Key takeaways from this episode:Know Your Customer: Conduct thorough research to understand your audience's needs and perceptions.Consistent Branding: Invest in long-term brand building for sustained business growth.Balancing Act: Combine short-term performance marketing with long-term brand strategies.Personal Brand: Female leaders should leverage their own unique qualities and experiences to build strong personal brands.What you'll get from this episode:This episode will help you view your brand as the cornerstone of your business strategy and help you understand why you should invest time in understanding ‘who' and ‘what' you want your business to be and how to build up your brand to reflect this effectively.Subscribe & Connect:Don't miss an episode of Marketing vs The World. Subscribe now and join us every other Monday for more insightful discussions and practical marketing tips. Make sure you follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram, too.In our next episode, we mix inspiration and education in a very special episode with John Wilson, co-founder of Honest Video.Marketing Vs The World is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

#WERBUNGDie heutige Episode wird präsentiert von National Express.Heute rollt eine Sonderausgabe von Busenfreundin direkt durch eure Tunnel (haha!) rein in eure Gehörgänge! In dieser Episode, die aus einem Zug aufgezeichnet wurde, trifft Ricarda ausgewählte Mitarbeiter:innen des Eisenbahnverkehrsunternehmens National Express, die ihre persönlichen Geschichten mit uns teilen. Die Vielfalt der LGBTIQ-Community spiegelt sich in den individuellen Erfahrungen unserer heutigen Talkgäst:innen wider, die in unterschiedlichsten Rollen bei National Express und Partnern tätig sind. Von einer weiblichen Führungskraft über ein Gründungsmitglied des Diversity-Netzwerks bis hin zu einer (anfangs herausfordernden) Liebesgeschichte zwischen einem Triebfahrzeugführer und einem ukrainischen Schauspieler - all‘ diese Geschichten beleuchten, wie Inklusion und Diversität am Arbeitsplatz aussehen können. Begleitet uns auf eine Reise der Offenheit, des Mutes und der Selbstakzeptanz, die zeigt, wie wichtig und bereichernd Vielfalt in der Arbeitswelt ist.Ein herzlichen Dankeschön an die Talkgäst:innen der heutigen Folge:Christiane, stellvertretende Geschäftsführerin Nahverkehr Westfalen-LippeBurkhardt, Gründungsmitglied des Diversity-Netzwerks beim Verkehrsverbund Rhein-RuhrAndre,Triebfahrzeugführer bei National Express und Artem, Schauspieler.Wenn ihr Interesse an einer Mitarbeit bei National Express habt: hier geht's zur Jobbörse. Weitere Informationen zu Busenfreudin: www.busen-freundin.deTickets für #loveislive gibts hier. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Plus policing on the subway and upcoming transit conferencesLast week, New York Governor Kathy Hochul abruptly put a stop to New York City's planned congestion charges due to come into effect June 30th. This announcement took nearly everyone by surprise, critics and supporters alike, and this week we have Matthew Daus return as our guest to talk about this sudden change, what it means for the New York MTA's budget, and if congestion pricing will return to the city.We've talked about congestion pricing many times on the show before, from Matthew a year ago to the outgoing head of MTA Rich Davey and just recently Transport for London's Andy Lord. It's a hot topic with strong opinions on both sides of the issue. With congestion charging in NYC seen as a test bed for cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, its fate is now uncertain in the U.S.Matthew and Paul continue the discussion on another hot topic right now: transit safety and policing. Recently the U.S. National Guard was deployed in the New York Subway to fight rash of violent incidents. Matthew and Paul talk about safety in transit and how it affects returning ridership.Paul and Matthew wrap up their conversation with a discussion of the International Association of Transportation Regulators upcoming conference in October and their new collaboration with the CoMotion conference.Next week, Erick Leishman CEO of WeDriveU (formerly National Express), talks with Paul about the state of contracting in the U.S. and its essential role in delivering innovative transit solutions.Transit Unplugged is brought to you by Modaxo https://www.modaxo.comHost: Paul ComfortProducer: Paul ComfortEditor and Writer: Tris HusseyExecutive Producer: Julie GatesSpecial thanks to:Brand design: Tina OlagundoyeSocial Media: Tatyana MechkarovaMarketing content, Transit Unplugged Newsletter, & transit puns: Tris HusseyIf you have a question or comment, email us at info@transitunplugged.com.Follow us on social media: LinkedIn - Twitter - Threads- Instagram - FacebookSign up for the Transit Unplugged Newsletter00:00 Introduction and Breaking News00:51 Expert Guest Introduction: Matthew Daus02:33 Discussion on Congestion Charging11:10 Crime and Safety on the New York Subway15:56 Matthew Daus' Professional Roles and Upcoming Conference20:18 Collaboration with CoMotion21:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts22:29 Coming up next week on Transit UnpluggedDisclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Modaxo Inc., its affiliates or subsidiaries, or any entities they represent (“Modaxo”). This production belongs to Modaxo, and may contain information that may be subject to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights and restrictions. This production provides general information, and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. Modaxo specifically disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and will not be liable for any losses, claims, or damages arising from the use of this presentation, from any material contained in it, or from any action or decision taken in response to...

