There are lots tools and tips to help you travel safely across Greater Manchester have a look at our sections below for more information.

Please offer me a seat

Travel support aids

Bus hailers and travel wallets

The free bus hailers and orange pass wallets are available from Travelshops in bus stations across Greater Manchester or you can contact TfGM on 0161 244 1000 or you can contact Henshaws on 0300 222 5555

'Please offer me a seat' badges

Our ‘Please offer me a seat’ scheme is built on trust for those customers in genuine need. The badge indicates to other customers that you need to sit down. If no-one offers you a seat you can use the badge to politely ask a fellow customer already seated to give up their seat. Please be aware, you cannot insist someone move for you, the scheme depends on goodwill

Journey assistance cards

Journey assistance card for people exempt from face coverings.

You can request a journey assistance card which you can show to transport staff to let them know you are exempt from wearing a face covering on public transport.

We will email you the card as a PDF file which you can print off at home and carry with you, or download to display on your smartphone.

It is not mandatory to have a journey assistance card when you travel, but you may carry one if you wish.

To request your card:

  • Call 0161 244 1000 (Monday to Friday 7am to 8pm, weekends 8am to 8pm), or

  • Complete our online contact form

Printed cards are also available to pick up from our Travelshops across Greater Manchester. You do not need to contact us in advance, just pop into a Travelshop and ask for one.

The card is valid across all transport modes and operators in Greater Manchester. They are discreet, easy to use and understand, and can provide reassurance. If you already carry a journey assistance card from another operator, you can continue to use this, or you can request TFGM’s card also.

Hidden disabilities sunflower logo

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme

Transport for Greater Manchester has signed up to the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme supporting people with disabilities that may not be so obvious to the casual observer.

Many people with a disability carry or use something – whether that’s a wheelchair, guide dog, hearing aid or white cane – that visibly indicates what the disability might be but other disabilities, such as autism, dementia, mental health issues or learning difficulties are not so obvious.

Under the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme, people with such disabilities can choose to wear a lanyard or other item bearing a sunflower logo as a subtle way of letting others know that they may require additional support, assistance or a bit more time.

TfGM staff have received training and will recognise a Sunflower lanyard, wristband or badge, so they are aware that a person may need additional support while travelling.

Find out more about the Sunflower

Travelling safely

There are a variety of ways that you can stay safe on the network and there are a few tips to help you plan your journey below:

When you’re on public transport:

  • If you’re concerned about overcrowding, why not choose off-peak times to travel which can be cheaper and less crowded;
  • Keep your ticket or pass to hand in your pocket ready to show the conductor or driver;
  • Check where the emergency exits and call points are;
  • If it makes you feel safer, sit near the driver;
  • Keep your belongings to hand or, if you have to stow a suitcase, try and keep an eye on it;
  • If you feel uncomfortable or vulnerable sitting near someone, change your seat;
  • Stay alert.

When you’re walking or cycling:

  • Plan your route beforehand and keep to known, lit routes where possible;
  • Wear comfortable, suitable clothes;
  • Consider wearing a high-vis jacket or reflective arm bands to make sure you are visible;
  • If you’re cycling in the dark, make sure you have lights on your bike;
  • Having a bell on your bike can also be helpful to alert people that you are approaching;
  • Sign up to TfGM’s free cycle training;
  • Don’t get distracted by using your mobile phone whilst travelling;
  • Stay alert
  • Further details of the TfGM cycle training can be found on our cycling and walking pages.

If you would like to find out more about travelling on the network, you can access our dedicated travel training.

For the latest updates and advice from TfGM during the coronavirus recovery phase, please visit our dedicated webpages.

Help point

Assistance while travelling

Across the network, there are CCTV cameras and emergency call points to give you piece of mind when travelling. At every tram stop, there are help points, where customers can contact Customer Services for information or the control room in case of an emergency.

With more than 246 million journeys made on public transport each year, the chance of being a witness to or victim of crime or antisocial behaviour are relatively low.

However, should you need to, you can report it quickly and discreetly from your smartphone using the TravelSafe LiveChat service.

It is ideal to use if you are hard of hearing or feel that you are unable to make a loud phone call or use a help point.