The London Daily News

The Rail and Maritime Transport Union have demanded a 'zero tolerance' response to the soaring numbers of attacks on staff.

According to the RMT there are 13 violent incidents against transport workers everyday. Two thirds of the assaults were over fares and tickets.

Disturbing figures

The surveys disturbing findings show a 50% rise in attacks in past six years. There were 2,064 assaults on London Underground staff - up 17.5% on last year.

In 40% of reported incidents, the British Transport Police did not attend - but a there was a conviction rate of 51%.

Privatisation blamed

The privatisation of the transport network, especially the busses, was blamed for the rise in assaults. Union leader Bob Crow said cost-cuttings had made staff more vulnerable and:

"Private operators...reduced staffing to the bone."

Crow called on operators to reverse the trend and start putting guards and conductors back on trains and buses, and ensure that all stations and terminals are adequately staffed all the time they are open. It’s believed many incidents are not reported.