Greater Manchester Launches “First-of-its-Kind” Live Chat to Boost Bus Safety

A new TravelSafe LiveChat service has been rolled out across Greater Manchester’s Bee Network, giving passengers a discreet and direct way to report crime or antisocial behaviour while travelling — all via their phones.

Dubbed a “first of its kind” initiative, the service connects people instantly to specially trained police call handlers, offering 24/7 support and reassurance on buses and trams.

The move comes just ahead of the return of free all-day travel for pensioners and disabled passengers on November 1 — and aims to make public transport feel safer for everyone, especially vulnerable groups.

👮‍♀️ Real People. Real Support. Real Time.

Passengers can access the LiveChat through:

• The Bee Network app

• QR codes located on buses and trams

From there, users are connected to trained staff from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) who can either:

• Offer advice and support

• Escalate the issue and dispatch a police response

All reports are handled by real people — not bots — ensuring swift, compassionate, and human-centred responses.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:“With this pioneering approach, we’re showing again that the safety of everyone on the Bee Network is our number one priority. This is a critical first phase of a new, integrated policing approach on our transport network.”

🎥 Backed by 2,500+ Cameras and Trained Response Teams

Information from LiveChat is also shared with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), where staff monitor an extensive network of 2,500+ cameras across:

• Stations and interchanges

• Onboard buses and trams

The system allows TravelSafe Support and Enforcement Officers — who wear bodycams and are trained to handle antisocial behaviour — to be deployed swiftly.

Additional safety measures include:

• Notifying on-site security staff

• PA announcements to de-escalate situations

• Using real-time footage to coordinate appropriate responses

Greater Manchester Transport Commissioner Vernon Everitt said:“Everyone who works or travels on the Bee Network should feel, and be, safe at all times.As more people choose to use our services to move around, TravelSafe Live Chat represents a step change in how we approach safety on buses, trams and active travel routes.It forms part of fundamentally new thinking and enhanced collaboration between TfGM and GMP and effectively makes the Bee Network Greater Manchester’s ‘11th District’.It is a hugely welcome development and will provide additional reassurance to our customers and staff.”

🛡️ The 11th Policing District

Transport has now been designated as Greater Manchester’s 11th policing district, led by Chief Superintendent Suzanne Downey. The goal: to provide a more visible police presence across the Bee Network and tackle crime head-on.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes added:“Passengers can discreetly report crime, antisocial behaviour, or situations that make them feel uncomfortable — all from their mobile phones. This new service strengthens our commitment to safe, inclusive travel for all.”