The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport UK (CILT UK) is warning the coach and bus industry that more must be done to help safeguard female passengers and improve confidence when traveling at night. The call comes on the back of an industry survey that quizzed respected and experienced professionals who determined several concerning findings and proposals.

The survey interviewed 100 experts from the CILT UK’s Busmark group - a committee of specialists from across the bus and coach sector. The questions not only focused on the challenges but also solutions which included:

- Gaps in security, with 88% of respondents admitting they have no security measures in place for passengers to report live issues and only 30% said 50 to 100 of their security cameras have audio coverage.

- Bus operators should work closer with local police forces on nighttime security to help prevent and act when needed.

- The need for an operator wide campaign promoting prevention and action. Similar to “Ask for Angela" (code-phrase for staff to indicate you require help in a public place). A discreet way to signal to staff that a person may need help if you feel unsafe or vulnerable.

- On-board adverts, digital and print, should highlight the use of CCTV – promoting prevention and security. 
 
- Further staff training to support female passengers in different scenarios.  

Austin Birks FCILT, CILT(UK) Vice Chair of the Board and Chair of the Bus & Coach Forum said: “Our job is to listen to industry leaders to help understand the challenges around female passenger safety and most importantly what needs to be done to improve it. It’s clear to see responses have highlighted a pressing need to improve the real-time safety of female passengers, particularly at night, and for the launch of a campaign to raise staff awareness and boost confidence among female passengers.”

Members of Bus mark hosted a formal meeting where the survey results were discussed at length,  this was supported by a presentation by Professor Andy Newton, Professor of Criminology and Policing at Nottingham Trent University and world renowned expert in this field. Professor Newton added his insights and expert views on the challenges and what options can be deployed.

Anna-Jane Hunter FCILT, CILT(UK) Chair of the Board said: “These latest findings are vital as they highlight a significant gap in how the sector supports the safety of women and girls. The data shows a clear call from within the industry for greater collaboration with police, better reporting mechanisms, and stronger communication with passengers. As an Institute, we believe these insights should act as a catalyst for real change across the sector.”  

Based on recipient responses the Institute has advised the next steps should be to create a new national campaign supported by the Department for Transport (DfT), local authorities and bus operators across the UK. The full report and findings can be found here.