Transport for London announced the great news that Wimbledon Park tube station is the 86th step free station on the Underground network, including Wimbledon on the District line and Morden on the Northern line stations in the Merton area, which will bring more accessible journeys into central London and also for those visiting Wimbledon Park.
Southfields on the District line is now also a step free station.
The brand new lift at Wimbledon Park station gives access to the central platform for eastbound and westbound services on the District line. The line also now includes access from street to platform, and boarding ramps are at hand for use by station staff for customers who need assistance.
The lift is a welcome improvement for the station providing access to those with mobility needs and also those travelling with heavy or awkward luggage or children in buggies.
Ickenham and Debden stations also became step free during the early part of 2021. Whitechapel station also became step free this week and also featured the opening of a new ticket hall which is located on Whitechapel Road and is part of work underway for the opening of the Elizabeth line.
For customers requiring assistant with their journey, every London Underground and London Overground station operates a turn-up-and-go service. This facility means that customers do not need to pre-book assistance, and can simply request help once they are at their station. All of TfL staff members are trained to both support and advise customers with accessibility needs. For further information, please visit the TfL website.
Esther Sharples, London Underground's Director of Asset Performance and Capital Delivery, said: “Wimbledon Park station becoming step-free is another important move to making the network as accessible as possible. Customers with disabilities, as well as those with luggage or children in buggies, can now use the station much more easily and comfortably to access Wimbledon Park itself as well as the surrounding area. Improving accessibility across London is vital, and we will continue the important work to make as many stations as possible step-free.”
Martin Whelton, Merton Council cabinet member for Housing, Regeneration, and the Climate Emergency, said: “We welcome these improvements to one of Merton's busy underground stations that will make travel more accessible. As we recover from COVID making the most of Merton's outstanding public transport links will be vital in helping our local economy and reducing congestion on our roads.”
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As Wimbledon Park has been upgraded with lifts. Will many more London Underground stations to be upgraded with lifts. And some of London Overground stations also to be upgraded to be step-free accessible.