Step-Free Access Tube Projects Could Be Cut
Plan to improve step-free access to the London Underground may be delayed or cancelled due to the lack of funds, the BBC reports. Transport for London (TfL) who are responsible for managing the Tube, suffered a sharp fall in revenue during the pandemic, and have received a series of government bailout deals since.
TfL have recently published the results of an extensive public consultation, which found that two-thirds of respondents would use the Tube more if there were more step-free stations. Although there are almost 200 step-free stations across the network, plans to add at three more have currently been put on hold.
Fazilet Hadi, head of policy at Disability Rights UK, said it was "not acceptable that people with mobility impairments and wheelchair users continue to be denied access" on public transport. TfL said that it would "continue to work with third parties and developers to identify funding".
Measures to help wheelchair users access trains on the new Jubilee Line are currently being trialled, as Rail Advent reports. A special bridging device is being used to give wheelchair users more support and confidence when crossing the narrow gap between the train and the platform edge, which will be available at participating stations until February 2023.
Mark Evers, Transport for London’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “Making our transport network more accessible and inclusive is a top priority for us, as we know that a more accessible public transport network benefits everyone.”
He added: “The response to the consultation shows how important accessibility is for encouraging more people to use public transport. The bridging device has been designed to improve customers’ confidence and experience of using the network and I hope as many people as possible try it out during the trial period.”
Customers are being encouraged to leave feedback about their experience of using the bridging device.
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