First Bus has joined Stagecoach East in piloting our Hate Crime Charter.

Transport Scotland’s Hate Crime Working Group, led by Disability Equality Scotland have conducted a series of public consultations on the topic, which led to the creation of a Hate Crime Charter.

The Charter sets out our stance on Hate Crime.  First Bus believes that everyone has the right to travel safely and any aggressive, bullying or harassing behaviour will not be tolerated on their services.

Issues of hate crime will be taken seriously, and incidents will be reported to Police Scotland.

First Bus has begun piloting the Charter and the results will help to inform its national roll out.

Jim Burns, Operations Manager for Bannockburn and Balfron depots said:

“We’re absolutely delighted to be working with Disability Equality Scotland on their Hate Crime Charter pilot. At First Bus, we believe that everyone should be able to travel on public transport with confidence, and without fear of being subjected to bullying, harassment and prejudice of any kind. We’re therefore proud to be part of this emotive and empowering pilot which will adopt a zero tolerance approach to hate crimes on public transport. Our aim is simple, to help educate and inform on what is needed to shape the future development and implementation of the Charter on a national basis.”

Further information

You can view the Charter here.