Stagecoach has appointed Matthew Cranwell as managing director of its bus operations in Cumbria and north Lancashire.

He replaces Nigel Winter, who leaves on September 1 to head the group’s presence in south Wales.

Mr Cranwell, 34, arrives as Stagecoach comes under mounting criticism from passengers in Carlisle over a new £3m fleet of environmentally-friendly vehicles.

The 26 Optare Solo midi-buses have only 28 seats, compared with 38 seats for the vehicles they replaced, prompting complaints about over-crowding.

They are similar to buses already used on town services in Workington and Whitehaven and entered service in Carlisle last month.

Mr Cranwell is no stranger to Cumbria, having spent a year as operations director at Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire in 2012-13 before becoming operations director at Stagecoach North East.

He will be based at the company’s office in Broadacre House, Lowther Street, Carlisle, responsible for 750 employees and more than 300 buses that travel 13m miles and carry 25m passengers each year.

Mr Cranwell said: “I am delighted to be taking on this role and look forward to working with the Stagecoach team in Cumbria to continue delivering high-quality, affordable bus travel, strong partnership working and excellent customer service for the people that rely on our services.”

Originally from Nottinghamshire, and a graduate of Nottingham Trent University, he is a product of Stagecoach’s fast-track graduate development programme.

He began his career in the bus industry at Stagecoach South in 2004, then progressed to assistant manager at its Walkergate depot in Newcastle in 2005.

He was appointed operations manager at Stockport in 2006, then operations manager at Oxford two years later.

He stayed there until he joined Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire in 2012.

Robert Montgomery, Stagecoach UK Bus managing director, said: “I would like to congratulate Matt on his promotion.

“His appointment is another example of the strength of our graduate development programme in helping to develop successful young managers.

“Matt’s experience with Stagecoach over the past 11 years will stand him in good stead to take on the opportunities and challenges of his new role and I have no doubt that he will continue the good work done by Nigel.”

Source: News&Star