TransPennine Express Joins Greater Manchester TravelSafe Partnership

TransPennine Express has joined a multi-agency partnership focused on improving safety and security across Greater Manchester’s public transport network.

By becoming part of the TravelSafe Partnership, the train operator joins transport providers, local authorities and police forces working together to address crime, antisocial behaviour and fare evasion. The move reinforces TransPennine Express’s stated commitment to safeguarding both passengers and staff.

The partnership maintains a highly visible presence across the network, with officers and transport staff spending around 15,000 hours each week on patrol. Alongside enforcement activity, TravelSafe also works closely with schools, colleges and universities to promote safer travel, while using initiatives such as restorative justice and neighbourhood watch schemes to address issues before they escalate.

Stephen O’Callaghan, Safeguarding and Crime Prevention Lead at TransPennine Express, said:

"Joining the TravelSafe Partnership is an important step for us. We want every journey with TransPennine Express to feel safe and secure, and working together with our partners helps make that happen."

Where necessary, the partnership can take tougher measures against persistent offenders, including the removal of travel passes, issuing exclusion orders and seeking civil injunctions.

One of the most recent joint initiatives saw partners come together at Manchester Piccadilly station to mark White Ribbon Day, an international campaign raising awareness of violence against women and girls. Staff from across the partnership also visited stations nationwide, encouraging colleagues and customers to sign the White Ribbon promise, a declaration committing signatories to never excuse or stay silent about male violence against women and girls.

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

“I’m delighted to welcome TransPennine Express to the Greater Manchester TravelSafe Partnership. This comes at an important moment for our local trains as we celebrate a year out from integrating our rail services into the Bee Network. Collaboration will be vital for ensuring that everyone in Greater Manchester benefits from safer, sustainable, reliable services, and helping us deliver a transport network that meets the needs of everyone in our city region. Everyone who works or travels on public transport in Greater Manchester should feel, and be, safe at all times, and we can only achieve this when we work together.”

Image: TransPennine Express