A CAMPAIGN to tackle harassment and unwanted sexual behaviour on public transport has been launched.

The Greater Manchester TravelSafe Partnership's initiative urges commuters to become "active bystanders" when witnessing such behaviour.

The campaign aims to assist passengers in identifying signs of harassment or unwanted sexual attention, and provides guidance on supporting targeted individuals and reporting incidents.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), a White Ribbon-accredited organisation, is committed to ending violence against women and girls and ensuring the safety of all commuters.

The partnership aims to create a culture of active bystanders on public transport.

To achieve this, they have launched an advertising campaign on buses, trams, trains, and at stations.

The campaign provides clear guidance on the types of intervention passengers can make when witnessing negative sexual behaviours, assuming it is safe to do so.

This includes making small talk to interrupt the situation, causing a distraction, offering the targeted person a seat, and checking on them afterwards.

Instances of negative sexual behaviours on public transport include leering, catcalling, inappropriate touching, upskirting, and indecent exposure.

Although these incidents are reportedly low, TfGM is keen on improving the perception of safety on public transport.

TfGM have launched an advertising campaign on buses, trams, trains, and at stations (Image: Supplied) Vernon Everitt of Transport for Greater Manchester said: "Everyone using or working on our public transport and active travel network is entitled to be, and feel, safe at all times.

"People should not have to put up with being harassed or subject to sexual remarks or behaviours."

The campaign also stresses the importance of reporting incidents of harassment or negative sexual behaviours.

This can be done discreetly through LiveChat, which connects the user with a Greater Manchester Police call handler, or by calling 101.

Kate Green, deputy mayor of Greater Manchester for safer and stronger communities, said: "Despite the good work that takes place to tackle it, gender-based violence remains endemic around the world, the country and, sadly, here in Greater Manchester too.

"Reducing gender-based violence is central to our efforts to making the city-region a safer place that everyone can access, and we are starting to see real change happen."

TfGM research in 2021 showed that 57 per cent of women felt unsafe on public transport and in public places.