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn wraps up the Celebration of Women's Month with Carina Noble, Senior Vice President of Communications and External Affairs, National Express, and Immediate Past President of NSTA. Carina highlights John Elliott, Sr. and the impact he had her career and her personally. Carina and Curt outline how the value of NSTA and the importance of being stronger together as Contractors work together for common goals in the industry. The duo then delve into the importance of the NSTA Advocacy Team, specifically the importance of the annual Capitol Hill Bus-In. Carina encourages NSTA Members to participate in the event, even if they haven't attended previously.  Lastly, Carina and Curt discuss the ongoing March Madness Tournaments for both the Men and Women's brackets.  Become a subscriber and listen to a new episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop every week - targeted advertising packages are available too!Support the show

I caught up with National Express's John Balton to discuss their first electric coach trial and its implications for the travel industry. From enhancing the passenger experience to competing in a crowded market, we explored how National Express is steering towards a sustainable future.This podcast is free, as is my weekly newsletter. Subscribe here and have it delivered to your inbox every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Campaign's journalists Gurjit Degun, Imogen Watson and Charlotte Rawlings discuss some of the latest news.They cover the Advertising Standards Authority investigating Nationwide's ads; the latest pitching activity from brands including National Express, Molson Coors and USwitch; and the shops shortlisted for the Agency of the Year Awards.The trio also talk about brands' activity around Valentine's Day. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Jon takes a look at National Express Coaches and asks how accessible are they? Are they a viable alternative to rail for some disabled travellers?

Neil Hannon is a singer, songwriter and the driving force behind the band The Divine Comedy, which he founded in 1989. Along with hit singles such as National Express, and 12 albums with the band, his music appears in an impressively varied range of settings – including original songs for the recent film Wonka, a chamber opera inspired by Tolstoy for Covent Garden, and the theme tune for the sitcom Father Ted. Neil talks to Michael Berkeley about growing up in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland with a bishop for a father, writing his first pop song when he was 14, and how, as a self-described "pathetic twerp", he managed to make it in the pop world. His typically wide-ranging musical passions include works by Puccini, Stravinsky, Chopin and Ravel, alongside tracks by Michael Nyman, Kate Bush and Scott Walker. Producer: Graham Rogers

Durch den bundesweiten Warnstreik bei der Deutschen Bahn fielen am Donnerstag auch in NRW viele Verbindungen aus. Im Notfahrplan der DB waren nur etwa 20 Prozent der Züge im Einsatz, hinzu kamen jene der Privatbahnen wie National Express oder Eurobahn. Die Gewerkschaft Deutscher Lokomotivführer (GDL) hatte zu dem 20-stündigen Warnstreik aufgerufen, um ihrer Forderung nach höheren Löhnen und kürzeren Arbeitszeiten Nachdruck zu verleihen. Von Ralph Günther.

