Why haven't the ♿️ step-free Access on TfL Tube Maps online been updated accordingly?
Request ID: FOI-3043-2324 Date published: 29 November 2023
You asked
Hey TfL,
In a previous FOI request from you a couple of months ago (Request ID: FOI-0815-2324), I enquired about the next 18 Step-free stations coming to the Tube Map in the form of accessible London Overground & Thameslink stations as part of Network Rail's 'Access for All' programme & the 2019 Conservative Party election manifesto that you helpfully responded to in detail (thanks for that!).
In the FOI, you informed me that these stations in particular have already begun their construction for Step-free accessibility and have been expected to be completed by Summer or Autumn 2023:
- Finsbury Park
- Streatham
- St Mary Cray
- Petts Wood
- Catford
...of these 5 stations, I have noticed that only 1 of them - Finsbury Park has so far been updated on the latest tube map online on the TfL Website (https://tfl.gov.uk/maps/track/tube) and shown as having Step-free access (considering that we're now already at the end of Autumn 2023) - and hence, I just wanted to ask you about why haven't the other 4 stations been (yet) updated on the Tube Map with Step-Free Access wheelchair blobs?
Even this time last year when the winter pocket Tube Map came out in November 2022, it had a 'Check before you travel' dagger sign at Bank station (that showed a step-free wheelchair blob on the Northern Line) with a note saying that the Step-free access at Bank for the Northern Line will be 'coming soon' - which it did about 2 months later, so looking back at that, I have just been a little curious as to why the Tube Map hasn't similarly yet been updated with updates to at least these 4 front-running stations getting Step-free access?
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-3043-2324
Thank you for your follow up request received by us on 23 November 2023, asking for information about step free stations. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we hold some of the information you require. You specifically asked:
In the FOI, you informed me that these stations in particular have already begun their construction for Step-free accessibility and have been expected to be completed by Summer or Autumn 2023:
- Finsbury Park - Streatham - St Mary Cray - Petts Wood - Catford
...of these 5 stations, I have noticed that only 1 of them - Finsbury Park has so far been updated on the latest tube map online on the TfL Website (https://tfl.gov.uk/maps/track/tube) and shown as having Step-free access (considering that we're now already at the end of Autumn 2023) - and hence, I just wanted to ask you about why haven't the other 4 stations been (yet) updated on the Tube Map with Step-Free Access wheelchair blobs? If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I have listed updates for the five stations below;
This station does have step-free access now, so we will update the tube map.
Thank you for pointing out the omissions on the map. If you have any further questions concerning the reasons for the delays to the step-free schemes at Streatham and Petts Wood, please contact Network Rail as they are leading on the delivery of these schemes.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright.
Yours sincerely
Eva Hextall FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
