Young people warned of consequences of antisocial behaviour ahead of the Easter holidays as footage shows incidents on public transport

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.

• While most young people use public transport without incident, more than two in five reports of crime and antisocial behaviour on the network are youth related.
• Incidents of crime and antisocial behaviour committed by young people increases out of term time, including during Easter, half-term and the summer holidays.
• Mayor Andy Burnham has announced plans to boost working relationship between TfGM and Greater Manchester Police to tackle incidents and reassure travelling public.

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  

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. 

Like the existing service, it will allow passengers to report incidents discreetly on their mobile phone. This will be overseen by a dedicated team co-ordinating the response to issues reported by passengers on trams and buses, deploying police and security teams to deal with reports of antisocial behaviour and crime.  

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.

“Everyone has a role to play in making our public spaces safer, and I urge passengers, if you see something, say something. Reporting incidents through LiveChat or to the police ensures that issues are dealt with swiftly and that those responsible are held accountable.” 

Last year the TravelSafe Partnership doubled the number of planned deployments compared to 2023, including Operation AVRO, Operation Vulcan, Project Servator and support of new night bus services. 

There were 125 TravelSafe operations across 52 locations in 2024 with over 78,000 passengers engaged with. GMP’s Transport Unit made 1,362 arrests, conducted 3,163 stop searches, and seized 1,431 vehicles. These results led to countless positive outcomes, including charges, fines, and further punishments where appropriate. 

As part of its extensive educational outreach programme during the 2024/25 academic year, the TravelSafe Partnership has spoken to 13,436 young people in schools, colleges or out on the network about their own experiences of travelling on public transport, antisocial behaviour and how their actions can affect others. 

The TravelSafe Partnership dedicates more than 5,000 hours per week patrolling Metrolink and bus networks, day and night, seven days a week. TfGM control rooms operate on a 24/7 basis and monitor feeds from more than 3,800 cameras across Greater Manchester’s bus stations and interchanges, tram stops and railway stations. 

Chief Inspector Ronnie Neilson from GMP’s Specialist Operations branch said: 

“Anti-social behaviour, especially on our transport network, is something we are actively tackling on a daily basis in conjunction with Transport for Greater Manchester. 

“Our patrols from our dedicated Transport Unit are deployed to key areas across Greater Manchester to protect those using public transport whilst also pursuing offenders who commit crime. 

“Those who do take part in offences that cause disruption, damage or deliberate distress will have to answer for their actions which can include criminal prosecution. 

“If you see our officers on patrol, please approach them with your concerns as we are here to keep to you safe and ensure we can educate and enforce.”