Merseyrail passengers offered access to a new British Transport Police app that allows them to report on-board aggro to the police control room. Tony McDonough reports
Merseyrail has signed up to a new British Transport Police (BTP) app designed to make its network safer for passengers.
BTP has launched its Railway Guardian app. This is a two-way communication platform designed to encourage the reporting of a range of issues. These include anti-social behaviour and criminal activity.
This app allows concerned passengers to make a report straight to the BTP control room. BTP officers can then deploy to the nearest, or next, station where appropriate.
Not only does the app encourage reporting of unwanted behaviour, but it also includes content aimed at encouraging positive behavioural change by providing advice on what is acceptable.
Its geographical location option also allows passengers to share their journey with loved ones. Passengers can report any crimes or concerns via the Railway Guardian app.
Under the ‘Report’ function, incidents can be reported to British Transport Police, Merseyrail, or anonymously to StreetSafe. If passengers require emergency assistance, they should always call 999.
Aside from reporting security issues, passengers can also use it to register any problems they spot whilst travelling, such as wear and tear or maintenance issues.
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Any report about stations or trains will be delivered directly to Merseyrail’s customer relations team and those making reports will be kept updated about the progress in resolving the issue they have highlighted.
Suzanne Grant, commercial director of Merseyrail, said: “While our network is one of the safest in the UK, with passengers responding to customer surveys telling us they feel safe while travelling with us, we continue to work hard to ensure this remains the case.
“By partnering with British Transport Police in the development of this app, we are helping to ensure that criminal behaviour including anti-social behaviour will have no place on our network.”