Extra safety officers to patrol public transport

The new transport safety officers will target routes, stops and stations in the region

Extra transport safety officers (TSOs) have been deployed on buses, trains and trams in the West Midlands in efforts to tackle antisocial behaviour.

The six new recruits joined the region's Safer Travel Team to help tackle and deter offenders on public transport, the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) said.

The specially trained officers, who have the power to issue fixed penalty notices, will also focus on nuisance and disorder across the seven boroughs and cities covered by the authority.

West Midlands Mayor, Richard Parker, said he had increased the number of TSOs as people deserved to feel safe when taking public transport.

"While reports of crime on our network are relatively low, I want to keep it that way, and any one incident is one too many," Mr Parker added.

"It means you will see more staff on patrols on our network, especially in the evenings, ensuring safer journeys for everyone."

The new TSOs joined Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) in December, taking the total number on patrol to 16.

The team will target routes, stops and stations based on incident reports submitted by staff and members of the public.

WMCA said a "key focus" was tackling violence against women and girls on public transport, with three of the new recruits women.

The officers were also trained to assist female passengers who might feel threatened, escorting them to safety, a spokesperson added.