Greater Manchester’s Metrolink has become the first tram system in the UK to have stops awarded ‘Secure Stations’ status by the Department for Transport.
Three stops – Old Trafford, Whitefield, and Harbour City – were given top marks after meeting the scheme’s safety and security guidelines – originally laid down for heavy rail stations.
An independent judge from the British Transport Police assessed the design and management of the stops, and considered crime statistics and passenger surveys to see how safe passengers feel using the stations.
Councillor Matt Colledge, Chair of Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA), said: "Metrolink is actually a very safe way to travel, with very few incidents of crime or antisocial behaviour.
"But as well as the trams and stops being safe and secure, it’s important that passengers feel that they are. I’m very pleased these first few stops have been awarded ‘Secure Stations’ status and hope to see more follow in future."
Beverley Hughes, MP for Stretford and Urmston, added: "The fact that this is the first time that a tram system has been awarded this status says a lot about Greater Manchester’s Metrolink network.
"The tram system is a great asset to the area and I’m sure that these latest awards will encourage even more people to travel by public transport."
Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE), which owns the Metrolink network, and Stagecoach, which operates the system, put forward the three stops for the scheme. GMPTE’s Metrolink Director, Philip Purdy said: "I’m glad we’ve made this first step towards getting all Metrolink stops officially recognised as safe places to wait for your tram.
"Metrolink customers have told us through various forms of feedback that feeling secure on the trams and at tram stops is a key priority for them.
"In response to this, we are putting together a programme to achieve secure accreditation across the network in addition to a number of other initiatives to help customers feel secure when travelling on Metrolink.
"All our tram stops have CCTV and help points that link direct to the control room – and we also have a team of Travel Safe Officers who patrol the tram network night and day.
"We work very closely with Greater Manchester Police and over the last year we’ve had great success with joint operations to stamp out any bad behaviour around the tram network straight away.
"We will continue to work hard to make sure Metrolink remains a safe way to travel."
