Train operators are set to be evaluated by police on their effectiveness in combating sexual harassment on the railways, under a new initiative announced by the government. The scheme aims to hold companies accountable by assessing their performance against eight distinct standards, encompassing victim support and crime prevention strategies.

The new 'Safer Railway Scheme' is a response to growing concerns over passenger safety, particularly for women, on public transport. It follows a significant BBC investigation that highlighted a one-third rise in reported sexual assaults on trains over the last decade. The investigation also revealed that a lack of adequate CCTV coverage on the rail network has allowed perpetrators to escape justice.

Under the new framework, British Transport Police will assess how train companies support victims, protect vulnerable passengers, train their staff, and implement measures to prevent crime and harassment. Passengers will be encouraged to report incidents, ranging from staring and intrusive questions to unwelcome comments. Safeguarding Minister Natalie Fleet acknowledged the personal impact of such behavior, stating that "Too many women carry this every day, including on their journeys to work or home."

To achieve accreditation, train operators must attain an overall score of at least 70%. Companies falling short will be required by the Department for Transport to develop and implement an improvement plan. However, the government has indicated that there will be no financial or legal penalties for operators failing to meet these targets, a point that has drawn criticism from safety advocates.

More than 100 women have shared their experiences of sexual assaults on trains following the BBC's reporting. Lucy Asson, a 27-year-old physiotherapist, recounted being sexually assaulted on a train in December. Despite reporting the incident, the perpetrator was never apprehended, and she is now undergoing counseling for the lasting effects of the attack. Asson expressed disappointment with the government's new plans, calling them "not enough" and lacking "implication" or reassurance.

Women's safety groups and survivors of sexual abuse on trains have voiced concerns that the government's plans do not go far enough. They argue that without concrete penalties or legal ramifications for train operators who fail to meet the required standards, the scheme may lack the necessary enforcement to drive meaningful change and ensure passenger safety.

The scheme's effectiveness will depend on the commitment of train operators to genuinely improve their safety protocols and victim support mechanisms. The absence of penalties raises questions about the ultimate accountability of companies that consistently underperform in preventing and addressing sexual harassment on their services.

Further details on the implementation timeline and the specific metrics used for the eight standards are expected to be released. The ongoing dialogue between safety groups, survivors, and the government will be crucial in determining the long-term impact of the Safer Railway Scheme on public transport safety.