URGENT action is needed to protect transport workers in London amid an increase in violent attacks and aggression, the RMT union demanded today.

The union’s analysis of official figures showed a 9 per cent increase in incidents of violence against staff across London Underground, London Overground, the Elizabeth Line and the Docklands Light Railway in the year to November 2025 compared with the previous year.

Nearly two-thirds of staff experienced workplace violence in the past year, rising to 85 per cent among London Underground station and revenue protection staff, the union’s own study found.

About half of those incidents occurred while staff were lone working, said the RMT, which called for action to tackle violence against staff.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “Violence and abuse against transport workers is a serious and growing problem on London’s public transport network and our members are reporting that incidents are becoming more frequent.

“It is completely unacceptable for our members to have to face such an intolerable situation.

“Increasing staffing levels across the network, ending lone working, providing safe places of refuge and an increased British Transport Police presence are key to tackling the risk of violence.

“Transport workers keep London moving and they deserve to be able to do their jobs without fear of abuse or assault.”

London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan and Transport for London brought together senior transport leaders, the police and trade union representatives today for a summit on work-related violence and aggression.

The meeting was aimed at reducing violence, abuse and intimidation against transport staff, including its operators and contractors.

Sir Sadiq said: “Violence and aggression towards anyone at work is completely unacceptable and we must have zero tolerance for this on London’s transport network.”