Racial and religious hate crime on public transport in the UK is rising sharply, according to new data obtained by the Guardian. Anti-racism groups warn that some people are now avoiding or limiting their use of public transport due to fear of abuse or assault.
Figures from British Transport Police show racial hate crime increased from 2,827 cases in 2019-20 to 3,258 in 2024-25 across England, Wales and Scotland. Religious hate crime rose from 343 in 2019-20 to 419 in 2023-24, before dipping slightly to 372 the following year. Police forces nationwide have recorded increases, with a significant rise in racially motivated offences in Scotland and religious hate crimes targeting Muslims in England and Wales.
Community groups report that public transport creates a unique dynamic where aggressors are often emboldened by alcohol, can isolate their targets, and then exit at the next stop. Akeela Ahmed, chief executive of the British Muslim Trust, said the data echoes stories her organisation is hearing across the country, calling on authorities to take urgent action. She noted that many Muslims now feel compelled to micro-analyse every movement out of fear of being targeted, and that attacks on children travelling to and from school are particularly alarming.
Carol Young, deputy director of the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights, said racist hate crime is still under-reported and published figures are likely the tip of the iceberg. Dave Rich of the Community Safety Trust highlighted that the recent increase aligns with a rise in antisemitic hate crime since the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023. A British Transport Police spokesperson said they are committed to tackling all forms of hate crime and encourage victims to report incidents.
