Proudly Supporting Step Free Access With TFL

TfL has said that the consultation results will help it focus on the stations which will make the biggest difference to passengers. Some feedback included the types of stations customers would like TfL to make step-free and broader accessibility improvements such as toilet provision and accessible signage.

With the help of this clever design, passengers can enjoy stepping onto their train without any unnecessary stress.

Londoners will be able to try out a new way of getting on and off public transport starting next month. Starting at eight locations throughout Jubilee Line stations, customers can request that staff deploy an accessible device called "bridging."

The prototype is similar width as boarding ramps but only 200mm long - perfect for people who use mobility aids or have Limited manipulated mobility due their condition preventing them from standing up straight easily without assistance! You're welcome here anytime; just give us your feedback about how things went when you used this nifty invention so we know what else needs developing:)

The new bridging device will be installed at eight Jubilee line stations until February 2023. Customers can just turn up and request to use it; station staff are available for assistance if needed - including helping passengers get off of trains arriving at one trial stop during this time.

Mark Evers, Transport for London's Chief Customer Officer, said:

"Making our transport network more accessible and inclusive is a top priority for us, as we know that a more accessible public transport network benefits everyone. The response to the consultation shows how important accessibility is for encouraging more people to use public transport. The bridging device has been designed to improve customers' confidence and experience of using the network and I hope as many people as possible try it out during the trial period."

Other key findings in the consultation include:

• Stations that interchange with other transport services were a clear priority for respondents, along with stations that are within easy reach of hospitals and healthcare services
• 69 per cent of public respondents felt that it would be best to prioritise step-free access at a combination of some smaller and medium sized Tube stations and part of a complex station (as opposed to just one complex station; a few medium stations; or more smaller stations)
• 63 per cent of respondents preferred for TfL to 'plug the gaps' where there is a large area with few step-free stations rather than create 'hubs' by filling in the gaps where most of an area is already step-free
• More than half said their usage of the Tube would expand (52 per cent) and that their journeys would be made easier (68 per cent) and less stressful (64 per cent) if their most important Tube stations were made step-free

TfL is delivering step-free improvements across the whole transport network as part of its commitment to increasing accessibility and inclusion. The consultation results also outlined other aspects of the network that customers believe could be improved, including toilet provision, accessible signage, staff boarding ramp training and walking distances between step-free routes.

TfL is working to address these, including:

• TfL has assigned budget to improve toilets that are most in need of repair. Analysis is also being undertaken to assess where there are gaps in accessible toilet provision, especially at stations with existing step-free access
• Accessible signage to improve step-free wayfinding in stations has been installed at 16 London Underground, 11 Elizabeth line and two DLR stations, with more to follow shortly
• Staff at stations where boarding ramps are available have had additional briefings to ensure they can assist customers requiring ramp assistance. TfL continues to provide station staff with essential accessibility training, with a view to refresh existing training materials
• TfL is adding interchange walking time to its online Journey Planner. This displays as a stage on the journey, for example 'interchange from Victoria to Central line - 5 minutes'

There are now more than 200 step-free stations across the TfL network. These include: 92 Tube stations, 62 London Overground stations, all DLR stations and Tram stops. All 41 Elizabeth line stations have step-free access, with the majority of central stations being step-free from street to train.