New campaign to combat anti-social behaviour on public transport

People with first-hand experience of anti-social behaviour are at the centre of a new campaign aiming to improve safety on public transport in Greater Manchester.

Transport for Greater Manchester has launched the next phase of its youth-facing antisocial behaviour campaign, to support ongoing efforts by the TravelSafe Partnership to help all passengers feel safe whilst travelling on public transport.

Adopting an innovative approach alongside charity Foundation 92, the "Better Than That" campaign is tackling youth-related antisocial behaviour by talking directly to youngsters and urging them to think about how their actions can affect others.

While most young people in Greater Manchester treat others with respect when using public transport, there is a minority who engage in crime and antisocial behaviour.

The number of youth-related incidents was 20 per cent higher during 2022 than in 2021, equating to an additional 440 incidents.

This rise in incidents involving young people is broadly in line with a 19 per cent rise in all reported incidents of crime and antisocial behaviour on the public transport network.

But in total 41 per cent of all incidents reported involve youths and young people – similar to figures revealed by The Oldham Times in May 2022.

In 2022, a report by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) revealed that the Oldham/Rochdale tram line is the worst hit for criminal damage incidents than any other in the city region, and revealed that Failsworth was a hotspot location for damage to bus shelters.

"Better Than That" uses the first-hand experiences of young people who have been involved in antisocial behaviour, or who have been affected by it, and asks them to put themselves in the shoes of others before they behave in a way that may be seen as intimidating or threatening.

Alongside Foundation 92, TfGM is also teaming up with Twitch streamer Faraaz “FG” Ghaffur and footballer-turned-TV-producer Liam MacDevitt to help raise awareness of the campaign with their thousands of followers.

Vernon Everitt, transport commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: “Everyone using or working on our public transport and active travel network is entitled to be, and feel, safe at all times.

Transport Commissioner Vernon Everitt (Image: TfGM)

“While crime and antisocial behaviour is not confined to transport, we simply will not tolerate it in any form.

“The overwhelming majority of young people who travel by bus, tram or train do so with respect for fellow passengers and hardworking transport staff.

“This campaign sends a message to the small minority who don’t. It challenges them to take a step back and think about the impact of their actions on others, including other young people.

“What might seem a harmless bit of fun may have a huge impact on another person, and reckless behaviour could even put people’s safety at risk.

"How would they feel if it was a member of their own family on the receiving end of this? 

“So, we urge everyone to listen to the powerful first-hand experiences that are being shared through this campaign and to challenge themselves to be Better Than That.”

Antisocial behaviour takes many forms, with the most dangerous relating to public transport being buses, trains or trams being hit by objects such as bricks.

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.

But many 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 distress to other people, including peers and transport staff.

As part of the campaign, Foundation 92 has been speaking to youngsters at their Little Hulton community hub about their own experiences of antisocial behaviour.

The pioneering collaboration between the charity, founded by the Class of ‘92, and the TravelSafe Partnership was extended in December 2022 following a successful pilot.

Tom Hutton, head of Foundation 92, said: “We’re proud to be a part of the TravelSafe partnership, to help young people across Greater Manchester to achieve their potential.

“As a Foundation, we’re determined to support young people in avoiding being involved in risk-taking behaviour and anti-social behaviour.

“This partnership has already seen hugely positive outcomes and engagement amongst young people.

"The community within Little Hulton in particular, has seen a reduced rate of anti-social behaviour following the delivery of this programme, and we’re delighted to be making a difference.”

Tom Hutton, head of Foundation 92 (Image: TfGM)

Through the TravelSafe Partnership, police and transport staff spend more than 5,000 hours a week patrolling the Metrolink and bus networks, tackling crime and antisocial behaviour, and reassuring passengers that they can travel safely in Greater Manchester.

More than 3,800 CCTV cameras placed at interchanges, trams and tram stops, and rail stations monitor the public transport network on a 24/7 basis.

The TravelSafe Partnership also runs an extensive educational/behaviour change programme with schools and colleges across Greater Manchester.

The 2021/22 academic year saw sessions delivered to 50,500 young people, a record number for the Partnership.

From the next academic year, these sessions will also become more interactive through the use of virtual reality headsets which will help bring to life the consequences of antisocial behaviour.

The innovative software is being delivered through the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund following a successful joint funding bid by TravelSafe and British Transport Police.