Fasten your seat belts as we embark on a fascinating journey through the world of CX with our distinguished guest, Vinay Parmar, a Chief Customer Officer who boasts over 30 years of leadership experience in this field.As we navigate the twists and turns of his illustrious career, we'll delve into the challenging and rewarding aspects of delivering effective CX in the travel and public transport sector, punctuated by Vinay's incredible achievements at National Express.Our exploration extends beyond the surface, probing into the profound connection between human emotions and customer experience. We'll examine how stress and happiness, two key emotions, significantly steer the customer journey and how understanding them can mould behaviour. Furthermore, we'll take a unique look at how technology can be leveraged to manage these emotions and generate positive customer experiences. Vinay also recounts his own expedition in customer service, the invaluable experiences that have shaped his career, and his unique insights that promise to enlighten and inspire. Whether you're a budding CX professional or just an inquisitive listener, this episode promises to be a captivating ride!

This episode details Calvin's Civil War Pension, Civil War deaths from the battlefield or disease and Calvin's life after the war including his courtship, marriage and employment with the Delaware & Hudson Railroad and National Express.

Joining Bobby in the Executive Chair is Rory Fitzgerald, General Manager of National Express Ireland.

It's the chinese human creation miff. The penultimate Chinese miff ever! We catch up ask questions and diasgreee big time about the scores. Also Dan has a beard? Hey you! Yes you. Why don't you follow us on social media at @MiffsPodcast. You can email us at MiffsPodcast@gmail.com and we love hearing your correspondence! Why don't you send us an email? Also please give us 5 Stars on ITunes. Also you can now join our new group collective! Join the Miffs Podcast -The Miffsfits' page facebook group. Either click on the link OR search for it on Facebook. If you're feeling brave - post something on there and start a discussion! Do you like what we do? Want to help contribute to us? Please donate to our podcast. This helps pay for stuff like trains, smelly National Express coaches and to pay for hosting the podcast. Donate how ever much you would like. If you wanted to do a one-off payment- please use Matt's Ko-fi account (let us know it is for Miffs or else Matt will keep the money for himself, even though he does all the hard-work). DONATE HERE! https://ko-fi.com/X7X6MEG9 Sign up for bonus content on the Matt Hoss Patreon, for Castival bonus episodes. https://www.patreon.com/MattHossComedy

Hey there,  Coming live from two audio channels, it's Matt and Dan. We're talking snakes, rain and some coronation chat!  Hey you! Yes you. Why don't you follow us on social media at @MiffsPodcast. You can email us at MiffsPodcast@gmail.com and we love hearing your correspondence! Why don't you send us an email? Also please give us 5 Stars on ITunes. Also you can now join our new group collective! Join the Miffs Podcast -The Miffsfits' page facebook group. Either click on the link OR search for it on Facebook. If you're feeling brave - post something on there and start a discussion! Do you like what we do? Want to help contribute to us? Please donate to our podcast. This helps pay for stuff like trains, smelly National Express coaches and to pay for hosting the podcast. Donate how ever much you would like. If you wanted to do a one-off payment- please use Matt's Ko-fi account (let us know it is for Miffs or else Matt will keep the money for himself, even though he does all the hard-work). DONATE HERE! https://ko-fi.com/X7X6MEG9 Sign up for bonus content on the Matt Hoss Patreon, for Castival bonus episodes. https://www.patreon.com/MattHossComedy

Join NSTA Executive Director, Curt Macysyn for a special episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop, as he caps off Women's History Month by interviewing Carina Noble, SVP Communications & External Affairs at National Express and NSTA President. Carina talks about her roles with National Express, as well as the second female president in NSTA history. Curt and Carina highlight the recent Executive Team trip to Massachusetts to visit an electric school bus operations, and they also discuss how the podcast has become an integral communications tool for the organization. Carina outlines the importance of the NSTA Capitol Hill Bus-In, and she speaks to being a leader in student transportation. Lastly, the duo discuss the importance of networking for women in the transportation industry. Become a subscriber and listen to a new episode every week - reasonable advertising packages are available too!Support the show

