One-third of London's Underground stations are now step-free after the installation of four new lifts at Harrow-on-the-Hill station on the Metropolitan Line, which became the 91st Tube station to provide step-free access.
Taylor Woodrow BAM Nuttall Joint Venture and Otis installed the lifts. They now provide a step-free route between the street and Metropolitan Line trains, and greatly improve access for customers with reduced mobility, people travelling with heavy luggage, or with children in buggies.
To assist with wayfinding in the station, signage has been enhanced.
For customers boarding or alighting from Chiltern trains, boarding ramps will continue to be provided, and with TfL's Turn-up-and-go service, staff will be on hand to assist customers if required.
Councillor Graham Henson, Leader of Harrow Council, and Louise Weldon, Chief Executive of Harrow Association for Disabled People, joined the Mayor of London and TfL to celebrate the opening of the lifts.
Last year, step-free access schemes were completed at Sudbury Hill, Osterley, Battersea Power Station, Nine Elms, Wimbledon Park, Ickenham, Debden, and Amersham. In addition, Ealing Broadway was made step-free in May 2021 in preparation for the Elizabeth Line, and Whitechapel became step-free when the original station entrance on Whitechapel Road re-opened in August 2021.
This year, TfL will complete a range of step-free projects that are currently under construction and began prior to the pandemic, including to the Northern line at Moorgate, which became step-free to the Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines last year.
Step-free access work is progressing to make Bank (Northern line and DLR Interchange only) and Paddington (Bakerloo Line only) stations partially step-free in 2022.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “I want all Londoners to feel comfortable and confident when using our transport system, and improving accessibility is a top priority. Harrow-on-the-Hill station becoming step-free will make a huge difference to passengers with mobility needs and the wider public, making journeys quicker and easier.
“It's great news that a third of stations on the Tube network are now step-free, with more to come during 2022 – but unless Government provides TfL with the longer-term capital funding it needs, further step-free improvements are at risk. Such investment is vital to ensure public transport is an attractive, reliable option for all, and help London and the wider country recover from the pandemic.”
Esther Sharples, London Underground's Director of Asset Performance and Capital Delivery said: “Bringing step-free access to Harrow-on-the-Hill has been much anticipated and was undoubtedly one of the more complex projects of this type that we have completed. It's a really important milestone in our pledge to make the Underground network more accessible, and a reminder of how an affordable and reliable transport network is essential to provide everyone with equal opportunity.”
Cllr Graham Henson, Leader of Harrow Council, said: “For so long many commuters including those less able and parents with prams have been left unable to use Harrow-on-the-Hill station – a key transport hub in the borough.
“Although it's been a long wait, I am delighted that step-free access is now available. It opens up Harrow for hundreds more people who were unable to access it previously.
“There are also other huge benefits – it also meets our air quality agenda by giving more people access to public transport.
“Making the station easier for everyone to use and navigate is essential and I hope the rest of the network follows this step-free step in the right direction.”
Louise Weldon, CEO of Harrow Association of Disabled People, said: “We are delighted that Harrow-on-the-Hill station is finally fully accessible to disabled people. After a long campaign, the works are now complete and this will benefit our local community, especially disabled people.”
