RideSafe is a new and developing initiative with a clear ambition: to make travel safer, more accessible and more supportive for everyone who relies on licensed transport services. While the project is still in its early stages, we are actively building partnerships and exploring opportunities to deliver a range of impactful programmes that address real challenges faced by passengers, drivers, charities and communities.
Our vision is centred around three key areas of development: supporting charities through funded travel solutions, creating ‘Rescue Ride pathways’ for individuals in vulnerable situations and establishing a recognised ‘RideSafe Driver Accreditation’ that promotes enhanced safeguarding and professional standards. These programmes represent the direction of travel for RideSafe as we work with local authorities, transport providers, venues, charities, businesses and community partners to turn these ambitions into practical, sustainable services that improve safety and confidence across the transport network.
Our Initial programmes are:
1. Charity travel support programme
Removing transport barriers for charities and the people they support.
The RideSafe charity travel support programme enables corporate partners to directly fund safe and reliable transport for charities, helping reduce the financial burden of travel costs on frontline services.
Through corporate sponsorship and donations, RideSafe creates dedicated travel funds that charities can access to cover or subsidise taxi journeys for staff, volunteers and service users. This allows organisations to focus resources where they are needed most while ensuring individuals can travel safely and confidently when accessing support.
The programme offers businesses a tangible, real world way to make a meaningful social impact, with every contribution helping people reach services, appointments, safe accommodation, employment opportunities and essential support networks.
Key outcomes:
Reduced transport costs for charities.
Greater access to support services for vulnerable individuals.
Measurable social impact for corporate partners.
Improved community mobility and safety.
2. RescueRides programme
Providing safe exits when people need them most.
The RideSafe RescueRides programme works alongside existing safeguarding initiatives, including schemes such as Ask for Angela official, to provide a practical and immediate route to safety for individuals who feel vulnerable or at risk.
Participating venues are supported with designated RideSafe pick-up locations and priority booking procedures, enabling staff to quickly arrange safe transport for customers who need assistance leaving a situation. Whether someone feels unsafe, threatened, vulnerable, or simply unable to travel independently, Rescue Rides offers a trusted pathway to a safe destination.
The programme aims to strengthen the safety infrastructure already operating within the night time economy, helping venues, local authorities, transport providers and community partners work together to protect people when they need support most.
Key outcomes:
Safer exits from vulnerable situations.
Enhanced safeguarding support for venues.
Stronger partnerships with community safety initiatives.
Increased confidence for residents and visitors using the night-time economy.
3. RideSafe driver accreditation programme
Raising standards and building confidence in passenger transport. The ultimate goal!
The RideSafe driver accreditation programme is designed to recognise and support drivers who demonstrate an enhanced commitment to passenger safety, safeguarding and professional standards.
Accredited RideSafe Drivers receive additional training in areas such as safeguarding awareness, recognising exploitation and vulnerability, conflict management, de-escalation techniques, customer care, and emergency response. The programme aims to equip drivers with the knowledge and confidence to identify risks, respond appropriately and provide a safer experience for all passengers.
Over time, RideSafe seeks to establish the RideSafe Driver accreditation as a recognised mark of trust within the transport sector, giving passengers confidence that they are travelling with drivers who have gone above and beyond minimum licensing requirements.
Key outcomes
Enhanced safeguarding and passenger protection.
Increased driver skills and professional development.
Greater public confidence in licensed transport services.
A recognised standard for safer travel across the city.