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Sadly NET tram crew and NCT bus drivers just don’t get the respect they deserve when serving the public. That’s why NET, NCT and the GMB Union are uniting to take action to highlight this unacceptable situation with the ‘courtesy costs nothing’ campaign.
The campaign, which starts on Monday 1st August, will highlight to all Nottingham tram and bus passengers that public transport staff should be treated as they would wish to be treated themselves. Our staff do a vital job in keeping the city moving, helping passengers and managing fare collection and people who treat public transport staff without the respect they deserve should be ashamed.
NET tram crew and NCT Travelcentre staff will wear highly-visible T shirts during the campaign and buses and trams will also carry adverts in the form of ‘wobblers’ and posters. |
This is the latest in a continuing series of campaigns related to the ‘respect for transport’ initiative, which aims to stamp out crime and anti-social behaviour across public transport in Nottingham.
Colin Lea, NET Marketing Manager said, “This campaign is aimed at those people who do not see themselves as necessarily abusing our staff, but who do not treat our staff with the respect and courtesy they deserve. Our staff are doing a valuable job in serving the public and it is completely unacceptable that they are treated as if they are a lower form of life.”
Barrie Burch NCT Commercial Manager said, “Unfortunately, a small minority of our customers see our drivers as machines and not as human beings. An acknowledgment from these customers, such as a smile or a thank you helps give them the respect they deserve, after all, the driver is providing a valuable service to the customer”
Martin Allen, Regional Organiser of the GMB Union said, “Our members are providing a first class public service to the community, and want to be treated as first class employees and citizens. They are your mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers who get up early and work late into the night; let’s show our appreciation and respect for them by supporting the Courtesy Costs Nothing Campaign”.
Colin Gell of the T&G Union (NCT’s Union) said “Hopefully this campaign will highlight common courtesy issues towards our drivers and we fully support it. A little common courtesy goes a long way and can make life easier for our drivers”
Gary Smerdon-White of the Respect for Transport campaign said “Public transport staff do a great job and service for the community, often at unsociable hours and under a great deal of stress. A small number of passengers by their attitude, behaviour and bad language just add to the stress and ruin the journeys of other travellers. It’s time we brought the matter to everyone’s attention because pleasantness costs nothing but gives a lot of value in terms of the well being of staff and passengers.”
Notes for Editors:
- Respect for Transport aims to stamp out crime and anti-social behaviour across public transport in Nottingham. It is backed by NCT, NET, JC Decaux, Nottingham City Council, Notts County Council, Nottinghamshire Police, British Transport Police and the Greater Nottingham Transport Partnership’s Big Wheel. Funding is provided by partners including the Greater Nottingham Partnership.
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