How do young people feel on public transport?
We’re gathering young people’s stories about their experiences on transport networks across the UK, as part of research commissioned by British Transport Police (BTP).
Date: 28th May 2025 | Author: Con Enzler
So we’re leading a series of focus groups with a range of young people involved in various agencies and youth centres around the country, to capture an accurate picture of their experiences on public transport services across different regions.
We’re asking young people questions around how safe they feel on different types of public transport, what types of situations make them feel most and least safe, and who they would approach if they need help.
James Houghton, Safeguarding Lead Operations at BTP said:
“BTPs early work with young people highlighted how vital their insights are. It reinforced the importance of actively working them on their ideas.
That’s why, as a national force, we partnered with Railway Children to capture voices across the country. Already, key themes are emerging there will help shape safer rail environments and reflect our collaborative approach” –
Joe Clay, our Safeguarding Partnerships Manager, who leads the focus groups, said:
“It’s really inspiring seeing young people getting really involved in the discussions, as they share stories and open up about their struggles.”
“There’s already been really valuable insight coming out of these sessions, which BTP will use to educate officers around how young people are feeling on the network.”
The findings will give BTP a wider understanding of the types of issues young people are dealing with on public transport, to help inform how officers engage with them and ensure they’re providing the best support possible.
Across the UK, thousands of young people use public transport every day, travelling to and from school, and visiting friends or family.
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