Hey there,  We did a regular episode! Well done us! This episode we look at Cangjie and why he is a pure nobhead. Matt is a massive grump and Dan is a production Ann Bowling.  Hey you! Yes you. Why don't you follow us on social media at @MiffsPodcast. You can email us at MiffsPodcast@gmail.com and we love hearing your correspondence! Why don't you send us an email? Also please give us 5 Stars on ITunes. Also you can now join our new group collective! Join the Miffs Podcast -The Miffsfits' page facebook group. Either click on the link OR search for it on Facebook. If you're feeling brave - post something on there and start a discussion! Do you like what we do? Want to help contribute to us? Please donate to our podcast. This helps pay for stuff like trains, smelly National Express coaches and to pay for hosting the podcast. Donate how ever much you would like. If you wanted to do a one-off payment- please use Matt's Ko-fi account (let us know it is for Miffs or else Matt will keep the money for himself, even though he does all the hard-work). DONATE HERE! https://ko-fi.com/X7X6MEG9 Sign up for bonus content on the Matt Hoss Patreon, for Castival bonus episodes. https://www.patreon.com/MattHossComedy

Hey there,  Do you remember us? Cos this has been a long time coming. great to be back- now with more regular episodes! this episode is about three killer gods! They aren't pricks like Zeus! Woohoo! Matt and Dan catchup with Dan's new job.  Hey you! Yes you. Why don't you follow us on social media at @MiffsPodcast. You can email us at MiffsPodcast@gmail.com and we love hearing your correspondence! Why don't you send us an email? Also please give us 5 Stars on ITunes. Also you can now join our new group collective! Join the Miffs Podcast -The Miffsfits' page facebook group. Either click on the link OR search for it on Facebook. If you're feeling brave - post something on there and start a discussion! Do you like what we do? Want to help contribute to us? Please donate to our podcast. This helps pay for stuff like trains, smelly National Express coaches and to pay for hosting the podcast. Donate how ever much you would like. If you wanted to do a one-off payment- please use Matt's Ko-fi account (let us know it is for Miffs or else Matt will keep the money for himself, even though he does all the hard-work). DONATE HERE! https://ko-fi.com/X7X6MEG9 Sign up for bonus content on the Matt Hoss Patreon, for Castival bonus episodes. https://www.patreon.com/MattHossComedy

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop -  NSTA Executive Director Curt Macysyn interviews A.J. Brummel and Rachel Wu, Project Managers with the Spectrum Consulting Group of Michigan State University.  A.J. and Rachel outline the 2022 engagement with NSTA and provide insight on the scope of the project. The duo highlight what the team learned through this year's engagement. A.J. and Rachel then outline some of the challenges that team faced during their research. Finally, the group discusses what they learned about student transportation during this year's project. A special thank you to Dean Transportation and National Express for supporting this years engagement, as well at the Business Development Committee Subcommittee for their hard work . Student transportation professionals go to NSTA: The Bus Stop to find out the latest industry trends and news, and so should you. Become a subscriber and listen to a new episode every week - reasonable advertising packages are available too!Support the show

Headlines include supply chain updates and special needs transportation oversight. Nick Voisard, a 2022 STN Rising SuperStar and senior director of electric vehicles for National Express, parent of school bus contractor Durham School Services, provides analysis and insight on districts implementing electric school buses with Clean School Bus Program funding.  Read more at stnonline.com/tag/electric-bus.

A special episode this week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn is joined by industry stalwart, John Elliott, Sr., CEO Emeritus of National Express. John outlines his start in student transportation, as well as his journey through 52 years of experience with the yellow bus. John and Curt chat about the many changes in the industry over the years. Finally, the duo highlight the impact of the school bus driver shortage and Electric School Buses on the pupil transportation. Become a subscriber and listen to a new episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop every week - targeted advertising packages are available too!  Support the show

This week we air a special edition of NSTA: The Bus Stop - as the podcast celebrates its third anniversary! NSTA Executive Director Curt Macysyn is joined by Carina Noble, Senior Vice President of Communications and External Affairs, National Express, and NSTA President. After Carina recounts her fondest memories from three years of NSTA: The Bus Stop, she turns the tables on Curt and takes over the role as host. Take a ride and see how Carina does asking the questions, and is Curt a good guest? The duo conclude this anniversary episode with a little baseball talk. Student transportation professionals go to NSTA: The Bus Stop to find out the latest industry trends and news, and so should you. Become a subscriber and listen to a new episode every week - reasonable advertising packages are available too!Support the show

