Plans to Increase Safety and Service at Ealing Broadway
Report following a number of passenger incidents to be published soon
The gap at Ealing Broadway is estimated to be 12 inches which is above current guidelines. Picture: BBC
March 10, 2025
Transport for London (TfL) has confirmed that it is shortly going to publish the results of a feasibility study into proposals for improving passenger safety at Ealing Broadway station.
Speaking a recent London Assembly Transport Committee, Andy Lord, Commissioner of TfL, revealed to Assembly Member for Ealing and Hillingdon, Bassam Mahfouz that the report would be released later this month.
There has been a number of serious injuries to passengers since the advent of the Elizabeth Line service in 2022 which have been blamed on the gap between the platform and the step up to the train.
In response to these incidents, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has launched an investigation to assess the circumstances and recommend further safety enhancements.
Recommended safety guidelines state that new platforms should not have a horizontal gap larger than 27.5cm (10.8in) or a vertical gap of more than 23cm (9in). However, these regulations only apply to new stations, so Ealing Broadway’s 30cm gap (12 in) is not covered.
TfL has worked with Network Rail and MTR-Elizabeth line to implement several interim measures including additional staffing, improved signage, and the installation of 'mini-ramps' to assist passengers with mobility challenges. However, Network Rail, which owns the station, has stated that it does not have sufficient funding for a permanent modification to the platform to bring it up to current guidelines.
Additionally, plans are in place to increase the frequency of services to Heathrow Terminal 5, which is currently served by only two services per hour, despite being the busiest terminal at the airport.
As part of the expansion of the Elizabeth line, ten new trains are set to improve service reliability and frequency, which Assembly Member Mahfouz has sought to ensure benefits other stations in his constituency.
Andy Lord said, "I think there is a great opportunity to put more services into the airport and more services into Terminal 5, which would then relieve pressure on [West Ealing, Hanwell, and Acton Main Line] stations that, even when they do get service as part of the timetable, are quite often busy as they have passengers going to and from Heathrow.
“If we can put more Elizabeth line services in, it would benefit West London passengers as well."
Bassam Mahfouz added, “Elizabeth Line passengers across Ealing will welcome these commitments from the TfL Commissioner to seek further interim measures to close the gap at Ealing Broadway station, plus his intention to increase services at West Ealing, Hanwell, and Acton Main Line.
“Alongside funding already agreed by Network Rail to renew the tracks and signalling of the western section of the Elizabeth Line, these improvements will make a huge difference to the UK’s favourite train line and for the lives of Ealing residents.”
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