Racial and religious hate crime on public transport on the rise

Racial and religious hate crime on public transport is on the rise, according to new data obtained by the Guardian, as community groups report how people are restricting their daily journeys because they fear abuse or assault.

- Libby Brooks Scotland correspondent

Police forces across the country have recorded an increase in hate crimes over the past year, with a significant rise in racially motivated offences in Scotland as well as religious hate crimes targeting Muslims in England and Wales.

But public transport creates a particular dynamic where aggressors are often emboldened by alcohol, and can isolate their targets then exit at the next stop.

According to figures obtained by a freedom of information request, racial hate crime recorded by British Transport Police across England, Wales and Scotland increased from 2,827 cases in 2019-20 to 3,258 in 2024-25.

Religious hate crime rose from 343 in 2019-20 to 419 in 2023-24, although it slightly dipped to 372 the following year.