Sharan Dhaliwal was travelling on a bus in west London in 2022 when a wave of racist abuse shattered her journey, an experience that reflects a worrying national trend of increasing hate crimes on public transport.
A Chilling Encounter on a London Bus
Distracted by music from her headphones, Dhaliwal initially sensed rather than heard the commotion. Looking up, she saw an older white man, his face contorted with anger, directing his fury towards the Black and Asian passengers on the bus. Removing her headphones, the vile clarity of his words hit her. He used the p-word and n-word, accusing ethnic minorities of taking seats and ruining his life, explicitly stating his hatred for them.
The man disembarked, but the trauma of his tirade lingered for Dhaliwal and her fellow passengers long after the bus moved on. The incident left her feeling vulnerable and silent, a common reaction for many victims who choose not to report such crimes.
A Disturbing National Trend
Dhaliwal's experience is far from isolated. Official data from the British Transport Police (BTP) reveals a significant increase in recorded racial hate crimes on the transport network. Cases rose from 2,827 in the 2019-20 period to 3,258 in 2024-25. Experts and communities warn these figures are just the tip of the iceberg, with many incidents going unreported due to fear, normalisation, or a belief that authorities will not act.
"It feels like very recently it has become more acceptable to express it," Dhaliwal writes, linking the climate to government rhetoric on immigration and the visible rise of flags she interprets as unwelcoming. She references the 2024 summer riots, instigated by Islamophobic misinformation, as a moment when hate was visibly emboldened.
Trapped and Targeted: The Reality of Transport Abuse
For Dhaliwal, the abuse was not a one-off. On another occasion, late on the Tube, she was sexually harassed and racially abused by drunk men who told her to "go back" before hurling the p-word as they left. The confined nature of buses and trains creates a uniquely terrifying dynamic, where victims are trapped with their abusers.
"You are trapped in a steel tube, hurtling through London with no way to remove yourself," she describes, highlighting how abusers exploit this captivity, whether the motive is racism, sexism, homophobia, or transphobia.
How to Report a Hate Crime and Find Support
If you experience or witness a hate crime on public transport, it is crucial to report it and seek support. Here are key resources:
- British Transport Police: Report directly to BTP or call 101 for non-emergencies. In an emergency, always call 999.
- Stop Hate UK: A 24-hour helpline in certain areas (0800 138 1625).
- Tell MAMA: Supports victims of anti-Muslim hate.
- Community Security Trust (CST): Deals with antisemitic hate crimes.
- Galop: Provides support for LGBT+ victims of abuse.
- Victim Support & Citizens Advice: Offer practical help and guidance.
Dhaliwal concludes with a powerful call for collective shock and action. "We need to make racists feel like outliers instead of the norm," she asserts. While she longs for a day where such hate is surprising, the current data and lived experiences suggest that, for now, she is not holding her breath.
