CRIMES on Oldham's buses increased by nearly 1,000 per cent in three years.
More than 300 crimes were reported between 2000 and 2003 according to the report by the crime reduction team at Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive.
Much of the increase has been put down to an improvement by bus companies in reporting crimes. But the study said more could be done, as many incidents still go unreported. Only around half of victims informed the police.
Trouble spots include Oldham Road in Limeside, Manchester Road in Failsworth and Ashton Road in West Oldham.
The worst routes for crime are the 83, 82, 425, 409 and the 78 Oldham to Manchester service.
The most common crimes were criminal damage, theft, offences against the person and dangerous behaviour.
GMPTE director general Chris Mulligan said: "We are fully committed to reducing public transport-related anti-social behaviour which, thankfully, is not a significant problem for most people using our buses. As our efforts produce results more people will think it worthwhile reporting incidents."
Despite the increase, Oldham compares favourably with other Manchester boroughs.
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Crime on buses up by 1,000 per cent
March 03, 2005
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Angela, Stretford (03/03/2005 at 13:26)
As a very young child, I remember there being a driver and a conducter/ress on all buses. The driver piloted the vehicle, whilst the conducter/ress collected fairs and ensured that there was no trouble.
Seeing as taxpayers are actually subsidising what is now, essentially, private enterprise, maybe it's time the Government says that unless conducters/resses are reintroduced, then the bus companies won't be getting any subsidies.