Racial and Religious Hate Crime on Public Transport Rising, Groups Warn

Racial and religious hate crime on public transport is increasing across the UK, according to new figures, with anti-racism organisations warning that fear of abuse is forcing some people to avoid buses and trains or restrict when they travel.

Data obtained by the Guardian through freedom of information requests shows that racial hate crime recorded by British Transport Police (BTP) across England, Wales and Scotland rose from 2,827 cases in 2019–20 to 3,258 in 2024–25. Religious hate crime has followed a similar upward trajectory, increasing from 343 incidents in 2019–20 to 419 in 2023–24, before dipping slightly to 372 the following year.

Community groups say the official figures are likely to represent only a fraction of incidents, as many victims choose not to report abuse. They warn that the nature of public transport can create conditions in which perpetrators feel emboldened, particularly where alcohol is involved or where victims are isolated in carriages or on buses.

Courtney, a woman in her twenties from Glasgow, described a racially abusive incident she experienced while travelling by train from the city centre in August. Wearing earphones and listening to music, she said she was caught off guard when an elderly woman sitting opposite her began making racist remarks.

“I didn’t think anything of it at first,” she said. “Out of nowhere, she began making racist comments, which got louder after she put on a face mask. I stayed quiet because I was genuinely taken aback – you never expect that level of hostility from a stranger.”

The situation escalated when the woman took out a can of Dettol disinfectant spray and sprayed it in Courtney’s direction. Courtney, who occasionally documents her daily life on TikTok, began recording the incident for her own safety.

“At that point, I felt I needed to document what was happening,” she said. “Whether it has got ‘worse’ is hard to say, but people seem more emboldened now, especially when they think no one will challenge them.”

The woman eventually moved seats but continued to shout abuse, including telling Courtney to “go back to your own country”. Other passengers later intervened to support her. Courtney said the presence of allies made a significant difference, urging people to show solidarity even if they do not feel able to confront an aggressor directly.

“Just standing beside the person or checking in with them can completely change how supported they feel,” she said.

Anti-racism organisations say such experiences are becoming increasingly common. Akeela Ahmed, chief executive of the British Muslim Trust, said the data mirrors reports her organisation receives nationwide.

“For visible Muslims in particular, the top deck of a bus or a half-empty train carriage can mean threatening behaviour, verbal abuse or even violent attack simply because of their faith,” she said. “We are calling on local authorities, transport operators and community safety partners to take urgent and meaningful action.”

Ahmed added that some of the most distressing cases handled by the trust involve public transport, with victims feeling forced to constantly monitor their behaviour for fear it could be misinterpreted or used against them. She also raised concerns about attacks on children travelling to and from school, and the lack of CCTV coverage on buses and at stops, which can allow perpetrators to evade accountability.

Carol Young, deputy director of the Scottish anti-racism charity Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights, said many people no longer feel safe using public transport.

“Anecdotally, we know that public transport does not feel safe for everyone,” she said. “Some people avoid it altogether or limit their journeys to certain times of day.”

Dave Rich, head of policy at the Community Security Trust, noted that the recent rise in incidents coincides with a broader increase in antisemitic hate crime following the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023.

“This is an ongoing problem that shows no signs of abating,” he said. “It is vital that police, the Crown Prosecution Service and transport operators are doing everything they can to catch and prosecute perpetrators.”

In response, a spokesperson for British Transport Police said abuse, intimidation and violence motivated by hate would never be tolerated.

“We act swiftly and decisively when hate crimes are reported on the rail network,” the spokesperson said. “If you are a victim of hate crime, or witness an incident that makes you feel uncomfortable, please do not suffer in silence.”

Community groups continue to urge bystanders to play a role in challenging abuse and supporting victims, stressing that even small acts of solidarity can help counter the fear many now associate with everyday journeys.