Sep 29 • Jo Cox-Brown

Safe Buses and Safe Spaces: Creating Safer Nights for Everyone

The night-time economy is a vital part of our cities. It brings people together, drives creativity, and generates billions for local economies. Yet for many, a night out can also carry risk. Feeling unsafe, becoming unwell, losing friends, a mobile phone running out of battery, or experiencing harassment are sadly all too common.

That is where Safe Buses and Safe Spaces come in.

These initiatives offer a simple idea with a profound impact: a visible, welcoming place in the heart of the night-time economy where anyone can go if they need help.

At Night Time Economy Solutions (NTES), we have been proud to lead the design, delivery, and project management of Safe Buses and Safe Spaces for more than 15 years. We have successfully launched and supported these services in cities such as Nottingham, Chester, Bath, Dublin, Manchester and now London. Each project is tailored to local needs, yet all are rooted in the same principles of compassion, care, and safety.
"Just wanted to say a massive thank you for all your work on the project and getting us over the line in time for last night. It’s been a thoroughly enjoyable project, and we’ve appreciated your help and guidance the whole way."
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What is a 'Safe Bus'?

What is a Safe Bus?

A Safe Bus is a converted vehicle, usually stationed in busy nightlife areas, where trained staff provide immediate support. The service can offer:

  • Basic first aid and medical care, keeping people out of A&E
  • Bottled water, flip-flops, and other welfare items
  • Condoms and harm reduction resources
  • A listening ear and emotional support
  • Help reconnect with friends or find safe travel home

Safe Buses are staffed by a partnership of medics, police officers, mental health professionals, and trained volunteers. Together, they create a compassionate, judgment-free space that reduces pressure on emergency services and prevents small problems from escalating into serious incidents.

What is a Safe Space?

Safe Spaces take many forms, from temporary hubs in community venues to dedicated rooms in city centres. Like Safe Buses, they provide care and support during the busiest nights of the week, but in a static setting.

Through NTES project management and expertise, we support partners to establish Safe Spaces that are tailored to local contexts and embedded in wider safety strategies.

Why do they matter?

Because a safer night is a stronger night.

  1. For individuals: Safe Buses and Spaces turn moments of crisis into moments of care. They offer reassurance, dignity, and practical help when it is most needed.
  2. For communities, they build trust by showing that the nighttime economy values wellbeing and inclusion.
  3. For cities: They reduce demand on police, ambulances, and A&E departments. Research shows that every Safe Space saves significant public money while improving safety outcomes.

Case Study:

In 2023, NTES worked with the Bath Business Improvement District (BID) and Bath Spa University to design, launch, and project-manage the Bath Safe Bus. 

Impact in Year One:
  • 2,000+ people supported
  • Dozens of A&E visits prevented
  • Reduction in alcohol-related hospital admissions
  • Visible reassurance for the local community

The Bath Safe Bus quickly became a vital part of the city’s nightlife. Police praised it for easing pressure on frontline services, while parents, young people, and nightlife staff consistently said they felt safer knowing it was there.

London’s First Safe Bus:

This weekend, in September 2025, NTES was again proud to project-manage the design, branding, policies, procedures, and launch of London’s first Safe Bus. Located outside Liverpool Street Station, the busiest in London, the Bus was delivered in partnership with Eastern City BID, Aldgate Connect BID, and City of London Police.

The Bus operates every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 6:30pm until late, providing immediate support in one of the UK’s busiest nightlife districts.
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The future of safer nights

As cities evolve, so too must our approach to safety. Safe Buses and Safe Spaces are not a luxury. They are an essential part of a thriving, inclusive night-time economy, but they require long-term funding, strong partnerships, and experienced project management to succeed.

At NTES, we take pride in being the trusted specialists in this field. Our record proves that with the right design, leadership, and collaboration, Safe Buses and Safe Spaces can save lives, ease pressure on services, and create safer, stronger communities. Safer nights mean stronger communities.