Disability Equality Scotland is working with Stagecoach East, First Scotland East and ScotRail to pilot a new Hate Crime Charter.
The aim of the Pilot is to encourage transport providers, members of the public and other services to support a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime.
Each transport provider involved believes everyone has the right to travel safely and any aggressive, bullying or harassing behaviour will not be tolerated on their services. Examples of hate crime will be taken seriously, and incidents will be reported to Police Scotland.
The Charter is being piloted in the following locations:
- First Bus East – Bus services around Bannockburn in Stirlingshire
- ScotRail – Train stations on the Fife Circle line
- Stagecoach East – Bus services around Leven
Commenting on the Charter, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said:
“Every disabled person in Scotland should be able to travel with choice, dignity and opportunity as outlined in our Accessible Transport Framework
Tackling hate crime is a priority area for us as we strive to improve accessibility and I would encourage transport providers and members of the public to get behind this charter so that everyone can feel safe and secure when using public transport to go about their daily lives.”
Disability Equality Scotland Operations Manager Emma Scott said:
“Our public consultations indicated that people would rather travel on a service that shows its commitment to tackling hate crime, than not. This Charter provides clear and common standards for challenging hate crime, encouraging reporting with the overall aim of prevention of hate crime incidents on the public transport network. We’re delighted so many transport partners are engaged in this process which will help everyone feel comfortable and safe to travel in Scotland.”
Social Media
If you spot the Hate Crime Charter on public transport, Tweet a picture of It to @DEScotTweets using the hashtag:
#DontIgnoreItReportIt