Fears have been raised over the safety of London Overground’s morning services to Hackney after two women fainted on the service to Dalston Junction last week.
The women were both on the 9.11am Honor Oak to Dalston Junction service when they reportedly overheated and lost consciousness.
One of the women was subsequently led off the train by her partner at Surrey Quays, while the other woman remained on the service.
Tom Hancock, 28, who was on the train that morning, explained that the heat was an ongoing problem.
“As usual the trains were too hot and because they were extra busy it was even worse,” he said.
“It’s way too hot every day, and I have no idea why they can’t put the air-con on. It’s raining and cold outside so people dress up warm. We don’t want to stand in a crowded, boiling train.”
Disruption to services
London Overground services also faced major disruption at Dalston last week with passengers complaining of continuing problems with delays and conflicting information from TfL.
Louise, 33, said that she struggled to get onto services at Dalston Kingsland due to overcrowding, with conductors suggesting the best route was from nearby station Dalston Junction.
“This always happens at Dalston Kingsland,” she said, “I don’t want to go via Dalston Junction as it costs more to go via Zone 1. I don’t get how this can happen in 2015. We pay so much money.”
Mike Stubbs, TfL’s Director of London Overground, said: “We know that our services can be extremely busy during the rush hour which may lead to some customers feeling hot and uncomfortable. All trains on the London Overground have climate control including air-conditioning to provide a consistent temperature. The safety of our customers is our top priority and we would ask if they are feeling unwell during their journey, to get off at the next stop and seek the assistance of a member of station staff.”
