Reports of harassment, violent offences and antisocial behavior on London’s buses, tubes and trains have risen sharply in recent years, according to new figures released by Transport for London (TfL). But while the official crime data tell one story, the experiences and anxieties of many passengers suggest another. A BBC analysis of the latest statistics reveals a growing gap between recorded incidents and the widespread fear that simply getting from A to B in the capital is becoming less safe. As TfL and the Mayor’s office hail progress in some areas, commuters and campaigners are raising urgent questions about under-reporting, visible policing and whether the network is doing enough to protect its most vulnerable users.
Rising reports of harassment and violence across the Tube buses and Overground
Newly released figures from Transport for London show a marked increase in incidents ranging from verbal intimidation to serious assault, painting a troubling picture of daily travel for many passengers. Commuters recount experiences of being followed through carriages, subjected to abusive language or witnessing fights break out in packed buses at rush hour, fuelling a sense that the network is becoming less predictable and less safe. Women, younger travellers and night-shift workers say they are adjusting their journeys, choosing longer routes or avoiding certain lines altogether after dark. What once felt like a shared public space is, for some, becoming a place where vigilance is constant and trust is eroding.
This shift is reflected in what travellers say they now look for when stepping on board. Many describe scanning for staff, fellow passengers or well‑lit areas before taking a seat, while others rely on phones held discreetly at the ready to record or report incidents. Common passenger concerns include:
- Unwanted approaches and persistent harassment in quieter carriages
- Alcohol‑fuelled aggression on late‑night services and weekend routes
- Targeted abuse linked to gender, race or sexuality
- Groups blocking aisles, intimidating those trying to pass
- Slow intervention when incidents are reported in real time
| Mode | Most reported concern |
|---|---|
| Tube | Harassment in crowded carriages |
| Buses | Verbal abuse towards passengers and drivers |
| Overground | Feeling unsafe late at night |
Women and minority passengers far more likely to feel unsafe during everyday journeys
Transport for London’s own figures suggest a striking disparity in who feels at risk when they tap in and out each day.While overall reported crime remains relatively low,surveys and incident reports show that women,Black and Asian passengers,and LGBTQ+ Londoners are consistently more likely to describe routine trips as tense,stressful or threatening. Many recount altering their routes, standing closer to staff or CCTV, and avoiding certain lines after dark, underscoring a subtle but constant calculation of risk that others rarely notice. These fears are fuelled not only by high-profile assaults but by a steady drumbeat of microaggressions, harassment and unwanted attention that frequently enough go unreported.
Campaigners argue that the result is a form of “silent rationing” of mobility, where some Londoners feel public transport is not truly for them. Research shared with the BBC points to a mismatch between official safety messaging and lived experience,with vulnerable groups saying they want more visible staff,quicker responses to complaints and clearer follow-up when they do speak out. Common concerns include:
- Inadequate lighting on platforms, walkways and bus stops at night
- Slow or absent intervention when harassment is witnessed
- Lack of feedback after reporting incidents via apps or hotlines
- Overcrowded carriages where escape or assistance feels impossible
| Passenger group | Report feeling unsafe “often” | Common worry |
|---|---|---|
| Women | 3 in 10 | Verbal & sexual harassment |
| Ethnic minority passengers | 1 in 4 | Racist abuse & profiling |
| LGBTQ+ passengers | 1 in 3 | Homophobic or transphobic slurs |
How station design staffing levels and surveillance gaps leave key routes vulnerable
Behind the rising anxiety captured in the latest TfL figures lies a quieter story about how the capital’s network is physically run. On many outer-London routes,concourses thin out into long,poorly lit passageways just as staffing levels drop,creating blind spots that offenders quickly learn to exploit. Platforms that once had a constant human presence now rely heavily on remote cameras and emergency help points that are often out of sight when passengers feel most exposed. Commuters repeatedly describe the same pattern: incidents clustering in areas where staff are scarce, visibility is low and escape routes are limited.
Transport unions and safety campaigners say this mix of stretched teams and patchy surveillance leaves particular pinch points exposed. Common concerns include:
- Unstaffed ticket halls late at night, especially on interchange stations.
- Closed gatelines that allow people to move in and out without any interaction with staff.
- CCTV “dead zones” on stairwells, lifts and the far ends of platforms.
- Slow response times where a single roving staff member covers multiple platforms.
| Location type | Typical staffing | Passenger concern |
|---|---|---|
| Suburban platforms | Part-time presence | Long waits when quiet |
| Interchange corridors | Roving only | Hidden corners, no oversight |
| Night Tube entrances | Minimal staff | Groups gathering unchecked |
Practical steps for TfL City Hall and passengers to rebuild confidence in public transport
Restoring trust starts with visibility and clarity.City Hall and TfL can deploy more uniformed staff and police at key interchanges and on late-night routes, combined with real-time incident reporting via the TfL app that allows passengers to flag problems discreetly. Obvious dialog is equally critical: publishing easy-to-read crime dashboards at stations and online, with trends and outcomes of reported incidents, helps passengers see where action is being taken rather than relying on alarming headlines alone. Small design interventions – brighter lighting, open sightlines at platforms and bus stops, and clear CCTV signage – can have an outsized effect on perceived safety, especially for women, young people and night workers.
- Immediate reporting: One-tap reporting tools and QR codes in carriages.
- Visible guardians: More staff patrols during peak fear times,not just peak travel times.
- Clear information: Short safety briefings on digital displays and in-app alerts.
- Passenger voice: Regular safety forums with community groups and transport unions.
| Action | Lead | Passenger Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Night safety patrols | TfL & BTP | Reassurance on late services |
| Safety data dashboard | City Hall | Greater transparency |
| On-board reporting tools | TfL | Faster response to incidents |
| Passenger safety panels | Community | Policy shaped by lived experience |
Passengers themselves are not bystanders in this process. Choosing to report low-level harassment and antisocial behaviour, even when it feels minor, helps build a fuller picture of risk and directs resources where they are most needed. Commuters can travel in pairs late at night, make use of well-lit carriages near the driver, and share journey details with trusted contacts using existing phone features and apps. Civic responsibility matters too: bystanders who safely intervene, alert staff, or capture time and location details for victims can turn a frightening moment into a documented case that authorities can act on. As more Londoners participate in this informal safety network, the system gradually shifts from one of solitary fear to shared vigilance.
Closing Remarks
As City Hall and transport chiefs wrestle with how best to respond, the numbers offer both warning and opportunity. They confirm that many Londoners’ concerns are rooted in real experiences, yet also suggest that targeted policing, better reporting and clearer communication can make a difference.
For now, the dissonance between crime statistics and public perception remains a critical fault line. Whether Londoners feel safe enough to keep using buses, tubes and trains will depend not only on how crime is tackled, but on how convincingly they are shown that it is.
The data has set out the scale of the challenge. It is now for policymakers, police and Transport for London to decide what happens next – and whether the journey towards safer, more trusted public transport will be one passengers are willing to stay on.
