Transport for London is progressing with its improvements in public transport accessibility and has now named the next ten Tube stations prioritised for review for the potential of seeing step-free access delivered.
The stations are from an array of locations across London and have been selected with a focus on the provision of benefits to customers, such as shorter journey times for those who require step-free access.
The selection also represents potential issues with delivering the scheme, such as the feasibility of new lifts, whether there is enough space available for the work to be carried out, as well as considering the depth of each station.
The selection process is also based on feedback gained via accessibility campaigners and Transport for London's consultation regarding step-free access, which took place in 2021. This feedback is vital in locating gaps in areas which feature less step-free stations.
This phase of the ongoing project will see stations chosen across differing areas in London and over different ticket zones which will offer customers support in connecting to other parts of London with greater ease.
The Tube stations listed for this next stage of step-free access work are as follows:
- Alperton
- Arnos Grove
- Burnt Oak
- Eastcote
- Finchley Road
- Northolt
- North Acton
- Rayners Lane
- West Hampstead
- White City
Further to this work, and as part of work with the Government's ‘Levelling Up Fund', Transport for London is working with local boroughs and the Government through 2024 to make Colindale and Leyton Tube stations step-free.
Transport for London is also working to discover the best approach in bringing step-free access to the southern section of the Northern line between Elephant and Castle and Morden which sees a substantial gap in step-free access and an update on this matter should be available during the early part of 2024.
The 10 stations which are now on Transport for London's priority list will now undergo assessment in order to ascertain the extent of the work required and how this can be best provided. This will cover:
- Costs
- Benefits
- Funding Opportunities
- Impact on Customers
Funding is key in providing delivery of the step-free access programme and Transport for London is extremely focused on discovering any investment opportunities. In cases which apply, Transport for London can match investment funding by partners in order to bring the best value delivery in the long term. Once funding is identified alongside the completion of feasibility studies, it is expected that the completion of work to provide the first of the stations with step-free access will be in 2026.
Work is also underway as Transport for London actively engages with local authorities, developers and businesses across London in a bid to discover alternative options to deliver more step-free access to stations. An example of this is feasibility work taking place for stations such as Boston Manor, East Putney, Hatton Cross, North Ealing, Park Royal, Rickmansworth, Ruislip and Snaresbrook, which could see step-free access move forward if funding is provided via such organisations.
It is expected that Transport for London will review further stations for feasibility during 2024 and 2025 with support from funding partners and key stakeholder groups.
Transport for London has been working to bring down journey times for those who need accessible routes since 2016 and now sees 40% of this underway with an aim of meeting the Mayor's target for accessibility to 50% by 2041.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:
“I am committed to ensuring London's world-class public transport network is accessible for all Londoners. While there is still work to be done, I am proud that since I became Mayor, we have increased the number of step-free stations across London by 20 percent, meaning there are now more than 200 on TfL's network.”
“I'm delighted to announce the next ten Tube stations TfL will review for potential step-free access, and I am determined to keep working to deliver a public transport network that is accessible to all as we build a better, fairer London for everyone.”
Andy Lord, London's Transport Commissioner, said:
“More than a third of the Tube network is now step-free, and we have also delivered the step-free Elizabeth line, as well as improvements on the London Overground, but we know that we must do more to make London's transport network truly accessible and inclusive.”
“This is why we're working with partners to fund even more step-free access at Tube stations and these stations are a key part of these plans to create a more accessible public transport network that benefits everyone.”
Councillor Adam Harrison, Cabinet Member for a sustainable Camden, said:
“I am delighted that TfL is prioritising step free access at West Hampstead and Finchley Road stations.”
“We worked closely with TfL to ensure the plans for the O2 site could help deliver these community priorities which would transform access in this part of Camden to the Tube network.”
Councillor Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action for Brent, said:
“Step-free access means that more residents can access local health, education, employment and leisure opportunities in the borough and across our great city. This is an important step towards more inclusive spaces and making our transport network accessible to all.”
Caroline Stickland, Chief Executive Officer for Transport for All, said:
“We are extremely pleased to see more stations being made step-free, bringing us one step closer to an equitable, accessible transport system for all.”
“Currently, only 1 in 3 London Underground stations has step-free access. This shuts disabled people out of vast swathes of the network, forcing us to take long and convoluted routes, and even preventing us from travelling entirely. By offering more targeted investment to prioritise areas that will have the widest impact, this policy can make a meaningful difference to the lives of disabled Londoners.”
“We also welcome the funding model, which draws from local businesses and developments. This finally acknowledges what disabled people already know: accessibility is worth investing in. We are 1 in 5 of the population, and when we can travel freely and easily the whole community benefits from increased footfall, tourism, and prosperity.”
“We urge Transport for London and all decision makers to work as fast as possible to introduce station upgrades across the capital, to ensure every station receives the right investment in accessibility and so that every disabled Londoner in every community can finally get from A to B.”
Step-free access for the Tube network has seen delivery recently working with third parties to bring step-free access to Knightsbridge and Paddington stations. Bank station also recently saw upgrade work completed in order to provide step-free access on the Northern line and improvements to step-free access on the Docklands Light Railway which also now features a new accessible toilet in the ticket hall.
Five further stations served by London Overground will also offer step-free access to the Bakerloo line and Seven Sisters. This is thanks to a successful bid via the Department for Transport's Access for All scheme. Surrey Quays station is also set to become step-free thanks to funding via the Housing Infrastructure Fund and British Land. On completion, this work will see 61% of London Overground stations provide step-free access.
Transport for London is also supporting improved journeys for passengers by enhancing its communications regarding disruptions which impact step-free access and will aid customers in making better choices when planning their travel. An example of this kind of improvement would be if work were underway on lifts throughout the Transport for London network, automatic updates regarding the status of lift services would be provided via TfL's journey planner, the TfL Go app, third-party navigation apps and in stations. Further to this, Transport for London has also seen improvements made recently to its in-station electronic status update boards.
Maybe Redbridge, Wanstead and Gants Hill on the Central Line Hainault loop could be upgraded to have step-free access with lifts being installed. And at Barkingside, Fairlop, Grange Hill, Chigwell and Roding Valley. And Hainault is also step-free or to be step-free. And other stations on the Central Line (Leytonstone-Epping) to get upgraded with step-free. If it’s possible for some stations to have lifts or ramps.