New safety scheme launched on bus network

Date published: 29/09/2006

A major new initiative has been launched to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour on Greater Manchester’s bus network.

Bus companies have already given their support to the initiative which follows the success of the Bus Station Response trial scheme at Rochdale bus station amongst others.

The Patrol and Response scheme is being funded by Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority. Two dedicated security teams will patrol bus services and stations across the network.

The four uniformed officers will work in partnership with Greater Manchester Police to target areas of the network where there are known to be problems.

Councillor Roger Jones, Chair of the Authority, said: "Public transport is a safe way to travel and we want to encourage more people to regularly use services in the future. I hope the new security officers will reassure passengers about safety on the bus network as well as helping to prevent incidents of crime, anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

"The officers will be able to target bus services and stations where we think there’s a potential for problems to occur. I’m sure their presence will be effective in increasing passengers’ confidence in using the bus network."

The Authority is investing £135,000 in the first year of the new initiative and expects its success will persuade the bus operators to contribute towards the cost of funding it in the future.

Earlier this year, Greater Manchester’s public transport operators met with the police and local government officers at a conference in Manchester to discuss new ways of tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.

The event aimed to develop new and innovative solutions for improving safety and security on public transport by building up close links between different organisations.

The new Patrol and Response scheme will develop the partnership between Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE), the police and the bus operators to improve the bus network.

Passengers can report incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour, which do not require an emergency response, by calling the police on 0161 872 5050.