When compared to men, women are more likely to feel unsafe while using public transport. 

In this episode of CIHT's Podcast 'Transport Talks' we interview Katja Frisinger on their experience as a conductor, regarding how they handle women and girls' safety on board their trains. 

Katja is a Conductor at Great Western Railway (GWR) based in Exeter, who is passionate about Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion within the railway. Katja sits as Chair of Aspect, GWR’s LGBTQ+ Network, and works alongside the wider Inclusion Action Board to promote change within the company. They are also a GWR Equalities Representative, and sit on the Advisory Committees for Young members and LGBT+ members of The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), as well as an Equalities Officer on the committee for RMT’s Exeter Rail branch. They are passionate about public transport and always happy to talk about the intricacies of train services, and how to get more people using them.  

We discussed what an average day looks like for them and how the issue of women and girls’ safety plays out in their role. Post-COVID transport looks like for them is also discussed. As well as what passengers should do when they witness others feeling uncomfortable on trains and the importance of reporting everything and anything they see.

Key Quotes 

When talking about instances of violence on trains in general that are increasing post-COVID Katja commented:

People were stuck inside for two years and forgot how to act... so every journey you feel more entitled for it to go well, so everyone is putting a lot of pressure on everything they are doing. It is getting better now, but especially when we were first out again it felt like everyone wanted the best night ever or the best holiday down to Cornwall because we haven't been anywhere in so long...and you don't want people to get in your way of those good times.

When asked what transport professionals can do to stop these instances they said:

It's all about vigilance and pre-empting events. If everyone has it in their minds and are spotting it before they arise that's one of the big ways to stop it - and that includes passengers too, if you see something that doesn't look right then let someone know so we can get in there before any harm's done

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the CIHT or its members. Neither the CIHT nor any person acting on their behalf may be held responsible for the use which may be made of the information contained therein.

Want to discover more about women and girls' safety on public transport?

Sign up to our FREE CIHT Monthly Masterclass - Making public transport a safe space for women and girls where we talk to:

Susan Leadbetter MCIHT, Senior Consultant, WSP & CIHT's 2022 Research Initiative Award Winner

Sam Painter, Detective Inspector - Sexual Offences / VIAWG Strategy & Implementation Lead, British Transport Police

Jo Field Chart.PR FCIHT FCIPR, Women in Transport President, Founder & CEO of JFG Communications