New Initiative to Evaluate Train Operators on Passenger Safety
The British Transport Police (BTP) is set to implement a new scoring system for UK train operators, evaluating their effectiveness in combating sexual harassment across the railway network. This government-backed initiative will assess companies against eight distinct standards, encompassing areas such as victim support and crime prevention strategies. However, concerns have been raised by women’s safety advocacy groups and survivors of sexual abuse on trains, who argue that these measures may not be sufficient to ensure passenger security.
Scheme Details and Background
This development follows a BBC investigation that reported a one-third increase in sexual assaults on trains over the last decade. The investigation also highlighted that perpetrators frequently evaded justice due to significant deficiencies in the rail network’s CCTV systems. Under the new Safer Railway Scheme, train companies must meet specific criteria to achieve accreditation. The BTP will evaluate how operators provide support to victims, safeguard vulnerable passengers, train their personnel, and implement measures to prevent crime and harassment. To gain accreditation, companies are required to achieve an overall score of at least 70%. Operators falling short of this benchmark may be directed by the Department for Transport to develop and execute improvement plans. Notably, the government has not announced plans for financial or legal penalties for operators failing to meet these targets.
Survivor Experiences and Criticisms
In the wake of the BBC’s investigative reporting, over 100 women have shared their personal experiences of sexual assaults occurring on railways. Lucy Asson, a 27-year-old physiotherapist, recounted being sexually assaulted on a train in December. Despite reporting the incident to the police, the perpetrator was never apprehended, as reported by the BBC. Ms. Asson is currently undergoing counselling to manage the ongoing psychological impact of the attack. She expressed disappointment with the government’s announcement, stating, “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 further criticized the measures as inadequate, likening them to “a tiny plaster over a gaping wound that’s getting bigger and bigger.” Safeguarding Minister Natalie Fleet acknowledged the profound personal impact of such behavior, stating, “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.”
Advocacy Group Perspectives
The End Violence Against Women Coalition has indicated its support for measures that would subject train operators to increased scrutiny, as told to the BBC. However, the coalition also believes the government’s current plans are insufficient. Janaya Walker, the interim director, suggested that a “naming and shaming exercise” could serve as an incentive for companies to enhance their safety protocols. She cautioned, however, that “women and girls will not always have the luxury of skipping a train operator with a bad record,” emphasizing the necessity for more robust solutions.
Industry Response and Legal Framework
The Rail Delivery Group, representing the UK’s train operators, stated that the Safer Railway Scheme establishes a clear objective for all operators to adhere to recognized standards aimed at reducing both crime and the perception of crime on public transport, according to the group. Jacqueline Starr, the group’s chief executive, affirmed, “Everyone has the right to travel and work without fear.” This new scheme follows the recent implementation of the Public Sexual Harassment Act, which criminalizes intentional, sex-based harassment in public spaces. Under this act, offenders can now face criminal records, fines, and potential prison sentences of up to two years. The British Transport Police, through Ass Ch Con Charlie Doyle, has reiterated its commitment to not tolerating sexual harassment on the railway network. Passengers are encouraged to report any incidents on trains or at stations by texting the BTP at 61016.
