Sharp Rise in Rail Incidents and Harassment Reported by UK Office of Rail and Road
Data from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) highlights a significant surge in reported cases of violence and harassment on Britain’s railways, showing a 36% increase in passenger and public assaults up to March 2026 compared to the previous year. These findings indicate the highest number of reported incidents since records began in 2004, with a total of 13,464 assaults documented.
The ORR expressed concern over these statistics and has pledged to collaborate with industry stakeholders to tackle the issue. Specifically, harassment reports rose by 52%, while common assaults increased by 30% during the same period.
Workplace Safety Concerns
Incidents affecting railway workers also saw a rise, with 11,289 assaults reported, marking a 12% increase from the prior year. This includes 2,487 physical assaults and 6,390 cases of verbal abuse, with remaining incidents attributed to threats. Richard Hines, the ORR’s chief inspector of railways, stated efforts are ongoing to address violence and harassment in railway workplaces by identifying risks and enhancing incident reporting procedures.
Efforts to Mitigate Violence
On the London Underground, overall recorded assaults grew by 20% to 5,534, yet workforce assault reports dropped slightly by 3% to 3,525. Networks Rail and train companies are actively sharing information and employing body cameras to minimise risks, while working with British Transport Police to address incidents.
Transport Focus, representing passenger interests, acknowledges better reporting may influence increased incident statistics but insists on a strategic approach to improving personal safety on trains and in stations. The RMT union called for an end to lone working and better legal protections following figures that showed two-thirds of its members impacted by workplace violence.
Fatalities and Concerns
The ORR’s data also revealed an alarming increase in fatalities at mainline level crossings, with 11 deaths reported in the latest year, doubling from the previous year. These figures included eight pedestrian fatalities and three involving road vehicle users. The RMT union raised concerns about cuts to British Transport Police funding and advocated for improved security staffing.
Reporting based on coverage first published by bbc.co.uk.