On Dec 4, 2024, our elderly father tragically lost his life at an underground station, intending to commit suicide by train. As midnight approached, he found himself alone on the platform, struggling with his decision. CCTV footage showed him making three desperate attempts to jump in front of an oncoming train, only to retreat against the wall each time, overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty. After half an hour of agonizing attempts, with just one minute before a train was due to arrive, he made the heartbreaking decision to climb down from the platform edge. He laid down on the tracks and lost his life when he was struck by the train just after midnight on Dec 5, 2024.

This tragic incident, like many others, underscores the dire need for enhanced safety measures on train platforms. Each year, an alarming number of individuals either intentionally or unintentionally fall or jump onto train tracks, resulting in avoidable fatalities. In fact, statistics indicate that hundreds of lives are lost annually due to train-related accidents across the globe. In the UK alone, the Office of Rail and Road reported 297 fatalities on railway tracks in the year 2022/23. Many of these could have been prevented through improved safety infrastructure.

A viable and effective solution is the implementation of platform screen doors (PSDs) or safety barriers at train services. These barriers would remain closed and only open when the train doors are aligned and ready to be opened. Such systems have been successfully installed in various parts of the world, including Singapore, Hong Kong, and parts of Europe, significantly reducing the number of fatal incidents on train platforms.

Making safety barriers a mandatory requirement on all train services can save countless lives. These systems prevent accidental falls, deter intentional jumps, and offer a physical barrier between passengers and the train tracks. It's a proactive approach that prioritizes passenger safety and protects those who might be vulnerable.

We cannot change the past, but we can advocate for a safer future where no family has to endure such a heart-wrenching loss. Urge our policymakers to enact legislation that mandates the installation of platform safety barriers across train services. Let us honour the memory of those we've lost by ensuring their tragic deaths lead to meaningful change. Sign this petition to show your support for a safer railway system.