Scotland’s rail industry is urging passengers to “think of the person behind the uniform” as the festive season approaches, highlighting the importance of respect and safety for rail staff during one of the busiest times of the year. The 2025 ‘Respect our Rail Workers’ campaign, supported by ScotRail, Network Rail, British Transport Police (BTP), and rail trade unions, coincides with the Christmas party season, a period when abuse on the network can increase.

The campaign encourages passengers to treat rail staff with courtesy as services, stations, and the night-time economy experience higher demand. ScotRail has invested £1.6 million to triple the number of body-worn cameras available to frontline staff across Scotland’s Railway, a measure that has helped deter anti-social behaviour and support investigations with high-quality footage and audio.

The train operator’s 36-member Travel Safe Team works in tandem with BTP, patrolling trains and stations to promote a safe environment. Scotland’s Railway also maintains one of the largest CCTV networks in the UK, with more than 8,000 cameras covering over 360 stations. Sixty stations feature cameras with intelligent video analytics capable of monitoring movements in real time and assisting authorities with follow-up investigations.

The campaign receives backing from the National Union of Rail, Maritime, and Transport Workers (RMT), the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF), the Transport Salaried Staff Association (TSSA), and Unite, alongside the Scottish Government, Transport Scotland, and BTP.

Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, said:

“Staff across Scotland’s Railway are working hard this festive season to provide extra services and later trains, helping everyone get home safely while supporting the night-time economy. I welcome this campaign from many partners that is calling for rail users to respect those who keep our network moving. Abuse or violence towards rail staff or fellow passengers is never acceptable and will not be tolerated. Enjoy all the festive season has to offer but plan your journey home using public transport where possible. If you see anything concerning, report it to British Transport Police by texting 61016.”

Joanne Maguire, ScotRail Managing Director, said:

“Christmas and New Year is one of our busiest periods, and our colleagues work incredibly hard to support customers travelling to shops, events, and to visit friends and family. The vast majority of our customers behave responsibly, but any form of abuse towards our colleagues is completely unacceptable. With increased availability of body-worn cameras, and increased numbers of staff working across our railway over the festive period, we’re giving staff even greater confidence that they have the tools and support they need, while also reinforcing our zero-tolerance approach to antisocial behaviour. Working closely with British Transport Police, we will continue to do everything we can to ensure Scotland’s Railway is a safe and welcoming place for everyone.”

Kevin Lindsay, ASLEF District Organiser, said:

“Anti-social behaviour and violence against rail workers is not acceptable at any time of the year, but over the festive holidays we ask all passengers to think about the impact their behaviour has on workers and fellow passengers. We encourage people to enjoy themselves, but respect those who are working hard to get them home safely.”

Gordon Martin, RMT Scotland Organiser, said:

“RMT welcome the additional profile the Scottish Government and the rail industry gives to respect for rail workers during the festive period. The problem however is all year round and only through an adequately staffed and properly policed network can rail workers and passengers feel safe and secure while working or travelling on Scotland’s Railway. RMT also welcome the ongoing discussions taking place with the Scottish Government, ScotRail, Network Rail and British Transport Police to explore other practical measures that can reduce assaults and anti-social behaviour and activities, including the possibility of introducing a stand-alone offence for assaulting public transport workers.”

Pat McIlvogue, Unite Industrial Officer, said:

“The ‘Respect our Rail Workers’ campaign during the festive season sends an important message to passengers across Scotland that all rail workers must be respected at all times. Whether in stations or on trains, no worker should be subjected to or have to tolerate any form of anti-social behaviour or violence. It is unacceptable. The campaign brings to the fore that the festive season is a time for joy and togetherness, and that same spirit should be given by rail passengers towards every person wearing a ScotRail uniform.”

Chief Superintendent Lorna McEwan, British Transport Police, said:

"There is absolutely no place for violent or intimidating behaviour on the railway network over the Christmas season, especially towards railway staff who are simply doing their jobs. We are aware that every offence is one too many, and we have officers across the rail network around the clock, at stations and on trains, to detect and deter crimes and reassure the public. When crimes do happen, we're fortunate to work in a CCTV rich environment to help bring offenders to justice. We relentlessly campaign to encourage victims and witnesses to report incidents to us so we can take action, and you can discreetly report crimes to us by texting 61016 or call us on 0800 40 50 40."

Innis Keith, Network Rail Health, Safety and Environment Director, said:

"There is no place for anti-social behaviour or violence towards rail workers at any time. Christmas and New Year is one of the busiest periods on Scotland’s Railway and our colleagues work tirelessly to keep passengers moving so they can spend time with family and friends. Our message is clear that abuse of any kind is unacceptable. We welcome the wider use of body-worn cameras to help protect staff and will continue to support this important campaign to ensure Scotland’s Railway remains safe for everyone."

Image: ScotRail