Only one in ten would help stop train conductor abuse

Train travelers are reluctant to intervene themselves if the witness a conductor being attacked. Only 10 percent of passengers are willing to intervene by addressing the offender and only 8 percent are willing to intervene physically. This is according to a survey done by EenVandaag and The National Crime Meter among more than 3,300 respondents. According to the survey, 66 percent of respondents would call for help if they witness a conductor facing aggression, 27 percent would take a photo or film as evidence and 25 percent would encourage other bystanders to help. 22 percent of respondents indicated that they sometimes feel unsafe in the train because of the threat of aggression or violence. Slightly less than a quarter have witnessed aggressive behavior against a conductor in the last two years. According to the respondents, the government measures to counter aggression against railway staff that are most effective are having at least two conductors on the train, increasing the number of railroad officers and closing the access gates at stations.