Smaller step-free ramps to be trialled

[Chris M]

IanVisits is reporting that TfL are testing a smaller design of step-free at some Jubilee line stations to see if there are benefits over the existing design.

www.ianvisits.co.uk/articles/london-underground-testing-new-step-free-device-at-jubilee-line-stations-58817/

[spsmiler]

I saw this somewhere earlier today, I think that especially where the gap between train floor and platform is 'fairly small' this will be ideal. Quick, easy, lightweight - easier to deploy.

But not suitable for where tube and subsurface trains call at the same platforms, nor perhaps at stations on converted steam train routes where the width of the gap between the platform and the tube train floors are wider. Leyton / Leytonstone (Central line) come to mind, as I pass through these fairly often.

[stapler]

Also, the platform height of the converted GER lines was, I think standardised on conversion - which was always an uneasy compromise, and can make the gradient of the ramps too great.
I rather get the impression step-free access has been taking a back seat lately, both at "difficult" outer stations like Loughton and Leyton WB, and of course at the deep level inner stations.

[Chris L]

Not a lot of point deploying ramps at stations without step free access.

[jimbo]

It must be some 50 years since the GER lines saw main line train services. Plenty of time for the tracks to slowly move towards standard tube line positions at each renewal!

[Chris M]

The reason step-free access has taken a bit of a back seat recently is mostly the budget issues, but also TfL has been running a consultation on which types of stations should be prioritised. The result (as noted in the article linked at the top of this thread) was a slight preference for adding step-free access in areas that don't have any rather than making other areas step-free hubs. If followed-through then that would deprioritise Loughton, being adjacent to both Debden and Buckhurst Hill.

[Colin]

Nov 16, 2022 19:22:41 GMT Chris L said:

Not a lot of point deploying ramps at stations without step free access.

Still useful if a train is being removed from service and a relevant passenger needs to be taken off and put onto a following train, for example.

[d7666]

Nov 17, 2022 0:01:37 GMT Colin said:

Nov 16, 2022 19:22:41 GMT Chris L said:

Not a lot of point deploying ramps at stations without step free access.

Still useful if a train is being removed from service and a relevant passenger needs to be taken off and put onto a following train, for example.

Indeed. Or interchanging. Either between lines or by short workings.

That comment exemplifies how the needs of mobility restricted persons are not understood.

[Chris L]

Nov 17, 2022 1:16:03 GMT d7666 said:

Nov 17, 2022 0:01:37 GMT Colin said:

Still useful if a train is being removed from service and a relevant passenger needs to be taken off and put onto a following train, for example.

Indeed. Or interchanging. Either between lines or by short workings.

That comment exemplifies how the needs of mobility restricted persons are not understood.

I well understand the needs of mobility restricted persons. 

I carried out surveys for low level signage at stations with lifts. These signs have since been installed.

The point I made is that more needs to be done to improve step free access. This needs to be turn up and go. The lack of staff at many stations makes this almost impossible to deploy these ramps.

A few weeks ago on a very busy Sunday I saw a power wheelchair user get on the train at Battersea Park Station. I wondered where he could alight on the Charing Cross branch. However he was able to get off at Kennington for the City branch.

[stapler]

<< The result (as noted in the article linked at the top of this thread) was a slight preference for adding step-free access in areas that don't have any rather than making other areas step-free hubs. If followed-through then that would deprioritise Loughton, being adjacent to both Debden and Buckhurst Hill.>>
True, but although Buckhurst Hill was made step-free by reopening the long-closed entrances at the south, they debouch a wheelchair user where s/he doesn't want to be for interchange; a bus every 75 minutes on the 549? And as for Debden [is there a less pleasant approach route anywhere else on TfL?], with a rough barriered alleyway to the buses?

[Chris M]

The pot of money is both finite and significantly smaller than it was, so it has to prioritised somehow. While neither Debden nor Buckhurst Hill stations are great, someone who needs step-free access can use them and be reasonably near their destination. The same is not true if one's destination is in e.g. the Ruislip area.

[Chris L]

I see from this that they are being trialled on the Jubilee line. Sensible.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-63649664