Devon & Cornwall Police News site

The Chief Engineer of Plymouth Citybus has been presented with a Chief Superintendent’s Certificate to mark his commitment and dedication in helping keep hundreds of people safe on nights out.  

Neal Borbon and his team have played a vital role in the ongoing success of the Safe Bus in Plymouth's night-time economy. Neal went along to a special event recently and was presented with his certificate by Ch Supt Scott Bradley, who leads the police teams in the Plymouth area. 

Also attending the Devon & Cornwall Police event, to see Neal receive his certificate, was the High Sheriff of Devon Caroline Harlow and Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Cllr Tina Tuohy.

Plymouth Police Commander, Ch Supt Bradley, said: “Over the past three years, more than 90% of individuals treated on board the Safe Bus have been discharged at the scene by the medical staff, reducing pressure on police, ambulance, and hospital services. The bus has also provided vital support to vulnerable individuals, helping to keep them safe from harm.

“Plymouth Citybus has ensured the upkeep and reliability of the bus for at least five years, consistently providing drivers to transport it to and from its location at Derry’s Cross every weekend. We are very grateful for their efforts.”

The Plymouth Safe Bus was set up to provide support to people during the late night and early hours of the morning. The bus was set up by Devon & Cornwall Police and a number of local partners including Plymouth City Council and is located in Derry’s Cross every Saturday night between 10pm and 4am Sunday.

The partners involved in funding the initiative include University of Plymouth, Safer Streets 4 (Govt), Victim Support and Plymouth City Council. Partners involved in the weekly running of the bus include Best Bar None, the NHS and Western Medical Services. 

The Devon and Cornwall Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) has contributed £10k funding this year to support the driver training costs and annual maintenance costs of the Plymouth Safe Bus.

Police and Crime Commissioner, for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Alison Hernandez added: “Making sure people have a safe space they can go to for urgent help during a night out is one of my top priorities. Plymouth Safe Bus is a fantastic provision that not only gives people access to healthcare professionals but is also a safe environment where people know they will be looked after and supported.    

“To ensure hundreds more people can benefit from the Safe Bus again this year, my office has contributed funding of £10,000 which will go towards annual maintenance and driver training costs to support the operation of the scheme.    

“I would like to commend all those who staff the bus, from paramedics to security guards, who help get people home safely, and I would also like to congratulate Chief Engineer Neal Borbon for his recent award.” 

The bus is staffed by a team of paramedics, security guards and nearby taxi marshals on Raleigh Street who ensure anyone trying to get a taxi can get home safely. It provides a general safe space, medical provision, drink spiking tests and phone charging facilities. The power on the bus is charged by solar panels.

As well as the usual Saturday service, additional dates for the Safe Bus to be at Derry’s Cross, Plymouth later this year include: Sunday 24 Aug, Friday 31 Oct, Friday 5, 12 and 19 December. Organisers also hope to have the bus in place for 15 – 19 September for student Freshers Week. This will be confirmed in due course.

Neal Borbon and the Plymouth Citybus engineering team are commended for their continued commitment and dedication to the Plymouth Safe Bus initiative.