Easter Campaign Promotes LiveChat Reporting Tool on Manchester Transport

A new campaign has been launched over the Easter school holidays to raise awareness of the TravelSafe LiveChat service, which allows passengers to discreetly report incidents on Greater Manchester’s public transport network in real time.

The initiative is aimed particularly at younger people. While some already use the platform, others are either unaware of it or unsure how it works. The holiday period has been chosen deliberately, as incidents of youth-related antisocial behaviour tend to rise during school breaks.

The campaign emphasises that most young people travel responsibly, but highlights the importance of reporting the minority of incidents where behaviour falls short.

Passengers can report concerns through the TravelSafe LiveChat website, the Bee Network app, or by scanning QR codes displayed on buses and trams across the network.

Since its launch, the service has received numerous reports and supported a range of interventions, including arrests linked to harassment and antisocial behaviour.

Examples of recent incidents include:

• A man arrested within an hour after being reported for aggressive behaviour towards young passengers on a bus

• An individual charged with being drunk and disorderly following reports of harassment on the Bury Metrolink line

• Two suspects detained after stealing a mobile phone from an 11-year-old boy

When a report is submitted via LiveChat, users are connected directly to trained police call handlers, enabling a swift response and helping to prevent situations from escalating.

The campaign encourages young people to report any criminal, antisocial or suspicious behaviour to help keep the network safe for all users.

Similar reporting tools are also in place elsewhere, such as the Tyne and Wear Metro’s “Report It” system, which was recently integrated with WhatsApp.

Vernon Everitt, Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said the initiative is part of a wider effort to ensure passengers feel secure while travelling.

He noted that while most journeys take place without issue, it is important that passengers know support is readily available if they feel unsafe, with TravelSafe LiveChat providing a direct and discreet way to seek help.