Stoke-on-Trent station is set to see the lift on the footbridge between platforms 1 and 2 undergo urgent repair work due to the discovery of a fault within its electrical system. The repair work means that the lift is not in use for passengers.
A part required to make the repair can no longer be sourced which means locating a replacement component and completing the repair could take as long as 12 weeks.
A free taxi shuttle service will be in operation for the full period of work and will allow passengers who usually use the lift for step-free access to get from one side of the station to the other.
Passengers are advised to add more time than usual for their travel plans should they need step-free access in order to change platforms whilst the repair work is completed.
The subway which connects platforms is open as usual however, this is not serviced by lifts.
Martin Ball, head of maintenance for Network Rail's West Coast South route, said: “We're sorry for the inconvenience the lift fault will cause to passengers at Stoke on Trent station. We're working as quickly as we can to get it working again and restore step-free access between platforms.
“While we carry out the urgent repairs our advice is to please allow extra time for your journeys and where possible contact your train operator's Assisted Travel team before you set off so the shuttle taxi can be arranged for you in advance.”
Laura Harper, Avanti West Coast station manager at Stoke on Trent, said: “We're working with Network Rail and industry partners to help customers as the works to repair the lifts at Stoke station take place.
“As always, our teams will be on hand to help customers travelling to and from Stoke during this time but we strongly recommend customers plan ahead, check before they travel and leave extra time for their journey.”
Whilst the footbridge is out of action, passengers requiring step-free access are advised to talk to either station staff or their rail operators Passenger Assistance team as follows:
Avanti West Coast's Passenger Assist team – 08000 158 123 (Option 3)
CrossCountry Passenger Assist team – 0800 030 9224
East Midlands Railway Passenger Assist team – 08000 11 33 23
London Northwestern Passenger Assist team – 0800 024 8997
Northern Trains Passenger Assist team – 0800 138 5560