They're back, until their next unintentional hiatus! Matt and Dan talk at the risk of the boiler being loud and discuss counselling, jubilee and stuff about them being together again. They takl about the most suicidal rabbit who ends up making meth on the moon. Don't believe us? Listen and find out more. Hey you! Yes you. Why don't you follow us on social media at @MiffsPodcast. You can email us at MiffsPodcast@gmail.com and we love hearing your correspondence! Why don't you send us an email? Also please give us 5 Stars on ITunes. Also you can now join our new group collective! Join the Miffs Podcast -The Miffsfits' page facebook group. Either click on the link OR search for it on Facebook. If you're feeling brave - post something on there and start a discussion! Do you like what we do? Want to help contribute to us? Please donate to our podcast. This helps pay for stuff like trains, smelly National Express coaches and to pay for hosting the podcast. Donate how ever much you would like. If you wanted to do a one-off payment- please use Matt's Ko-fi account (let us know it is for Miffs or else Matt will keep the money for himself, even though he does all the hard-work). DONATE HERE! https://ko-fi.com/X7X6MEG9 Sign up for bonus content on the Matt Hoss Patreon, for Castival bonus episodes. https://www.patreon.com/MattHossComedy

When your host purchased The Divine Comedy's Fin De Siècle in 1998, I couldn't quite penetrate it at the time. Listening again to the record in preparation for this conversation with Neil Hannon  I have to say, I missed out. As Hannon describes himself, the album was “a musical hallucinogen". Essentially a sombre affair in which Hannon exercises all his fascinations with troubadour influences, Scott Walker, Jacques Brel, even Charles Aznavour. Oh, and Faith No More. And why not? Despite its rather avant garde nature, the album plays host to The Divine Comedy's biggest hit and probably best known song, The National Express. Why, I wondered, would a pop star like Neil Hannon possibly be travelling around the country by coach? (you'll have to listen in for the answer). The Divine Comedy perhaps never made the ‘A List' of the 1990s British music boom. Hannon's journey was not that of Oasis, The Stone Roses or Blur, or even more kindred spirits, Pulp. But, Hannon still had three solid years of full-on fame. As he describes it:“The heights and the valleys are shallower in my experience than Suede or others. But, I looked through my old diaries recently and the difference between one year and the next - suddenly I didn't have a day to myself for the next three years. It drove me mad, but I came out the other side”. With that quote, Neil Hannon captures his very own successful recipe for longevity - namely don't get too carried away. However, that gentle roller coaster ride has rolled on, largely down to Hannon's ability to write very good songs. Those songs and Hannon's independent, self-reliance has seen The Divine Comedy mature very nicely indeed. Despite the industry's ebbs and flows since his debut album Fanfare for the Comic Muse in 1990, Hannon still gets asked to do interesting projects (writing the music for a Willie Wonka prequel), still goes on successful tours (pandemic permitting) and still gets played on the radio (now & again). I asked Neil if that really is the secret to longevity in pop music - on top of everything else - to be able to knock out great songs?“I feel like it might be. You never quite know. I sat in the control room in Abbey Road while the orchestra played their part on Our Mutual Friend. I remember thinking well, that's the best thing I've ever done. “After Regeneration [2001] I knew I had to change things or I'm doomed. I have to make the record that makes me happy. I went back to the source - pure 60s orchestral pop with layers of golden age British pop. It got me back on course. It was easier after that. To know you don't have to go looking - just do what you do - and an audience will come”. The amazing thing about bands of longevity is how new audiences keep on coming. No doubt a benefit of the streaming era, always on music, playlists and discovery algorithms. But good songs are the essential ingredient and Hannon has a bounty of them.  As a "musical entity, a singer-songwriter", Hannon is a rather distant pop star.“I'm not sure I was ever really a pop star, though at one point I did read the manual, so I knew what I was doing”.Sounds like it. Full article at https://www.songsommelier.comSupport the show

In episode #82 of The XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar catches up with The Divine Comedy's Neil Hannon. Having completed his third decade as a recording artist, The Divine Comedy recently released Charmed Life - The Best Of The Divine Comedy - a collection of his finest moments.  A 24 track career-spanning roster of hit singles and fan favourites, compiled by Neil and remastered at Abbey Road Studios, Charmed Life includes monumental tracks ‘National Express', ‘Something For The Weekend', ‘Songs of Love', ‘Our Mutual Friend', ‘A Lady of A Certain Age', ‘To The Rescue' and ‘Norman and Norma'. It also features the brand new track ‘The Best Mistakes.' In this interview, Neil talks about the new greatest hits collection, growing up in N.Ireland, songwriting, his work on the new Wonka prequel and lots more.

