AN initiative to tackle anti-social behaviour on buses and trains has expanded to comprehensively cover the Bolton network.

Rail operator Northern, which looks after the Bolton line, has confirmed it has joined TravelSafe, the regional public transport scheme.

Earlier this year Diamond, which operates the majority of Bolton’s local bus routes now, joined up along with Go North West and Arriva.

TravelSafe officers have patrolled the Metrolink along the Bury line for some time.

The developments have brought the number of operators in the partnership to 10 - which supporters say can only bolster intelligence efforts to target troublemakers.

Bev Hughes, Deputy Mayor, said: “The expansion of the TravelSafe Partnership and inclusion of a rail operator will bring additional reassurance as well as confidence to passengers travelling on public transport.

“Partnership staff and officers have been working hard to ensure passengers travelling for essential reasons can do so safely, while ensuring current guidelines are being followed.

“The growth of the partnership sends a clear message that committing crime, anti-social behaviour and disregarding restrictions will not be tolerated across Greater Manchester’s transport network.”

Kate Green, Transport for Greater Manchester’s TravelSafe Partnership Manager, said: “The partnership’s continued development and progression really is excellent news for passengers as the more we know about an issue, the better we can work in collaboration with the right organisations to tackle and prevent it.”

Chris Jackson, Northern’s regional director, said: “The multi-modal approach will help all involved develop better strategies to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime across the entire transport network and will deliver a better travel environment for customers.”