BYE-BYE TO BAD BEHAVIOUR ON THE BUS!

Public transport troublemakers are being warned that they could be caught out next time they play the fool now that behavior on buses is being closely monitored by Bsafe Blackpool!

Blackpool Council has joined forces with the Safer Travel Unit alongside the Police and Blackpool Transport with funding from Bsafe Blackpool, to ensure that bus journeys are a safe and enjoyable experience where bad behaviour will not be tolerated.

The campaign began with a bang recently when the Safer Travel Unit and members of the Police force boarded both Blackpool school and commercial buses to carry out the first of many random spot checks to address any instances of bad behaviour.

Checks are undertaken in partnership with schools, Lancashire Constabulary and Blackpool Transport to deter and detect crime, vandalism, graffiti and anti-social behaviour on buses and they have already made significant improvements to the safety and security of the bus network. 

In just over one hour, 15 people were ejected from the buses for anti-social behaviour, such as smoking, riding on a child bus pass when over the stated age and failing to pay for a ticket.  They were then escorted to a nearby police van to be dealt with by officers.

Much of the Safer Travel Unit's efforts are concentrated on school buses with the intention of educating future generations about Safer Travel so they accept it as part of good citizenship.

New technologies are also making this easier, thanks to the installation of video cameras on school buses recording anti-social behaviour on board. Depending on the severity, ALL incidents will result in disciplinary action, either suspension or a visit from local police.

Cllr Sue Wright, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Community Safety and Vice Chair of Bsafe Blackpool, said: “The partnership with the police and local schools is working really well. Many head teachers have grasped the idea of Safer Travel as a way to promote good citizenship and there are some great examples of schools that once had bad reputations with bus companies becoming shining examples to others.”

The education package delivered by the Safer Travel Unit includes awareness programmes, understanding reporting procedures and delivering acceptable behaviour contracts, allowing children to understand and use public transport safely and responsibly.