Travelling by bus is a great way to make the most of everything the West Midlands has to offer during the festive season.
But as the nights get darker, we understand that travelling by public transport can feel daunting for some people.
Rest assured that your safety is our priority, and we want to keep you moving during the winter months. Our Safer Travel Partnership is in place to help you safely, securely, and comfortably hop on the bus and reach your destination.
We’ve also rounded up some safety tips to help you enjoy your journey this winter.
Be seen
Where possible, try to use well-lit and generally busier bus stops, as well as routes you are familiar with. Especially when travelling alone, it’s a good idea to try and limit any time spent waiting in darker or more unfamiliar areas.
To ensure the driver sees you waiting, try to signal clearly and early when the bus is approaching your stop.
Stay alert
It’s important to try and be aware of what and who is around you, particularly when travelling alone. Using just one earphone can be a good way to stay aware of your surroundings.
To ensure you feel most comfortable, you could choose a seat closer to the driver, rather than in quieter areas such as the top deck of the bus.
Remember to keep your possessions secure and zipped away where possible and always keep them close to you. Please check that you have everything with you before you leave the bus.
Speak up
We hope that you do not encounter any anti-social behaviour whilst travelling, but if you feel uncomfortable at any time during your journey, please make the driver aware so the next appropriate action can be taken.
You’ll also find our Transport Safety Officers (TSOs) across the network, available to provide reassurance. All TSOs are White Ribbon Accredited, having trained to help prevent violence against women and girls.
To report an incident, please text See Say to 81018, providing details such as the location or bus route. Alternatively, you can report via the Safer Travel Partnership website.
Should you feel in urgent danger, please call 999 to contact West Midlands Police.