A new dedicated live chat service will launch in October across the Bee Network that will allow passengers to report safety issues while travelling.
The new TravelSafe LiveChat will launch in October as part of the increased efforts to improve safety and reduce crime and antisocial behaviour on public transport.
The service follows the announcement both TfGM and GMP intend to move from a partnership to a more integrated working arrangement.
The announcement that was made in March, would see the creation of what would effectively see the Bee Network become an “11th District” – in addition to the 10 existing policing districts – with its own command team, leadership and dedicated resources.
The efforts are being made to build on the existing Greater Manchester Police (GMP) LiveChat, the enhanced integrated 24/7 service – it will allow people to quickly and discreetly report crime and other issues onboard buses, trams and surrounding stops.
The TravelSafe LiveChat will also allow residents to seek advice from a team of trained call handlers within minutes.
The live chat service will act as a single point of contact for passengers wanting to report an issue.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “No-one should be made to be or feel unsafe while travelling or working on the Bee Network.
“We take a zero-tolerance approach to crime and antisocial behaviour on our buses, trams and at our stops, stations and interchanges.”
He continued: “Launching in October when darker nights draw in, TravelSafe LiveChat represents the first phase of a new, more integrated approach to policing public transport and reassuring the travelling public that we will act swiftly to deter and address these behaviours head on.
“We know that safety remains a real concern for people, and as we welcome more people onto the Bee Network.
“I want to reassure everyone that we are committed to doing more and going further to ensure everyone can use public transport with confidence.”
Specialist officers from Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM) 24/7 Operational Control Centre, will work with GMP to determine the appropriate level of support.
The most recent TfGM passenger survey shows that the perception of safety on the Bee Network is improving, with 78% of passengers surveyed saying they are satisfied with the level of safety on the network – up from 74% in 2023.
The TravelSafe Partnership – led by TfGM and GMP – will continue working hard to reassure the travelling public, particularly woman, girls, vulnerable people and those travelling at night.
The new service will launch in October, as the dark evenings will set in.
Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods, from Greater Manchester Police, said: “Transport safety is a key priority for Greater Manchester Police, and we are committed to supporting the Mayor’s plans for a more connected and greener city, through tackling crime and antisocial behaviour on the transport networks.
“It is vital that everyone who comes to Greater Manchester feels safe to travel through the area on public transport.”
He continued: “We are clear in the role it plays with TfGM, and others, in ensuring if passengers have any safety issues, then there is a rapid response provided and the introduction of TravelSafe LiveChat will play a key part in this service.”
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