Train guard accused of harassment

A Wellington train guard is being investigated after several female passengers laid sexual harassment complaints.

The ticket collector on the Wellington to Wairarapa service has been stood down while the claims of "horrid and seedy" behaviour are investigated.

The man was alleged to have asked female passengers personal and probing questions as well as repeatedly leaving notes on one woman's car asking for a date.

He was also alleged to have taken photographs of female commuters.

Commuter Daphne Grant told The Dominion Post some women were so intimidated they were sitting in groups or had moved to other areas of the train.

Mrs Grant first wrote to Tranz Metro with her concerns two years ago but no action was taken.

She followed up her complaint six months later and again last month.

Five other passengers called or emailed the company with similar complaints.

"He has been getting worse and nothing had been done about it. We should feel safe, not frightened," she told the newspaper.

Tranz Metro said it would not comment on allegations against an individual employee.

- NZPA