Catalonia launches 280 safety points to combat sexual harassment on public transport

In a significant move to enhance safety for commuters, Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat (FGC) has established 280 dedicated safety points across its stations aimed at combating sexual harassment and gender violence. These new initiatives, branded as Puntos Lila, are integrated into existing Information and Emergency Points (PIE), allowing passengers to report incidents directly from the platform.

Enhanced emergency response system

The Puntos Lila are operational 24 hours a day, connected to FGC’s Integrated Command Center in Rubí. This setup ensures that any emergency situation can be communicated swiftly. To prepare for potential incidents of harassment or gender-based violence, operators at the command center have received specialized training from the Mossos d’Esquadra, the regional police force.

This week also marks the launch of a new feature in FGC’s mobile application that allows users to alert authorities about harassment situations immediately. By next year, all public transport operators in Catalonia will be required to implement similar digital reporting options within their apps. This initiative aims to empower both victims and bystanders to report abuse more securely.

The need for such measures is underscored by alarming statistics: a survey conducted by the Autoritat del Transport Metropolità revealed that 92% of women aged 16 to 29 reported experiencing some form of harassment on public transport over the past two years. This data prompted urgent action from local authorities, leading to various campaigns and strategies designed to address these concerns.

“The government is deploying a common policy to prevent and address gender-based violence across the entire public transport system,” stated Sílvia Paneque, Catalonia’s Minister of Territory.

The overarching goal is to create shared criteria and protocols that ensure a coordinated response throughout Catalonia’s transportation network. Carles Ruiz, president of FGC, emphasized that these measures aim to foster an environment where “no one feels discouraged from using public transport due to perceived insecurity.”

<plast year’s campaign titled “Zero Tolerance for Gender Violence” was part of FGC's broader strategy against misogynistic behavior within its railway network. The effectiveness of these initiatives will soon be evaluated through another survey aimed at assessing whether incidents of abuse have decreased since their implementation.

The introduction of Puntos Lila represents not just a response mechanism but also a cultural shift towards prioritizing safety in daily commutes. As cities worldwide grapple with issues surrounding gender-based violence, Catalonia’s proactive stance could serve as a model for other regions looking to enhance security on public transportation systems.