London School Kids asked to give respect to elders

I like this novel way of introducing discipline and encouraging kids
to respect the elderly, pregnant women and the bus staff while
traveling. Nice to know London Mayor has taken this iniative.
Vyasamoorthy
================

Three-point pledge includes getting up for the elderly, pregnant or the disabled

Daily Mail
Published: 00:00 March 27, 2012

London: Teenagers will have to "stand up for their elders" on public
transport — or risk losing their right to free travel.

London Mayor Boris Johnson was expected to unveil plans yesterday to
make youngsters sign a "courtesy pledge" to promise to behave in a
respectful manner when travelling in the capital.

The three-point pledge states that they will give up their seats to
the elderly, pregnant and disabled; refrain from using offensive or
threatening language; and be courteous and polite to fellow passengers
and staff.

Those who refuse, or are caught behaving in a loutish manner, will
have their free travel passes removed.

The plan — a key part of Johnson's re-election bid — will initially
affect the 400,000 11- to 15-year-olds in London who qualify for free
travel cards, but Tory sources believe the idea could be used across
the country.

A Conservative insider said: "The initiative chimes perfectly with the
push to create a Big Society. It is about changing culture and
expectations around behaviour to improve the atmosphere on buses and
trains for everyone."

Speaking before yesterday's launch, Johnson said he was determined to
tackle the anti-social behaviour of a "minority of youngsters" on
public transport.

"When I was a boy, I was taught to stand up for those less able to,"
he said. "Youngsters enjoy the privilege of free travel, which is paid
for by Londoners, but they have to understand that with that privilege
comes responsibility. Anyone who abuses this privilege will have it
taken away, and will have to earn that right back."

Community work

Teenagers found guilty of a serious breach of the new behaviour code
will lose their travel passes, and will have to carry out unpaid
community work to have them restored. Johnson is also introducing a
"two strikes and you're out" policy to deal with repeat offenders,
under which those committing a second serious breach of the code will
lose their travel rights permanently.

City Hall sources said the plan would cost taxpayers nothing, as the
pledge would be incorporated into the existing application process for
youngsters' free travel passes.

The move follows an earlier initiative of Johnson's that banned the
consumption of alcohol on public transport in the capital, which is
credited with helping to drive down crime rates on buses and trains.

Dr P Vyasamoorthy, 30 Gruhalakshmi Colony Secunderabad 500015 Ph
040-27846631 / 9490804278.