New measures at Elizabeth line station because of 'significant gap' between trains and platform
There are set to be more measures introduced to safeguard customers at an Elizabeth line station with a 'significant gap' between trains and the platform. Passengers have called it a 'death trap', and multiple people have reportedly been injured.
Sadiq Khan has highlighted that Transport for London (TfL) has made changes. But the Mayor of London adds that Network Rail is also set to make alterations. Mr Khan replied to questions on the subject from Labour London Assembly Member Bassam Mahfouz.
He said: "To make boarding and alighting at Ealing Broadway safer, Transport for London’s Concessionaire, MTR Elizabeth line, has put in place measures including additional staffing on the platform; better warning announcements; improved platform markings; warnings on the station and stairs to the platform; warnings on platforms information screens; on-train announcements; and new mini-ramps that can be deployed more quickly than the existing ramps for wheelchair users."
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It is also understood that TfL has worked with MTR-Elizabeth line to install a new barrier to 'enhance the management of passenger flow and the extension of a handrail'.
The Mayor added: "TfL does not yet have a timescale for permanent physical alterations to the station platforms. These would be primarily the responsibility of Network Rail, which owns the station. Determining actions requires detailed surveys, which are underway, followed by outline design and costing."
Now, when asked for more detail about said changes, Network Rail told MyLondon that it is developing its own options. A spokesperson said: “Although we are not currently funded to carry out improvements to the platforms at Ealing Broadway, we are in the process of developing options to improve safety at the station with our partners at TfL and MTR Elizabeth line.
"These options will be discussed with our partners in the new year, as part of our joint safety improvement plan.”
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