London Underground (LU) is set to launch new bridge-style boarding ramps across its network to allow mobility-impaired passengers to embark and disembark easily from street to train.
The move is part of a range of improvements that are being delivered by the mayor and Transport for London (TFL), in order to continue to embed accessible travel promised after the 2012 Olympic Games.
London Transport deputy mayor Isabel Dedring said: “We’ve been determined to create a ramp for stations that have platform accessibility problems. This innovative new design is a UK first and will make a real contribution to boosting accessibility by opening up more stations to more people.”
“This innovative new design is a UK first and will make a real contribution to boosting accessibility by opening up more stations to more people.”
The new ramps will be introduced at three Jubilee line stations including Kilburn, Stanmore and Wembley Park in June, with further plans to expand to other stations on the network later this year.
LU strategy and service development director Gareth Powell said: “These new ramps will mean new travel options, as well as better and more accessible journeys, for our customers.”
TFL is also investing £250m in step-free projects at stations such as Bond Street, Greenford, Tottenham Court Road, Vauxhall and Victoria.
London will see at least 25 LU and London Overground stations become step-free over the next ten years, in addition to accessible Crossrail and other National Rail stations in the city.
LU’s of accessibility work features a mix of permanent level access at new stations, permanent raised platform sections, low-floor trains and boarding ramps.