Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has marked a major milestone following the TravelSafe LiveChat service reaching 500 reported incidents since launching in October 2025.
The service provides a discreet way to report safety concerns while travelling across the Bee Network, connecting them directly to trained GMP call handlers.
Passengers can access LiveChat by scanning QR codes displayed on buses, trams and at transport interchanges throughout Greater Manchester, or via the Bee Network app. The resource can be used to report incidents including anti-social behaviour, suspicious activity, welfare concerns and suspected criminal activity.
The announcement comes as thousands of students across the region rely on public transport daily to travel to university, work and placements, making safety on the Bee Network a key concern for young passengers.
GMP said that the LiveChat function is aimed at removing “traditional barriers to reporting” by allowing passengers to contact police privately without making a phone call or waiting in a queue.
“By offering a simple and immediate way to report incidents, we are improving early engagement with victims, setting clearer expectations, and ensuring people are listened to from the very first contact.”
A student poll conducted by Quays News found that 47.6% of respondents said they were not aware of the TravelSafe LiveChat before being asked, while 76.2% said they had experienced anti-social behaviour or safety concerns on public transport since October 2025.
Hanifa, a student at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) said: “I have experienced situations on the bus where I’ve felt uncomfortable and not known what to do. It’s good to know that there is a system where I can get help without making it obvious what I’m doing.”
According to GMP, the 500 reports have helped officers build a clearer picture of issues on the transport network and target problem locations.
A GMP spokesperson said: “Hitting 500 reports isn’t just a number – it’s evidence that people are engaging, speaking up, and trusting the system to respond.”
Recent examples released by the police include reports of public urination at Rochdale Interchange, which led to a fixed penalty notice, and an immediate response to a parent reporting unwanted attention towards their 13-year-old child.
The TravelSafe LiveChat system is designed to be quick and user-friendly. QR codes are displayed frequently across the network, allowing passengers to scan and instantly chat with a trained professional without drawing unwanted attention.
Alternatively, passengers who have access to the Bee Network app can open the LiveChat function directly from the home screen.
Kate Green, TfGM’s TravelSafe Partnership Manager said: “We will continue to work closely with our partners at GMP to improve TravelSafe LiveChat and provide a more visible, reassuring presence out on the Bee Network.”
Featured image: Wikimedia Commons