Stay Safe on Public Transport: Practical Self-Protection Tips

Public transport is convenient, affordable and used by thousands of people every day. But it also puts you in close spaces with strangers, sometimes in quiet places and often when you’re distracted. That makes awareness and a few simple habits your best defence.

This guide walks you through what to do before, during and after your journey so you can reduce risk, spot problems early and know what to do if someone makes you uncomfortable.

1. Situational Awareness Is Your Superpower

This is the number one safety skill. Most offenders look for people who are distracted, isolated or easy to surprise. Don’t be that person.

  • Heads up, phone down: Don’t be completely buried in your phone or music. Keep at least one ear free.

  • Scan regularly: Look up every 20–30 seconds and notice who is around you, where the exits are, and where the driver/conductor/security is.

  • Notice behaviour, not appearance: You’re not looking for “dodgy-looking” people — you’re looking for people whose behaviour is focused on you.

  • Trust your radar: If it feels off, it probably is. Your intuition is a safety tool, not an inconvenience.

    stay safe on publci transport

2. Blend In and Project Confidence

People who look lost, overloaded or unsure are easier targets. Confidence — even faked — is a deterrent.

  • Know your route: Check the timetable and stop beforehand so you’re not standing at the door searching.

    stay safe on publci transport

  • Have your ticket/pass ready: Fumbling in a bag shows where you keep valuables.

  • Walk with purpose: Head up, shoulders back, steady pace.

  • Don’t advertise valuables: Big headphones, new phones, jewellery and open handbags all draw attention.

3. Make Waiting Time Safer

A lot of incidents happen before you even get on.

  • Choose well-lit areas: Stand where there are people, lights or CCTV.

  • Back to a wall or structure: This limits how many directions someone can approach you from.

    stay safe on publci transport

  • Avoid isolated stops at night if you can.

  • Have a “plan B”: If the stop feels wrong, move to another spot or wait inside a shop.

4. Pick the Safest Place to Sit or Stand

Where you place yourself can make you much safer.

  • Near the driver/conductor = more visibility, more help.

  • Near an exit = easier to leave if someone is bothering you.

  • Avoid being boxed in: A window seat can trap you; an aisle seat lets you move.

    stay safe on publci transport

  • Choose a busier carriage/area: Predators prefer privacy.

  • If it doesn’t feel right — move: You don’t need a reason. Your safety beats politeness.

5. Protect Your Valuables

Most crime on public transport is opportunistic theft. Remove the opportunity.

  • Keep bags closed and to the front.

  • No phone in the back pocket.

  • In crowds, wear backpacks on your chest.

  • Don’t display cash, cards or multiple devices.

    stay safe on publci transport

6. Trust Your Intuition — and Act on It

The PDF says it clearly: “If it feels wrong, it is wrong.” That feeling is your internal alarm system. Don’t ignore it.

stay safe on publci transport

If someone’s behaviour is off:

  1. Change seat.

  2. Move to another part of the bus/train.

  3. Get off at the next busy stop and wait for the next one.

You don’t owe anyone an explanation.

7. Create Space and Use Your Voice

Space is your friend. If someone invades it, you’re allowed to reclaim it.

  • Move away first — test if they follow.

  • Use a bag/book as a barrier in front of you.

  • Use your voice: A loud, clear “Leave me alone” or “Stop” does three things:

    1. Shows you’re not passive

    2. Draws attention

    3. Often makes them stop

      stay safe on publci transport

8. Use Your Phone as a Safety Tool (Not a Distraction)

Yes, phones distract — but they can also protect you.

  • Share your journey (Google Maps “share trip” or just text “On 46A, due 17:40”).

  • Keep emergency numbers handy for the transport system you’re using.

  • Know how to trigger SOS on your phone (power button 5x, etc.).

    stay safe on publci transport

9. Be Careful at Transitions (Getting On/Off)

The most vulnerable moments are when you’re getting off.

  • Look out the window before your stop — who’s waiting?

  • When you get off, look behind you — did anyone get off just because you did?

  • If someone follows, walk towards people/shops, not home.

  • Have a “what if” plan in your head before you travel.

    stay safe on publci transport

10. Last Resort: If You’re Grabbed

This is not about “winning a fight” — it’s about breaking free and escaping.

  • React immediately — speed beats strength.

  • Shout to shock and attract attention.

  • Strike vulnerable targets (eyes, throat, groin) with whatever you have — keys, elbows, knees.

  • Create a gap and run to people.

  • Report it. Even if you got away, it helps protect the next person.

    stay safe on publci transport

Final Thoughts

Staying safe on public transport isn’t about being paranoid — it’s about being prepared. If you build these habits into your normal routine, you reduce risk without living in fear:

  • Stay aware

  • Control your space

  • Move if something feels wrong

  • Have a simple “what if” plan