Boost for step-free access on Tube as Tower Hill lifts open

STEP-FREE access across the Tube was given a major boost today with the unveiling of two new lifts at busy Tower Hill station, which is used by 22 million people a year.

The lifts connect the ticket halls and all three platforms serving the District and Circle lines.

Alongside the lifts step-free routes have also been created between the Tube station and both Tower Gateway DLR and mainline rail ser vices at Fenchurch Street station.

Tower Hill station is a key tourist destination and the closest to some of the c a p i t a l ’s b i g g e s t attractions, including the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.

The step-free access scheme was partfunded through an agreement between Transport for London and the Citizen M hotel group, which also constructed part of the lift infrastructure as part of local development work.

L ondon Underground managing director Mark Wild said: “These new lifts will transform accessibilit y at Tower Hill station benefitting people with disabilities, families with young children and t h o s e w i t h h e av y luggage.” Alan Benson, chairman of the Transport for All campaign group, said: “Step-free access unlocks a station and its surroundings to disabled and older people and we look forward to the opening up of more of the network over the coming years.”

Tower Hill is the 68th st ation to become step-free, with 40 more Tube and Overground stations to be converted over the coming decade as part of a £326 million project.

These include Bond Street, Tottenh a m C o u r t R o a d , Va u x h a l l and Victoria.

Bakerloo line platforms reopened at Paddington station today after major improvement work to escalators was completed t wo weeks ahead of schedule. Commuters have been forced to use nearby stations as Bakerloo line trains have not stopped at Paddington since the beginning of April while work went on.