Public transport seen as unsafe by young people

Only one in five young people said they felt very safe travelling on a bus on their own and 92 per cent of those surveyed said that drunk or rowdy people on public transport gave them the greatest concern.

British Youth Council trustee Josh Snape said: "Young people are often stereotyped as the cause of trouble or as being bad mannered but this study confirms that many of us feel unsafe and intimidated on public transport."

Young people answering the survey also expressed concern about their treatment by adults. Around half said drivers and adult passengers were rude to them.

NCB deputy chief executive Barbara Hearn says the survey shows the need for transport providers to consult with young people.

She said: "We know from our experience that when we bring young people and transport providers together very positive discussions take place about how each side can do more to promote better relations, and what is and what is not acceptable behaviour."