Lothian Buses says it is delighted to announce the launch of a partnership with Strut Safe, a volunteer-operated support telephone line offering a friendly voice at the end of the phone for people travelling alone. The organisation’s telephone lines are open on Friday and Saturday evenings between 1900 and 0300hrs and on Sundays from 1900 to 0100hrs, and its volunteer-led team will stay on the phone with callers until they have arrived safely at their destination, wherever they are going or coming from.
Lothian believes it is the first public transport provider in the UK to enter into an official partnership with Strut Safe, and says it is excited about what the new opportunity may bring for both organisations.
Lothian’s Communications Director Gaynor Marshall said: “Lothian is committed to delivering inclusive and accessible bus services. Our partnership with Strut Safe promotes awareness of an organisation which can offer our customers the opportunity to feel supported and connected through every part of their journey.”
Director of Communications at Strut Safe Rho Chung added: “We are so excited to be partnering with a transit provider from Edinburgh, where Strut Safe was founded. Public transit is an essential part of making public life safe and accessible for everyone, and we are delighted to be part of Lothian Buses’ initiative to help their passengers feel safer before, during and after their bus journey. Through our partnership, we hope to help our callers feel safe and supported from door to door.”
Calls to Strut Safe can be made from anywhere in the UK, and the volunteer will ask callers for their name and location, then chat to them about whatever they want until they are safely through the door.
