Types of crowding

Although we don’t have overall responsibility for crowding on trains, there are situations  where we can enforce legislation.

During emergency evacuations

In most instances it is far safer for passengers to stay on board a train after an incident rather than get out. This is because of the presence of other trains and ‘live’ tracks.

On platforms and stations

Station operators safety include strategic and day-to-day management procedures for dealing with crowded platforms. These usually involve station managers taking specific action to control access to the platform when necessary to regulate overcrowding.

On underground routes in hot weather

Rolling stock and infrastructure failures in deep tunnels can cause more specific health concerns. This is due to the increased temperatures and reduced ventilation that may be encountered by passengers on delayed and overcrowded carriages, particularly during summer months.

In such cases health and safety law requires employers to put arrangements in place to reduce the risks.

Last updated: 23 January 2008