BUS workers have turned into crime busters in a bid to make public transport safer.

Employees from bus companies and the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive have been given police uniforms and have all the powers of a regular officer.

They have undergone training in self-defence, communication and law and will now fight anti-social behaviour on routes across the region.

After passing the courses the six 'Buswatch' special constables will spend one shift a week on the buses.

Transport bosses say buses are a 'very safe way to travel' and there were only 12 anti-social incidents per one million journeys last year.

Crowbar

In September last year an axe-wielding masked gang launched a terrifying attack on a school bus full of youngsters.

The bus, with about 30 children on board, was battered with a crowbar and a golf club when it stopped at the junction of Simonsway and Shadow Moss Road, Wythenshawe.

Chief Inspector Haydn Roberts welcomed the new additions to the force. He said: "The Buswatch special constables are a new and dedicated team of officers working to reduce crime and disorder on buses.

"They are drawn from bus operators and the GMPTE taff, so have in-depth knowledge of the public transport system. They will target crime and disorder hotspots to reduce crime and increase public confidence when travelling on buses."

Bosses from First Manchester and Stagecoach have also given the new team the thumbs up. And Keith Whitmore, chairman of the Greater Mancheter Integrated Transport Authority also backed the scheme. He said: "Buses are a very safe way to travel and incidents of anti-social behaviour are rare.

"Despite this there is a still a perception that bus travel isn't always safe. This is a great example of different organisations working together for the benefit of bus passengers. I am sure that these Special Constables will go some way to reassuring passengers by giving a larger uniformed presence on services."