Police to Score Train Firms on Tackling Sexual Harassment
Train operators will be evaluated by police on their efforts to address sexual harassment on the railways under new government initiatives.
The companies will be assessed against eight standards, including victim support and crime prevention measures.
However, women's safety organizations and survivors of sexual abuse on trains have expressed concerns that the government's proposals do not go far enough.
The announcement comes after a BBC investigation revealed a 33% increase in reported sexual assaults on trains over the past decade. The investigation also highlighted that offenders often evade justice due to significant issues with CCTV coverage across the rail network.
The new scheme encourages passengers to report incidents such as staring, intrusive questions, and unwelcome comments while on trains.
Safeguarding Minister Natalie Fleet said: "I know what it is like to experience this kind of behaviour – the fear, the anger, and the way it changes how you move through the world.
"Too many women carry this every day, including on their journeys to work or home."
To achieve accreditation under the new Safer Railway Scheme, the British Transport Police (BTP) will evaluate how train companies support victims, protect vulnerable passengers, train their staff, and prevent crime and harassment.
Companies must achieve an overall score of at least 70% to be accredited. The Department for Transport can require operators scoring below this threshold to implement improvement plans.
However, the government does not plan to impose financial or legal penalties on operators failing to meet the standards.
Following the BBC's investigations, over 100 women have come forward to share their experiences of sexual assaults on the railways.
Lucy Asson, a 27-year-old physiotherapist, was sexually assaulted on a train in December and reported the incident to police, but the perpetrator was never identified.
She is currently receiving counselling to address the ongoing impact of the assault.
"It's not how somebody should be living their life, in total angst and distress, it's not acceptable. I couldn't face becoming a recluse just for the sake of what this person did to me," she said.
Lucy expressed disappointment with the government's announcement.
"I'm angry, this is not enough. It's a score that doesn't count for anything in my eyes as there's no implication. It doesn't reassure me," she said.
"Yet again, they're not doing enough for women's safety, they're putting a tiny plaster over a gaping wound that's getting bigger and bigger."
The End Violence Against Women Coalition told the BBC it supports measures "to ensure train operators face greater scrutiny," but stated the government's plans are insufficient.
Janaya Walker, interim director, commented that "a naming and shaming exercise is one way to incentivise companies to do more," but noted that "we know that women and girls will not always have the luxury of skipping a train operator with a bad record."
The Rail Delivery Group, representing the UK's train operators, said the Safer Railway Scheme establishes a clear ambition for all operators to meet recognised standards "to reduce both crime and the fear of crime."
"Everyone has the right to travel and work without fear," said chief executive Jacqueline Starr.
The scheme follows the Public Sexual Harassment Act, which came into force last month. This legislation criminalises intentional, sex-based harassment in public, allowing perpetrators to face criminal records, fines, and up to two years imprisonment.
BTP's Assistant Chief Constable Charlie Doyle stated that the force will not tolerate sexual harassment on the railway network.
Passengers can report incidents on trains or at railway stations by texting BTP on 61016.
If you have been affected by any issues discussed in this story, support organisations can be found at BBC Action Line.
