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Panic buttons linked to GPS for buses

EDINBURGH, Scotland, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- Hi-tech security panic buttons have been installed in city buses in Edinburgh, Scotland, because of the high number of assaults and other crimes.

There are about two incidents reported a day involving drivers and passengers on Edinburgh buses and about 70 assaults, thefts and incidents of vandalism are reported on city buses every month, reported the Scotsman.com Saturday.

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About 250 of the buses will be fitted with the new panic buttons linked to satellites, which will allow staff to pinpoint the exact location of a bus when an attack is occurring.

In addition, the buses have been equipped with a Bustracker system aimed at improving service by telling those waiting at bus stops how many minutes remain before a bus should appear.

"With this system we'll know exactly where the bus is and will be able to provide the police with a precise location," said Bill Campbell, operations director with Lothian Buses. "We also envisage Bustracker being used to raise the alarm on things like road traffic accidents or people being taken ill on the bus, but the main benefit for us will be the ability to have a quicker response time for an assault on a driver or any other kind of altercation."

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