Public Transport

Travelling by Public Transport is generally safe, but simple precautions can reduce risk and give you greater confidence.

• Plan your route and which stop you need.  Check departure times, especially of last buses or trains.  Try to wait in busy or well-lit areas.
• If travelling at night or in an unfamiliar area, try and arrange for someone to meet you at the bus stop or train station.  Otherwise try to walk near other people with whom you feel safe and walk purposefully to your destination.
• If possible, wait for a bus or train in a well-lit place near other people if possible.
• Try and have your ticket, pass or change ready in your hand so your purse or wallet is out of sight.
• Take note of where the emergency alarms are and try to sit near to them – there are alarms on every bus, in every train carriage and on every platform.
• If a bus is empty or it is after dark, it is safer to stay on the lower deck and sit near the driver or conductor.  On trains avoid compartments which have no access to corridors or other parts of the train.  Try to sit with other people and avoid empty carriages.
• Carry extra money in case you get stranded and need to take another bus, train, taxi or use a public telephone to ring for a lift.
• If you feel uneasy, it makes sense to move to another seat or carriage or get off at the next stop if you know the area.
• If you feel threatened on public transport make as much noise as possible to attract the attention of the driver or guard.  Sound the emergency alarm and if on a station platform you can use the telephone at the Help points.