Bee Network passengers will soon receive access to a new, dedicated chat service aimed at addressing customer concerns whilst in transit.
Building on Greater Manchester Police’s (GMP) LiveChat service; TravelSafe LiveChat, which is set to launch in October, will allow passengers to report concerns 24/7.
The service will connect users to a team of trained call handlers, with LiveChat intended to become a single point of contact for any passengers looking to report an issue.
Appropriate responses will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by specialist officers from Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM) 24/7 Operational Control Centre, with actions ranging from advice to the deployment of either TravelSafe Support and Enforcement Officers (TSEOs) or police officers to respond to the issue.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:No-one should be made to be or feel unsafe while travelling or working on the Bee Network, and we take a zero-tolerance approach to crime and antisocial behaviour on our buses, trams and at our stops, stations and interchanges.
Launching in October when darker nights draw in, TravelSafe LiveChat represents the first phase of a new, more integrated approach to policing public transport and reassuring the travelling public that we will act swiftly to deter and address these behaviours head on.
We know that safety remains a real concern for people, and as we welcome more people onto the Bee Network, I want to reassure everyone that we are committed to doing more and going further to ensure everyone can use public transport with confidence.
The introduction of the service follows a recent survey carried out by TfGM that found perception of safety on the Bee Network is steadily increasing, with 78% of passengers stating that they are satisfied with safety precautions on the network (up 74% from 2023), as well as the announcement of an integrated relationship between TfGM and GMP this past March.
Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods, from Greater Manchester Police, said:Transport safety is a key priority for Greater Manchester Police, and we are committed to supporting the Mayor’s plans for a more connected and greener city, through tackling crime and antisocial behaviour on the transport networks.
It is vital that everyone who comes to Greater Manchester feels safe to travel through the area on public transport. We are clear in the role it plays with TfGM, and others, in ensuring if passengers have any safety issues then there is a rapid response provided and the introduction of TravelSafe LiveChat will play a key part in this service.
