Learning about how to use the bus properly may seem simple enough, but it’s important that everyone understands how you should conduct yourself when travelling about the borough.
Every year, there are several incidents of Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) on buses in Grimsby and the surrounding areas, which can have an impact on the route and everyone else using the bus.
Making sure the next generation are aware of the behaviour expected and the impact ASB can have on the buses are youth workers from the Young and Safe team at North East Lincolnshire Council and staff from Stagecoach East Midlands.
Having visited schools, youth centres and other organisations, the team have now spoken to 1,099 students across the area – spreading the message that you must respect the buses.
Head of Humberston Cloverfields Primary Academy said: “The talk was really informative and I hope the students took away the information for when they step up to senior school and begin to use the bus independently.”
A spokesperson at CPO media admitted that they weren’t sure about the scheme at first but were soon persuaded after being given the talk.
They said: “If I’m completely honest we thought ‘what do we need to know about buses for’ but it was really good and a real eye opener for us all.”
Councillor Paul Batson, Portfolio Holder for Transport, Housing and Infrastructure, added: “This has been a very important piece of partnership working.
“The buses are an essential part of the borough’s infrastructure and we have to respect them. Whether you use them daily or just every now and again the message is the same – Respect the Ride.”
Matt Cranwell, Managing Director of Stagecoach East Midlands, said: “My team work extremely hard to provide the best possible service for our customers, and the overwhelming majority of our customers – of all ages – value that service highly. But rare cases of anti-social behaviour can have a big impact, so these initiatives are important in tackling it before it becomes an issue.
“Particularly as we run up to Loneliness Awareness Week, next week, it is important to acknowledge the role that buses play in our communities. Initiatives like this can teach local young people about how buses bring people together and give them access to the services and opportunities they need.”
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