Buses and Police Join Forces

The latest joint initiative between Travel West Midlands and West Midlands Police has reaped rewards in combating fraudulent travel on the region’s buses.As part of "Operation Safer Travel", the unique partnership between the two organisations, Travel West Midlands’ Revenue Inspectors joined forces with Small Heath Police to check buses running between Birmingham City Centre and Small Heath.Nearly 4,000 passengers on 157 buses were checked and 74 Standard Fare Cards were issued for underpayment of tickets. Thirteen fraudulent Travelcards were withdrawn and over £1,000 recovered.PC David Donaldson, Public Transport Liaison Officer, said: "The success of Operation Safer Travel continues with yet another gateway check of major bus routes in Birmingham City Centre. The partnership aims to reduce crime and combat fraud on buses and I’m sure that the continued presence of police officers and inspectors on the region’s buses will go some way towards ensuring passenger confidence and creating a safe environment in which to travel."

Published 16th September 2002