Rail staff look out for vulnerable travellers

Train operator, Northern, has begun training its 7,000-strong workforce in how to spot vulnerable people on the railway – and have the confidence to intervene.

The firm, which runs trains through Sunderland, aims to train conductors, customer service and station staff – who interact with tens of millions of passengers a year, among which will be people subject to abuse, addiction and intimidation.

Northern says having the confidence to act when they spot something ‘not quite right’ requires its staff to have the right skills and a knowledge of the best ‘next steps’ to help someone in need.

Tricia Williams, chief operating officer at Northern said: “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do – and being able to spot those in need, whether they approach our teams for help or not, is really important.”

Acting Superintendent Dave Rams, head of crime andpublicprotectionatBritish Transport Police, said: “We welcome this positive action by Northern.

“Railstaffaretheeyesand ears of the rail network and if they report their concerns, they will help us protect people.”

In 2020, British Transport Police intervened in 25,997 cases involving vulnerable people on the rail system – including county lines activity,mentalhealthissues, domestic abuse, and child sexual exploitation.

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK,withnearly2,000services a day to more than 500 stations across the North.

British Transport Police can be contacted by text on 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40.