Our ref: FOI-1508-2425

Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 08 August 2024 asking for information about emergency stop buttons on the London Underground.

Your request has been considered under the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and our information access policy. 

I can confirm that we do hold the information you require. You asked:

1.Are there emergency stop buttons available to members of the public at London underground station platforms. 2.What is the effect of pressing an emergency stop button 3.To where is the message sent? 4.What kind of emergency communication can be sent by a member of the public? 5.If that communication is that there is a person on the line, what are the staff instructions for dealing with it.

A member of public can send an emergency message to the driver or station staff depending on their location. There are Emergency Buttons on Passenger Help Points in stations. These route to the Customer Service Supervisor/Manager for urgent communication and managed on a case by case basis depending on the precise details of the report. After a period of time if these are unanswered, they are routed to a control centre operative. Similarly, Passenger Alarms are available on trains to alert the driver of an emergency.

6. Are there special instructions to train drivers for narrow island platforms eg Clapham, to the effect that exit doors should not be opened unless there is a train standing on the opposite side of the platform?

There are no special instructions for narrow platforms. Station staff monitor and minimise congestion on platforms as required. 

If you are not satisfied with this response please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal.

Yours sincerely,

Tahsin Prima

FOI Case Officer

General Counsel

Transport for London