EPF was represented at a special summer session of the UN Economic Commission for Europe’s Rail Working Party on 18-19. June in Geneva. The event focused on the Security of Vulnerable Rail Users. Bryony Chetwode of TravelWatch SouthWest – one of EPF’s UK members – presented a paper on “Increasing the Security of Women in the Rail Environment”. Bryony used her presentation to reflect a female perspective. She underscored the importance of raising awareness and education along with the careful design of stations to enhance safety. The importance of digital connectivity for immediate assistance and charging facilities for phones to ensure passengers stay connected was also stressed. Implementing appropriate legislation and providing clear guidance were also highlighted as crucial measures. Following two days of intensive discussion, the Working Party asked the UN secretariat, in discussion with UIC – the international union of railways – to prepare best practice guidelines on the security of women on the railways with a view to publishing a guidance document.

The Meeting Report is available here.