Two of Ealing’s London Underground stations, Northolt and North Acton, are in line to have step-free access under new plans outlined by Transport for London (TfL).
The two stations are included in the ten London Underground stations that TfL will be reviewing for potential step-free access through new lifts as it progresses plans to further improve public transport accessibility in London.
Last year, Councillor Peter Mason, Leader of Ealing Council, and Councillor Deirdre Costigan, Ealing Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for climate action, wrote to the TFL commissioner, demanding action, stating: “Residents of Ealing have been waiting for too long for step free access at stations across the north of the borough.”
Councillor Costigan said: “I’m delighted that TfL and the mayor have listened to Ealing and two of our busiest underground stations, Northolt and North Acton, could soon have brand new lifts. Ensuring equal access to transport links means that all our residents can get to work and education opportunities, helping them to lead happy and fulfilled lives.”
TfL is also actively engaging with local authorities, developers and businesses to explore what options are available to introduce further step-free access to stations. For instance, feasibility work at other stations, including Boston Manor, North Ealing and Park Royal, could be progressed should the right amount of investment be found.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m delighted to announce the next ten Tube stations TfL will review for potential step-free access, and I am determined to keep working to deliver a public transport network that is accessible to all as we build a better, fairer London for everyone.”
Any improvements to stations will focus on the benefits to travellers, such as reducing journey times for those needing to use step-free access. Ensuring that new lifts are feasible and there is sufficient space for work to be carried out at each Tube station are just some of the things to be considered.
Ensuring greater access to transport links to reduce reliance on high polluting cars is part of the council’s climate and ecological strategy.
