Hate Crime Charter – zero-tolerance approach to hate crime on Scotland’s public transport network.
The Safe and Inclusive Ferries for All project
The Safe and Inclusive Ferries for All project, a collaboration between NorthLink Ferries and Disability Equality Scotland, with support from the Transport Scotland Ferries Accessibility Fund, has successfully enhanced accessibility and inclusivity for disabled travellers across Scotland.
This initiative focused on creating safer, more inclusive ferry journeys and ensuring that disabled people have the support they need to travel with dignity and respect.
Key Achievements of the Project
NorthLink Ferries
NorthLink Ferries has long been committed to improving accessibility for all passengers. Through the Safe and Inclusive Ferries for All project, they’ve made significant strides in creating an environment that welcomes and supports disabled travellers:
- Dementia-Friendly Services: With 75% of their staff trained in dementia awareness, NorthLink has positioned itself as a dementia-friendly employer. Their ferry toilets now feature colour-contrasted seats and handles to assist travellers with dementia, and all toilet doors are automatic for greater accessibility.
- Commitment to Zero-Tolerance for Hate Crime: Building on the national Hate Crime Charter, NorthLink displayed posters on all ferries to promote a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime, creating a safer environment for everyone onboard.
- Improved Communication for Deaf Passengers: NorthLink has partnered with BSL interpreters to assist deaf passengers in booking their journeys through video link, ensuring an accessible and inclusive booking experience.
- Changing Places Toilets: The project has seen progress in the installation of Changing Places Toilets on NorthLink vessels, ensuring that passengers with more complex needs have access to necessary facilities.
- Neatebox Partnership: Through collaboration with Neatebox, travellers can upload their accessibility needs via an app, allowing NorthLink to be prepared to assist them on arrival, ensuring a smooth and personalized experience.
CalMac Ferries
CalMac Ferries, serving 5 million passengers annually, also made significant improvements to their service during the project:
- Accessible Facilities: CalMac has retrofitted vessels with new accessible toilets and is actively discussing the addition of Changing Places Toilets on selected routes to better accommodate passengers with complex needs.
- Consultation with Access Panels: CalMac engaged with Access Panels for advice on improving accessibility, ensuring they go beyond the minimum standards and make their vessels fully accessible to all passengers.
- Commitment to Zero-Tolerance for Hate Crime: CalMac ferries are also a proud Hate Crime Charter supporter and promote a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime.
- Inclusive Staff Training: Disabled individuals were included in CalMac’s staff training and port management meetings, ensuring that employees have a clear understanding of the challenges faced by disabled travellers.
Conclusion: A Safer, More Inclusive Travel Experience
By working closely with disabled communities and investing in training, technology, and facilities, both NorthLink Ferries and CalMac Ferries have created a safer and more inclusive environment for all travellers.
The project’s achievements, from the installation of accessible toilets to the promotion of a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime, demonstrate a commitment to ensuring that disabled people can travel with confidence, respect, and dignity.
This project marks an important step toward a future where ferry travel in Scotland is accessible for everyone, regardless of their needs.