Young people in Greater Manchester face a potential ban from public transport  over persistent antisocial behaviour.

Since 2024 began, approximately 250 individuals have either lost their travel passes or received exclusion notices from Greater Manchester’s TravelSafe Partnership, in an ongoing effort to combat crime and disruptive behaviour within the transit system.

Examples of common misdemeanours include littering, vaping, vandalism, playing loud music, activating tram emergency doors, and acting noisy or abusive in groups.

In more severe cases, actions have escalated into criminality, such as the hurling of projectiles at buses, trains, and trams.

These incidents not only risk safety of drivers and passengers, but can also lead to a diversion or withdrawal of services from certain routes.

Similarly, problematic behaviour can also take place at bus or tram and station stops.

Actions such as being unruly or abusive in groups can make fellow passengers and transport staff feel uncomfortable and fearful.

Around 90 per cent of confiscated passes belonged to young riders, affecting indispensable cards including Our Pass, igo cards and other concessionary travel.

These forms of transit provide critical support to those aged between 11 and 18, assisting their daily travel to school or work and helping them maintain a social life.

The figure of 197 passes seized by TravelSafe Support and Enforcement Officers and transit staff until July 1st this year indicates a six-fold increase from the 38 withdrawals in 2023.

Meanwhile, exclusion notices issued this year tallied at 48, slightly less than the previous year's count of 52.

These notices can eventually lead to broader sanctions like police involvement and criminal behaviour orders.

The ‘Don’t Get Ghosted’ campaign by Transport for Greater Manchester advises youngsters to be wary of their actions and the repercussions leading to them being "ghosted", unable to use public transport and socializing with their peers.

Penalties for offences include immediate pass withdrawal for a criminal act, or termination after three instances of antisocial behaviour.

Pass suspension lasts for a minimum period of one year. Then, a letter is sent to parents justifying their child's pass confiscation.

Consequently, parents endure the increased expense of adult travel fares. Exclusion notices can enforce a no-entry rule to the public transport network, meaning anyone discovered on the network is trespassing.

Offences that endanger public order on public transport can also result in legal action.

Vernon Everitt, transport commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: "All customers and staff are entitled to be safe, and feel safe, when travelling on or working on public transport, and our commitment to tackling antisocial behaviour head on is absolute. 

"The overwhelming majority of young people who travel by bus, tram or train do so with respect for other passengers and staff. We know that getting around on public transport is hugely important for them, especially in the summer and throughout the year as they attend school, college or work. 

"But it is important that people are aware that this privilege can be lost by the minority who persistently engage in antisocial behaviour, and this could have a real impact on their lives. I urge everyone to take pride in the Bee Network and respect fellow passengers and our hardworking staff."