Respect rail workers calls

TRAIN passengers in the region are being urged to 'Think of the person behind the uniform' this Christmas. That was the message from Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop, ScotRail, Network Rail, British Transport Police (BTP), and rail trade unions as they launched the 2025 ‘Respect our Rail Workers’ festive campaign. Christmas can see a rise in abuse on the rail network, so customers locally are encouraged to treat rail staff with courtesy and respect throughout this busy period, when services and stations see a significant rise in demand. ScotRail has a number of proactive measures in place to help prevent and combat abuse, including body-worn cameras available to frontline staff; a Travel Safe Team, which works closely with BTP; and over 8000 CCTV cameras, monitoring more than 360 stations. Fiona Hyslop MSP 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. "Abuse or violence towards rail staff or fellow passengers is never acceptable and will not be tolerated." Joanne Maguire, ScotRail managing director, added: “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." And 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 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." Above: left to right: Joanne Maguire, ScotRail Managing Director; Chief Superintendent Lorna McEwan, British Transport Police; Fiona Hyslop MSP; Ross Moran, Network Rail Scotland