As of now, The London Underground has only 74 stations which are step-free. This represents only 27% of the network. In December 2016 the Mayor announced a £200m programme to provide step-free access at around 30 further stations over the next five years. This will mean that by the end of march 2022, 40% of the Tube system will have step-free access.
If a £200m spend can provide step-free access for 30 further stations how many more could be developed if we cancelled HS2 and applied the £52bn for this purpose? It’s a question we have now asked government.
To find out which stations are step free and which are not please click here. The map of the London Underground contains symbols, the most important being as follows:-
Blue wheelchair symbol: this denotes that the station is step-free from street to train
White wheelchair symbol: this denotes that the station is step-free from street to platform
As you approach South Kensington Station (Circle, District or Piccadilly Line) a pre-recorded voice will announce, “Alight here for the Museums and the Royal Albert Hall.” Except, of course, if your are in a wheelchair or have mobility problems. There is no step-free access to one of London’s most important tube stations.
TfL state that their future plans do include step-free access.
At 20-34 Thurloe Street. From street to train on all District and Circle Line platforms. From Ticket Hall to the museum subway. From Ticket Hall to the Piccadilly Line platforms.