Aggression and violence are no new phenomena in public transport. Since one decade however this unpleasant behaviour tends to occur more frequently and incidents are more serious. This article focuses on the development of these emotional outbursts, the factors that have attributed to the present situation and, finally, the possible combination of actions which could significantly improve social insecurity in public transport. The Dutch situation is dealt with. Amongst interviewed train conductors 75% responds that aggressive and violent behaviour is increasing. A bit less than half of them feel sometimes insecure during their work, especially during night hours. This situation generally causes a demotivation to check tickets at night. Passengers experience this lack of control and react differently, one category by taking advantage of this situation by not buying tickets, another category by feeling insecure because the conductor is not showing up. The main recommendations to improve social security in public transport are: increasing the staff; closing the main stations by tourniquets; increasing the frequency of ticket control in the trains; reducing anonymity in the trains by a more personal approach of the train crew; and by improving the co-operation between public transport authorities, police, school and social agencies.
Abstract