Mayor launches transport safety survey

A North East transport initiative aimed at improving safety for women and girls is seeking public feedback to help shape future investment and policy decisions.

North East mayor Kim McGuinness has launched a regional survey focused on safety across public transport and travel networks.

The survey asks women and girls to share their experiences when travelling across the region, with responses helping identify priorities for future improvements.

The move follows feedback from the mayor’s Local Transport Plan consultation, which received more than 16,000 responses, with safety emerging as a key concern among women and girls.

Since taking office, mayor McGuinness has introduced a series of safety-focused transport measures, including new bus shelters with improved lighting, upgraded Metro station ticket gates and staffing, and the rollout of new Metro trains fitted with on-board cameras.

Real-time bus information systems have also been improved to help passengers travel with greater confidence.

She said: “Too many women and girls still don’t feel safe when they travel - whether that’s getting the bus, walking home or cycling. 

“That isn’t good enough, and it has to change.

“I’m determined to make our region safer, but we have to start by listening properly. 

“This survey will help us hear directly from women and girls about where and when they feel unsafe, so we can take action where it matters most and deliver more improvements people can see and feel.

“That builds on the investment we’re already making in better bus shelters, more staffed gates at Metro stations, CCTV, and reliable information so you know when your next bus will arrive." 

The survey forms part of wider work aimed at tackling violence against women and girls and improving public safety across the North East.

Responses will be analysed by professional services firm WSP to help identify trends and inform future transport policy and safety interventions.

The survey remains open until Friday, May 29.

To complete the survey, click here.

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