TfL confirms 12 Tube stations to be prioritised for step-free access

Transport for London (TfL) has today announced 12 new stations which will be prioritised for step free access in a bid to make the London Underground network more accessible.

Seven Tube stations will undergo assessment for step-free access feasibility. These are Colliers Wood, Tooting Broadway and East Finchley on the Northern line, Croxley and Northwood on the Metropolitan line, Neasden on the Jubilee line, and Turnham Green on District  and Piccadilly lines.    

Assessments at Colliers Wood and Tooting Broadway follow an initial evaluation of stations on the southern end of the Northern line – the longest stretch of the Tube network that does not have any step-free stations.

TfL will examine benefits, costs, funding opportunities and impact on customers before making a decision.

Cllr Jenny Yates, Wandsworth council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “More than 11million passenger journeys were made to and from Tooting Broadway last year, with typically 40 tube services an hour serving the station even outside peak travel times.

“Many of these journeys would have been made by passengers travelling to nearby St George’s Hospital. An accessible lift at the station would enable many more people to travel to their appointments or visit families and friends by public transport. 

“We welcome Tooting Broadway being considered for step-free access and are keen to see the results of the feasibility study from TfL.”

The announcement was also welcomed by Tooting MP, Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, who said she will be contributing to the case in coming months.

Dr Allin-Khan said: “The work done by the Mayor of London to improve accessibility has been fantastic, and I hope that Tooting Broadway can join the list of stations that make transport available for all.”

This follows TfL’s confirmation earlier this year that work will start at North Acton and West Hampstead stations.

More than a third of Underground stations across the city provide step-free access, with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan’s goal set at making 50 per cent of Tube stations step-free by 2030. 

But, the rail network said, progress is dependent on its future funding position, with schemes only prioritised where there is third party funding available.

John McGeachy, campaigns manager for Age UK, said: “Step-free stations have the potential to transform the daily lives of older and disabled Londoners, as well as many others. 

“Increasing the number of step-free stations on the Underground network will make life easier for people that have faced too many barriers for too long.”

(Picture: TfL)