Police to score train firms on tackling sexual harassment

Train operators will be scored by police on how they tackle sexual harassment on the railways.

Under new government plans, the companies will be judged on eight different standards - including victim support and crime prevention.

But women's safety groups and survivors of sexual abuse on trains say the government's plans do not go far enough.

The announcement follows a BBC investigation that revealed reports of sexual assaults on trains have risen by a third over the past decade, with sex offenders on trains escaping justice because of serious issues with CCTV on the rail network.

The new scheme encourages passengers to report incidents on the train such as staring, intrusive questions and unwelcome comments.

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."

For a train company to be accredited under the new Safer Railway Scheme, the British Transport Police (BTP) will assess how they support victims, protect vulnerable passengers, train staff, and prevent crime and harassment.

An overall score of at least 70% will be required to be accredited, with the Department for Transport able to require operators that fall below that to implement an improvement plan.

But the government is not intending to introduce any financial or legal penalties for train operators who are not meeting the targets.

Following the BBC's investigations, more than 100 women have come forward to share their stories of sexual assaults on the railways.

Lucy Asson was sexually assaulted on a train in December and reported the incident to police, but the perpetrator was never found.

The 27-year-old physiotherapist is now receiving counselling for the ongoing impact of the sexual attack.

"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 is disappointed by 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 supported measures "to ensure train operators face greater scrutiny", but the government's plans do not go far enough.

Janaya Walker, interim director, said "a naming and shaming exercise is one way to incentivise companies to do more", but "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, which represents the UK's train operators, said the Safer Railway Scheme sets a clear ambition for all train operators to meet recognised standards "to reduce both crime and the fear of crime".

"Everyone has the right to travel and work without fear," its chief executive Jacqueline Starr said.

The scheme follows the Public Sexual Harassment Act coming into force last month, which makes intentional, sex‑based harassment in public a criminal offence. That means perpetrators can now face a criminal record, fines, and up to two years in prison.

BTP's Ass Ch Con Charlie Doyle, from the British Transport Police, said the force would not tolerate sexual harassment on the railway network.

Passengers can text BTP on 61016 to report any incidents on trains or at railways stations.

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this story organisations that can provide support can be found at BBC Action Line.