Lack of step-free access to train platforms

[MichelleClarke]

Is anyone else mortified by the lack of step-free access at most train stations in London?

How on earth does Transport for London expect parents, carers and wheelchair users to access trains without lifts or escalators in their train stations. It is absolutely awful.

I was taking the train in London with my very young baby and there was no step-free access from the platform to street- as I’ve found with so many tube and train stations in london. I asked a train attendant for his help as no one was around and I couldn’t believe it when he said no - in such a horrible abrupt manner I was too shocked to know what to do. I then asked a female station assistant who said she wasn’t allowed to help due to insurance reasons. It has taken me a while to dare to go out with my baby let alone on public transport and this has completely set me back. In the end another commuter helped me up the stairs but this has really knocked my confidence. I don’t understand how TFL can be so un-user friendly to wheelchair and pram users and then not offer an alternative solution.
This made me so angry!!! For a second, even though I was shattered afterwards, I reflected on the fact that I was able to do this but what about those who are in the same position and most importantly wheelchair users.

TFL needs to do better by making most of their stations step-free access to train platforms.

My local station has stairs and a bridge to get to each platform as does the next one up the line.

I've got twins - when they were small a carrier wasn't practical so if I had
To use PT I would bus to a station with step free access, go to a station I don't want / wasn't the nearest and walk / bus to the destination I wanted. I mostly didn't bother.

I realise this is really not a big issue compared to people with a disability.

Unfortunately the infrastructure tire is old and not fit for purpose in many stations and isn't likely to get any better soon given that TfL have said the Bank upgrade is likely to be the last for a long time due to funding.

Yes I think it's appalling and really feel for wheelchair users who only have the choice of a handful of stations to join/leave the tube. Absolutely terrible in this day and age to not have step-free access to the majority of stations.

@BlackRedGold

It's hard, disruptive and very expensive to change a Victorian infrastructure. But that's not helpful for those that are excluded. Ideally people who need step free access should be able to board a (free) shuttle bus to their nearest step free station. They could be like the buses you have at airports - lots of floor space and minimal seats.

I found travelling with a pushchair on the tube, you usually have to ask fellow travellers for help if needed - it's seldom offered.
I was taken aback initially on the Paris Metro to have people proactively grabbing my pushchair to help me every time, without anyone saying anything at all.

Like the dial a ride service ... accessible buses that are free.

clearly demonstrates how little you know about different disabilities
@Gilead it wasnt me that invalidated your experience. It's you that said the above not me

I was taken aback initially on the Paris Metro to have people proactively grabbing my pushchair
The positive attitude definitely does not extend to wheelchairs in Paris in our experience. They just dont see a wheelchair and will happily push in front, wave a cigarette at eye height, stand in the wheelchair space and refuse to move etc. Although paris isnt the only place in Europe I've had the distinct impression that people wonder why we take DS out. When we travel I'm always rather glad to get home in this respect.

Ideally people who need step free access should be able to board a (free) shuttle bus to their nearest step free station.
Tbf I'm pretty sure if there is no accessible route for your disability you're entitled to take a taxi paid for by TFL under disability discrimination regulations. We have been in this position with a train replacement bus service outside of London, its hard to do inside london though because of the accessibility of buses.

I am shocked you are shocked OP. Its a very old system and would need billions spent to make every station step free. We don't have the money. Use a sling, get a bus or walk. Plan your journey, tel make it very clear where the accessible stations are. Honestly feel its pretty entitled of you to expect staff to help you carry a pram up stairs. They'd spend all day doing that, wrecking their backs.

If you're disabled you get a discounted or free oyster card. There are buses everywhere to anywhere and they are constant.

If you want to blame anyone for the lack of investment in London's transport network, blame our prime minister

www.standard.co.uk/comment/tfl-funding-managed-decline-sadiq-khan-b967241.html