LOROL

LOROL reduces passenger accidents through positive action
_______________________________________________________________

date 19 September 2014
source LOROL
type Press release

London Overground Rail Operations Limited (LOROL) was recognised at the National Rail
Awards last night for reducing passenger accidents on the London Overground by 70%
since 2010. Judges applauded LOROL for its committed and proactive approach that has
achieved significant improvements.

LOROL was presented with the ‘Safety Award’ for significantly reducing passenger slips,
trips and falls on the London Overground, despite facing a number of challenges such as
network extensions, new trains and a massive increase in passenger numbers from 95,000
per day in 2007, to 450,000 today.

In 2010 and 2011, following the opening of the East London Line, there was an increase in
passenger accidents. Following a review, station safety risks were identified as 75% of the
total risk and so a Station Safety Working Group (SSWG) was established with the remit of
promoting passenger safety at stations through positive action.

The SSWG examined what was happening and where, and what the underlying causes
were so there was a better understanding of passenger behaviour and the risk at individual
stations. Initiatives were then developed and funded by the SSWG and in 2013 alone there
was a 48% reduction in accidents and LOROL had the lowest rate of public injuries of all
national train operators.

Peter Austin, LOROL Managing Director, said: “Since 2007 we have transformed the London
Overground in to one of the UK’s safest, popular and most reliable commuter railways. While
we are immensely proud of that, increasing passenger numbers often go hand in hand with
an increase in passenger accidents. While a slip may not be classed as a major incident, we
understand it can put a black cloud over any passengers’ day. What we want to do through
the Station Safety Working Group is introduce initiatives that reduce this likelihood. They
may often be just a simple modification, but we have proved that by responding proactively
to events that might lead to passenger accidents, we can reduce them on our railway.

“This award quite rightly recognises the committed and proactive approach the Station
Safety Working Group has taken to reduce accidents and, in doing so, have achieved
significant improvements.”

LOROL also won the Golden Whistle for Passenger Management awarded by Institute of
Railway Operators earlier this year. This award is based on the number of passenger
accidents on stations and on trains and LOROL has won this award two years in a row.

ENDS

For further information or an interview, please contact Sara Barrow, Communications
Manager, on 0203 031 9254 or communications@lorol.co.uk

Notes to editor:

About LOROL
o LOROL operates London Overground rail services on behalf of TfL. Linking 21 of
London’s 33 boroughs, it operates 1,088 trains a day, employs 1,200 people and
carries more than 450,000 passengers every day.
o LOROL is a joint venture between Deutsche Bahn (DB) and MTR Corporation. DB’s
interest is managed by Arriva, DB’s division responsible for regional passenger
transport outside of Germany
o As part of the concession agreement, LOROL and TfL work closely to deliver high
quality rail services. TfL has a dedicated team working at LOROL’s Swiss Cottage
headquarters to monitor and support LOROL in delivering its concession agreement
with a strong focus on train punctuality and customer service.

Railhub Archive ::: 2014-09-19 LOR-001