What is Operation Safer Travel (OST)?

• OST and Gateway check are similar activities that reflect the partnership between Travel West Midlands and West Midlands Police.

What is it for?

• The purpose of these operations is to detect and reduce anti-social behaviour and crime on buses and the Midland Metro.

Why are Pupil Watch involved?

• OST statistics have shown that 70% of crime committed on Travel West Midlands' buses is by passengers aged 12-20.

How does it work?

• Buses are stopped and passengers’ tickets and travel cards are checked by inspectors from Travel West Midlands in order to identify fraudulent travel.
  
  

• Pupil Watch identifies children who should be in school, whether accompanied or unaccompanied by parents/guardians.

Was it a success?

• During December 2004 Pupil Watch worked consistently with the ‘Safer Travel’ officers. Pupil Watch made contact with approximately 100 young people, returned 25 young people home and approximately 35 young people back to school.
  
  

• Of the remaining number we were able to advise adults travelling with children/young people of their legal responsibility with respect to attendance.
  
  
• In April 2004 Pupil Watch were awarded the ‘OST Mark of Excellence’ for participation and co-operation in bus safety and good citizenship initiatives. The award is held in high esteem by OST being one of only four to ever be awarded.