First Capital Connect fined for train breakdown

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First Capital Connect (FCC) has been fined £75,000 for failing to protect the safety of passengers who were trapped in a broken down train in 2011.

The operator has also been ordered to pay £27,718 costs after passengers were left stranded in a Brighton to Bedford train at Dock Junction for three hours.

An investigation brought by the ORR found that inaccurate passenger information and poor conditions on board, namely the lack of air conditioning and toilets, led to many of the 700 passengers leaving the train, putting themselves at risk.

Ian Prosser, ORR’s director of safety, said: “ORR’s investigation into First Capital Connects’ response to a broken down train in North London highlighted that passengers were treated with a distinct lack of care, as the company committed a catalogue of errors.

“The company left hundreds of passengers trapped on a train for three hours with no air conditioning, toilets or communication system. The company’s response significantly increased the risk of passengers independently leaving the train onto the tracks, when the safest place for them was to stay on board until told otherwise.

[pullquote]The company left hundreds of passengers trapped on a train for three hours with no air conditioning, toilets or communication system.[/pullquote]

“Since the incident, First Capital Connect has taken steps to rectify their management of similar situations.

“ORR is monitoring the company and will not hesitate to take action to ensure passengers are not placed in such a position again. Accurate and timely passenger information is essential not only for those planning journeys, but as this incident demonstrates, is critical for the safe running of the railways.”

In a statement issued after the verdict, David Statham, First Capital Connect managing director, said: “The safety of our passengers is our top priority and we deeply regret what happened back in May 2011.

“We didn’t live up to our own high standards in the way we handled this event which is why we took quick and decisive action afterwards.

“We commissioned comprehensive internal and external investigations that led to a range of actions to ensure this unusual combination of events is extremely unlikely to happen again.

“The safest place for passengers while a controlled evacuation or rescue is being arranged is on the train and we have new processes, techniques and equipment to speed the process whenever possible and to make it more comfortable for those on board.

“We will reflect on the comments made by the judge in court today and ensure they are incorporated in our ongoing process of learning from this incident.

“We would like to apologise once again to all those affected.”

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