93 passengers fell between train and platform on Thameslink routes this year
Greater Thameslink Railway urges travellers to avoid rushing after 43% rise in boarding accidents
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Ninety-three passengers fell between trains and platforms on Greater Thameslink Railway services in the first seven months of 2024. The figure marks a 43% increase compared with the same period last year, the operator said, as reported by the BBC. GTR, which runs Thameslink, Southern and Gatwick Express routes to Gatwick and Luton airports, has launched a safety campaign urging travellers to take extra care.
Why the rise is happening
Thameslink passengers urged to slow down after 93 boarding falls in 2026
Greater Thameslink Railway reports a 43% rise in passenger falls while boarding trains this year
Hannah Lindsay, GTR’s safety and security improvement manager, said most incidents were preventable. Common causes included rushing for trains, attempting to board as doors close, and carrying luggage on escalators. August, typically a busy month for airport travel, has prompted the operator to reinforce its advice.
What we're really trying to highlight is that this is a preventable accident, and to show what can happen if you make that unsafe choice.
Hannah Lindsay, GTR safety and security improvement manager
Lindsay told the BBC that passengers should allow extra time for journeys, avoid rushing, and check travel information before setting off. She also advised using lifts instead of escalators when travelling with suitcases, prams or heavy bags. Staff are available at stations to assist passengers, she added.
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Overall safety record
Despite the rise in falls between trains and platforms, GTR reported a 5% year-on-year decrease in overall slips, trips and falls across its network. Jenny Saunders, the operator’s customer services director, said the reduction was positive but stressed that injuries from boarding as doors close were entirely avoidable.
Saunders said the summer holiday period, when many passengers may be unfamiliar with stations and services, was an opportunity to share essential travel advice. GTR’s safety campaign includes videos featuring comedian Diane Morgan, demonstrating simple steps to avoid accidents.
What happens next
GTR has not announced any changes to station infrastructure or staffing levels as part of its response. The operator said it would continue to promote its safety campaign through social media and station displays. Passengers can report concerns or request assistance from staff at any GTR-managed station.
Questions this report answers
+How many passengers fell between trains and platforms this year?
Greater Thameslink Railway reported 93 falls between trains and platforms in the first seven months of 2024. This is a 43% increase compared with the same period last year, according to figures released by the operator.
+Which airports are served by the affected rail services?
The affected routes are operated by Greater Thameslink Railway, which runs Thameslink, Southern and Gatwick Express services to Gatwick and Luton airports. Both are major hubs for summer holiday travel.
+What is GTR advising passengers to do?
GTR advises passengers to avoid rushing, use lifts instead of escalators with luggage, and check travel updates before starting their journey. The operator has launched a safety campaign to highlight preventable accidents.
+Are overall accidents on GTR’s network increasing?
No. While falls between trains and platforms have risen by 43%, overall slips, trips and falls across GTR’s network are down 5% year-on-year, the operator said. The campaign focuses on reducing preventable incidents.
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