This week sees the official launch of a new dedicated taxi zone at Edinburgh Waverley station. It’s the result of a collaboration between Network Rail and APCOA which is designed to enhance the overall journey experience for passengers using the station.
With space to accommodate up to 40 taxis, the facility in the New Street car park is the largest in Edinburgh city centre, offering a dedicated fleet of both hackney cab and private hire vehicles, including people carrier options for groups of up to eight, and standard TX taxis for customers with mobility impairments.
Agents are on standby throughout the station to take specific bookings at no extra cost, and passengers will receive real-time waiting updates if a vehicle isn’t available immediately.
Edinburgh Waverley’s station manager Chris King commented: “We’re delighted to have worked with APCOA to create a dedicated facility within the station area which will be great for passengers, particularly for those with reduced mobility, or those travelling with children, prams or luggage.
“It has also generated employment opportunities for local people and offers convenient onward travel options to those who need it, with the reassurance of either getting a taxi straight away or knowing for certain that one is on its way.”
TODAY (7th September 2022), suicide prevention charity Samaritans and Network Rail have joined forces with mental health charities to hold a wellbeing event to raise awareness of support available to commuters, rail staff and the community, aiming to reduce stigma around suicide by encouraging life-saving conversations.
The event will also mark and take place ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on Saturday 10th September. The event aims to remind the public that it’s OK to ask someone about suicidal thoughts and feelings if they are worried about someone. It could save a life.
With the cost of living rising, following an incredibly challenging few years, the charity is urging people to look out for each other.
Samaritans will be joined by representatives from Network Rail, Railway Mission, Breathing Space and United to Prevent Suicide at Edinburgh Waverley railway station from 9am to 6pm to speak to commuters, staff and any member of the public who would like a chat or information.
The public will find the stand in the Marketplace, beside Platform 2.
Arlene Dickson, Samaritans’ Rail Regional Development Lead for Scotland, said:“We are all really looking forward to connecting with people within the railway station. We know how challenging these last few years have been for people and support is needed now more than ever.
“We know if someone is feeling suicidal it may be hard to get through to them, as they might be distant or distracted and not respond right away. Asking someone if they’re suicidal won’t make things worse.
“Evidence shows it could help them and give them permission to open up. So, we’re here to remind the public that they’re not alone, showing them the power of listening and starting a conversation. If you’re worried about someone, just let them know there is always someone they can turn to, whether that’s family, friends or a 24/7 helpline like Samaritans.”
Allan Brooking, Community Safety Manager for Network Rail Scotland, said: “Scotland’s Railway plays a vital role in supporting WSPD as it helps to break the stigma associated with suicide and helps us to understand how the rail industry can help to prevent suicide.
“Thanks to the work of the wider rail industry and our partners like Samaritans, we have made significant strides helping vulnerable people on and around the railways.
“However, we appreciate there are many people struggling in these exceptionally difficult times and we support this campaign which encourages the public to have lifesaving conversations if they are worried about a friend, colleague or loved one.”
Throughout World Suicide Prevention Day, Samaritans will be sharing useful content on its Instagram, Twitter and Facebook pages, including information on myths about suicide and how to help look out for each other.
To find out more about Samaritans, or to make a donation and find out other ways you can support Samaritans, visit www.samaritans.org or go to our social media sites as above.
Anyone can contact Samaritans, free, 24/7, 365 days a year and if you’re going through a tough time, you don’t have to face it alone.
Anonymity guaranteed to those who pass on information to Crimestoppers
The charity Crimestoppers – in partnership with Network Rail – is today launching a new campaign encouraging people to speak up about those causing harm and damage to Scotland’s countryside and their vital communities.
The initiative comes as the international tourist season returns following years of pandemic restriction.
Crimestoppers is independent of the police and gives the public an alternative option, namely, to pass on what they know about crime whilst never giving any personal details.
With many people planning trips to the countryside, the anticipated impact of large visitor numbers and effects of rural crime can be devastating to the environment.
Over 95% of Scotland is classed as rural and NFU Mutual estimate that rural crime costs Scotland around £1.8 million annually, with levels reportedly increasing.
Whilst the volume of crime in rural areas is lower than in urban locations, the consequences within a rural community or environment often has a much deeper and far-reaching impact, both on the victim and community as a whole.
Crimestoppers, together with Police Scotland and wider rural and environmental organisations, are asking the public to spot the signs of rural crime and give information 100% anonymously.
The key crimes that Scotland’s rural areas experience are:
• House-breaking
• Theft of farm equipment, vehicles and machinery
• Livestock-related crimes: theft and dog attacks
• Fly-tipping and industrial waste dumping
• Hare coursing and badger baiting
• Fuel theft – domestic and commercial
• Heritage & cultural property crime including illegal metal detecting
• Wildlife crime
• Wilful fire-raising
Angela Parker, National Manager for Crimestoppers Scotland, said: “‘Many of us will be enjoying the stunning scenery, events and activities Scotland has to offer.
