Meeting of the Parliament 27 November 2024
I need to make progress. There is limited time in the debate.
Fairness and consistency must underpin that work. I recently met Unite to discuss its 15-point safety plan, and I note that calls for a public transport safety summit have been made by the United Kingdom general secretary, who might not be aware that, in Scotland, we already have regular stakeholder meetings with Police Scotland, bus operators, Unite and Transport Scotland in order to work collaboratively on solutions. I am open to considering whether recommendations for action from the group could be best addressed through a wider summit.
I am considering fixed-penalty notices, and I have reviewed application of the Protection of Workers (Retail and Age-restricted Goods and Services) (Scotland) Act 2021 to rail workers. I understand that, although it is for the courts to determine, the definition of “retail work” might not apply to those who sell train tickets if a court deemed those transport workers to be engaged in the sale or supply of services rather than of goods. There might also be applications in relation to buses.
I emphasise the critical role for bus operators, as employers, in doing all that they can to ensure the safety of their drivers and passengers. I welcome the Confederation of Passenger Transport’s on-going commitment to progressing measures through a partnership approach with the Government and others. I strongly encourage all operators to prioritise the areas of Unite’s plan that have the potential to improve conditions for their staff. It is in everyone’s interests to let passengers know that they are welcome, safe and encouraged to travel by bus.
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