Dangerous '˜chicken' games on busway spark warning

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) responded after video footage of the children’s potentially-lethal antics in Tyldesley was widely viewed on social media.

Reports suggested the school-age youngsters who were on the busway near Cooling Lane on Sunday, February 12 also committed acts of vandalism including throwing objects at the electronic information screens.

TfGM says it has already toured schools near the route warning pupils to stay away and will return to give out the messages again if needed.

The shocking incident also prompted Greater Manchester Police (GMP) to take to Twitter urging parents to discuss the dangers of the busway with their children.

A TfGM spokesman said: “We are aware of this report of school-age children playing on the guided section of the busway.

“We have taken measures to try and prevent this happening again by reviewing our CCTV footage, passing on information to the police and our Travelsafe Unit, who will increase their patrols as required. Instances of this type of anti-social behaviour are of concern and will not be tolerated.

“The buses travel at high speed and are extremely quiet, due to the fact that their engines are hybrid based. The hazards of playing on the guided section are the same as playing on a road or a tram or train track and could result in serious injury or worse.

“To help younger members of the community understand the risks and consequences of anti-social behaviour, TfGM made contact with more than a dozen schools in the area, following up with eight personal visits and presentations reaching more than 2,200 pupils and staff.”