Setting up a Student Safety Bus Scheme
NOTES FOR SAFETY BUS VOLUNTEER DRIVERS
Please note: these guidelines are specific to Oxford Brookes Student Union and are reproduced here to assist those interested in setting up similar schemes.
Same rights as Buses and Taxis
Oxford Brookes has a verbal agreement, through Maxwell's, that the safety bus can use the prohibited areas of Oxford city centre in the same manner as buses and taxis. This is to be confirmed in writing. Should authorities in these areas stop you the maximum penalty you can receive is a £30 fine. This is not endorsable by points on your licence. Should this occur, keep the ticket and pay the fine from the donations, reporting the occurrence to the deputy president, the following morning (or Monday if on Friday or Saturday).
Show me the Money
If asked by authorities about the charging of students for the service, and reference is made to Hire and Reward insurance, etc. emphasise that the service is funded totally by donations and that you are an unpaid volunteer driver. The above is not needed as there is no set charge for the service, only donations.
Leave all collected monies on the bus for collection by the deputy president, general secretary. On Wednesdays and Fridays, the donations should be handed to the Union Bar Manager to place in the safe for collection by the deputy president, general secretary the next day.
Parking & Speeding
The driver is responsible for any parking and speeding charges or any other penalties as a result of the breaking of road traffic law. By law, Oxford Brookes must know who is driving at what times. If two drivers are sharing the shift, please recognise the need for accuracy in filling out the mileage sheet.
Antisocial Behaviour
If someone is sick on the bus, clean up as best you can under the circumstances. A bottle of disinfectant and a large roll of tissue is carried at all times. Extra items can also be collected from the deputy president, general secretary, or the security office.
Where criminal damage or general anti-social behaviour of a student takes place, the driver has every right not to transport them. Where possible take details of the offender - students name and NUS card if they have one. The NUS cards are property of the union and can be asked for by any union representative. The driver is a representative of Oxford Brookes Student's' Union. Use your common sense - the majority of people who use the bus are drunk. We must not forget those who use the bus as a vital service as they fear for their safety in some way.
Telephone bookings
When picking up students who have requested the service by telephone, from a venue other than student union premises, the driver must see their NUS cards. This rule is imperative when picking people up from the City centre as the driver's actions, and therefore that of the Union will be under the most scrutiny from outside bodies in these areas.
Perception of vulnerability always creates preferential treatment for some over others. The driver does not have to transport anyone if he or she feels they would compromise the safety of others on the bus.
Never exceed the maximum number of people the bus is legally allowed to hold.
Accidents
If you have an accident in the bus report it immediately to the police and then to the deputy president, general secretary, clearly stating your location. A Dictaphone and disposable camera are located in the glove compartment. This is their sole use in the event of an accident - to photograph the incident and record verbally details of others involved and number plates of possible witnesses. Never admit liability.
Last update: Last update: 14/01/04