ScotRail's 'Red List' of train routes with high levels of youth antisocial behavior and drunk passengers has been revealed, and it's not where you might expect. The rail operator's traffic-light system rates routes with the most issues, including antisocial behavior, trespassing, and staff experiencing verbal abuse. While the Stirling to Arbroath and Edinburgh to Dunblane routes were placed on the highest level of ScotRail's traffic-light system, the full figures have not been disclosed. However, two routes through Fife were given an amber rating after reports of vandalism and train staff being assaulted. According to ScotRail, its travel safe team was called to more incidents on the two 'red' routes than any other from April 2025 to April 2026. The traffic light system was introduced as part of ScotRail's new data-led approach, aiming to put staff and resources on services where they could have the biggest impact. In my opinion, this system is a fascinating and innovative approach to tackling antisocial behavior on trains. However, what many people don't realize is that the 'red' routes are not necessarily the most problematic in terms of overall crime rates. The Scottish Government-owned train operator said the role of the travel safe team goes beyond enforcement and includes engagement, education, and early intervention aimed at preventing issues from escalating. Phil Campbell, ScotRail's customer operations director, said the rail operator is 'absolutely committed' to making Scotland's railway as safe as it can be for both staff and customers. Personally, I think this is a positive step towards creating a safer and more welcoming railway environment. However, what many people don't realize is that the 'red' routes are not necessarily the most problematic in terms of overall crime rates. The increase in complaints on the Edinburgh to Glasgow service, for example, is concerning. Cases of antisocial behavior on this route rose from nine in 2023 to 37 in 2024, and complaints nearly doubled from 388 in 2022. This raises a deeper question: are the 'red' routes really the most problematic, or are they simply the ones that have been targeted for increased scrutiny and resources? In my opinion, the 'red' list is a useful tool for identifying areas where intervention is needed, but it's important to consider the broader context and not jump to conclusions. The Scottish Government has invested £1.6 million to triple the number of body-worn cameras in a bid to crack down on antisocial behavior. This investment, combined with the 'red' list, is a positive step towards creating a safer and more welcoming railway environment. However, what many people don't realize is that the 'red' list is not a panacea for all railway safety issues. The role of the travel safe team and the investment in body-worn cameras are crucial components of the overall strategy, but they are not the only solutions. In my opinion, the 'red' list is a useful tool for identifying areas where intervention is needed, but it's important to consider the broader context and not jump to conclusions. The Scottish Government's investment in body-worn cameras is a positive step, but it's also important to consider the psychological and cultural factors that contribute to antisocial behavior on trains. For example, the impact of alcohol on young people's behavior and the role of peer pressure in encouraging risky behavior are important factors to consider. In conclusion, ScotRail's 'red' list is a fascinating and innovative approach to tackling antisocial behavior on trains. However, it's important to consider the broader context and not jump to conclusions. The Scottish Government's investment in body-worn cameras is a positive step, but it's also important to consider the psychological and cultural factors that contribute to antisocial behavior on trains. The role of the travel safe team and the 'red' list are crucial components of the overall strategy, but they are not the only solutions. From my perspective, the key to creating a safer and more welcoming railway environment lies in a multi-faceted approach that addresses the root causes of antisocial behavior and engages with the community to promote a culture of safety and responsibility.
