uk.railway FAQ |
Neil Worthington writes,
Here's my advice to the passenger who notices something's wrong. Remember that the whole history of railway accidents is that several petty failures, none of which is serious in itself, can sometimes lead to a death toll of dozens. Better to report it than regret it later.
If it's an emergency - a fire or a passenger who's become ill or a passenger who's threatening people with a knife - pull the communication cord or emergency handle, then report the circumstances to the train crew. Location of said cord/handle is usually near the exit doors, but not every door has one.
[Ross Hamilton writes - Bear in mind that we're not dragons: if you are worried, pull the cord. Your demeanour will tell us that your not pratting around, so don't worry that you'll get fined or something.]
If it's something less serious, don't pull the cord/handle, just report it to the train crew, ideally the conductor. If there isn't a conductor, because the train is Driver Only Operated, then wait until you reach a station - DOO trains tend to make frequent stops so you shouldn't have long to wait - and report it to the driver then. Or report it to the platform staff, if there are any. If they look at you like you've escaped from the funny farm, that's their problem.
[Ross Hamilton adds - But as above - if you have to stop and think "Does this count as serious", IMO you should pull the cord because you're trying to minimise the seriousness of it.]
Rough riding and funny clunking noises are often just part of the fun, but if you're concerned, try looking out of the window (yes, I know, you can't stick your head out of most train windows). If you can see something obviously wrong - bits of metal flapping around, a door swinging open, a cloud of ballast or dust behind the train - then that IMO justifies immediate action - pull the emergency cord or handle.
If the problem is with a stationary train, report it to the train crew. If it's a train that's just left or run through non-stop, report the problem to platform staff. If the station isn't staffed, see below.
Don't worry too much about sparks or smoke flying from brake blocks if the train's obviously braking - sometimes that's what they do. But if the train's trying to accelerate, that's more serious and probably indicates binding brakes. The brakes may eventually come off, or then they may not..... Flames - well, some people will say that any diesel of a certain age will have flames round the bogies, but I class that as serious.
[Ross Hamilton adds - And if you hear a continuous squealing from a bogie, the handbrake's on: report it. You'd be amazed how often that happens...]
If you witness something *very* serious, like a crash, a derailment, animals on the line (sheep, goats and upwards!), a train on fire or (more likely) an obstruction on the line or someone who's come into contact with the third rail or OLE, then get help quickly but don't put yourself in danger. Use a mobile phone if you have one - just dial 999. Otherwise, the quickest way to get help will probably be to use a railway telephone. Most signals have a telephone. In addition, there are telephones in electrified areas which have direct lines to the electrical control room. Identify yourself, and identify your location - give the number of the signal or the number on the nearest electrification mast - they're usually painted on, or else on a metal plate. Identify the location of the incident. If there's a bridge nearby, it should also have a number on it which will help - but don't waste time hunting for a number if, for example, you know the name of the road that goes over the bridge.
This bit is quoted directly from the Track Safety Handbook: " - When contacting the Electrical Control Operator: State it is an EMERGENCY call. Give your name, department, job title or employer. Indicate from where you are speaking, including your telephone or radio call number. Give details of the line(s) concerned, location and the number of the nearest OLE structure. State why it is necessary to have the electricity switched off." - Remain in contact until assured by the Electrical Control Operator that the electricity has been switched off and the OLE made safe to be approached."
[Ross adds - This also applies, slightly differently to calls to the signaller or any other railway location: if it's an emergency, your first words are "THIS IS AN EMERGENCY CALL" and you then ID yourself and your location.]
If it's kids throwing bricks at trains, then a little nouse is required, and it probably depends on how good their aim is! Assuming they're little kids who can't throw very hard, so probably they're in more danger than passengers or train crew - you might consider wading in yourself, telling them they're b****y idiots and you'll have the law on them. If you think that won't work, try to contact the BT police - via the civil police if need be. There's just a slight chance that they'll manage to nick the little b's, and an even fainter chance that they can talk some sense into them. ;-O [gobsmacked smiley!]
(But do bear in mind that you've got to be careful: the law is not on your side if you try to restrain them or anything like that.)
If the kids are starting to get the range of the trains and you think they might actually do some damage or injury, then try to contact the signalbox so that trains can be cautioned or stopped.
If you see something that you think isn't right but you know it hasn't compromised safety on this occasion, then you might be best off putting your thoughts in writing to the TOC or Railtrack Zone concerned. Addresses of the TOC can be found on this page.
Railtrack also has a helpline on 0345 114 141 which can be used to report emergencies. Your local BTP phone number should be in the phone directory or phone the 24 hour emergency cover on 0171 380 1400.
Useful phone numbers:
BTP Birmingham control room - 0121 654 8799.
BTP Reading - 0118 959 0950
BTP 24 Hour cover - 0171 380 1400
BTP Railwatch - 0800 405040
Railtrack Helpline - 0345 114 141
Romford Electrical Control - (01708) 730 314
(Controls Electrification for most of Railtrack East Anglia) London Underground - Line
Offices
Bakerloo: (0171) 918 1120
Central: (0171) 918 0800
Circle: (0171) 918 1704
District: (0171) 918 3200
East London: (0171) 308 2800
Hammersmith & City: (0171) 918 1704
Jubilee: (0171) 308 2800
Metropolitan: (0171) 918 1704
Northern: (0171) 918 2700
Piccadilly: (0171) 918 5000
Victoria: (0171) 918 1275
Waterloo & City: (0171) 918 0800