08.09.14
TfGM calls for funding to improve ‘step-free’ access to stations
Transport leaders in Greater Manchester have called on the government for increased funding to improve access to local rail stations that do not have step-free access.
At a meeting of the Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) Committee’s Capital Projects and Policy sub-committee, members unanimously backed a motion calling for funding to allow step-free access to all Greater Manchester stations within the next 10 years.
There are currently 96 stations in Greater Manchester, 54 of which are classed as ‘inaccessible’.
Last year Greater Manchester submitted a bid to the Department for Transport’s national Access for All fund – which offers £100m for accessibility improvements between 2014-19.
However, no Greater Manchester stations were among the 42 across the country approved for accessibility funding improvements.
Cllr Andrew Fender, chair of the TfGM Committee, said: “It’s unacceptable in this day and age that over half of Greater Manchester’s train stations are not accessible to all.
“Poor access to the rail network is a nationwide issue – and the duty to address it lies with the rail industry as a whole, but principally the Department for Transport through its Access for All fund.
“This resolution gives added impetus to the need for an increased and accelerated level of investment to address accessibility issues at train stations.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below or email [email protected]