Assaults on Perth’s train network have surged during the past two years with a passenger or transit officer now attacked every day on average, according to figures compiled by the Public Transport Authority.

The statistic reveal 398 people were assaulted across the network in 2017-18, up slightly on the 395 during the previous 12 months. In 2015-16, 332 people were assaulted, while in 2014-15 just 293 people were attacked.

The increase comes despite falls in the number of people catching public transport.

PTA spokesman David Hynes said while reported assaults had increased, the number of incidents relative to patronage remained low. In 2017-18 fewer than three passengers out of every million who caught a train were attacked.

One of the most serious assaults this year happened at Claisebrook train station in March when a 27-year-old Italian woman was stabbed for her mobile phone by a 15-year-old boy while walking up a ramp to the platform.

The victim sustained deep lacerations to her arms and a leg after she was stabbed up to five times. The teenager was convicted in August and sentenced to four years jail.

Play Video A 15-year-old is accused of attacking Stella as she walked to Claisebrook train station. The West Australian Video A 15-year-old is accused of attacking Stella as she walked to Claisebrook train station.

“The safety of all our people — passengers, employees and contractors — is paramount,” Mr Hynes said.

“In our view, any act of violence on our system is one too many. We have a zero tolerance approach to violent or antisocial behaviour.”

Mr Hynes said violence and anti-social behaviour was not unique to the public transport network and the PTA was investing in ways to keep passengers and its staff safe.

He said every week night there were about 90 officers on duty.

He said the rail network was also monitored by mobile patrols, private security contractors and more than 10,000 CCTV cameras.