Accessibility funding

Stations across Britain will benefit from Access for All funding totalling £300 million.

The Department for Transport has announced that work at 73 stations will include upgrades to lifts and footbridges, as well as smaller-scale improvements such as tactile paving on platform edges or adjustable ticket counters.

The investments will take place over five years and were selected following nominations from the rail industry, based on criteria such as footfall weighted by disability in the area, value for money, and local factors.

“Transport is vital for connecting people with work, friends and family, but also to enable them to enjoy visiting some of the wonderful cultural, historical and natural sites across the UK,” said Transport Accessibility Minister Nusrat Ghani.

“We want the 13.9 million disabled people in Britain to be empowered to travel independently, which is why I am delighted to announce this rollout of upgrades across the rail network.

“Over the next five years these newly accessible stations will open up routes across the country, helping us move closer to a transport sector that is truly accessible.”

Transport Focus Chief Executive Anthony Smith said: “This latest funding is another big step in the right direction, and passengers can welcome the news that more of the rail network will be open to them.

“While many disabled travellers report receiving a good service, there is still a long way to go until people with disabilities have full access to the rail network.

“The rail industry and their staff must now get behind all the changes required to deliver the more accessible network of stations promised. Passengers with disabilities must not continue to experience a mixed response to their requests for help. Operators must ensure that all booked help arrives, and that the correct help is provided.”

Rail Delivery Group Regional Director Robert Nisbet said the railway wants more passengers to be able to access trains.

“The rail industry has delivered over £500m of targeted improvements since 2006, with 75% of journeys now made through step-free stations,” he said.

Nisbet acknowledged further work is needed, but added: “We are also investing billions of pounds in more accessible carriages, better technology and station upgrades to make the railway even more accessible.”