Step-free access now available at four western TfL Rail stations

12 March 2020
"We are pleased that customers at Hanwell, Langley, Iver and Taplow are now benefitting from step-free access from street to platform for the first time, making their journeys easier and more comfortable"
Howard Smith
TfL Rail Director of Operations

Customers using Hanwell, Iver, Langley and Taplow TfL Rail stations now benefit from step-free access from street to platform for the first time, alongside other station improvements.

These upgrades have been part of a wider programme of accessibility improvements across the TfL Rail network in preparation for the Elizabeth line, which will bring an extra 1.5 million people to within 45 minutes of central London, transforming accessibility, boosting housing and jobs as well as delivering new and better journeys.

Other station improvements to enhance the customer experience include accessible ticket office windows, accessible toilets and customer information screens.

Howard Smith, TfL Rail Director of Operations, said: 'We are pleased that customers at Hanwell, Langley, Iver and Taplow are now benefitting from step-free access from street to platform for the first time, making their journeys easier and more comfortable.

'These improvements come as part of a wider package of station upgrades across the TfL Rail network in preparation for the Elizabeth line.'

Hanwell

Two new lifts at Hanwell mean that the station is step-free from street to platform from the southern entrance, with work continuing to make all entrances step-free. The ticket office has been refurbished to include an accessible window and customers now benefit from improved customer information screens displaying live travel information including local bus departure times. As a Grade II listed station, Transport for London (TfL) has delivered these improvements whilst protecting the historical features, ensuring a vital aspect of local and railway history is preserved. A new waiting room is currently being installed on platform 2 with the waiting room on platform 3 being refurbished and the existing toilet converted into an accessible facility. These improvements are due to be completed this summer.

Iver

A brand-new station building, including three new lifts, are providing customers at Iver with step-free access to all platforms. The new ticket hall features new customer information screens, an accessible ticket office window and an accessible toilet. This is in addition to other improvements already delivered such as the refurbished waiting rooms and seating.

Langley

Three new lifts and a new footbridge are now in use at Langley station providing step-free access from street to platform alongside new ticket vending machines and benches. A refurbished station building, toilets, waiting room and other minor improvements will be completed later in the year.

Taplow

Customers who use Taplow will notice similar improvements to Langley, with a new footbridge and three lifts providing step-free access across the station.

James Taylor, Director of Strategy and Social Change at disability equality charity Scope, said:  'It's vital that we make our capital's public transport system as accessible as possible.

'Changes like step-free access and accessible toilets could make a huge difference to someone's journey.

'A genuinely inclusive transport network will allow disabled people to get to work, see friends and family and live independently.

'Positive progress has been made, but rail companies and the Government must continue to step-up their work to make all public transport truly inclusive.'

Cllr Wendy Matthews, Chairman of Iver Parish Council said: 'The new Iver station with its step-free access and additional facilities will be a significant addition to our local community and enhance the experience for our residents that use the station for commuting and encourage others to use it to travel widely on the new TfL Rail services.'

TfL is continually working to improve accessibility. The TfL Rail network between London Paddington and Reading will have step-free access from street to platform with a number of the upgrades taking place as part of major station enhancement schemes.

Once fully complete, all 41 stations on the Elizabeth line will have lifts providing step-free access from street to platform.

While level boarding could not be provided at all Elizabeth line stations due to the different types of trains, including freight trains, that use it, customers who need assistance boarding can use the same turn-up-and-go service currently provided on the Tube and London Overground, with all stations staffed from first to last train.

Notes to editors

  • The step-free access improvements at these stations were jointly funded by TfL and the Department for Transport (DfT)
  • Works at Taplow were also funded in part by Network Rail's Western Route in a joint initiative to improve access at the station
  • There are now more than 200 step-free stations across the TfL network. These include: 79 Tube stations, 60 London Overground stations, 25 TfL Rail stations and all DLR stations and Tram stops
  • A time-lapse video of the footbridge and lift installation at Taplow is available for use