Safety and Public Transport in the North Report

What is it?

This report explores how people experience safety when using public transport across the North. It brings together evidence and user insight to understand how safety concerns affect when, how and whether people travel.

How is it useful?

It helps combined authorities and partners understand how safety influences travel choice. Use it to design services and interventions that improve confidence, increase use of public transport and support safe, inclusive journeys.

Key findings

• Safety concerns influence how, when and whether people travel
• 65% of people say safety affects their choice of transport
• Perceptions of safety, including media and shared experiences, shape behaviour
• Some groups face greater risks and take extra precautions
• Confidence drops after dark, especially during the first and last mile
• Practical measures like staff presence, lighting and CCTV have strong support