VR Initiative in Greater Manchester Schools Helps Curb Abuse Against Tram Staff

Cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) technology is playing a significant role in addressing verbal and physical abuse directed at tramway employees in Greater Manchester, following its introduction in local schools.

The Light Rail Safety and Standards Board (LRSSB) and KeolisAmey Metrolink are supporting an innovative scheme that uses immersive digital experiences to demonstrate the real-life consequences of anti-social and criminal behaviour on transport workers and members of the public.

As part of the Bee Network’s TravelSafe Partnership Education and Engagement Programme, VR headsets have been rolled out in schools across the region. The initiative is backed by the organisation responsible for setting and improving tramway safety standards nationwide.

Craig O’Brien, Head of Engineering Safety and Innovation at LRSSB, said both physical and verbal abuse can have lasting effects on employees who are simply doing their jobs, while also causing distress to those who witness such incidents.

He explained that new VR software allows students to experience simulated confrontations from the perspective of victims and bystanders. By placing users in these scenarios, the project aims to build empathy and encourage young people to reconsider engaging in anti-social or criminal acts.

More than 600 students from Year 9 and above have already taken part, viewing a short VR film titled No Excuse for Abuse, which launched in early December.

Early feedback suggests the programme is having a measurable impact. A recent survey revealed that 94% of participants said the experience changed how they view transport staff, while 90% reported they would be more likely to treat them with respect. Additionally, 79% said they now better understand how anti-social behaviour affects transport workers, and 85% acknowledged a clearer awareness of the legal consequences, including the long-term implications of a criminal record.

The £60,000 initiative builds on a previous Greater Manchester project, A Victimless Crime, which also used VR to highlight the dangers of throwing objects at trains, trams and buses.

Louise Barry, Head of Customer and Growth at KeolisAmey Metrolink, said frontline staff regularly face threats and intimidation simply for carrying out their duties. She stressed that safeguarding employees is essential, not only for their wellbeing but also to ensure customers continue receiving reliable services.

While adults are responsible for some incidents, young people are also involved, making early intervention through education particularly important. She added that the earlier VR campaign addressing projectile incidents successfully fostered empathy and influenced behaviour, and the latest programme appears to be delivering similar positive results.