Help and advice

The safest place to sit on a bus?

Best: Aisle seat. Or a seat near the driver.

Avoid: Window seat (harder to get out). Top deck.

Best place to sit on a train?

Best: Near the doors or in quieter carriages.
Avoid: Crowded carriages, standing areas.

Where to stand at a bus stop?

Best: Close to shelter or seating. Near other passengers.
Avoid: Far edges, isolated areas.

Best spot on a ferry or boat?

Best: Inside cabin near exits or railings.
Avoid: Open decks in bad weather, crowded areas.

Best place to park your wheelchair or luggage?

Best: Near you, in designated areas, or under supervision.
Avoid: Crowded aisles or far from exits.

Someone makes me feel uncomfortable or threatened

Step 1: Move away from that person.

Step 2: Go to someone who looks safe (e.g. another passenger, staff).

If you are on a bus: Press the bell. The bus will stop at the next stop. Then you can talk to the driver.

Someone tries to steal my bag or phone

Give it to them. They may have a weapon. Your safety matters more than your things. Phones can be replaced. You cannot.

Keep your bag closed and out of sight when you are not using it.

Someone is sitting in my pre-booked seat on the train

Step 1: Say: “Excuse me, that is my seat.”

Step 2: If they say no, sit in another empty seat.

Step 3: Wait. Staff will check tickets. They will help.

Someone is in the wheelchair space and will not move

Tell the driver. The driver knows if the space is full. They will make an announcement. They will help you.

When to contact British Transport Police (BTP)

When: You are at a train station or on a train. You need help, are lost, feel unwell, or see something wrong.

How: Text 61016. You do not have to talk out loud. Or find rail staff.

Remember: See it. Say it. Sorted.

When to call 999

Call 999 only in an emergency. Say which service you need:

• Police — crime, danger
• Ambulance — someone is hurt or very ill
• Fire — there is a fire

When to speak to station or rail staff

Speak to staff when you need help with: directions, feeling unwell, or any train travel question.

When to speak to the bus driver

Step 1: Press the bell. The bus will stop at the next stop.

Step 2: When the bus has stopped, walk to the driver and speak to them.

Do not speak to the driver while the bus is moving. That is not safe. The driver can call 999 from their cab. The driver can help with big and small problems.