A new coach and bus Driver CPC module aimed at tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) was launched by the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) in Basildon today.
The training programme, commissioned by CPT and delivered by Understood, is designed to give drivers awareness, confidence and practical tools in identifying and safely combating incidents of harassment and violence.
Attended by Lilian Greenwood, Minister for Local Transport, the event brought together operators, training partners and policymakers from across the industry.
Ms Greenwood says: “Everyone should feel safe on public transport, and this programme gives drivers the confidence and practical skills to act in situations when passengers need support.
“I welcome this important step in strengthening safety across the transport network as we work towards halving violence against women and girls within a decade.”
Attendees at the First Bus depot in Basildon experienced first-hand elements of the CPC module.
It focuses on the “four Ds” driver approach to dealing with violent and sexual assault and potentially problematic behaviour that could escalate, discussing different ways they can distract to defuse a situation, direct to address the behaviour, delegate by alerting control centres or the emergency services, and document for the purposes of follow-up and reporting.
The introduction of the module follows the passing last year of the Bus Services Act, which strengthens the need for operators to train drivers to deal with anti-social behaviour.
Figures show that 72% of women are worried about sexual harassment on public transport. Meanwhile, a 2024 survey of 1,000 participants by Plan International highlighted that women and girls spent, on average, £528 to avoid public transport in the interests of safety.
Keith McNally, CPT Operations Director, says: “Bus and coach drivers are on the front line of our public transport network. They see first-hand the responsibility that comes with ensuring passengers feel safe and supported when they travel.
“By embedding this training into the industry’s national driver qualification, we are taking an important step to ensure that the bus and coach sector continues to play its part in tackling violence against women and girls and creating a safer environment for everyone who uses public transport.”
Carolyn Quainton, Director of Understood, adds: “Bus drivers are often the most visible and trusted presence on a journey, and they can play an important role in helping passengers feel safe.
“This training has been developed in consultation with drivers, operators, police and specialist organisations, alongside insights from people with lived experience. The aim has been to ensure the guidance reflects the realities of the job and the situations drivers may encounter on board.
“Crucially, the training is not about asking drivers to put themselves at risk. It focuses on awareness, confidence and clear reporting pathways, and shows how small, safe actions can make a real difference.
“Creating safer travel for women and girls ultimately helps create a safer environment for everyone who uses public transport.”
