A former Stagecoach bus has been transformed into a “mobile youth zone” to help combat anti-social behaviour on public transport in Greater Manchester.
The decommissioned vehicle has been given a complete makeover to support a link-up between Foundation 92 and the TravelSafe Partnership.
Foundation 92 had for the past year been using a minibus with a TV and games console to provide youngsters a meeting place away from transport interchanges and tram spots.
However, rising demand for the minibus led to the revamping of the Stagecoach bus, which now includes an interactive game space, table sports, refreshments and a relaxation area. Virtually reality software is due to be installed later this year.
The Stagecoach Manchester bus had been used around Ashton-under-Lyne and is the latest vehicle to be provided by the operator for community use. Formerly, one was converted into a COVID-19 vaccination centre and another was used by NHS England in an early cancer diagnosis campaign.
Rebecca Rathore, Operations Director at Stagecoach Manchester, says: “Stagecoach has a proud history of supporting the communities we serve. Having been a partner of TravelSafe since its inception in 2015, we are pleased to collaborate with them and TfGM in supporting Foundation 92 in this project, which is making a significant difference in the lives of young people, our customers, and our local communities.
“Our donation of a bus will enable Foundation 92, to build on the success of the work that they have been doing and engage with even more young people to talk to them about positive behaviour on public transport and provide a much-needed space for them to hang out.”
Following a joint bid by Transport for Greater Manchester and British Transport Police, the arrangement has been funded through the Home Office’s Safer Streets Fund.
Tom Hutton, Head of Foundation 92, says: “We’re delighted to be further extending our work with TfGM through the F92 mobile youth zone. The impact the mobile zone has made so far has been outstanding and I’m looking forward to supporting more young people through the additional youth zone across the transport network. I’d like to thank TfGM for their continued support.”
