ON Wednesday, 5 November 2025 between 9.30 and 11.30, Liverpool Central station will host an immersive virtual reality (VR) experience designed to help customers recognise the signs of sexual harassment on the railway and understand how to respond safely and appropriately.

The rail industry is committed to ensuring every customer feels safe when travelling by train. This innovative VR experience demonstrates how to identify unwanted behaviours and provides practical guidance on what to do if you witness or experience harassment. Customers will learn how to spot the warning signs, understand the importance of reporting incidents, and know the best ways to seek help from rail staff or the British Transport Police.

Research commissioned by the rail industry found that 85% of women would feel relieved if someone acknowledged or responded to incidents of sexual harassment on public transport. A survey by UN Women UK revealed that 71% of women in the UK have experienced some form of sexual harassment in a public space, highlighting the importance of raising awareness and building customer confidence.

The event will offer practical advice and tips for customers, focusing on recognising inappropriate behaviour, knowing when and how to report it, and understanding the support available. It forms part of a nationwide campaign led by the Rail Delivery Group in partnership with British Transport Police and rail operators.

Suzanne Grant, Deputy Managing Director at Merseyrail, said:- “The safety and wellbeing of our customers is our top priority. Whilst most tell us they feel safe when using the Merseyrail network, we want everyone who travels with us to feel confident and secure. This VR experience is a powerful way to help customers recognise unwanted behaviour and know how to respond. By raising awareness and providing clear guidance, we can create an environment where everyone feels safe on our network.”

Jacqueline Starr, Executive Chair and CEO at Rail Delivery Group, added:- "Everyone travelling on Britain's railways has the right to feel safe on trains and at stations. We are actively tackling all forms of harassment and by showcasing our immersive VR experience at stations nationwide, we're equipping individuals with the tools to intervene in situations safely, as a bystander, without putting themselves in harm’s way. Whether witnessing or experiencing anything that makes you uncomfortable, we urge everyone to report incidents promptly to the British Transport Police via text at 61016. As an industry our message is clear:- sexual harassment has no place on the railway.”

The Liverpool Central event is the latest in a series of nationwide activities aimed at tackling sexual harassment and ensuring the railway is a safe and welcoming environment for all.