How to stay safe on public transport

If you live in the heart of a city you might be more likely to use public transport or cycle rather than drive. With increases in road and transport accidents, as well as transport-related crime, it is important to be vigilant during any journey.

Buses, Trains and Trams

  • Plan ahead for your journey and know the schedule to minimise the time you spend on the platform or at the stop.
  • Keep any personal belongings or valuables out of sight. Make sure you keep an eye on your luggage at all times, and keep bags zipped or locked where possible. Be particularly careful with mobile phones as mobile theft is continuing to rise. Also, it is important to monitor what you look at on your phone in case any personal information is disclosed. The same is applicable for any mail that may have your name and address on.
  • If it is dark make sure you only board transport from somewhere that is well lit. Even if this requires going further to a station or stop, as a significant number of crimes happen in poorly lit areas.
  • When leaving a station or stop in the dark, try to avoid walking alone. If you can, arrange for someone to meet you or pick you up.
  • Avoid sitting in a carriage with just one other person. You are more vulnerable when you are alone so being surrounded by a number of people lessens the chances of crime-related incidences.
  • In the case of any incidences, alert the other passengers, the driver or the staff on board. Communication or emergency cords and emergency telephones could also be used, so make sure you can identify these when you board.

Taxis and Minicabs

  • The only cabs legally allowed to stop when hailed in the street are black cabs so don’t enter any other vehicle in this case.
  • Always check a minicab driver’s photo ID.
  • Avoid getting into an unbooked minicab. It is good to have numbers ready for taxis or cabs at all times prior to journeys.
  • Beware of unregistered and untraceable ‘taxi touts’. Only get into taxis that you can see the relevant ID for.
  • Make sure that you get into the cab that you ordered rather than rushing into a vehicle.
  • Always sit in the back and keep conversation at a professional level.

Cycling

  • Never leave your bike in the same place every day.
  • It is always good practice to lock your bike in a designated parking facility where possible.
  • Register your bike.
  • Always secure your bike safely by locking the frame and the wheels to the cycle stand or another immovable part.
  • Take any removable items with you, such as the pump and lights.