It's safety FIRST for bus passengers in Essex
Passengers at Basildon Bus Station were greeted by staff and management from First Bus as the company was on hand to raise awareness of its annual Passenger Safety Month which runs during November and December.
Following the success of last year’s inaugural campaign, Passenger Safety Month – which incorporates a Meet the Manager day – promotes and advises ways in which bus passengers can continue to travel safely on services throughout the winter period.
As well as having the opportunity to discuss and raise any issues or concerns about services directly with First, those gathered also received a free travel wallet containing a series of safe journey cards. When shown to the driver on boarding a service, these cards help passengers to alert drivers, in a simple and discreet way, to any special requirements which they may have.
Speaking at the event, Chris McCormick, First’s General Manager for South East Essex said: “The safety and well being of our passengers is of paramount importance, and despite being aimed at older and less able customers, Passenger Safety Month provides a timely reminder as to how we can all travel more safely at this time of year. This event has also given us the chance to speak with many passengers about our services, to answer queries and listen to any concerns and suggestions which they may have. The feedback we have received is essential in helping us to provide an even better and more enjoyable journey experience for all.”
Joanne Bolton from the Canvey Resource Centre said: “Today’s Meet the Manager event has provided the ideal opportunity for me to learn more about bus services in the area and to discuss some of the potential barriers to bus use faced by members from our Centre. The new safe journey cards, which I will make sure they keep safe alongside their bus passes, will give them an added confidence and independence when using bus services. They will also help to eliminate any potentially awkward situations between passengers and drivers.”
For those unable to join the event, the Safe Journey Cards can be downloaded from First’s
website - http://www.firstgroup.com/safejourney/
Meeting the Manager: Members from the Canvey
Resource Centre received Safe Journey Card’s from
Chris McCormick, First’s General Manager for the
South East.
Written: Jan 23, 2012
Leave a comment:
Express your views and rate this article here.