Union Calls for Greater Protection for London Transport Staff Amid Rise in Assaults

Transport workers in London are facing escalating levels of violence and abuse, with unions calling for urgent action to improve safety across the network.

New figures show there were 10,493 reported incidents of work-related violence and aggression against transport staff in 2023/24—equivalent to around 200 incidents every week. The data, presented to the London Assembly, also highlights a sharp rise in recent years, with incidents against rail staff up 35 per cent and bus drivers up 18.5 per cent since 2021.

The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) has launched a national campaign demanding stronger protections, warning that frontline staff are being subjected to daily abuse, including physical assaults, threats and harassment.

Calls for staffing, policing and legal reform

The union is urging Transport for London (TfL) and the government to introduce a series of measures, including increased staffing at stations, an end to lone working, and greater investment in the British Transport Police to ensure a more visible presence across the network.

It is also calling for new legislation to make assaulting a transport worker a specific criminal offence—similar to protections introduced for retail workers.

RMT senior assistant general secretary John Leach said the situation has worsened significantly, describing current conditions as “intolerable”.

“Every day our members are being punched, spat at, threatened and abused. It’s worse than it has ever been,” he said, adding that cost-cutting measures and reliance on agency security staff have contributed to the problem.

Frontline experiences highlight scale of issue

Testimonies from transport workers have underscored the severity of the issue. At a recent London Assembly transport committee session, staff described incidents involving physical assault and threats of violence while carrying out their duties.

One London Underground worker recounted being shoved and threatened while intervening to protect a colleague, while another described being punched and dragged across a station concourse during an altercation.

Workers have also linked rising abuse to reduced staffing levels, particularly at stations in outer London, where fewer visible staff are said to have weakened deterrence and increased fare evasion.

TfL response

TfL acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, stating that no employee should face abuse or violence at work. The organisation said it is working with police, operators and unions to address the problem.

Measures already being implemented include the rollout of body-worn cameras for frontline staff, upgrades to CCTV systems, enhanced policing efforts and public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing conflict.

TfL also said it is focusing on tackling the root causes of incidents, alongside improving enforcement and support for staff.

Growing pressure for action

The latest figures and testimonies have intensified pressure on both TfL and central government to take further action, with unions warning that without meaningful intervention, violence against transport workers risks becoming normalised.

Campaigners argue that improving staff visibility and strengthening legal protections will be key to restoring safety and confidence across London’s transport network.