Rail Station Lifts Trapped Over 75 Minutes Almost Double

Rising Incidents of Lift Traps at Railway Stations

Recent data has revealed a concerning trend in the number of people being trapped in lifts at railway stations. Over the past two years, the number of such incidents has nearly doubled, raising serious concerns about the safety and reliability of these essential facilities. The statistics highlight a growing problem that affects not only disabled individuals but also families with young children and those carrying bulky items.

According to an analysis of Office of Rail and Road (ORR) data by the PA news agency, there were 125 recorded incidents in the 12 months leading up to March 2024. This is a significant increase from 67 incidents reported in the 2022/23 period. The rise in incidents reflects a broader trend, as the total number of lift entrapment cases over all durations increased from 573 to 712 during the same timeframe.

The average response time for these incidents has also worsened, rising from 44 minutes in 2022/23 to 51 minutes in 2024/25. This delay can be particularly distressing for passengers who rely on lifts for mobility, including those with disabilities, parents with strollers, or travelers with heavy luggage. These individuals are often advised to use lifts rather than stairs or escalators to avoid potential injuries.

Lift Faults and Maintenance Issues

In addition to the increasing number of entrapments, lift faults have also become more frequent. The number of lift faults recorded by Network Rail rose from 8,233 in 2022/23 to 9,587 in 2024/25. A breakdown of these faults shows that nearly two-thirds (6,053) were attributed to "wear and tear," while 2,200 were linked to "misuse and vandalism." Another 1,334 incidents were caused by issues external to the lift system itself.

Despite this, there has been some progress in expanding lift availability. At the end of March 2024, there were 1,351 lifts operating across 515 stations, an increase of 59 lifts compared to the previous year. New lifts have been installed at several stations, including Anniesland in Glasgow, Hartlepool in County Durham, Ludlow in Shropshire, Theale in Berkshire, and London Bridge.

Calls for Accountability and Improvement

Disabled rights charity Transport for All has strongly criticized the situation, calling for Network Rail to be held accountable for its failures. Cat Whitehouse, head of communications and engagement at the organization, emphasized the importance of lifts for disabled individuals and expressed concern over the impact of repeated malfunctions. She urged the Office of Rail and Road to take action to ensure the safety and reliability of the rail network.

Similarly, the Campaign for Family-Friendly Trains highlighted the stress and danger faced by parents and caregivers when lifts break down. Being stuck in a lift with a child or baby can be a nightmare scenario, especially when dealing with hunger, fatigue, or the need for a nappy change. These challenges often force families to make dangerous decisions, such as navigating stairs with a buggy or relying on strangers for help.

Network Rail's Response

Network Rail has acknowledged the need for improvement and has taken steps to address the issue. The company has overhauled its maintenance and inspection contracts for lifts and invested £3 million in the year to April to target some of its worst-performing lifts. While the overall availability of lifts is currently at 98%, the company admits that this does not reflect the experiences of all users.

A spokesperson for Network Rail stated that the priority is to understand the specific needs of passengers trapped in lifts, keep them informed, and support them in continuing their journeys. The company plans to engage directly with organizations like Transport for All to incorporate feedback and improve services further.

Broader Implications

The rise in lift-related incidents is not limited to railway stations. Data from the London Fire Brigade indicates a general increase in the number of people being trapped in lifts. In the year to the end of May 2024, the brigade responded to 6,670 incidents, a rise of 8% compared to the previous 12 months. This trend underscores the urgent need for improved maintenance, better infrastructure, and stronger accountability across all public transportation systems.