“Our campaign is encouraging the public to be aware of the harm rural crime and anti-social behaviour can inflict on the environment and the economy, from heritage crime, to wilful fire-raising and theft, these crimes often go unreported and can ruin lives, livelihoods and the rural environment.”
Allan Brooking, Community Safety Manager for Network Rail Scotland, said: ““Scotland’s Railway plays a vital role in connecting people with communities and attractions across the country, so it’s hugely important to us to help our partners protect rural areas from crime.
“We will be sharing the campaign’s message with passengers and railway staff will also be equipped with information on what to look out for.”
Inspector Alan Dron, Rural & Acquisitive Crime Coordinator for Police Scotland, added: “The majority of individuals wanting to experience Scotland’s stunning cultural, historic and natural environments have a desire to do so responsibly and in accordance with the law.
“Unfortunately, the consequences of a rural incident or crime often has a deeper and far-reaching impact plus access rights are not an excuse for anti-social or illegal behaviour. Please respect our rural communities and countryside, leave no trace of your visit and don’t let any individuals spoil your experience.”
Postcards and posters will be shared across Scotland, coupled with a social media campaign highlighting the key crimes affecting rural areas.
A sensory flower installation is to be unveiled at Edinburgh’s Waverley Station in a bid to make the station feel ‘lighter and happier’ for passengers returning to rail travel following the lifting of Covid restrictions.
From tomorrow, passengers are being encouraged to take a moment to view the installation situated on the station’s concourse. It has been organised by Network Rail and the charity, Chasing the Stigma.
The unveiling of the installation coincides with data from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, which revealed that nearly three quarters of UK adults (70%) say their mental health has been negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Patrick Henry, station manager at Edinburgh Waverley, said, “Life since the pandemic is difficult for many people, with many challenges yet to be overcome and Mental Health Awareness Week is a timely reminder of the need to take care of ourselves and each other.
“That’s why we’re supporting Brighter Journeys and encouraging passengers who may be struggling, to share and download the Hub of Hope app.”
Jake Mills, founder of Chasing the Stigma and Hub of Hope app, added, “It is great to be working with Network Rail on the Brighter Journey’s campaign. Nature is really important for mental health, so we hope commuters enjoy seeing these floral installations and they puts a smile on people’s faces.
“We also hope that this acts as a reminder that no one is ever alone, and mental health support is available at any time, you don’t have to be in crisis to get help. If anyone is struggling or knows someone who needs help, please download the Hub of Hope app.”
THE RMT union is preparing to ballot members over what could be the biggest rail strike in British history.
RMT senior assistant general secretary Eddie Dempsey said it is preparing to ballot members over pay freezes and safety standards.
Eddie Dempseytold GB News: “This dispute’s been a long time in the making. We’ve been through the pandemic period where our members made lots of changes to their working practices and worked right through a pandemic to keep the country moving and many of our members have had pay freezes.
“Now some of them are in the third year of a pay freeze. We’ve changed how we work, we’ve made lots of sacrifices to help the railways going and we’ve been working with the industry in the rail industry recovery group, putting forward ideas on how to help the industry recover.
“But that’s turned into a forum where we’re told now the intention is to strip £2 billion out of the rail industry to make that money come out through stripping out jobs and attacking terms and conditions and keeping wages low.”
Mr Dempsey made his comments during On The Money with Liam Halligan on GB News yesterday. He said the cuts, which have been proposed because of fewer passenger numbers due to people working at home, threaten to put safety at risk.
He added: “We’ve put forward lots of ideas on how they can save money.
“We’ve told them many ways they could make efficiency savings, but they’re intent on making those efficiency savings in removing safety critical jobs, in slashing maintenance standards and safety schedules, and in keeping wages down and tearing up terms and conditions for railway workers.
Mr Dempsey said that money could be saved by cutting pay for executives. “We’ve pointed out that director pay is out of control with Network Rail
“Seven of the highest paid civil servants in the country are Network Rail employees.
“If you strip their money back, just to what the Prime Minister’s being paid, you’d save nearly £6 million a year.
“They’ve got eight non-executive directors, they spent nearly three quarters of a million pounds for those people to attend eight meetings over one year during a pandemic.”
Crimestoppers Scotland, BTP Scotland, Network Rail and the Rail industry raise awareness about what constitutes sexual harassment, encouraging reporting and helping to make sure there is no unsafe space on Scotland’s railways
Research shows people don’t realise that behaviours like wolf whistling, leering/staring or deliberately invading personal space are forms of sexual harassment
Crimestoppers Scotland has joined with Network Rail, BTP Scotland and the rail industry to tackle sexual harassment by ensuring people understand what constitutes such behaviour.
