Seven railway workers were assaulted in the run-up to the new year by drunken revellers.
The attacks in Sussex have led to a crackdown by police to protect staff.
Brighton-based Inspector Gary Ancell, of British Transport Police, said: "As far as we are concerned that is seven cases too many.
"During the lead-up to the new year there is often an increase in assaults on staff because passengers may be under the influence."
Attacks have ranged from physical assaults to staff being spat on.
Police were so worried about the level of violence they extended their London-only "Operation Lockstock" into Sussex.
Extra officers were stationed on platforms and railway concourses across the county in a bid to maintain a visible presence.
A spokesman for Southern confirmed its staff often had to deal violent and abusive passengers.
He said: "Attacks of this nature will not be tolerated and we continue to work with the police to proactively deter this sort of thing.
"Staff face horrific behaviour from a small section of passengers.
"We entirely welcome this action by British Transport Police."
The force is taking the opportunity to highlight a case in which a 40-year-old female railway worker was threatened with a knife at Goring station.
The attack happened on July 30 when a man on a bike stopped at a ticket barrier and began verbally abusing the woman.
He then pulled out the knife and threatened her with it.
Officers released an image of the man in the hope somebody will come forward with information.
Insp Ancell said: "This type of incident is not something that a member of rail staff should have to endure while carrying out their day-to-day duties.
"As a result of cases such as this, we will be carrying out high-profile reassurance policing operations at stations across Sussex, ensuring that revenue staff are free from abuse while carrying out their work."
Anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV image is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040 or the Witness Appeal Line on 020 7391 5275, quoting B7 of 27/12/2007.
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