Crowding on trains and at stations is common and we need to make sure railway companies protect passengers from any health and safety risks when it happens.
As the health and safety authority for Great Britain’s railways, we have a responsibility for ensuring railway companies protect passengers from health and safety risks, so far as is reasonably practicable.
Network Rail's network licence includes a condition providing for independent experts (reporters) to be appointed by the network operator (Network Rail), to provide ORR with advice on different aspects of Network Rail’s performance.
In ORR's latest Annual Rail Health and Safety report, Richard Hines, the new HM Chief Inspector of Railways, says the industry cannot afford to be complacent when faced with the effects of climate change, an increased reliance on maintaining existing infrastructure rather than replacement, and a period of significant change through reform.
Rail industry plans for dealing with stranded trains require greater focus on the safety, welfare and customer experience of the passengers involved, including those with disabilities and additional needs, say the Office of Rail and Road and Transport Focus.