‘Help is a big red’

Press, 13 May 1987, Page 20

‘Help is a big red’

The Christchurch Transport Board today begins a scheme to use the two-way radios m the big red buses as an emergency communications network for people in trouble. Some of the board’s drivers have provided such a service ever since the radios began to be fitted in buses some years ago. Now the idea becomes official, with all drivers alerted to watch for signals from members of the public who require emergency help. Through the radios, help can be summoned quickly from police, fire brigade, ambulance, or the Ministry of Transport. This is a sensible and helpful service from the board which, almost incidentally, has built up one of the most widespread communications networks in the city. It is an extra contribution to the community from bus drivers, many of whom have long offered help to elderly and disabled people, to

mothers with young children, and to bewildered visitors. The public can show appreciation in a; variety of ways. The service should not be abused; calls for help should be confined to genuine emergencies. If the service reminds more people to travel by bus, that will be a bonus, not least for the city’s ratepayers, who continue to provide a large share of the cost of public transport in Christchurch. Motorists in trouble might appreciate that a bus driver with access to a radio is a source of help, perhaps at night, or in a remote place. In return, motorists might show more good manners in allowing buses to pull out into the traffic stream on busy roads; and more sense in not treating bus stops as convenient short-term parking zones. The extra service from the transport board and its staff deserves encouragement from everyone.