TfL launch new ‘Avoiding stairs guide’
Transport for All
London Underground have launched a new guide that...
London Underground have launched a new guide that highlights all Tube and DLR stations where you can get to the platform, or change between lines, without using stairs.
The guide details where lifts, escalators or ramps can be accessed instead of stairs.
Stations where this access is not possible are greyed out on the map.
According to London Underground, the map differs to the ‘Step-Free Tube map’ which shows step-free stations suitable for wheelchair users, which have lifts from street to platform level or ramps; and includes more detailed information including the size of steps and gaps between train and platform.
Wayne Trevor, London Underground’s Accessibility & Inclusion Manager says: “However, we know that many people have difficulties in walking up and down long flights of stairs, but can manage escalators and have produced the ‘Avoiding Stairs Tube Guide’ to reflect these needs. These are very different to the difficulties faced by wheelchair users and so we wanted to provide a map that more accurately reflected these needs.”
The additional guide is welcomed, however the wider accessibility issues on the Tube still remain. The cutting of the step free programme has meant that the target to increase the number of step free stations has been shelved. Recently the reduction of staffing levels on the Tube has caused frustration to those of us who require staff assistance when travelling on the Underground. Indeed the vast majority of the London underground remains inaccessible to most disabled and older Londoners. This situation will only change when TfL and the Mayor direct the political support and resources needed to transform the Underground into an accessible network befitting a world city.
A PDF version of the guide can be downloaded via this link: http://www.transportforall.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/avoiding-stairs-tube-guide.pdf
