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Friday, 19 February 2010GMPTE on board with city centre safety campaign

Transport officials are backing a major police operation aimed at tackling alcohol-fuelled violence in Manchester city centre.

GMPTE and public transport operators will join forces with Greater Manchester Police today to support the day of action by holding special security checks on buses and at Metrolink stops from late afternoon until early on Saturday morning.

Safety arches will be set up at selected city centre Metrolink stops, where teams of police officers and Travel Safe Officers will ensure passengers can enjoy a safe night out.

Elsewhere, police officers will be working with revenue inspectors on Stagecoach buses in the south of the county, and on First buses in Wigan, to provide a reassuring presence for passengers.

Michael Renshaw, GMPTE's Interim Bus & Rail Director, said: "We're extremely happy to work with operators to support Greater Manchester Police in this important initiative.

"Public transport is a very safe way to travel and operations like this go a long way to reinforcing that fact. The measures being taken this evening send out a clear message: we will not tolerate criminal or antisocial behaviour on the Greater Manchester transport network."

Greater Manchester Police Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney said: "Thousands of people visit Manchester and many use the tram and bus networks.

"The city was recently awarded a purple flag for safety, so we know it is a safe city. We want to keep it that way. One way of doing that is by working together."

Mark Threapleton, Chair of the Greater Manchester Bus Operators Association, said: "The safety of passengers and bus staff is our number one priority, but bus operators need the support of the Police and GMPTE. High profile initiatives like this are really important to reassure everyone."

Steven Stewart, Director of Corporate Communications, Stagecoach Group, said: "We are committed to providing our bus and tram passengers in Manchester with safe, high quality travel, as well as protecting the welfare of our employees.

"Public transport in general is extremely safe and crime is relatively low. However, we appreciate that even the fear of crime can act as a deterrent to travel. We welcome this initiative and will continue to support the police and other agencies in taking steps to make passengers feel safe, cut crime and anti-social behaviour and help track down offenders."

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