Sadiq Khan has apologised to Elizabeth line passengers who have been injured at Ealing Broadway station because of a large gap between the train and platform.
The London mayor said he was “shocked” to see reports of those who had been hurt, adding: “I'm really sorry. You should not be injured going about your daily business.”
Speaking to BBC London, Mr Khan said: “The issue is this is an older station, rather than one of our newer stations, and you know the difference in height between the train and the platform.”
The mayor continued by saying he had been in “close contact with the [Transport for London] commissioner and had discussions with him” and that TfL was also “working really closely with the train operator MTR, but also Network Rail, to resolve this issue”.
Mr Khan spoke to journalists during a visit on Thursday morning from the new Transport Secretary Louise Haigh - who also said she would be taking up the matter with Network Rail.
Three passengers had all informed the BBC they had suffered injuries at the west London station.
Lucy Daramola told the broadcaster she was knocked unconscious and hospitalised after cutting her shins while boarding a train in July 2022.
“The main thing there is the gap is too high,” she said. “And the edge is quite sharp. So if you miss your step the edge is quite dangerous as well. So that was the cut I had, the deep laceration I had.
“I fear that someone will die, because I was actually unconscious so it can happen to other people as well, even worse.”
She added: “What about vulnerable people? Elderly? If I can fall there, it means it's quite dangerous. I wasn't running.”
Rolf Kern also had to go to hospital after he badly gashed his shin while trying to board, and Eric Leach was injured when he stepped off onto the platform. He broke a bone in his foot and collapsed on the platform.
Mr Khan said on Thursday: “I'm really sorry to those three passengers who have been hurt - awful injuries, it shouldn't have happened - but the good news is Network Rail is now getting to grips with this.”
A Network Rail spokesperson said earlier this week: “Safety is our number one priority and we previously met with the station user group to listen to their concerns.
“We are not currently funded to do improvements to the platforms, however we are working closely with our partners at TfL and MTR-Elizabeth line to review what might be done as part of our joint safety improvement plan.”
A TfL spokesperson said: “Safety is a priority for us and while the height difference between the train and the platform at this station complies with the required safety standards we are working with our operator, MTR-Elizabeth line, and Network Rail to see if it is possible to raise the platform at Ealing Broadway.
“We have also developed a range of enhancements at the station to increase customer safety. This includes the installation of a new barrier to enhance the management of passenger flow, and the extension of a handrail.”
