West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) is to use £1 million of its Bus Service Improvement Plan funding to introduce a team of police support community officers (PCSOs) dedicated to patrolling the county’s bus network.
The 15 “Safer Travel” PCSOs will dispatched to buses and bus stations and be overseen by a police sergeant as they aim to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, and increase the safety of passengers.
The measure, which is supported by the local authorities, WYCA and bus operators, is part of a range of improvements across the region’s bus network, including monitored 24-7 CCTV at 27 bus stations and dedicated help points at unstaffed bus stations. In addition, All West Yorkshire bus stations are registered Safe Places and bus station staff will receive conflict management training.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, says: “Everyone should feel safe in West Yorkshire, and that includes when travelling on public transport. The new team is a highly visible resource, ready to make a difference, so do feel free to say hello or ask for help when you see them. Devolved powers have made this possible and I can make informed decisions about where this cash goes to improve life for local people, for a safer, fairer West Yorkshire.”
Susan Carson, head of operations for Arriva Yorkshire, adds: “Everyone using our buses – including our drivers – should feel safe while travelling round the county. The team of 15 PCSOs dedicated to working on bus routes is very much welcomed by us.
“This proactive initiative is the result of our great relationships with West Yorkshire Police and West Yorkshire Combined Authority. We as a bus operator are grateful of the time, resource and effort put into this excellent example of partnership working because we’re all pushing in the same direction – we want passengers and staff to be safe.”
The news follows the Department for Transport’s announcement this week that specially-trained Transport Safety Officers (TSOs) would be put on patrol on public transport networks in four other areas in England as part of pilot schemes backed by £2.5 million in government funding.
The TSOs, who will be able to issue fixed penalty notices, will operate in the following regions:
- Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
- Lancashire
- Stoke-on-Trent
- Thurrock – in collaboration with Essex and Southend-on-Sea councils
Roads Minister Richard Holden says: “People up and down the country deserve a modern, reliable, and affordable public transport system. That is why we have provided the West Yorkshire Combined Authority with over £77 million to boost its bus services.
“Supporting the Combined Authority with introducing a new team of Police Community Support Officers is fantastic for local residents, who will now be able to use the local bus network with more confidence and peace of mind.”
