TransPennine Express Joins Greater Manchester TravelSafe Partnership

TransPennine Express (TPE) has become the latest operator to join the Greater Manchester TravelSafe Partnership, reinforcing efforts to improve safety and security across the region’s public transport network.

The partnership brings together transport providers, local councils and the police to address crime, antisocial behaviour and fare evasion. By signing up, TPE said it is strengthening its commitment to creating a safer environment for both passengers and frontline staff.

TravelSafe maintains a strong visible presence across the network, with dedicated teams carrying out around 15,000 hours of patrols each week. In addition to enforcement activity, the partnership works closely with schools, colleges and universities to promote responsible travel, while also using measures such as restorative justice initiatives and neighbourhood watch-style schemes.

Stephen O’Callaghan, safeguarding and crime prevention lead at TransPennine Express, said joining the partnership marked an important milestone for the operator. He added that collaboration with local partners was key to ensuring customers feel safe and secure throughout their journeys.

TPE said that where necessary, the partnership has the powers to take robust action against repeat offenders, including withdrawing travel passes, issuing exclusion notices and seeking civil injunctions.

The operator’s most recent collaboration with TravelSafe took place during White Ribbon Day at Manchester Piccadilly station, where the focus was on raising awareness of violence against women and girls.

Teams from across the partnership visited stations nationwide, encouraging staff and passengers to sign the White Ribbon promise, a pledge to never tolerate, excuse or ignore male violence against women and girls.

Kate Green, TravelSafe partnership manager at Transport for Greater Manchester, welcomed TPE’s involvement. She said the timing was particularly significant as Greater Manchester approaches a year since the integration of local rail services into the Bee Network. She added that partnership working would be essential to delivering a safer, more reliable and inclusive transport system for everyone across the city region.

Green emphasised that ensuring people feel safe on public transport can only be achieved through strong collaboration between operators, authorities and enforcement partners.