Alternative fuel conversations surge as gas prices rise and the federal emissions standards are set to change. Learn more at stnonline.com/green-bus. In celebration of women's month, we highlight Carina Noble's leadership as president at contractor National Express and via the National School Transportation Association (NSTA). She discusses advocating for school transportation, fleet electrification, coming out of COVID-19, recognizing bus drivers' sacrifices, and the embrace of technology. Read about more outstanding women in the school bus industry at stnonline.com/tag/women.

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop, join NSTA Executive Director Curt Macysyn as he welcomes Carina Noble, NSTA President, and Senior Vice President of Communications and External Affairs at National Express, and Bree Allen, NSTA Government Relations Committee Chair, and Senior Director of Operational Improvement at National Express, as the celebration of Women's History Month continues. Carina and Bree take time to highlight the beginning of their involvement with the NSTA Advocacy Team and Government Relations Committee. The trio highlights the importance and value that the NSTA Advocacy Team brings to NSTA membership, and how these advocacy efforts were particularly impactful over the past two years. The group then outlines the agenda for the upcoming 2022 NSTA Capitol Hill Bus-In (April 6-8), and the importance for NSTA members to take time to attend this program. Carina and Bree recall some of their fondest memories from previous Bus-In events, as well as the successful advocacy efforts with which they were involved. Finally, Carina and Bree offer advice for those who interested in participating on the Government Relations Committee, and how they developed a friendship over their support of safe and efficient student transportation. School transportation professionals rely on NSTA: The Bus Stop for their information, you should too. Subscribe today, so you never miss an episode!Support the show

Executive Editor of School Bus Fleet, Wes Platt, shares tips from Carol Bowes (Person County Public Schools in North Carolina), National Express, and Michael Stotler (Thomas Built Buses) for hiring and keeping talented school bus technicians.

We're back! And we're here to talk to you about Long Wangs... obviously we're going to make that joke. We're talking about the chinese mythology today and their four epic ocean dragon kings. Matt and Dan DON'T catch up, as that is the worst part apparantly. They do however still chat a long time.  Hey you! Yes you. Why don't you follow us on social media at @MiffsPodcast. You can email us at MiffsPodcast@gmail.com and we love hearing your correspondence! Why don't you send us an email? Also please give us 5 Stars on ITunes.  Also you can now join our new group collective! Join the Miffs Podcast -The Miffsfits' page facebook group. Either click on the link OR search for it on Facebook. If you're feeling brave - post something on there and start a discussion! Do you like what we do? Want to help contribute to us? Please donate to our podcast. This helps pay for stuff like trains, smelly National Express coaches and to pay for hosting the podcast. Donate how ever much you would like. If you wanted to do a one-off payment- please use Matt's Ko-fi account (let us know it is for Miffs or else Matt will keep the money for himself, even though he does all the hard-work). DONATE HERE! https://ko-fi.com/X7X6MEG9 Sign up for bonus content on the Matt Hoss Patreon, for Castival bonus episodes. https://www.patreon.com/MattHossComedy

We're joined by the lovely Leon Barrett, Product Director at the award-winning product agency 383. Leon trained initially in software engineering and grew his career to Director of Engineering before transitioning into a Product Leadership role. Over his 14 year career, he has created digital products for government, hospitality, finance, automotive, education and retail brands. Leon currently leads the Product team at 383. Where he and his team of Business Analysts, Product Owners, Product Delivery Leads and Strategists have created experiences for Hilton, Chevrolet, VWFS, Busy Bees, Jaguar Land Rover, E.ON, HomeServe, The AA, National Express and Adidas. A passionate advocate for Product, Leon engages in public speaking, mentoring and coaching. He is also Curator for the Canvas conference and a Trustee at Awesome BHX. We discuss Leon's career path, unpack some of the secrets behind 383's success and hear his advice on all things Product. As Leon is our first Product leader on the show, we couldn't resist talking about that vital collaboration between Designers and Product Managers. We loved the conversation with Leon and share an affinity with perspectives on the Product and Design relationship - it will be music to many creative's ears. Let's get into it! Get show updates on Instagram: @design_podcast https://www.instagram.com/design_podcast/ LinkedIn: @design_podcast https://www.linkedin.com/company/design-podcast All episodes are available on: www.designpodcast.co

