03 October 2008

Dear Colleagues
 
Every organisation has a ‘vision’ – these must be realistic and inclusive and tell the outside world what the organisation wants to achieve over the long term.  
 
As we go through the process of putting together the business plan for the following years – as we are now doing with the Corporate Plan for 2009/10 to 2011/12 - we take a look at the vision to make sure it is still appropriate and to check progress.  
 
Our vision in the current corporate plan is “To provide a transformed network of co-ordinated bus and rail services which attracts a growing number of passengers, enjoys public confidence and is recognised for its quality and innovation”.   When starting the work on next year’s plan it is clear we have substantially delivered this with new networks, passenger growth and increasing customer satisfaction.
 
I have to say, this is a rare example where an organisation can stand back and say, “yes – great job – we have done all we set out to do when we put together that vision”.  
 
Now of course it is time to put a new vision in place for the group and after a lot of work by many people this is;

"We will provide integrated travel solutions that
are attractive, sustainable and good value."

This vision has the customer squarely at the heart of it. It sets the framework for the future. Our values of safety, people, community and governance change little. We are now doing the work to put in place programmes of work to deliver this in the next years. You will hear more about this over time and we need everyone’s continued support and focus to make this new vision happen.
 
But as I said, it really is a very special achievement to be able to say we have delivered our vision!

 
Catherine Mason,

Group Chief Executive