Uniformed tram guards go on duty

Alan Salter

December 19, 2006

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UNIFORMED security guards began patrolling the Metrolink network today in the latest bid to ensure travellers have a safe and trouble-free journey.

Carlisle Security, which already guard buses and bus stations as well as local trains run by Northern Rail, have now started work on Greater Manchester trams, too.

Metrolink owners Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority hired the new security team to patrol the network throughout the day until the last service at night.

Earlier this year Greater Manchester Police said it could no longer afford to keep its dedicated Metrolink team of an inspector, three sergeants, 24 constables and a civilian controller, and they would be returned to general duties in October.

Serco Metrolink - which runs the tram service for the PTA - later negotiated a deal with GMP which would keep about half the team in place. And since then the operators have been trying to fill the gap left by the pull-out.

From today the public safety officers will work alongside Greater Manchester Police and ticket inspectors to improve safety and security for passengers.

Persuade

PTA chairman Coun Roger Jones said: "We want to persuade many more people to use public transport. I hope the new security team will help to reassure them that they'll be safe.

"We've hired public safety officers on the Metrolink network in the past. This is the first time we've hired a team to patrol the system at all times of the day, seven days a week.

"I'm sure their presence will increase passengers' confidence in Metrolink, as well as helping to prevent incidents of crime, anti-social behaviour and vandalism."

Four teams of public safety officers will patrol the network every day.

Each team will be made up of two officers, who will patrol trams, stops and car parks on all three Metrolink lines.

Metrolink spokesman Mike Mabey said: "The fact that the same company is being used on buses and trains as well gives us a good chain of intelligence because the kind of people who cause problems can be involved on all types of public transport."

ARE you pleased at the security used by Metrolink? Have your say.

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Showing comments 1 to 6 and replies | View All

Can't Smile Wide Enough, East Manchester (19/12/2006 at 12:28)

A fine idea, although I hope it doesn't get as dire a situation as - taking a random example - in Perth, WA - the train guards there carry pepper sprays with them for self-defence.

Tram Driver, manchester (19/12/2006 at 15:53)

These guys have been with us for quite a few weeks now, and are doing a good job in my opinion, they have the gear, they look the part, and are good at what they do, far better than the last lot of so called pso's!!, give these guys a chance people, i for one feel safer on late shifts when these guys are on my Tram.

peter, Bury (19/12/2006 at 18:09)

these guys can be seen at manchester Victoria Station most nights of the week, though they look and dress like police officers, they do a fine job and they are good at it.

magic bus, wilmslow road (20/12/2006 at 01:27)

i wish we could have these guards on some of the bus routes which are known for trouble both on and off them. only when they've tackled the problem on the buses of anti social behaviour, will people start to feel safe using the bus late at night. and the same will go for the drivers

Bus Driver, Manchester (20/12/2006 at 08:17)

Who is this company? As Bus Drivers we were given all sorts of info , but nobody at our garage have ever seen this outfit, nor do we know where they are operating or what they look like, as nobody will tell us. How are 2 guards supposed to protect the whole Greater Manchester bus network? I don't feel any safer!!

Long-suffering commuter, Altrincham (20/12/2006 at 11:44)

Laudable idea - for the information of of the PTA chairman, though, you might get more people travelling on the trams if they provided a reliable service instead of the constant "vehicle failures", delays and chronic overcrowding which occur virtually daily. Oh and by the way, how will the guards "patrol" a tram where there's no room to breathe, let alone move about?

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