TfL launches new phase of step-free access projects on London Underground

Credit: Transport for London

Transport for London (TfL) has announced the initiation of design work to increase the number of step-free stations on the London Underground. The current phase will focus on making three more Tube stations accessible and evaluating the feasibility of step-free access at seven additional stations.

Design work is set to begin imminently for Alperton, Arnos Grove and Eastcote stations on the Piccadilly line, with Eastcote also serving the Metropolitan line. This builds on previous feasibility work conducted in 2023. Additionally, work has commenced at Northolt station on the Central line, with design planning also underway for North Acton (Central line) and West Hampstead (Jubilee line).

Seven more stations are slated for step-free access feasibility assessments: Croxley (Metropolitan line), East Finchley (Northern line), Neasden (Jubilee line), Northwood (Metropolitan line) and Turnham Green (District/Piccadilly lines). Colliers Wood and Tooting Broadway on the Northern line will also undergo assessments, following initial studies focusing on the southern end of the Northern line. This section, except for Morden, currently lacks step-free access.

The Mayor of London has set an ambitious target to make 50% of Tube stations step-free by 2030. Currently, more than a third of London Underground stations provide step-free access. However, progress towards this goal is contingent on the feasibility of projects and the future funding landscape of TfL, with priority given to schemes backed by third-party funding.

Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor for Transport, said: “London is for everyone, and the Mayor and I are committed to making London’s transport network as accessible as possible, to enable everyone to enjoy all that London has to offer. I’m pleased that work will begin soon to give three more stations step-free access, and I will continue to work with TfL to keep increasing this number, and build a better, fairer and more accessible London for everyone.”

TfL’s Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, Alex Williams, said: “More than a third of Underground stations across the capital are step-free and we’re working hard to increase this number to help create a fairer, more accessible and inclusive transport network, opening up more of London to everyone. I’m really pleased that we’re now able to confirm the next tranche of Tube stations that will be prioritised for step-free access planning, building on feasibility work that started last year and influenced by feedback from accessibility campaigners and TfL’s consultation on step-free access.”

Ongoing projects include step-free schemes at Colindale and Leyton stations, with Colindale station closed until December 2024 for significant upgrades. Detailed design work continues at Leyton station, and TfL is collaborating with third parties to deliver step-free access at Knightsbridge and the Bakerloo line entrance at Paddington station.