Call for 'safe' women-only train carriages draws criticism

A call for women-only "safe " carriages on NSW trains has attracted ridicule, with critics claiming it will not address the cause of crime on public transport.

The idea has been proposed by the Rail, Tram and Bus Union, with national secretary Bob Nanva calling for the carriages to be trialled in Sydney after 8pm, the Daily Telegraph reported. 

Mr Nanva told the newspaper the proposal was aimed at protecting people from "thugs, grubs and perverts".

The women-only carriages should feature panic buttons, CCTV cameras and guard visits, he said.

Mr Nanva also claimed the proposal would reduce sexual assaults.

Feminist Eva Cox criticised the idea, telling the the Daily Telegraph that special carriages for potential offenders would be a better option.

"I suspect if men are being drunk and obnoxious they ought to be stuck away in a separate carriage rather than limit women to the special carriage," she said.

Japan has already introduced pink women-only carriages in response to the issue of groping.