Commuters call for more ticket barriers on East Croydon rail bridge to avoid overcrowding
By Harrison Galliven, Local Democracy Reporter
A petition is gaining momentum as commuters push back against Network Rail’s plan to open a bridge without a much-needed ticket gate at busy East Croydon station.
With more than 1,000 signatures, people are frustrated their journeys will be longer and more overcrowded without this additional ticket gate.
Commuters and campaigners are urging Network Rail to restore the original plan for a ticket barrier on the bridge, which is set to open later this year.
More than a decade ago, Network Rail pledged the new pedestrian footbridge would include a direct, gated access from Cherry Orchard Road, aiming to alleviate congestion and provide a more convenient route for passengers.
But Croydon residents were shocked to discover late last year that there will be no ticket barriers on the bridge’s east side, which has left some residents fearing it won’t benefit the communities it was meant to serve.
At the time, Nadia Elkheir, a young mother and resident of Addiscombe, said: “It’s just this thing that we’ve been waiting for, and then for it to end up being such an impractical and laughable plan that won’t save people any time is just ridiculous.”
Nadia highlighted the challenges faced by elderly and disabled passengers, who would be further inconvenienced by the lack of direct access.
Under Network Rail’s current plans, passengers will have to climb the stairs, pass through a narrow entrance, cross the bridge, queue at the west side ticket gates, and then walk back across the bridge to reach platforms 5 and 6.
Addiscombe West councillor Sean Fitzsimons said the absence of ticket barriers at the Cherry Orchard Road entrance breaks promises made to the community more than 10 years ago.
At the time, a Network Rail spokesperson said that a gate on the east side was never part of the plan and isn’t currently funded, though the design allows for one to be added in the future.
The recent petition urges Network Rail to keep its original ‘promises’ and listen to the community.
The bridge is set to open in October 2025. The petition can be found here.
Pictured top: Ticket barriers are currently operating on the Ruskin Road side of the footbridge (Picture: Harrison Galliven)
