TSSA welcomes railway bans for disruptive passengers 

Rail union TSSA has described as a ‘welcome step’ the introduction of Railway Behaviour Notices giving train companies the ability to ban anti-social and disruptive passengers from the network for up to twelve months.  

The bans include access to stations and can be extended if necessary. This follows an extensive campaign by TSSA for increased railway safety and bigger budgets for British Transport Police (BTP). 

Commenting, TSSA General Secretary, Maryam Eslamdoust said: “These bans are a welcome step and without doubt an important move towards making public transport safe for everyone, including our members. 

“It's clear we have been seeing a significant rise in violence, threats and intimidation towards transport workers as well as the travelling public. That is why, for some time, we have been calling for perpetrators to be removed from the transport network. 

“There is much more to do, and we will continue making the case working with our partners across the industry to make sure everyone can use our rail network with confidence and in safety.” 

 Railway Behaviour Notices can last between six and twelve months and can be renewed if behaviour continues. Safeguarding remains central, with exemptions available for essential travel such as medical appointments or education.