TfL announces 10 London Underground stations for step-free access review

Transport for London (TfL) has announced 10 London Underground stations that will undergo a review for potential step-free access as part of its efforts to improve public transport accessibility in the city.

The selection process considered factors such as reducing journey times for those requiring step-free access, feasibility of installing new lifts, available space for construction and the depth of each station. Feedback from accessibility campaigners and TfL’s consultation on step-free access, which received 5,500 responses in 2021, had also influenced the selection.

The 10 shortlisted stations for step-free access work in 2023 and 2024 are Alperton, Arnos Grove, Burnt Oak, Eastcote, Finchley Road, Northolt, North Acton, Rayners Lane, West Hampstead and White City.

In addition, TfL is collaborating with the UK government and local boroughs to secure funding from the ‘Levelling Up Fund’ for making Colindale and Leyton stations step-free in 2024. TfL is also studying options to provide step-free access on the southern section of the Northern line between Elephant and Castle and Morden, aiming to update on this work in early 2024.

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Furthermore, TfL is actively engaging with local authorities, developers and businesses to explore step-free access options at other stations such as Boston Manor, East Putney, Hatton Cross, North Ealing, Park Royal, Rickmansworth, Ruislip and Snaresbrook. The priority stations will undergo assessments to determine the required work, costs, funding opportunities and customer impact. 

TfL has been working since 2016 to reduce average journey times for people who require accessible routes by 40%, and it is on track to achieve the Mayor’s accessibility target of 50% by 2041. The agency plans to review additional stations for feasibility in 2024 and 2025 with the support of funding partners and stakeholder groups.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “While there is still work to be done, I am proud that since I became Mayor we have increased the number of step-free stations across London by 20%, meaning there are now more than 200 on TfL’s network. I’m delighted to announce the next 10 Tube stations TfL will review for potential step-free access, and I am determined to keep working to deliver a public transport network that is accessible to all as we build a better, fairer London for everyone.”

Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, said: “More than a third of the Tube network is now step-free, and we have also delivered the step-free Elizabeth line, as well as improvements on the London Overground, but we know that we must do more to make London’s transport network truly accessible and inclusive. This is why we’re working with partners to fund even more step-free access at Tube stations and these stations are a key part of these plans to create a more accessible public transport network that benefits everyone.”