A fresh push to ensure more people on our region’s transport network are safer has been launched.
The Tees Valley Transport Safety & Security Partnership has been formed to make sure bodies, companies and organisations are working together on efforts to improve safety and security for all passengers on our network.
The partnership will work together to provide a clear voice for Tees Valley transport users, sharing intelligence to improve security and protect our network for everyone using it.
It has seen Tees Valley Combined Authority, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, the Cleveland Unit for the Reduction of Violence (CURV), Cleveland Police, Durham Police, British Transport Police, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Durham, bus operators, rail operators and the Confederation of Passenger Transport all join forces.
It comes as a Standards of Behaviour campaign gathers momentum, developed by CURV and with the backing of the partnership.
Cllr Steve Harker, Chair of the partnership and TVCA Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure, said: “People using our buses and trains have a right to feel safe at every stage of their journey. Bringing partners together in this way means we can share information, respond quickly to issues and take a consistent approach across the network.
“This is about making sure concerns are acted on and standards are clear. By working closely with police, operators and our partners, we can improve safety and give passengers the confidence they expect when travelling across the Tees Valley.”
The partnership will develop co-ordinated strategies shaped by passenger feedback to improve safety and security.
It will also carry out regular risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and put in place measures to reduce them, while developing consistent security plans across bus, rail and other transport services.
There will also be a strong focus on training and awareness to ensure staff across the network are equipped with the right skills and knowledge.
The partnership will also work together to adapt to new and evolving challenges, using innovative approaches to stay ahead of risks, while also strengthening our region’s wider infrastructure to better protect passengers from crime and other threats.
The next meeting of the partnership will take place on 21st July 2026.
Matt Storey, Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Almost a thousand residents took part in our survey on public transport last year, raising significant concerns and worries about crime and safety whilst travelling via bus, train and taxi.
“I’m pleased that we’re working together as a partnership to listen to these community concerns and develop solutions that work. The media campaign led by CURV is a great start to remind people that unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated.”
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