New research reveals overwhelming public support for tougher action on sexual harassment across Britain's rail network, as the industry unveils a series of measures aimed at improving safety for women and girls.
More than nine in ten people believe sexual harassment and violence against women and girls is a significant societal issue, according to a new survey commissioned by Rail Delivery Group and conducted by 72Point.
The research, which surveyed more than 2,000 passengers, found that 87% of respondents believe more must be done to prevent and address such incidents. It also highlighted strong support for the railway taking a leading role in tackling the issue, with 85% agreeing that the industry has an important responsibility to help create safer journeys.
The findings have been released alongside a set of industry-wide commitments designed to strengthen passenger safety and improve the response to sexual harassment on the railway.
The rail sector has pledged to:
1. Expand the Use of Body-Worn Cameras
Rail operators will continue increasing the number of body-worn cameras used by frontline staff. Nearly 19,000 cameras are already in operation across the network, providing staff with additional tools to deter anti-social behaviour and support investigations.
2. Introduce Mandatory Staff Training
All rail staff will receive consistent training to help them better recognise, respond to and safely manage incidents of sexual harassment. The survey found that 56% of passengers believe enhanced staff training and more body-worn cameras would make them feel safer when travelling.
3. Establish Dedicated Passenger Groups
New passenger forums focusing on the safety of women and girls will be created across the UK. These groups will provide opportunities for women to influence the design of stations, trains and passenger facilities with safety considerations at the forefront.
4. Standardise Incident Reporting
The industry is developing a consistent reporting system for sexual harassment incidents across all train operators. With more operators expected to come under public ownership through Great British Railways, standardisation is expected to improve data collection, transparency and accountability. Nearly three in five passengers (57%) support more systematic reporting of incidents.
5. Strengthen Board-Level Accountability
Every train operator will appoint a board-level representative responsible for ensuring incidents of sexual harassment are regularly reviewed and addressed at the highest level.
Jacqueline Starr, Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Rail Delivery Group, said:
“As an industry our message is clear - any form of sexual harassment on the rail network is completely unacceptable and the rail industry is working together and alongside charities and the government to confront this issue.
“We know that harassment doesn’t just happen out of sight. As bystanders, we can also help to tackle this problem by reporting incidents and intervening when it is safe to do so. Everyone has the right to feel safe when travelling by train. We want people to feel confident to report anything that makes them uncomfortable by texting the British Transport Police on 61016.”
The survey findings also underline the importance of bystander intervention. More than 90% of respondents agreed that passengers have a vital role to play in supporting victims of abuse or harassment.
When asked how they would respond if they witnessed unwanted sexual behaviour on public transport:
- 62% said they would check whether the victim was okay.
- 50% would report the incident to rail staff or the British Transport Police.
- 37% said they would attempt to distract the perpetrator, a technique promoted through recent rail industry awareness campaigns.
RDG's Zero Tolerance campaign is supporting these efforts through public awareness initiatives, including immersive Virtual Reality experiences at stations across the UK. The VR programme allows passengers to see how incidents can unfold and demonstrates practical ways travellers can intervene safely and effectively.
The latest research reinforces growing recognition that creating a safer railway requires collaboration between operators, government, campaign groups and passengers themselves. Industry leaders hope that the latest commitments will help ensure everyone can travel with confidence and without fear of harassment.
Image credit: iStock
