Taking the bus to school or work may seem a totally normal thing to do, but it’s important to respect the bus, the driver and the passengers during your journey.
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 local bus services and everyone 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 several schools already, the team are now working with youth centres to relay their message. The Respect the Ride campaign offers an insight into the impact these actions have and what this can mean for the rest of the public.
Highlighting issues such as the £23,000 cost every year in damages and the cancellation of bus routes, ASB has a major impact on the public and the bus company. Many rely on local bus services to go about their daily lives, whether that be visiting family or getting to work and teams are hoping this presentation can help make that journey safer for everyone.
Recently, they took a visit to The Trin Centre in Cleethorpes to speak with a group of young teenagers. Kerry Hillman, Community Manager, said: “Educating our young people first hand like this can help teach them the consequences of their actions if they don’t behave correctly.”
Education Manager, Shane Hillman, added: “For us, it’s about giving them a broad understanding of the world and the community they live in.
“Having a different voice talk to them about it will be much more impactful too. They will take something from today’s session and it may just make them think more about what they’re doing next time they’re out with their friends.”
Matt Cranwell, Managing Director of Stagecoach East Midlands, said: “Initiatives like this are important to deal with anti-social behaviour before it becomes an issue. 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.
“Initiatives like this can teach local young people about the important role that buses play in bringing communities together and giving them access to the services and opportunities that they need.”
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