SECURITY guards and police officers have started patrolling trams and buses in a bid to clamp down on troublemakers.

Transport for Greater Manchester bosses have teamed up with Greater Manchester Police to form a Travelsafe Unit responsible for targeting yobs and reassuring law-abiding passengers.

In total, there will be 16 officers working as part of the unit and include police constables, police community support officers (PCSOs), voluntary special constables and security officers.

The unit will study statistics on where crime and anti-social behaviour typically takes place on the public transport network across the county and target patrols at the hotspots.

The unit will initially work for three years before a special committee looks at its level of success.

Trains are not included in the project because the rail network is already monitored by British Transport Police.

Not only will the unit be aided by CCTV fitted in vehicles, but officers will also carry body cams that can pick up images and audio of any flashpoints.

Police are aiming to target yobs throwing stones at trams and vandalising seats as well as less frequent instances of passengers being attacked and drivers being abused.

Repeat offenders could be given a public transport banning order making it a criminal offence to travel by tram or bus.

Members of the unit will also be visiting schools to educate youngsters on the dangers, impacts and consequences of crime, anti-social behaviour and fare evasion on public transport.

Chief Superintendent John O'Hare, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "The county's public transport network has grown.

"Unfortunately, this can also attract criminals or inconsiderate people who, by acting in an anti-social manner, can make others feel intimidated.

"Our aim through the Travelsafe Unit is to make people feel safe, deter criminality and effectively deal with any incidents that could affect public safety.”

First Manchester, which is the main provider of buses through Bury, also welcomed the unit’s arrival.

Operations manager Vicky Tomlinson said: “It will play an important role in addressing those incidents that do occur but also importantly to help communicate the wider positive messages about public transport to young people.”

Metrolink director Chris Coleman added: "Our employees working out on the network will also appreciate the increased visibility of the officers from the Travelsafe scheme to support them in their daily activities."