Staying Safe When You Travel
Here are some simple things to help keep yourself safe when you are travelling
1. Plan your journey before you travel 
- Use the Same Bus Stop - When you use a bus stop you know well, it’s easier to notice if something doesn’t feel right. It’s usually the stop closest to your house, and you might even recognise some of the people who wait there. Using the same stop also helps you learn when your bus normally arrives.
- Know your route - Keep your eye on landmarks so that you know where you are.
- Check the times of the last buses and trains - so that you know when to make your way to the train station or bus stop
- When travelling in a group - arrange a meeting point in case you get separated and supply everyone with the same contact number.
2. Stay Where It’s Bright
If you’re waiting for a bus or train when it’s dark, stand somewhere with good lighting, like under a streetlight or in a bright waiting area. It’s also safer to stay near other people. When you get on the bus or train, try to sit where there are other passengers, or sit near the driver if it’s quiet.
3. Make sure someone knows when and where you are travelling.
Carry a mobile phone in case you need to contact them.
4. Keep Your Things Hidden
Lots of people like listening to music or watching something on long journeys, but showing expensive gadgets can attract attention. Try using plain headphones instead of ones that show the brand. Keep your phone, money, and other valuables in zipped pockets or inside your bag so they can’t be taken easily.
5. Have Someone Meet You
If you’re going to visit someone, ask them to meet you at the bus stop or train station. Travelling with friends is even better because you can look out for each other.
6. Leave If You Feel Uncomfortable
If something or someone makes you feel uneasy, it’s okay to leave. On a train, you can get off at the next station and wait for another one. In a taxi, you can ask to stop somewhere bright and busy. Paying attention to how you feel and staying aware of what’s around you helps keep you safe.
If you feel threatened, make as much noise as possible to attract the attention of the driver or guard.
Travelling by Taxi
Always keep the phone number of a taxi company you trust. It’s best to book your taxi before you need it, so you don’t have to look for one on the street.
When You Book a Taxi
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- Ask for the driver’s name and the colour of the car.
- When the taxi arrives, check the name and car colour match what you were told.
- If something doesn’t feel right, don’t get in the car.
Sitting Safely in the Taxi
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- Sit in the back seat, behind the driver.
- Don’t sit in the front next to the driver.
- Keep conversations friendly and simple — talk about everyday things, not personal information.
If You Need a Taxi Suddenly
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- Only use a taxi from a taxi rank or a taxi office.
- Never get into a car with someone you don’t know who offers you a lift.
How to Know a Taxi Is Real
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- A real taxi has a licence, usually shown on the back of the car.
- The driver should have a photo ID you can see.
If You Feel Unsafe
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- Ask the driver to stop in a bright, busy place where there are other people around, and get out of the car.
Travelling by Bus
This short video by Arriva will show you how to have a safe journey on a bus
When things don't go to plan
When things don’t go to plan
Sometimes, even when we’ve planned everything, things happen that we can’t control. Journeys might change, take longer, or feel a bit confusing — and that’s okay.
Don’t panic 
If something unexpected happens, try to stay calm. You can always call your parent or carer to let them know what’s going on. They can help you figure out what to do next.
Stuck in traffic
Sometimes buses and trains are late because there’s lots of traffic. You can use travel apps to check when they will arrive so you know what’s happening.
Full bus
Sometimes a bus is so full that it can’t stop, even if you put your hand out. If another bus comes often, you can wait for the next one. It’s a good idea to call someone to say you might be late, or ask an adult for help finding another way to get where you’re going.
Busy train
Trains can be very busy too. Try to walk calmly along the carriages to find a space where you feel comfortable. If you know when the next train is coming, and your ticket works on it, you might choose to wait for that one instead. Make sure you wait somewhere safe and let your parent or carer know you’ll be a bit late. Greater Anglia also has a tool that shows which trains are usually the busiest.
Keep your phone charged
Try to keep enough battery on your phone so you can call someone if something unexpected happens.
What if I get lost
If You Get Lost : 5 Things to Remember
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Stay calm and stay where you are.
If you're on a bus or a train, stay on it until the next stop. If you got off accidentally, stay at that stop. If you are in a town, find someone like a police officer, a shop worker with a badge, or someone who works in a bank or public building like a council office.
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Look for a safe adult
Find a bus driver, train conductor, station staff, or someone in a uniform like a security guard in a supermarket. They are there to help.
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Tell them you are lost and give your name. 
You can say something like, “I’m lost. My name is ___. I was travelling with ___.”
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Don’t leave the station or stop with anyone else.
Stay in a busy, safe place where staff can see you.
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Call your grown‑up if you can.
If you don’t have a phone, ask the staff member to help you contact your grown‑up.
What do I do if things don't feel right?
Before you travel
- Download the ‘Hollie Guard App’ where you can share your location, record information and images and set alerts for when you expect to arrive at your destination.
- Download the ‘Stop Hate UK’ app where you can get support and advice, report a hate crime and take recordings and pictures in an incident.
If you feel worried on the train
Text report to British Transport Police on 61016
Other useful websites for staying safe whilst you are travelling
Travel Training
Travel Training
Travel training is available to young people who are eligible for travel assistance and require support to enable them to travel on their own.
https://www.livewell.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk//Documents/Download/2379/Independent-Travel-T
If you want to know more about independent travel training, please contact:
Independent Travel Training Team,
Cheshire West and Chester Council.
Tel: 0300 123 7039
Email: traveltraining@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Some More Personal Safety Advice
Some more Personal Safety Advice
Merseytravel have produced a leaflet
