Rail passenger safety
Some people feel unsafe on crowded trains or travelling late at night. The tips and information here should help you complete your journey safely and with a sense of security.
Personal security
When travelling alone:
- keep an eye on your bags
- don't put your wallet in your back pocket
- if you're a visitor to the area, try to keep your camera and map out of sight as much as possible
If you're travelling late at night:
- check timetables to limit your waiting time
- keep looking around you to make yourself less of a target for thieves
- stay in well lit areas
- arrange to be met at the station if possible
Mobile phone safety
Take a few simple precautions to avoid having your mobile phone stolen. You can also make your phone difficult to use if it is stolen:
- avoid talking on your mobile while walking
- before taking out your mobile, check to see who is around and position yourself in a way that will make it difficult for thieves to approach you
- try to be where a CCTV can see you
- record the details of your mobile (reference number and PIN)
- always use the keypad lock function
- register your mobile with the service provider
- report a theft to police and your mobile service provider as soon as possible
Rail passenger safety
NI Railways believes that the safety of all passengers and staff is a top priority.
Information in the link below covers topics such as track safety, safety on board and on the platform, and the issues of trespass and vandalism.
Also, what you can do about crime on the railways.
Investigating rail accidents
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) is responsible for investigating accidents or incidents on UK railways, including Northern Ireland.
It's an independent body that investigates to improve safety.
RAIB must by law investigate all rail accidents involving a derailment or collision which resulted in, or could have resulted in:
- the death of at least one person
- serious injury to five or more people
- extensive damage to rolling stock, the infrastructure or the environment
The RAIB may also investigate other incidents that could affect railway safety, including those which under slightly different circumstances could have led to an accident.