Young people in Greater Manchester are being warned that they could be banned from public transport or lose their travel passes if they persistently engage in antisocial behaviour while out on the network.
Since the start of 2024 almost 250 people have had their tickets and travel passes removed or have received exclusion notices as Greater Manchester’s TravelSafe Partnership continues to reinforce its zero-tolerance approach to crime and antisocial behaviour.
Examples of antisocial behaviour which are regularly committed by young people on public transport include vaping, vandalism, throwing things or littering, playing music loudly, activating emergency door handles on trams, and being noisy or abusive in groups.
But antisocial behaviour can often move into more dangerous and criminality acts such as throwing objects such as bricks at buses, trains or trams. This can result in services being diverted or withdrawn from certain routes, as well as posing a risk to the safety of drivers and passengers.
Around 90% of passes were removed from young people. They include Our Pass, igo cards and other concessionary travel which offer a lifeline for 11 to 18-year olds in their everyday lives, whether it’s getting them to their place of education or work, or helping them socialise with friends and family.
So far 48 exclusion notices have been issued this year, compared to 52 last year. These notices can be used as a stepping stone for broader sanctions, including police action and a criminal behaviour order, if antisocial behaviours persist.
Don’t Get Ghosted, a campaign run by Transport for Greater Manchester, urges young people to consider the consequences of their actions and how they may be left behind, or “ghosted”, if they can’t use public transport and socialise with their peers.
Some young people may be unaware that the way they act by themselves or in a group at bus or tram stops and stations, such as being noisy or abusive in groups, can also cause concern and distress to other people, including friends, while also making fellow passengers and transport staff feel uncomfortable and scared.
Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: “All customers and staff are entitled to be safe, and feel safe, when travelling on or working on public transport, and our commitment to tackling antisocial behaviour head on is absolute.
“The overwhelming majority of young people who travel by bus, tram or train do so with respect for other passengers and staff. We know that getting around on public transport is hugely important for them, especially in the summer and throughout the year as they attend school, college or work.
“But it is important that people are aware that this privilege can be lost by the minority who persistently engage in antisocial behaviour, and this could have a real impact on their lives. I urge everyone to take pride in the Bee Network and respect fellow passengers and our hardworking staff.”
