Transport for LondonMayor boosts bus safety
This is about ensuring that Londoners can travel safely
For the first time, high-visibility teams will be dedicated entirely to policing bus hubs and the immediate areas.
The 440 additional uniformed officers will be based around interchanges across the capital, especially in areas experiencing the greatest problems.
Each team will be made up of one sergeant, a police constable and seven police community support officers (PCSOs).
They will be supported by 1,600 special constables.
Implementation will take place over 12 months, with an initial pilot in West Croydon, Wood Green (Haringey) and Canning Town (Newham).
At the launch, Mayor Boris Johnson said: 'This is about ensuring that Londoners can travel safely around the city, and that they can do so in confidence, reassured by a visible police presence from the moment they leave their doors, to when they are waiting for their bus, through to when they travel home at night.'
Joining the Mayor at the launch were Transport Commissioner Peter Hendy and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair.
Peter Hendy said: 'While overall the bus network is a low crime environment, it is clear that more must be done to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour.
'The new teams at transport hubs like West Croydon bus station will provide welcome reassurance to our staff and passengers alike.'
The £11.3million initiative is being funded by Transport for London and the Met.
