Australians feeling safer on public transport at night

Released
12/04/2018

A greater proportion of Australians felt safer using public transport alone after dark than a decade ago, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Results from the 2016 Personal Safety Survey (PSS) found that both men and women aged 18 years or over felt safer using public transport alone after dark in the last 12 months, compared to results from 2005.

“In 2016, nine in ten men (91%) who used public transport alone after dark in the last 12 months felt safe, compared to 84% in 2005,” said William Milne of the ABS’ National Centre for Crime and Justice Statistics.

“Women were less likely to feel safe than men, however the proportion who felt safe also increased from 68% in 2005 to 77% in 2016,” added Mr. Milne.

The latest results from the 2016 Personal Safety Survey includes state/territory level data for experiences of violence, partner violence, partner emotional abuse, sexual harassment, stalking, and feelings of general safety. Expanded commentary relating to the newly released data has been added to the publication summary of findings on the Topic page.

Media notes

  • Public transport includes buses, trains, trams, taxis and ferries.
  • Further information can be found in Personal Safety, Australia (cat. no. 4906.0) and Personal Safety Survey, Australia: User Guide (cat. no. 4906.0.55.003).
  • When reporting ABS data, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (or ABS) must be attributed as the source.
  • For media requests and interviews, contact the ABS Communications and Partnerships Section on 1300 175 070 (8.30am - 5pm Mon-Fri).
  • Subscribe to our email notification service and get media releases or products sent to you on release.
  • For more detailed information about the definitions used in the survey refer to the publication Glossary.
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