Crime can discourage passengers from using buses and trains

A conference, arranged by the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) is being held at the City of Manchester stadium on Monday.

More than 100 people from across the region are expected to attend.

Event organisers say tackling crime makes travellers feel safer and boosts passenger numbers.

Chairman of Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, Councillor Roger Jones, said: "Public transport is an extremely safe way to travel.

"However, vandalised stations, shelters and vehicles make passengers feel worried as well as costing millions of pounds in repair bills.

Service reinstated

"We want more and more people to regularly use public transport, but we'll only be able to encourage people out of their cars if they believe they'll be safe."

Earlier this year, transport bosses in Salford were able to reinstate a popular bus service following the success of an initiative aimed at tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.

The 36 evening service, operated by First, stopped running along Kenyon Way in Little Hulton in December 2002 after buses were persistently vandalised.

GMPTE worked closely with the bus company, Salford City Council and Greater Manchester Police to tackle problems early so that the service could go back on the road.