Transport bosses launch ‘cool test’

Date published: 18/08/2008

A new campaign is urging young people to stay cool and stay out of trouble when using the public transport network in Rochdale.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) has teamed up with the Greater Manchester Antisocial Behaviour Theme Group in the latest initiative to cut down on antisocial behaviour on public transport.

Posters going up this week on buses and at bus, tram and train stations across Greater Manchester invite young people to take ‘The Cool Test’ – to see if they are streetwise enough to know they are being watched by CCTV.

It reminds them of the serious consequences of antisocial behaviour, stating it’s not cool to be caught on camera damaging bus shelters, to be caught for not buying a ticket, or to be banned from bus stations for causing a nuisance.

GMPTE’s Interim Service Delivery Director, Michael Renshaw, said: “Everyone has the right to feel safe using public transport and this campaign really aims to drive home the consequences of antisocial behaviour.

“The majority of young people use public transport responsibly but it’s very easy for them to end up in serious trouble without intending to.

“There is CCTV in bus shelters across Greater Manchester, we have a dedicated Patrol and Response Unit for the bus network, and there are Travel Safe Officers on Metrolink.

“If you do misbehave the likelihood is you’ll get caught – and I hope this campaign will get that message across.” 

The campaign is part of the ‘Safe 4 Summer’ initiative, which involves the ten local councils in Greater Manchester and aims to find new things for young people to do during the school holidays.

Chief Superintendent Jon Rush from Greater Manchester Police said: “Safe4summer.com aims to provide young people with constructive ways to spend their summer break, stop them causing a nuisance to local people and remind parents of their responsibilities to their children and their local community.

“It is great to see local authorities working with the police, fire service and GMPTE to tackle antisocial behaviour in this proactive way that is sure to have positive outcomes for everyone involved.”

Visit www.safe4summer.com for more information on the scheme and for links to individual schemes for young people throughout Greater Manchester.