TfGM warns of consequences of antisocial behaviour ahead of the Easter holidays

TfGM and Greater Manchester’s TravelSafe Partnership is highlighting incidences of antisocial behaviour on the Bee Network to raise of awareness of its consequences for young people.

CCTV footage of vandalism on the network is being released as part of a campaign over the Easter school holidays, a time when youth antisocial behaviour on the public transport network typically increases.

While the vast majority of young people are using Our Pass or igo cards to travel on buses and Metrolink to get to school or work without causing an issue, more than two in five reported incidents of crime and antisocial behaviour on public transport are youth related. 

The campaign is intended to draw attention to the behaviour which will result in action being taken by the TravelSafe Partnership, while also reassuring all passengers – including young people – about the steps being taken to keep them safe while using the Bee Network. 

Footage released shows a series of incidents captured by CCTV, including a brick being thrown at a passing bus at close range and smashing the driver’s window, as well as a separate incident of youths breaking into and damaging a stationary bus and damaging property at interchanges and stops on the network.  

The main campaign video also shows the consequences for those caught engaging in criminal offences or antisocial behaviour, including the removal of free or concessionary travel passes, being banned from the network or issued fines, and prosecution**. 

Young people may be unaware that certain actions are classed as antisocial behaviour and could also lead to action being taken against them, such as vaping, throwing things, playing music loudly, activating emergency door handles on trams, and being noisy or abusive in groups. 

Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: 

“Everyone who travels or works on public transport is entitled to be safe, and feel safe, at all times. Public transport is hugely important for so many of our young people in helping them get to school or work, or to socialise with friends, and we know that the majority who travel on our buses and trams do so while respecting other passengers and staff. 

“These videos show some shocking incidents of crime and antisocial behaviour committed by a minority who think the rules do not apply to them, but they also lay bare the potentially serious consequences that could affect the everyday lives of those who persistently engage in this kind of activity on our public transport network. 

“The TravelSafe Partnership’s primary focus is to speak to and educate everyone who uses public transport, but this campaign clearly shows that our hard-working officers will take enforcement action where necessary. I urge every young person to engage with this campaign and think about how their actions could affect themselves and others.” 

An increase in staff and proactive operations resulted in 415 tickets and passes being removed by the TravelSafe Partnership in 2024, with 79 people excluded from the network, compared to 80 pass removals and 13 exclusions in 2023  

Last month Mayor Andy Burnham announced comprehensive plans for TfGM and Greater Manchester Police to further improve safety and tackle crime and antisocial behaviour, including the creation of an improved TravelSafe LiveChat service by October.