Greater Manchester’s TravelSafe Partnership is releasing shocking footage of vandalism on the Bee Network to raise awareness among young people of the potential consequences of antisocial behaviour.
The CCTV has been released as part of a campaign to run over the Easter holiday, 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.
Jointly led by Transport for Greater Manchester and Greater Manchester Police, the TravelSafe Partnership uses a range of tactics to keep the travelling public safe, including proactive patrols, specialist operations on a weekly basis and a comprehensive education and engagement programme.
Footage released today (Thursday 3rd April) 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
Kate Green, Greater Manchester’s Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities, said:
“Public transport should be a safe and welcoming space for everyone. The reckless behaviour shown in these videos is not only dangerous but can have life-changing consequences for those involved.
“We will not tolerate antisocial behaviour, and through the TravelSafe Partnership, we will continue to take firm action against those who disrupt or endanger others in order to make our Bee Network safer, ensuring that everyone can travel with confidence.
“Enforcement is only one part of the solution, and we are working with schools, youth organisations, and local communities to educate young people on the impact of their actions and ensure they feel safe, valued and motivated about their future.
“We are committed to tackling the root causes of crime and antisocial behaviour, and through the Greater Than Violence strategy, we are focusing on early and timely intervention, having a community-led approach, and creating partnerships for change.
“This strategy works to improve lives by supporting all victims, families, and communities affected by violence and providing positive opportunities to those at risk.
