Unite the Union has presented a road map to Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf outlining measures to enhance the safety of bus drivers throughout Scotland.
It comes in the wake of the death of 58-year-old Elgin bus driver Keith Rollinson following an alleged assault in February.
With growing concerns over the safety of bus personnel, the campaign urges governmental and industry collaboration to mitigate anti-social and violent incidents on public buses.
Proposed safety enhancements include an increase in the presence of police officers or community wardens on buses, comprehensive CCTV surveillance across all buses and stations, the installation of panic buttons, and the introduction of safety features such as internal locking systems for buses.
In full, the road map calls for:
- De-escalation training to be given to all staff
- Bandit screens on all buses that must be robust
- Working CCTV on buses with audits to be carried out in all locations and weekly checks
- CCTV in all bus stations in good working that cover all parts of the bus station
- Audible panic buttons in all vehicles, with on bus information to inform the public that there is an emergency
- Cab doors fitted with a robust internal locking system
- Keypad locks fitted in bus stations after the council close the facilities
- Police radios in all traffic offices
- Security personnel in all bus stations, with security to be supplied stab vest and body worn cameras
- Higher police presence in areas of concern
- Joint communications to be sent out on how to deal with anti-social behaviour, on bus and given to staff
- Joint meetings with the local authority, police, the company and trade unions
- In-school safety talks by the company or trade unions
- A mechanism for the company to identify those causing issues on buses
- Removal of services in volatile areas of anti-social behaviour.
Unite has long advocated for legislative changes to specifically criminalise assaults and threats against transport workers, saying that taxi drivers and bus drivers are particularly vulnerable to assault and robbery.
Sharon Graham, Unite’s General Secretary, voices a collective apprehension among bus drivers. “Thousands of bus drivers across Scotland are increasingly anxious and nervous about going to work,” she says. “Unite has set out a road map which would significantly enhance safety and it is one that could be implemented immediately. We will do everything possible to ensure that proper measures are in place to protect bus workers.”
Derek Thomson, Unite’s Scottish Secretary, adds: “Unite’s road map towards greater safety for bus workers is one which can be adopted right away. We need support from industry and government to work with us in delivering this plan in the interests of thousands of bus workers and passengers.”
In a show of industry support, a GoFundMe campaign initiated by a colleague of Mr Rollinson has surpassed its original £10,000 target, amassing over £40,000 in contributions.
