Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether his Department includes a requirement for operators to have robust policies on sexual misconduct in (a) its own policies on rail franchising agreements and (b) its advice to local authorities when letting their own public transport contracts.

The rail industry has an established work programme and sexual misconduct is a priority for British Transport Police. Our National Bus Strategy made clear that the highest safety standards will be upheld by the commissioners. Bus Service Improvement Plans should also demonstrate how Local Transport Authorities and bus operators will work together to ensure safety. In addition, taxi licensing authorities are completing reviews of their existing policies and the Department is supporting the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Safeguarding and Road Safety) Bill through Parliament. The Department is working closely with the Home Office on the cross-departmental strategy to address Violence Against Women and Girls.