The state of access to stations across London’s transport network has been steadily improved for those of limited mobility, but the latest improvement is not just about the provision of passenger lifts, but their reliability.
Nothing can be worse for a passenger who needs to use a lift than being unable to do so because it is out of order, or for the lift to break down while they are in it, leaving them trapped for a while and probably missing their train into the bargain.
More reliable lifts that seldom break down are part of the solution, but so is new smart technology that has been introduced, which gets the lifts to self-report faults, ensuring that problems are flagged up at the earliest possible stage and can therefore be attended to swiftly.
How Many Self-Reporting Lifts Are On The TfL Network?
Transport for London (TfL) revealed this month that a third of lifts on the Tube network now have this technology integrated into them, with plans in place to fit it into the rest of the lifts next year. Currently, there are 93 lifts at 28 stations that will self-report faults.
In addition, the following transport systems and locations in London will have this technology installed next year:
· London Overground
· The Elizabeth Line
· The IFS Cloud Cable Car
· Hammersmith Bus Station
TfL Customer director Emma Strain remarked: “Real-time updates for out-of-service lifts minimise the chance that people need to change their plans once their journey’s begun, and the frustration and inconvenience that can go with that.”
Lifts and ramps have provided step-free access at a growing number of older stations over the past few years, while the Elizabeth line proved to be a major landmark in accessible transport by offering step-free access at all 42 stations.
What this latest development offers is a further commitment, ensuring not only that lifts are provided wherever possible, but that if they do stop working, the issue can be raised and fixed promptly.