The next Tube stations in line to become “step-free” have been announced by Transport for London.
The Standard reported that TfL has published a list of 17 shortlisted stations that will now undergo detailed feasibility studies, including Upton Park, Blackhorse Road and Wood Green – all of which attract about nine million passengers a year.
However 13 stations have failed to make it off a “long list” – including Queensbury, which is used for more than three million journeys a year, Totteridge and Whetstone, and Rickmansworth.
However The Standard added that the shortlisted stations are not guaranteed to be redeveloped, as this will depend on TfL’s finances and whether contributions can be secured from third parties, such as private developers.
It said the list does not include South Kensington – the busiest station on the entire Underground network not to be fully step-free – because TfL is waiting to secure funding as part of a wider redevelopment of the area.
The Standard said that at present, 93 stations – out of 272 on the London Underground network – have step-free access, enabling them to be used by people in wheelchairs and making travel much easier for passengers with mobility issues and parents with children in prams.
Alex Williams, TfL’s chief customer and strategy officer, said: “Making more Tube stations step-free is a major part of our work to make the transport network more accessible.
“More than a third of Underground stations feature step-free access and we’re working towards the Mayor of London’s ambitious target for 50 per cent of the Tube network to be step-free by 2030.
“We are already progressing work to make 10 more Tube stations step-free and are conducting feasibility studies into introducing step-free access at eight more stations across the capital.
“We have now confirmed that 17 additional Tube stations will also be assessed, starting later this year.”