UFC fighter joins TfGM antisocial behaviour campaign

A leading professional mixed martial artist is backing a new Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) campaign aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour on public transport in the city-region.

Atherton-born Tom Aspinall, who competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), has been speaking to youngsters about how their journeys on the bus or tram have been affected by the actions of others as part of the new Don’t Get Ghosted campaign.

Through the campaign, TfGM’s TravelSafe Partnership is warning that individuals could lose their free or concessionary travel passes – or be banned from public transport altogether – for persistent antisocial behaviour, such as fighting, vaping, playing music loudly, or activating emergency door handles.

Tom Aspinall said:

“When I was growing up jumping on the bus was a big part of my life as I used it to see mates, and get to school or training. But I remember seeing antisocial behaviour on public transport, and that was an issue for me.

“Children and young people need to be aware that the way they behave might not seem antisocial to them, but it could make other passengers, staff and even their mates feel uncomfortable.

“Fighting, vaping and littering are just some behaviours which could land you in trouble if you do it over and over again. One moment of madness or showing off in front of their mates could mean they end up losing their travel pass, being banned from the network or potentially arrested.

“I know that this can have a huge impact on a young person’s daily life, so make sure you don’t get ghosted and think about how your actions can have consequences for yourself and others.” 

The TravelSafe Partnership can immediately withdraw travel passes such as Our Pass, igo cards and concessionary travel for a criminal offence, or for committing antisocial behaviour on three separate occasions. Withdrawals remain in place for a minimum of one year.

Officers can also issue exclusion notices which prevent a right to access the public transport network, meaning that an individual found using the network will be trespassing. Serious public order offences committed on public transport could also lead to legal action.

Kate Green, TfGM’s TravelSafe Partnership Manager, said:

“We want to thank the majority of young people who travel on public transport respect their fellow passengers and staff, but this campaign is sending a clear message to the small minority who don’t – your right to travel will be taken away.

“We are delighted to have Tom onboard with the Don’t Get Ghosted campaign. He is a local lad who knows the impact of antisocial behaviour first hand, and I think he is someone that people can look up to and listen to.”