- Conference
- 2018 National Women's Conference
- Date
- 27 September 2017
- Decision
- Carried
Conference notes that women’s conference 2017 carried motions 29 – Safe travel and Motion 30 – Driver only trains deny accessible support for disabled women.
The survey of women members that was subsequently undertaken showed that women-only carriages were very low priority for the women who replied and that improved safety on current provision including at bus and train stops was the priority, particularly for women travelling in the evening and late at night.
Women were particularly concerned at the lack of staff – platform staff, guards on trains and bus/tram conductors; and by the threatening and/or rowdy behaviour of other travellers. The high cost of public transport and unreliability of services were also major issues of concern.
Conference believes that segregated carriages/travel is not the answer. Women may be more vulnerable by identifying themselves as lone travellers and may still be subject to intimidation, assault and abuse if such a system was introduced. Conference believes that women have the right to travel freely and without fear, without accepting the retrograde step of segregation.
Conference therefore calls upon the national women’s committee to work with all relevant bodies and partner organisations to:
• oppose any further calls for segregated travel;
• campaign for improved safety measures, including adequate lighting; CCTV; visible and adequate staffing; up-to-date travel information in advance as well as at point of use;
• support other transport unions and passenger groups in their campaigns to improve the provision of guards and/or conductors on trains and buses;
• lobby for improved access to travel for vulnerable passengers who may find themselves in circumstances where they do not have the financial means to travel ie young women who have lost their travel pass/money.