The campaign will also inform people of the action they can take to report sexual harassment if they witness it and thereby help to combat it.
New research shows a lack of awareness about the seriousness of non-physical types of sexual harassment, which can be distressing and frightening for those who experience them.
The survey of over 2,500 people, carried out for the Rail Delivery Group by 2CV, reveals just a minority of rail passengers realise that wolf whistling (30%), inappropriate staring (37%) or someone sitting/standing too close on an otherwise quiet carriage (39%) is sexual harassment.
Government research shows that 84% of women and 60% of men in the UK population have experienced sexual harassment in their lifetime.
To tackle this, the rail industry is raising awareness about what constitutes sexual harassment with a Scotland-wide social media campaign, information distributed at Scotland’s stations – including big screens – to report instances where they feel unsafe. This will make it clear to perpetrators that their behaviour is not tolerated on the railway.
The rail industry expects that promoting a shared understanding of what sexual harassment looks like will help people who see or experience it gain the confidence to speak. This will help ensure perpetrators are held accountable for their actions and BTP is encouraging reporting to give them a greater opportunity to detect and punish offenders.
Allan Brooking, Community Safety Manager at Network Rail Scotland said:“Any form of sexual harassment is unacceptable on our railway and in wider society. We want all our customers to feel confident that they can use the railway without feeling unsafe, violated, or intimidated.
“This campaign will contribute to making Scotland’s Railway safer, ensuring people understand what constitutes sexual harassment and what actions they can take to report sexual harassment.
“We are working closely with Crimestoppers, BTP and the wider rail industry to demonstrate how we can all play our part in keeping each other safe and show that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated on our network”
BTP Detective Chief Inspector Arlene Wilson said: “Sexual harassment is anything that makes you or anybody else feel uncomfortable with a sexual element.
“This campaign is about educating people on what is not acceptable and how to report it, so we can work together to make the rail network a hostile environment for sexual harassment. Each report we receive provides us with valuable information which we can use to build an accurate picture of an offender and take action.
“We need to work together with the community to tackle this behaviour and create this hostile environment to discourage people from behaving in this manner. If you look at the root cause of some the behaviours around sexual assault it all stems from sexual harassment.
“We urge anyone who experiences or witnesses sexual harassment to text us on 61016, whether something is happening at the time or has happened recently. Save 61016 in your phone, so you have the number to hand should you ever need us.
“No report is too small or trivial, and we will always take you seriously.”
Jacqueline Starr, Chief Executive of the Rail Delivery Group, said:“Every form of sexual harassment is serious and actions like leering, sitting unnecessarily close or making sexual comments are unacceptable on our railway and in wider society.
“As an industry, we’re committed to ensuring there is no unsafe space on the railway by showing the small number of perpetrators that they are not welcome on trains and at stations. The British Transport Police will hold them to account to make train journeys safer for everyone.”
The campaign reminds passengers that they can contact BTP via text to report any cases of sexual harassment that they witness. By sending a short message with details of what they’ve seen to 61016, witnesses can help BTP to identify perpetrators and reduce potential harm for others in the future. In an emergency, always dial 999.
Angela Parker, National Manager of charity Crimestoppers Scotland, said:“Our charity believes that everyone has the right to feel safe, and that includes when travelling on public transport. Sexual harassment must be stamped out which is why we along with Network Rail Scotland and partners are playing our part in supporting this important campaign.
“If you are uncomfortable about reporting someone you know who is responsible for sexual harassment, remember that you can speak up completely anonymously by calling the railway’s sexual harassment line which is powered by Crimestoppers on 0800 783 0137.
“We guarantee no one will ever know you contacted us and you will be helping to protect others from the harm caused by this unacceptable criminal behaviour.”
Mark Lazarowicz MP has written again to Network Rail to express continued concern over access to Waverley station.
After first raising the issue of access for disabled passengers now that vehicles were barred from the station, Mark has welcomed action taken by Network Rail but stressed that real problems remain more generally affecting all those using the station, especially at busy periods such as Festival time.
In particular, the North & Leith MP is calling for Network Rail to:
· look again at access for people with disabilities
· introduce clearer access for cyclists, and
· quickly improve signage to taxi ranks outside the station as well as bus and tram services in time for peak Festival time.
He said: “I recognise that Network Rail is taking action to meet the concerns that I and others expressed but I remain concerned about access to Waverley for passengers generally.
“People with restricted mobility should be able to access the station as independently as possible rather than having to rely on the passenger assistance service provided by staff however good it is.
“The only access route for cyclists is now along the pedestrian footway from Waverley Bridge which is clearly undesirable for both cyclists and pedestrians.
“There is no longer any taxi access into the station but there also don’t seem to be there any signs to taxi ranks outside. There are signs to buses but not which bus and tram services stop where.
“The number of passengers using Waverley went up to 19 million last year but too many still face problems accessing the station.”
