Female Safety on Public Transport
Public transport is an essential service that provides individuals with access to work, to an education and to all of life’s opportunities. Many females, sadly however, have a real safety concern about using public transport in the UK. A recent survey by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside showed that
“54% of women felt unsafe using public transport in Merseyside at night and nearly 42% had concerns about using it in the day.”
And, it’s not just in the UK. In France violence against female rail passengers is also a matter of major concern, and it’s a similar story across the whole of the EU.
This blog is a guide to female safety on public transport.
Plan your journey
Try to plan your route in advance. This is obviously easier for regular commuter journeys but is equally important for less regular and one-off trips. Most transport networks provide good online maps and route planners as well as apps to tell you everything you need to know about your journey.
Make sure this includes detail like knowing where to catch your bus or train and where you will be getting off. If you have a prolonged wait for a connection, find out if there are waiting rooms available or other facilities, such as a café, at the station.
Don’t assume that full services are provided after dark or on bank holidays and weekends so check that you know the times of the last buses or trains.
Identify your exits and alarms
Whatever form of transport you are using, identify your exits including fire and emergency exits. Look also for alarm systems. While these are often co-located with exits, they are also spread throughout the transport, particularly train carriages.
You should do this not only when using the transport, but also when waiting on platforms and in stations. They are normally well sign posted but are not necessarily well illuminated and so you might want to use the best lit exit, rather than most convenient, after dark.
When standing on a platform at night choose a well-lit area.
Let others know where you are
Share details of your route with someone so that, if anything happens, they will know where you were travelling, how and when. If it’s a long journey, or you are changing from train to taxi, for example, let others know what stage you’re at.
Sit where others are
While most taxis, buses and trains are now fitted with CCTV this is a reactive system and depends upon it being monitored in real time.
On buses and trains sit where other people are, unless their behaviour worries you. Sitting close to others means that you will not be isolated and can take protection from the greater number of people.
In the event that your train is otherwise empty try to sit in a carriage close to the driver or any conductor.
If you are travelling on an empty bus, particularly late at night, it is always best to sit near the driver. Don’t sit alone on the top deck of a double decker bus.
Limit distractions
So many of us use headphones or ear pods, and watch films and content on our smartphones. Cranking up the volume and allowing yourself to become completely immersed in your music means that you are blocking some of your senses and will be less aware of your surroundings. So, even if you want to crank up the volume, select a lower volume and you will be more aware. It may be that you only use a single ear pod.
Better still, don’t use headphones or ear pods at all when you are alone or in a vulnerable place.
Avoid travelling alone if possible
Whenever you can, avoid travelling alone. Should you travel on your own, try not to sleep, even though it can be tough. Sleeping leaves you vulnerable individually and any bags or valuables you have with you will be unguarded.
On arrival at your destination, try to get someone to meet you at the bus stop or station. This is especially important if you have a lot to carry with you.
Give whoever is collecting you a call before you arrive to confirm they are on the way and know where to collect you. If you need to wait for them at the station or bus stop, find a well-lit place to stand, preferably in sight of others.
If you need to walk from the bus stop or station, try to walk near other people. Consider asking if you can walk along with them, even if you don’t subsequently talk with them. Remember that even though you may be gaining safety from them, you don’t need to share any personal information.
Use Taxis correctly
If you travel in a taxi on your own make sure it is a licensed cab. A licensed cab should always have a registered licence ID number on the back of the vehicle just above the registration number plate. Try to keep a local taxi/cab firm number with you in case you need to call them or, download a well-known cab service such as Uber.
In places like London there are black cabs. You can stop them in the street or you can book them in advance. These are different to a minicab which looks like an ordinary car and is licensed as previously mentioned. Minicabs are not allowed to pick up passengers in the street without a booking. If a minicab driver stops next to you in the street and offers to take you home, never accept the offer. The driver is probably not licensed and it is illegal to do this.
Before you get into the taxi:
- Make sure the driver can confirm your name and your destination.
- Ask them to show you their ID.
- Take a photo of the taxi’s number plate and text it to family or friends.
- If the driver objects, take another taxi.
Sit in the back behind the driver. Sitting here makes it hardest for the driver to assault you in the unlikely event they do so. Keep you valuables like your phone on your person.
If you need to get out quickly do not stop to take any bulky belongings and bags, get out and put distance between you and them. Make immediately for somewhere you know to be safe or where other people are.
Keep your valuables safe
While your travelling your valuables and bags may be a target for thieves. Every time you open your bags, purse or wallet, assume someone is watching to see what you have and where you keep them.
Keep important documents and money on you at all times. If you have items such as a laptop or iPad in a separate bag keep that with you also.
Whenever you arrive at the bus stop or platform have your ticket, pass or money ready in your hand and keep your purse or wallet out of sight.
Whenever you need to access your purse, or bag step out of the main flow of people into a safe area and sort yourself out before heading off again.
Make sure your bag is properly closed and that no-one can see your valuables, for example, your mobile phone. This limits the chances for an opportunity thief.
During longer journeys keep your valuables with you when you go to the toilet or buffet car. If you need to leave anything at your seat, ask another passenger to keep an eye on them for you.
Do not put your purse or mobile phone in your back pocket.
Use your mobile phone properly
Take a few simple precautions to avoid having your mobile phone stolen. You can also make your phone difficult to use if it is stolen:
- Avoid talking on your mobile while walking
- Before taking out your mobile, check to see who is around and position yourself in a way that will make it difficult for thieves to approach you
- Don’t share important information when speaking on your phone, like card numbers or bank details. Assume someone is listening and will take note of all the details you give away.
- Don’t leave it on display in any cafes, bars, tables on trains or visible on the seat next to you.
- Learn how to use the Emergency Call feature on your smartphone.
- Always use the keypad lock function.
Don’t be afraid to move
Trust your instincts. If you are sat somewhere and feel uncomfortable move away if you can. An example might be if you see someone behaving in a loud, aggressive or intoxicated manner.
If you are on the tube you could exit at the next stop and find another carriage where you feel safer or you can alert a member of staff at the station if you feel someone needs to intervene.
Travelling at Night
Using any form of public transport at night can be worrisome. If taking the bus, be sure to check the timetable beforehand, so you aren’t waiting around more than necessary. Where possible, wait only at well-lit stops that are often busier, such as bus stations. These places often have security nearby as well as security cameras that can act as a deterrent to attackers.
When taking the train at night, be sure to stay near the front. The last carriage is often the furthest away from everyone. The same idea applies with buses, as the back is furthest from the driver, and often darker.
At empty stations be aware if someone exits at the same stop as you. If you are at all worried by them, consider staying on the train ad speak to the guard, as it provides more protection.
Don't Talk to Strangers
Just like your mum said, don’t talk to strangers.
Having a light-hearted conversation may seem alright but can be the start of a conversation which they control.
If you do get into a chat, don’t share personal details of where you are staying and what you are doing with strangers on public transportation. The person you may be talking to might be perfectly fine, but those who overhear may not have your best interests in mind.
If you are worried by anybody who talks to you, move to another seat or break the conversation. Tell them you need to read your book or something. If they are honest, they will not be upset by you being a bit rude.
It’s always best to be cautious of how much you’re telling others and what they could do with the information you give them.
And finally, If you spot something suspicious
Spotted something suspicious? If you see anything which seems out of place on public transport, for example a bag which does not appear to belong to anyone, please let a member of staff at the station know. It may be nothing, but it is better to be cautious. You will not be wasting anyone’s time by raising concerns you have.
