30.08.13
Transport for All calls for step-free Crossrail
Disabled campaigners protested against inaccessible Crossrail stations yesterday, a year on from the Paralympics. Accessibility group Transport for All staged a ‘Legacy Torch Relay’ through stations with no plans for step-free access.
Out of 38 Crossrail stations, seven will remain inaccessible.
A Transport for All spokesperson said: “We believe that it is no longer acceptable for disabled and older people to be locked out of their local station. Inaccessible transport is excluding disabled people from participating fully in public life.
“Estimates suggest that Crossrail could be fully accessible for as little as 0.2% of the Crossrail budget – a small cost to make this truly public transport.”
Managing director of London Underground, Mike Brown, said: “Transport for London and the Department for Transport, the joint Sponsors of the Crossrail Project, aim to make the whole Crossrail route accessible.
“There is already provision for 31 of the 38 stations to have step free access and work is underway to look at practical solutions and funding options for the remaining seven.”
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Image c. TfL