‘Safety First’ initiative focuses on kids, women on public transport

Panaji: Transport minister Mauvin Godinho launched the ‘Safety First – Empowering and Protecting Women and Children in Goa’ initiative at the Kadamba Bus Stand in Panaji on Wednesday.

The initiative aims to raise awareness about public transport safety through the strategic placement of awareness posters and helpline stickers inside Kadamba buses, private buses, taxis, and rickshaws. The stickers prominently display contact information for essential helplines, including those for childline, women’s safety, Goa Police, and other emergency services.

“Whether it is a bus, taxi, or rickshaw, women commuters should feel safe. Their safety is our priority. To ensure this, the helpline can be used to file a complaint if needed," Godinho said. “There is a rise in untoward incidents, especially in public transport. The police cannot monitor every location or act unless there is a complaint. The helpline is there to ensure that women are aware that help is available and such incidents will be reduced. Our goal is to eliminate these issues," he added.

The campaign is organised by the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) in collaboration with Goa Police and SCAN – Goa. The initiative, with a two-phase approach, first saw the installation of hoardings on electrical poles in Panaji. The second phase, currently under way, involves placing helpline stickers at bus stands across Goa.

“On average, we receive 30 cases a month. People often don’t know that the police helpline number is now 112, not 100,” said a SCAN Goa representative.

“Through this campaign, we are working in prevention mode so that individuals can feel safe when using public transport.”