The NTA has today launched their ‘Staff Respect’ campaign to encourage customers to show respect for public transport drivers, staff and taxi drivers who continue providing vital services for essential workers.
The two-week national campaign will go live across national and regional radio, digital and social media channels as well as on-board public transport vehicles and at stations across the Transport for Ireland (TFI) public transport network. A number of videos and creative assets have been developed to support the campaign and highlight the important role public transport workers play in keeping Ireland moving in these uncertain times.
The campaign is being supported by the NTA in partnership with Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Iarnród Éireann, TFI Local Link, Luas and Go-Ahead Ireland.
By rolling out this messaging, the NTA aims to encourage even greater levels of respect towards drivers and staff working across the TFI public transport network. It also provides an opportunity to recognise the significant efforts of those who help essential workers within healthcare, education and beyond to get to work.
Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD said: “2020 has been a very challenging year for everyone. But our bus, tram, train and taxi drivers have provided an essential frontline service for the public, making sure people get where they need to go. They have not only earned our thanks, but they also deserve the greatest level of respect from all commuters.
“I would encourage all of those taking public transport over the coming days to be aware of the contribution staff are making, and to thank them for their efforts.”
Anne Graham, CEO of the NTA said: “The new campaign we are launching today places an important spotlight on the role drivers, staff and taxi drivers play in keeping Ireland moving in under what have been testing times. Throughout the pandemic, drivers and staff have continued to meet the needs of customers while ensuring that the safety of the travelling public.
“All of those providing essential services deserve our respect. So please remember to be polite and kind on your travels in the run up to Christmas. Respect goes a long way, and we can all play our part in creating a more positive environment for public transport workers.”
Dublin Bus Chief Executive Ray Coyne said: “2020 has been a year like no other. I’m proud of the role Dublin Bus is playing in the national response to Covid-19. Keeping our services running is supporting thousands of others across society in doing their vital frontline jobs. I know our customers appreciate and respect the hard work of the 3,500 strong Dublin Bus team across the capital, and we ask them to continue this support as we operate services throughout this public health crisis.”
Stephen Kent, Chief Executive Officer, Bus Éireann, Ireland’s national bus company said: “We are really proud of how our frontline staff have rallied to the challenges of keeping our essential service on the road. And the vast majority of the travelling public have been collaborative and understanding too, with high usage of face coverings as an example. We hope this campaign reminds everyone that we are in this together, and we are all on the same side – especially when using public transport.”
Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive Jim Meade said: “The Iarnród Éireann team in stations and on board are working to keep Ireland moving, and throughout COVID-19 are ensuring a safe and sanitised travelling environment for those who must travel. Our customers overwhelmingly are courteous and supportive, but we would remind all who use our services to show respect at all times to those who ensure our essential public service is provided.”
Seamus Egan, MD of Transdev, said “Luas staff have made an enormous contribution in responding to the challenges of Covid-19. It is only right that they be treated with respect in their workplace. As the campaign message states – “where would we be without them”.”
Andrew Edwards, Go-Ahead Ireland Managing Director said: “Colleagues at Go-Ahead Ireland proudly serve their communities and work hard to deliver a safe, clean and high performing public bus network.
“Although 2020 has been challenging, the overwhelming number of bus users have quickly adapted to a series of new coronavirus-influenced rules and, in doing so, rightly afforded frontline personnel the dignity and respect they deserve. This sentiment undeniably makes the difficult times in which we live and work a little bit easier for those at the sharp end and it is appreciated by them.”
To watch the ‘Staff Respect’ campaign video, visit: https://youtu.be/YyiZ_AbN0FI
