Key facts
- Reported assaults on Britain's railways reached a record 24,753 incidents in 2025-26.
- Assaults against passengers and the public increased 36% to 13,464.
- Assaults against rail staff rose 12% to 11,289, including nearly 2,500 physical assaults.
- Harassment incidents against the public increased 52% year-on-year.
- Common assault incidents against the public increased 30% year-on-year.
- Unions are calling for increased staffing, an end to lone working, and stronger legal protections for transport workers.
Reported assaults on Britain's railways have reached a record high of nearly 25,000 incidents in the 2025-26 period, according to figures released by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). The number of assaults against passengers and the public surged by 36% year-on-year to 13,464, the highest figure since the ORR began tracking data in 2004. Assaults on rail staff also saw a significant increase, rising by 12% to 11,289 incidents, which included nearly 2,500 physical assaults. The figures for the public showed a 52% increase in harassment and a 30% rise in common assault.
Unions, including the RMT, have attributed the rise partly to increased reporting and zero-tolerance campaigns but also highlighted concerns about ongoing threats to frontline workers and the availability of transport police. RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey stated that two-thirds of their members had experienced violence at work in the past year and called for increased staffing, an end to lone working, and stronger legal protections for transport workers, criticizing funding cuts to British Transport Police.
Richard Hines, chief inspector of railways at the ORR, acknowledged the increase as concerning and stated that the ORR is working with industry and unions to address work-related violence and harassment. This includes guidance for rail employers on risk assessment, control measures, incident reporting, and support for staff. A spokesperson for Network Rail and train operators emphasized that violence and abuse are unacceptable and that the industry collaborates with British Transport Police to investigate incidents and bring offenders to justice. They also noted that improved intelligence sharing, reporting processes, and the use of CCTV and body-worn cameras contribute to the higher reported numbers.
Mark Phillips, chief executive of the Rail Safety and Standards Board, indicated that while the rail industry is taking action to protect staff, the figures underscore the need for a change in public behavior and greater respect for railway workers. The ORR report also noted that headline assault figures can include multiple counts within a single incident, and workforce assaults are recorded even without physical injury. The abuse faced by rail staff mirrors similar issues in other sectors like retail and the NHS.