Passengers travelling on Merseyrail services can look forward to an additional security feature.  The train operator – which is centred on Liverpool and serves 69 stations, from Southport in the north to Chester in the south – has signed up to Railway Guardian, a new app introduced by British Transport Police (BTP).

The app offers two-way communication between BTP and travellers, with the aim of making passengers feel as safe as possible. People will be encouraged to report criminal activity taking place on Merseyrail and the wider UK rail network as well as informing the police about anti-social behaviour.  A geographical location option also allows passengers to keep friends and family updated on the progress of their journey.

Passengers will be able to report directly to the BTP control room, Merseyrail or anonymously to StreetSafe.  If necessary, police officers can be deployed to deal with a situation.  However, passengers should still call 999 if a situation turns into an emergency.

The app not only encourages the reporting of criminal or anti-social behaviour but also aims to promote positive behavioural change.  Advice on what is acceptable is available and, in addition, passengers can report on maintenance issues spotted whilst travelling, either on trains or at stations. Any reports will be sent directly to Merseyrail’s customer relations team who will keep in touch with the original sender of the report, updating them on progress made towards solving any issues.

Suzanne Grant, Commercial Director of Merseyrail, said: “While our network is one of the safest in the UK, with passengers responding to customer surveys telling us they feel safe while travelling with us, we continue to work hard to ensure this remains the case.

“By partnering with British Transport Police in the development of this app, we are helping to ensure that criminal behaviour including anti-social behaviour will have no place on our network.

“The ability for people to report on issues at stations and on trains will really help us to ensure passengers receive the service they expect. It could be an issue with lighting, overgrown vegetation, or a matter relating to the car park or cycle storage – whatever the problem this will be a quick, easy, and efficient way for our passengers to make us aware of any problems they might spot.

“Our passengers expect to be able to travel in comfort and to feel safe and secure. Merseyrail is proud of how safe the network is, and we will keep working hard to ensure this continues to be the case.”

The app can be downloaded from https://onelink.to/muk9u2.