Underground

Underground Information

Added: 29 January 2009 | Updated: 8 May 2012

Currently only a small percentage of tube stations have some degree of step free access; that is they are accessible from the street to the ticket hall, from the ticket hall to the platform and from the platform on to the train.

Other stations on the network have a variety of steps, gaps and obstacles which may prevent you from travelling or make your journey longer.

Planning Ahead
We believe the key to accessible tube travel is to plan ahead. Transport for London produce a good range of accessible maps in various formats.
Download the Step-free Tube guide which shows the height and width of the steps and gaps at accessible stations. TfL also produce an Avoiding Stairs Tube guide.

A number of stations have audible descriptions available from Describe Online. An Audio version of the tube map can be obtained from TfL’s Customer Service Centre – Tel: 0845 330 9880.

We can help you plan your journey. Contact us on 020 7737 2339 for detailed information about the size of the gaps between the platform and the train or for the number of steps at a station.

You can plan an accessible journey yourself online using TfL’s journey planner tool, which can be found on our homepage or TfL’s website. Select your start and finish locations and then click Avanced options. This will let you select the modes of transport you prefer to use, or enter access requirements.

Accessing the service
All Underground staff have had disability equality training and should be able and willing to assist you. You can ask for help with tickets, travel information and boarding the train.

Ticket offices are fitted with induction loops, which you can use by switching your hearing aid to the T position.

If you have an assistance dog, staff will help you to avoid escalators where possible, or stop them to allow you and your dog to walk. However, this may not be possible at busy times.

A member of staff should help you onto the train and if necessary, help you find a seat. They will then call ahead to your destination or interchange stations and arrange for a member of staff to meet and assist you there too.

All trains have priority seating, clearly marked next to the doors. These are for disabled people, pregnant women, older people and those travelling with children. Customers are expected to vacate these seats if they see someone who requires a seat. If no one offers, feel free to ask.

District, Jubilee, Victoria and Northern lines have multipurpose areas suitable for wheelchairs, luggage and pushchairs.

All trains, apart from the old Metropolitan line trains, should have automatic voice announcements. These announce the next and current stations and the destination of the train. Service disruption will be broadcast by the driver using the public address system.

If a lift is broken when you arrive at a step-free station, ask a member of staff to help you re-plan your journey. If there is a single accessible bus journey to the next step-free station, or your destination, then this is the route you will be advised to take. If there is not, London Underground is obliged to order you a taxi at their expense. This also applies when the line is closed and the rail replacement bus service is not accessible or does not stop at an alternative accessible station.
For more information read TfL’s Assistence policy for disabled customers in full

Mobility scooters are permitted on the Underground.

Many Underground stations have Help points on the platforms. In an emergency you can contact the station control room, or failing that, the police. Many of them also have buttons to press for passenger information and induction loops.

The District, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly, Victoria and new Metropolitan line trains have visual information displays inside the train. These show the next and current stations and the destination of the train.

Toilets
You will need a Radar key to unlock accessible toilets at Underground stations. The keys cost £4.20. Call Radar on 020 7250 3222 or order online. Not all Underground stations have accessible toilets and those that do may be outside the ticket barriers.
Download TfL’s Toilet facilities Tube map or view a full list of tube stations with toilets.
Radar have also released a phone app which can pinpoint your nearest toilet which costs £4.99.

Top tips
Almost all Underground Stations with car parks have some accessible spaces, free to use for Blue Badge holders. Check before you travel by calling Tel: 020 7737 2339

Many ‘accessible’ stations have a step onto the train which may be as high as 300mm (12 inches). Please check whether you can manage this before you travel