A PUBLICLY funded, well-staffed railway is key to curbing rising assaults on rail workers, the RMT union said today.

An investigation by the BBC found the number of assaults on rail staff recorded by police was up by 10 per cent last year compared to 2019, despite an 11 per cent reduction in passenger numbers.

Rail workers reported being spat at, punched, and attacked, it found.

A Freedom of Information request showed that 4,088 attacks were recorded at railway stations across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Southeastern reported the most incidents, with 438 attacks recorded.

The railway has now “teamed up” with Network Rail and the British Transport Police to “prevent trespassing, anti-social behaviour, and assaults on staff.”

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch emphasised today that “a well-staffed railway” is crucial in discouraging anti-social behaviour and helping passengers feel safer.

Network Rail sought to close down 1,000 ticket offices and implement staff lay-offs last year in a bid to cut costs.

Authorities scrapped the idea, which critics said would have gravely compromised passenger safety and accessibility, after an RMT-led Save Our Ticket Offices campaign mobilised massive public opposition.

Mr Lynch said: “Ultimately the best way forward to prevent assaults and abuse of staff is a fully publicly owned, well-funded and adequately staffed railway that is accessible to all.”

He said that the “disturbing” statistics “underline what our members have to deal with every day on trains and stations. 

“There can be no justification whatsoever for railway workers to be harassed, abused, or assaulted at work. 

“We expect the full penalty of law to be enforced in all circumstances.”

British Transport Police said workshops encouraging rail staff to report assaults and abuse are being carried out.