The inspiration for this work was the United Nations Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Its 16 days of activism set out ways everyone in society could play a part in preventing and eliminating violence towards women and young girls.
To read the full case study click here.
Action Plan - Making Public Transport Safer
Buses provide access to life’s opportunities through education, employment and healthcare. Improving safety when travelling can make bus travel more attractive and more accessible. Following the United Nation’s Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Bus Users UK has joined forces with Women in Transport to highlight how we can all help to make public transport safer for everyone.
- Know the issues, spot the signs
Violence or harassment can take many forms from comments or verbal abuse, to viewing
inappropriate material, blocking someone’s movement, taking photos or making physical contact.
Recognising when someone looks uncomfortable, feels unsafe or is at risk is the first step towards
preventing this behaviour. - Speak up, speak out
If you see someone being harassed or abused and it’s safe to do so, ask them if they are okay or
strike up a conversation. Knowing you’re not alone can make the world of difference. Frontline staff
are trained to handle these situations so if it’s not safe to get involved, alert the driver or member of
staff. In an emergency call 999. - Call out sexual harassment
Sexual harassment is any kind of unwanted behaviour or attention of a sexual nature. Experiencing it
can cause fear, anxiety and embarrassment, making it difficult to respond. By challenging this
behaviour and calling it out, we can make bus travel better for everyone. - Understand women
Women make over a third more bus journeys than men. So understanding what women need from
transport and involving them in the design of vehicles and infrastructure and the planning and
delivery of services can improve safety and remove barriers to travel. - Improve representation
Making bus travel safer is as much about drivers and staff as is it about passengers. Increasing the
number of women working at all levels in the bus industry can help create a more inclusive, more
representative and generally safer environment for staff and passengers alike.
Find out more
- Bus Users UK – Making transport more inclusive and accessible
- Women in Transport – Empowering women in the industry to maximise their potential
- Webinar – Tackling violence against women and girls on transport: where are we now?
- London Travelwatch - How to be an active bystander on public transport
- Women in Transport – Inclusive Employment Journey
- United Nations – Ending violence against women
Bus Users UK
Bus Users is a registered charity that campaigns for accessible, inclusive transport. We are an approved Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Body for bus and coach passengers and the body which deals with complaints under the Passenger Rights in Bus and Coach Legislation. We are also part of a Sustainable Transport Alliance, a group working to promote the benefits of public, shared and active travel.
Find out more by visiting www.bususers.org call 0300 111 0001 or email enquiries@bususers.org
Women in Transport
Women in Transport is a not-for-profit membership organisation that empowers women in the industry to maximise their potential. We believe that by working together we can promote a diverse and strong transport workforce that supports UK growth.
Find out more by visiting www.womenintransport.com or email info@womenintransport.com
