Improving passenger safety with a shared waiting area
Cergy-Préfecture station, northwest of Paris, is currently testing this specially designed space that uses behavioural-science principles to deter harassment and violence on public transport.
A secure, comfortable, clearly designated waiting area
Since 12 May 2026, commuters passing through Cergy-Préfecture station on RER A and Line L services in the Paris region have been able to wait for their train in a reassuring space specifically designed to enhance safety by encouraging passengers to wait together.
This shared waiting area, now being trialled by Île-de-France Mobilités, Transilien SNCF Voyageurs and SNCF Gares & Connexions, is:
- clearly marked
- equipped with an emergency call box and video surveillance, with camera feeds displayed on the platform
- outfitted with comfortable seating and attractive, soothing visuals
An experiment based on insights from behavioural science
To design this space, Transilien SNCF Voyageurs’ Nudge Unit turned to behavioural science and “nudges”— visual cues designed to influence behaviour without coercion.
The aim is to create a reassuring, welcoming environment where passengers can gather during off-peak hours, while helping to deter harassment and assault, encourage mutual support, and prompt witnesses to take action by using the 3117 number and emergency call boxes.
Nudge messages displayed:
- outline the legal consequences for perpetrators of gender-based and sexual offenses
- highlight the presence of video surveillance cameras and their role in identifying offenders
- remind passengers of best practice in cases of harassment or assault, starting with the 5D method—distract, document, direct, delegate and dialogue.
What’s next?
The trial is scheduled to run for around six months. It follows an initial pilot at the same station between June 2024 and March 2025, which identified areas for improvement, including deterrence and encouraging witnesses to step up.
The effectiveness of measures will be assessed through surveys conducted before and after the trial by IFOP, to evaluate passenger numbers and perceptions of safety.
Safety in numbers—identifying empty carriages
Since 2023, passengers have been able check train and RER occupancy levels from the platform before boarding, making it easier to choose a less crowded carriage for a more comfortable journey.
Now empty or near-empty carriages are also flagged so that passengers—particularly women travelling alone —can choose a car that’s already occupied during off-peak and late-night periods.
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