Transport for LondonTravel advice for women
Your safety is a priority for us. We're working with the police and other partners to further improve the safety and security of women travelling in London.
You may have concerns about particular issues that could influence how you travel.
The transport system is a safe, low-crime environment. However, if you'd like to improve your confidence and safety when travelling, we have some travel tips that will help.
Sexual offences on public transport
Serious sexual offences remain particularly rare on the transport network but they have a disproportionate effect on people's confidence.
We're working with our policing partners to prevent sexual offences occurring in the first place but where they do occur, we want to bring offenders to justice.
You have the right to travel without being concerned about unwanted sexual attention of any kind. Leering, groping or unwanted sexual remarks will not be tolerated by TfL or our policing partners.
Dangers of unbooked minicabs
While travelling is safe for most people travelling at night, we're very concerned about the dangers of unbooked minicabs picked up off the street.
Only taxis (black cabs) can be stopped by customers and can pick people up off the street. Minicabs can't accept fares without being booked in a licensed minicab office or over the phone first. Even minicabs lined up outside pubs and clubs are breaking the law if they accept your fare without a booking being made first.
Even if a minicab appears licensed, a minicab journey that isn't booked through a licensed minicab office is dangerous. Besides not being insured for the journey, it puts you at risk of attack.
You shouldn't approach minicab drivers and any minicab driver that approaches you on the street anywhere is acting illegally. You should not get in!
Always book
Booking a minicab guarantees your trip will be carried out by a licensed driver in a licensed vehicle that is insured for carrying passengers and that can be traced if there are any problems.
- Use Cabwise to get the numbers of your two nearest minicab offices and a taxi (black cab) firm texted to your phone
- Learn more about travelling at night
Let us know
If you've had a bad experience in a minicab or taxi (black cab), or would like to report any illegal cab activity, please:
- Report it here
- Call 0845 300 7000 or
- Send an email to: tph.comms@tfl.gov.uk
If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, find specialist advice and support at The Havens or call the London Rape Crisis Helpline on 0808 802 9999.
Theft
Theft is the most common type of crime on the transport system. Passengers are sometimes targeted in busy areas or when they are distracted and less likely to notice they are being pick-pocketed. Keep your bags zipped and valuables secure to minimise the risk of theft.
Further information
- For more advice on personal safety, visit the Suzy Lamplugh Trust
- To find out more about what the Mayor is doing to end violence against women and girls visit, see the Way Forward
