Bus bosses have teamed up with police for a new crackdown aimed at improving the safety of drivers and passengers.
Xplore Dundee has joined forces with Police Scotland and Dundee City Council’s anti-social behaviour team in a scheme designed to protect people from harassment and assault.
Community wardens and police officers will be able to travel for free and will be encouraged to build relationships with drivers and travellers and nip any concerns in the bud.
By providing reassurance and sharing information, it’s hoped all of the groups will be able to work together to stamp out low level crime and annoyances.
Christine McGlasson, managing director of Xplore Dundee, said: “Although it’s rare for our employees or customers to experience crime on our buses, safety is our top priority and we want to make every effort to reduce incidents of antisocial behaviour to the very minimum.
“Passengers can board a bus feeling secure, knowing that officers or wardens are standing by, should anything untoward happen.
“And our drivers should be able to do their jobs without worrying about aggression or assault of any kind.”
She said Xplore would play its part by reporting any antisocial incidents on or around its buses, and providing support to the teams investigating disturbances.
“I really hope this partnership will not only make bus travel safer, but will have a wider positive impact on the communities we serve,” she added.
Xplore Dundee already works to help educate young people involved in anti-social behaviour and passes on safety messages to schools and youth organisations.
Police Scotland chief inspector Nicky Russell said: “This initiative will provide support and reassurance to Xplore staff and passengers and ensure that whilst they are carrying out their work or travelling on the bus they can do so without fear of any incidents.
“It is our intention through this joint protocol to have police officers and community safety wardens regularly carrying out high visibility patrols on the buses and to prevent the number of incidents of criminality or antisocial behaviour happening and in turn keep drivers and passengers safe.”
SNP councillor Alan Ross, city council community safety and public protection convener said: “I am pleased to see the launch of this approach bringing together expertise from the council, Xplore Dundee and Police Scotland to help improve safety for both passengers and staff on buses.
“We are all determined to do as much as we can to act against antisocial behaviour.”
