The railway industry has historically lacked diversity, with women making up only around 15% of the workforce and people from ethnic minority backgrounds representing less than 6% of workers. This lack of diversity is due to various social barriers and misconceptions about the industry.
To improve diversity and inclusion, railway companies are taking steps like unconscious bias training, reverse mentoring, and establishing dedicated EDI support networks. Industry initiatives like the Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) programme also provide resources and guidance.