West Midlands Buses Receive Investment to Improve Safety for Women and Girls
Jess Phillips MP has confirmed significant investment aimed at enhancing the safety of West Midlands buses for women and girls, with key measures including CCTV improvements and driver training already being implemented. This initiative is part of Labour's broader strategy to combat violence and ensure safer public transport across the region.
Key Safety Measures Underway
With West Midlands bus franchises approaching renewal, opportunities have arisen to implement comprehensive safety upgrades. Jess Phillips, the Labour MP for Yardley, highlighted that expanding CCTV coverage is a primary focus. Labour's strategy specifically promises to explore increasing the provision and use of CCTV on the bus network, which is expected to deter crime and provide better surveillance.
In addition to technological upgrades, driver training programmes are already in progress. The UK bus and coach industry launched a national programme in March 2026 to address violence against women and girls, ensuring that drivers are better equipped to handle safety concerns and support passengers.
Impact on Employment and Youth Safety
Phillips emphasised the broader implications of unsafe transport, noting that it can deter young women from taking jobs that require late-night travel. She stated, 'If you were a 21-year-old young woman and you've got to go on the bus at 11 o'clock at night for your midnight shift, you'd probably say no to that job.' This investment aims to remove such barriers, promoting economic participation and career opportunities.
The safety improvements will also benefit young people, with Phillips collaborating with Solihull Sixth Form College to address student concerns about bus travel. This partnership seeks to create a safer environment for all passengers, particularly vulnerable groups.
Commitment from Transport Operators
National Express Bus has reaffirmed its dedication to passenger safety, encouraging witnesses to report any unwanted behaviour through their 81018 text service. The company also highlighted that all their buses are equipped with high-definition CCTV systems, which play a crucial role in monitoring and responding to incidents.
These combined efforts represent a proactive approach to making public transport more secure and accessible, with ongoing evaluations to ensure effectiveness and community feedback integration.
