Preston’s buses to see new Public Transport Safety Officers on patrol

Public Transport Safety Officer Roman Karasz. Pic: Lancashire County Council

A scheme has been set up, seeing new Public Transport Safety Officers patrolling Preston’s buses and bus stations.

The officers are specifically trained, aiming to tackle anti-social behaviour on public transport.

The council, Lancashire Police and partners in the transport sector are working together to deploy the officers where they are most needed.

It is hoped the new scheme will reduce the problem by educating people on the impact of the behaviour while also ensuring those know how to flag any issues.

Lancashire is one of the four areas nationwide that are taking part as it has received funding from the Department for Transport until March next year.

Senior Public Transport Safety Officer, Duncan Whitehead speaking to Stagecoach bus driver, Susan Danson at Preston Bus Station. Pic: LCC

Duncan Whitehead, the manager of the new team in Preston said: “It’s mine and my team’s job to help everyone to feel safer using the bus and to help deter anti-social behaviour, so you might see me and my colleagues on patrol at on your local bus service, or at bus stations across the county.

“We’ll be chatting to staff and passengers to find out if they have any safety concerns or issues using buses which we can help with, and helping people to recognise what is and isn’t acceptable behaviour when using the bus, where we can.

“I’m one of a team of seven that will be responding to reports of anti-social behaviour, so we can provide help when it’s needed.”

Duncan is also encouraging people who have experienced anti-social behaviour on bus journeys to report it via text on 81018, starting the message with ‘Lancashire’.

Scott Smith County Councillor and lead member for Highways and Active Travel said: “This is just one of many measures to improve public transport.

“We’re investing £41.964m utilising funding from HM Government through the Bus Service Improvement Plan Scheme Plan to make Lancashire’s buses more frequent, reliable and affordable.

“Making sure everyone feels safe is also crucial to attracting more people to use the bus for regular journeys.”

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