In recent times, we at Disability Action Transport Service (DATS) and some of our Rural Partners have noticed a concerning rise in the amount of abuse our staff members have been facing on our telephone booking lines. While we are here to provide essential transportation services to those with disabilities and mobility challenges, it is disheartening to witness an increase in abusive behaviour towards our dedicated team members. In this blog post, we want to reiterate our commitment to maintaining a respectful and safe environment for all our stakeholders and emphasise that abusive behaviour will not be tolerated.

Our Commitment to Service

At DATS, we take immense pride in our mission to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by providing safe and reliable transportation services. Our staff members work diligently to ensure that our passengers receive the assistance they require, whether it's booking a ride, coordinating schedules, or addressing any other concerns. We believe in fostering a culture of inclusivity, compassion, and empathy in everything we do.

The Impact of Abuse

While we understand that transportation services can sometimes lead to frustrations and challenges, it is crucial to remember that abusive behavior can have serious consequences. Abuse towards our staff not only affects their well-being but also hinders their ability to provide the best possible service to our passengers. Moreover, it creates an unwelcome and hostile environment for everyone involved.

Types of Abuse

Abuse on our telephone booking lines can manifest in various ways, including:

1. Verbal Abuse: This involves using offensive or insulting language towards our staff members, often with the intent to demean or belittle them.

2. Threats: Threatening behaviour, whether it's physical or verbal, is entirely unacceptable and goes against our core values of respect and safety.

3. Harassment: Consistent and unwanted communication that causes distress and discomfort for our staff members is considered harassment and will not be tolerated.

4. Discrimination: Any form of discrimination based on race, gender, disability, or any other characteristic is against our principles of equality and fairness.

Our Response to Abuse

We want to make it abundantly clear that abuse towards our staff members will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Our commitment to ensuring a safe and respectful environment extends to every interaction with our organization. When abuse is reported, we will take the following steps:

1. Investigation: We will thoroughly investigate any reports of abuse to gather all necessary information and assess the situation objectively.

2. Consequences: Those found responsible for abusive behaviour will face appropriate consequences, which may include suspension or banning from our services.

3. Support: Our staff members affected by abuse will receive the necessary support and resources to cope with the emotional and psychological impact.

4. Education: We will continue to educate our passengers and the community about the importance of respectful and courteous interactions.

At DATS, we believe that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness and respect. Our staff members are dedicated to providing essential transportation services, and we expect our passengers and partners to reciprocate that dedication with understanding and patience. The recent increase in abuse on our telephone booking lines is a cause for concern, and we want to remind everyone that we are committed to maintaining a professional and controlled environment where abusive behaviour will not be tolerated.

We invite our passengers, partners, and the community at large to join us in upholding these values of respect, empathy, and tolerance. Together, we can ensure that DATS remains a safe and inclusive space for all.