New “Ask for Angela” style card trialled on West Midlands buses to help passengers feel safer
A new scheme inspired by the Ask for Angela initiative is being piloted on buses in the West Midlands to help passengers discreetly signal when they feel unsafe.
Developed by West Midlands Police as part of its Project Empower campaign, the trial involves a card designed to look like a travel pass. If shown to a bus driver, it alerts them that a passenger may be in distress — without the need to speak.
Drivers can then take action quickly, including contacting control rooms, alerting police, and using onboard CCTV.
Paula Shortland, an education officer with West Midlands Police, said the system allows drivers to respond rapidly and precisely.
“If a bus driver sounds their alarm, passing buses and police cars will check everything’s okay, and we can pinpoint the CCTV straight away,” she said.
“There might be hours of footage, but the driver can identify the exact moment we need to see in an emergency.”
The scheme is currently being tested with a range of groups, including students, young people and vulnerable passengers.
Shortland stressed that the card is designed for anyone who may feel at risk.
“We can all be vulnerable for whatever reason,” she said. “Anybody can use it — just show it to the driver and we can deal with it.”
The idea was developed after hearing from people who had experienced harassment or felt unsafe on public transport but did not report it at the time.
“I hear these stories sometimes years later,” Shortland explained. “It would be better if we knew sooner so we had a chance to do something about it.”
She added that many people feel unable to speak up in the moment.
“With a card, it’s an easier way than having to explain what’s happened when you’re feeling anxious or exposed,” she said. “It’s about giving people confidence — if something happens, you know what to do.”
The card also includes a QR code linking to support services and live chat with police, alongside existing reporting options such as text services.
Officials say the initiative is designed to support passengers who may be non-verbal, do not speak English as a first language, or are in situations where drawing attention could make things worse.
The pilot is being run through the Safer Travel Partnership, which brings together police and transport organisations across the region.
While the scheme is still in its early stages, there are hopes it could be rolled out more widely if successful — offering a new, discreet way for people to seek help while travelling.
Shortland added that while the card is a useful tool, emergencies should still be reported in the usual way.
“If you need help straight away, it’s always 999,” she said.