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Neil Hoskins and Dheer Kakulavaram, Senior Consultants for the Spectrum Consulting Group (SCG) out of Michigan State University join NSTA Executive Director, Curt Macysyn to discuss the NSTA Business Development Committee's - Private Market Share Data Acquisition Project that was conducted in the fall 2021. Neil and Dheer outline their personal backgrounds, as well as highlighting their respective roles at SCG. The trio give an overview as to the 2021 engagement process, and provide an update of the overall project. Neil and Dheer reveal methodologies used to conduct research, and additionally they provide listeners with some of the challenges that the SCG team faced during the project. A big thank you to NSTA Members - Dean Transportation and National Express for underwriting the cost of this project. What you need to know when you need to know it, always at NSTA: The Bus Stop. Subscribe today!Support the show (http://www.yellowbuses.org/membership/)

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Bree Allen, Senior Director of Operational Improvement, at National Express, and Chair of the NSTA Government Relations Committee, joins NSTA Executive Director, Curt Macysyn, to discuss the Government Relations Committee and NSTA Advocacy Team efforts. Bree highlights her industry background, as well as her recent return to the position of Government Relations Committee Chair. Bree discusses a recent string of NSTA advocacy victories, and how NSTA GR victories are a benefit to its members. Lastly, Curt and Bree discuss the important role that grassroots advocacy plays on Capitol Hill, and they dive into a current NSTA initiative to streamline and update the School Bus CDL process. What you need to know when you need to know it, always at NSTA: The Bus Stop. Subscribe today!Support the show (http://www.yellowbuses.org/membership/)

This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop -  John Benish NSTA Immediate Past President COO Cook-Illinois Corp.- NSTA Immediate Past President, Carina Noble: National Express/NSTA President Carina Noble, Senior Vice President, Communications and External Affairs, join NSTA Executive Director, Curt Macysyn. On the podcast, John and Carina talk about the NSTA transition into Carina's presidency. John reflects on some of his most memorable moments as NSTA President, including testifying before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Carina discusses the transition from GR Committee Chair to NSTA President, and reflects on her time in that position. John and Carina talk about their visions for the future of the student transportation industry. What you need to know when you need to know it, always at NSTA: The Bus Stop. Subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts! Support the show (http://www.yellowbuses.org/membership/)

All throughout March 2021, we celebrate "Women's History Month" at NSTA: The Bus Stop. Since 1995, U.S. presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as “Women's History Month.” These proclamations celebrate the contributions women have made to the United States and recognize the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields. Our first guest in March is Carina Noble, senior vice president, Communications and External Affairs at National Express, one of the largest school bus contractors in North America. Carina and Curt talk about her start in student transportation and look ahead to Carina becoming the second women president in the history of NSTA. They also chat about the evolution of the industry and future changes. NSTA: The Bus Stop - student transportation professionals' "go-to" resource for information.Support the show (http://www.yellowbuses.org/membership/)

On the Vox Markets Podcast Today: 19th August 2020 If you'd like to take part in a live presentation with Q&A tomorrow at 4pm with Clive Beattie, acting Chief Executive Officer of OnTheMarket please visit www.VoxMarkets.co.uk Laurence Read, CEO of Europa Metals #EUZ explains how the £2m they've raised today will progress their wholly owned Toral lead-zinc-silver project located in northern Spain. Chris Bailey founder of Financial Orbit covers news from the following companies: Marks & Spencer #MKS Morrisons #MRW Persimmon #PSN National Express #NEX (Interview starts at 13 minutes 10 seconds) Vox Markets is revolutionising the way companies engage with shareholders and the stock market at large. By aggregating IR and digital content onto one secure and compliant platform, Vox Markets has established itself as the go-to resource for the investment community. #VoxMarkets #StockMarket #LivePrices #StockMarketNews #Money #Investing #Investments #Finance #Business #Podcast https://www.voxmarkets.co.uk/