Mapping the Development of
Step-free Access Across
London’s Rail Network
Mapping the Development of
Step-free Access Across
London’s Rail Network
Last week I finally had the opportunity, after many months, to spend the whole day in London checking out the development of various step-free schemes all across the capital. Most of my focus was on the outer Crossrail stations, as well as other National Rail-related schemes. Crossrail West Taking the local GWR service into Paddington… Continue reading Station Spotting in Outer London
Ignoring the glaring delays with the opening of Meridian Water station, now scheduled for 3rd June, and the never-ending work at Waterloo, this month has had a surprising amount of positive news with regards to step-free access. From a newly step-free suburban station to ambitious revised plans in the heart of the Square Mile, we… Continue reading May Step-Free Achievements
I must apologise for my long absence. After going on a much needed holiday in Germany, as well as planning an exciting tube-related event to be revealed later in the year, I am back! Despite an upsetting further Crossrail delay revealed last month, we are now gearing up for an exciting summer, filled with more… Continue reading Overdue Update: Surprises and Progress
This week we have been very lucky to see two important railway developments. The first is London-specific and involves the expansion of the Oyster Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) Zone to Hertford North. The second, affecting the whole country, Is the announcement of the 73 railway station that will be made step-free during the new Control Period of… Continue reading Expansions (Oyster and Access for All)
In addition to April Fool’s Day and Transport Secretary Chris Grayling’s birthday (coincidence?), today also marks the start of Network Rail’s latest 5-year funding period, Control Period 6 (CP6). Investment during these periods typically include various types of projects, such as new stations, electrification schemes, step-free access works, and maintenance/renewal works. Access for All Obviously,… Continue reading Start of Control Period 6
These past few weeks have seen an extreme increase in accessibility on TfL Rail East, which runs from Liverpool Street to Shenfield. The previous accessibility gap between Stratford and Chadwell Heath has been plugged up with 4 step-free stations: Maryland, Forest Gate, Manor Park, and Seven Kings. Although they will be part of the Elizabeth… Continue reading Accessible TfL Rail
No Underground line has seen as many recent changes regarding step-free access as the Victoria line. Only a few years ago when I was first planning on moving to the UK, Vauxhall was about to become step-free. Since then, Victoria station became accessible, and now we celebrate Finsbury Park. With this, the Victoria line has… Continue reading 44% Accessible Victoria Line!
So far, most recent news regarding step-free access has been dominated by de-scoping, deferments, delays, and quiet cancellations. In the context of this grim situation, brought upon primarily by TfL’s dire financial situation, it was surprising to hear that an additional Underground station would soon be made step-free AND appears to have stable funding. This… Continue reading Leyton: First Good News of the Year
As we reach the end of 2018, it is a good time to take inventory of the state of step-free access projects in London. Unfortunately, this year has been characterised by a series of high-profile delays, ranging from the undefined Crossrail delay to the late introduction of new Overground trains. However, there are many other… Continue reading 2019 and Beyond
I am currently on holiday in Colombia this week, so I was not expecting to do a longer post until I got back to the UK. Unfortunately, these past few days have brought a barrage of extremely negative news regarding future step-free access schemes in London. At the centre of this disaster is the Crossrail… Continue reading Delays and Disappointment: Crossrail’s Snowball Effect
