Lothian is delighted to announce the launch of a partnership with Strut Safe, a volunteer-operated support telephone line offering a friendly voice at the end of the phone for those travelling alone.

Strut Safe telephone lines are open on Friday and Saturday evenings between 1900 – 0300 hrs, and on Sundays from 1900 – 0100 hrs. The volunteer-led team stay on the phone with callers until they have arrived safely at their destination, no matter where they are going or where they have come from.

Lothian is the first public transport provider in the UK to enter into an official partnership with Strut Safe, and the operator is excited about what this new opportunity may bring for both organisations.

Gaynor Marshall, Lothian’s Communications Director, said: “Lothian is committed to delivering inclusive and accessible bus services. Our partnership with Strut Safe promotes awareness of an organisation which can offer our customers the opportunity to feel supported and connected through every part of their journey.”

Rho Chung, Director of Communications at Strut Safe, said: “We are so excited to be partnering with a transit provider from Edinburgh, where Strut Safe was founded. Public transit is an essential part of making public life safe and accessible for everyone, and we are delighted to be part of Lothian Buses’ initiative to help their passengers feel safer before, during and after their bus journey. Through our partnership, we hope to help our callers feel safe and supported from door to door.”

Strut Safe stands in solidarity with marginalised people, providing kindness and reassurance to anyone who needs it during their travels. Calls to Strut Safe can be made from anywhere in the UK. When calling Strut Safe, the automated system will transfer callers to an available volunteer. The volunteer will ask callers for their name and location, then chat to them about whatever they want until they are safely through the door. All volunteers are thoroughly assessed, trained, and hold valid disclosure and barring service certificates.

You can find out more about Strut Safe here.