Violence on public transport prompts call for action
Violence on the capital’s transport network has resulted in staff leaving with broken bones and some even going to A&E, an investigation has found. As many as 10,500 cases of work-related violence and aggression were recorded, though many incidents are believed to be unreported.
The London Assembly’s Transport Committee heard from workers as part of an investigation into violence. More must be done to protect workers, it told TfL and British Transport Police (BTP).
Figures revealed that there were 200 incidents against transport staff in London every week in 2023-24, the latest period for available data. 10,493 reports of work related violence and aggression were reported in that time as well.
Tackling the issue was an “absolute priority,” Siwan Hayward, TfL’s director of security, policing and enforcement said.
Attacks on rail staff rose by 161% between 2020 and 2024, while bus drivers saw assaults increase by 18.5% over the same period.
More recent figures suggest the overall rate of attacks had remains stable, Hayward said, addng that physical incidents had fallen.
TfL is concerned that workplace violence had been unreported, she told the committee. “We want every incident to be reported,” she said. “Discussing and promoting how seriously we take workplace violence is a constant theme when we have internal meetings.”
Stay tuned to EyeOnLondon for the latest news and expert opinions.
Follow us on:
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!
We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!
