News

• Single entry point to greener, smarter travel in UK and North America
• Sophisticated interactive carbon calculator to encourage greener lifestyles
• More effective marketing of Group’s portfolio of successful travel brands

Stagecoach Group today (30 March 2009) launched a new interactive web portal giving customers a single point of entry to access the company’s greener, smarter travel services. The web portal, www.stagecoach.com, was developed in partnership with design and communications consultants Emperor, which specialises in corporate, marketing and investor communications. Stagecoach’s new interactive site will allow the 2.5 million customers who use the Group’s bus, coach, tram and train services every day easy access to information to plan their journeys more effectively. The site features a sophisticated carbon calculator, which draws on information from a basket of constantly updated emissions factors, to allow customers to compare their carbon footprint by bus, train and car.
 
Steve Stewart, Stagecoach Group Director of Corporate Communications, said: “The new web portal is a major step forward for Stagecoach in making it easier for our customers to access our greener, smarter travel services. “It will allow us to more effectively market our products, provide a clear interface with our existing dedicated brand websites and present a consistent message about the benefits of our public transport services in the UK and North America. “The carbon calculator feature is part of our wider strategy to build on an increasing awareness of environmental issues among customers and support their desire to lead greener lifestyles.” Key features of the new portal, which has been optimised for search engines, include:

• Clear navigation to key information about the Group’s greener, smarter travel services
• Fast links to Stagecoach’s individual bus, rail, North America and corporate websites
• Dynamic content, including the use of Flash and video to market the Group’s travel services
• A sophisticated interactive carbon calculator, allowing customers to compare different modes of transport and easily quantify the savings from using public transport
• Direct access to the latest Group news and share price information
• Easy access to ticket, timetable and travel contact information
• Flexible content management system allowing quick and easy updates

Ruth Hoskins, Client Partner at Emperor, said “The website features a user-centric design and intuitive information architecture all geared towards leading users through to relevant content whilst engaging with the Group’s core message of greener, smarter travel.” The web portal is hosted by iomart, one of Europe’s largest and most experienced managed hosting companies, which also hosts a number of Stagecoach’s brand websites.

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Stagecoach Group
Steve Stewart, Director of Corporate Communications, Stagecoach Group
T: 01738 442111 (office) or 07764 774680 (mobile)
E: steven.stewart@stagecoachgroup.com

Emperor
Ruth Hoskins, Client Partner
T: 020 7729 9090
E: ruth.hoskins@emperordesign.co.uk

Notes to editors

Stagecoach Group
Stagecoach Group is a leading international public transport group, with extensive operations in the UK, United States and Canada. The company employs 30,000 people, and operates bus, coach, rail, and tram services.

Emperor Design
Emperor is a design and communications agency specialising in investor, corporate and marketing communications. The company, which was established in 1996, has 73 full-time employees, with offices based in central London, Edinburgh and Birmingham.