If you are a Londoner on an average morning commute you may have noticed how crowded the platforms are at the tube stations. The Rail, Maritime, and Transport Union are concerned that because of the crowding on the platform, the drivers cannot see if a passenger has fallen between the rails or is being dragged along with the train.
The sheer number of passengers, coupled with fewer staff has given rise to major concerns about more injuries or fatalities occurring as drivers cannot see the platforms on their cctv cameras because there are so many passengers on the platform. The London Underground sees no problem with as they say the tube is safer than ever with the number of injuries lower than it has been in over a decade. The London Tube is known as the safest trains in the world.
The RMT rep says with the tube cutting staff and the continued growth of the popularity of the tube, the system will reach the breaking point very soon. They worry for the more busy platforms such as Kings Cross and Oxford Circus, as well as those that are island platforms with trains coming on both sides. There is no longer as many staff on the platform to monitor and close the safety gate when capacity is reached which acts as a second safety feature and the RMT is concerned.
However, the LU insists that the more populated platforms have the necessary staff at busy times, and they feel that these platforms are safe.
They believe they are adequately staffed and the concern is unnecessary. With this being said, they acknowledge that they shouldn’t be complacent and are working with the Office of Rail and Road to continue to develop any improvements or recommendations they may make.