TransPeninne Express calls on railway users to help tackle harassment

The aim is to ask customers and colleagues to come together and act as Railway Guardians to raise awareness of, and tackle, harassment and sexual assault on the railway.

TPE is working with British Transport Police (BTP) to urge all rail users to look out for each other, challenge problematic behaviour and report incidents to the police.

Kathryn O’Brien, Customer Service and Operations Director at TransPennine Express said: “The railway is a safe place and, thankfully, instances of harassment and sexual assault are rare.

“But, when they do happen, they can be extremely frightening and can have a long-lasting effect on those involved.

“We all have a part to play in helping to keep each other safe and I’m pleased we’re able to work with our colleagues at British Transport Police to raise awareness of this important issue.”

TPE and BTP are asking rail users to download the free Railway Guardian app which has been developed by BTP and provides information on what to do if you witness or are a victim of harassment or sexual offences.

The app also provides a platform to discreetly report problematic behaviour and allows the user to share their location with trusted contacts and for those contacts to be notified when the user arrives at their specified destination.

Sergeant Steve O’Callaghan, BTP liaison officer at TPE, said: “Customers are our eyes and ears on the railway, and we need everyone to be aware of what’s going on around them and to reporting incidents – just a small action could be make the difference in preventing someone being a victim of crime.

“If you see an incident occurring or have any concerns, speak to a member of staff or the police, or report it using the Railway Guardian app – you can also text BTP discreetly using 61016.

"Anything that makes you feel uncomfortable is worth reporting and we take all reports seriously. Of course, if it is an emergency, always call 999.”

The Railway Guardian app is available in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

More information on how TPE keeps station, trains and customers safe can be found online.