Train companies across England and Wales will face public ratings on how effectively they tackle sexual harassment under a new government-backed scheme announced today.
The Safer Railway Scheme, set to launch next year, marks the first time British Transport Police (BTP) will formally grade operators such as Avanti West Coast, Govia Thameslink Railway, and CrossCountry on their response to harassment and assault on board services and at stations. Each company must score at least 70% to earn accreditation, with operators falling short required to draft improvement plans—but no financial penalties or legal consequences are planned.
Key Points
- ✅ Train operators to be publicly scored by police on handling harassment
- ⚡ Minimum 70% score required for accreditation, but no penalties for failing
- 💡 Scheme launches in 2025 with no legal or financial enforcement
Safeguarding Minister Natalie Fleet acknowledged the emotional toll of harassment, stating, “Too many women live with fear during daily commutes.” Yet survivors like Lucy Asson, a 27-year-old physiotherapist sexually assaulted on a train in December, say the ratings do not go far enough. “A score that doesn’t count for anything doesn’t reassure me,” Asson said. “They’re putting a tiny plaster over a gaping wound.”
| Oversight Measure | Safer Railway Scheme | Public Sexual Harassment Act |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Weight | No penalties for low scores | Fines, criminal records, up to 2 years in prison for offenders |
| Scope | Operator performance ratings | Criminal offence for intentional harassment in public |
| Enforcement | Improvement plans only | Police and courts |
The scheme follows the Public Sexual Harassment Act, which came into force last month, criminalising sex-based harassment in public spaces. BTP Assistant Chief Constable Charlie Doyle confirmed the force’s zero-tolerance stance, urging passengers to report incidents via text to 61016. However, the new ratings system lacks direct consequences for operators, drawing criticism from women’s safety groups.
💡 Pro Tip
If you experience or witness harassment, document details immediately and report via 61016—your report strengthens police data and may trigger faster action.
End Violence Against Women Coalition called for stronger measures, arguing that public naming and shaming alone won’t protect passengers. “Women can’t always avoid a train operator with a poor record,” said interim director Janaya Walker. The Rail Delivery Group, representing operators, welcomed the scheme as a step toward reducing crime and fear, with CEO Jacqueline Starr stating, “Everyone has the right to travel without fear.”
📋 By The Numbers
- 33% — Increase in reported sexual assaults on UK trains over the past decade
- 100+ — Women who came forward after a BBC investigation to share assault stories
- 2025 — Planned launch year for the Safer Railway Scheme ratings
Experts warn that without enforcement, the ratings may serve only as a PR tool. “A score is meaningless if it doesn’t change behaviour,” said Dr. Emma Williams, a criminologist at the University of Birmingham. The government has not outlined how public ratings will be published or updated, leaving passengers uncertain about transparency.
- Victim Support — Operators must provide counselling referrals and clear reporting channels
- Staff Training — Frontline workers trained to recognise and respond to harassment signs
- Crime Prevention — Enhanced surveillance and staff patrols at high-risk stations
The move reflects growing public pressure after multiple investigations revealed systemic failures in CCTV reliability and slow police responses. Survivors argue that real change requires accountability—not just assessment. “We need consequences, not just scores,” said one survivor who asked not to be named. As the scheme prepares for launch, the debate over safety on Britain’s railways intensifies.