Xplore Dundee, the city’s main bus operator, said it is making the city centre safer at weekends as it introduced a new vehicle to its Safe Zone Bus scheme.
Late night revellers who find themselves worse for wear are able to go to the company’s Safe Zone Bus for respite.
Police and trained volunteers can now patrol the city centre in a new minibus, picking up anyone who might need assistance and bring them back to the main bus.
Xplore say the bus serves as sanctuary for anyone who is injured, intoxicated or vulnerable, as well as potentially saving the NHS and emergency services thousands of pounds.
A team of volunteers drive and staff the bus to help people sober up, recharge mobile phones and get home. They can also carry out first aid.
More than 800 people have visited Dundee’s bus, which is normally stationed outside Lidl in ward Road on Friday and Saturday nights, in the past year.
It has also attended events such as Slessor Gardens concerts, Fresher’s Week and Dundee Dance Event.
The bus company works with Tayside Council on Alcohol (TCA) to provide the service.
Frank Sheach, Xplore Dundee’s engineering manager, said: “It’s an excellent project to work with in partnership and we commend the work these volunteers do each weekend with people who might otherwise find themselves at serious risk of harm.”
Kathryn Baker, chief executive of TCA, said: “Safe Zone plays an important role in ensuring the safety and well-being of those enjoying the hospitality of Dundee’s night time economy.”
Safe Zone has a team of around 20 volunteers, who receive training in first aid, drug awareness and welfare support.
The project is looking for more volunteers to drive its bus or sweeper vehicle during weekend shifts, operating on a rota. Driver training will be given.
A recent report by the Portman Group, a trade group of alcohol producers in the UK, on similar projects in the UK estimates that for every £1 spent, up to £9.31 is saved by the public sector as it frees police, ambulance and A&E resources.
Anyone interested in becoming a driver can contact the project at TCA on 01382 456012.
