Transport for London (TfL) has announced that Ickenham Underground station has become step-free, helping people with accessibility needs to access the station and the wider transport network, significantly improving their journeys.
Ickenham Underground station has recently received upgrades to improve accessibility and now has two new lifts and improved signage, giving customers step-free access from the street to station platforms.
Alongside the upgrades, manual boarding ramps will still be available to assist customers to get from train to platform, as well as existing tactile paving covering the full length of both platforms.
The new lifts will greatly improve access within the station and wider transport network for people with mobility needs, heavy luggage or with children in buggies.
The completion of accessibility works at Ickenham brings the total number of step-free stations on the Tube to 84.
This follows Debden station, which became step-free in April, with work continuing at Harrow-on-the-Hill, Osterley, Sudbury Hill and Wimbledon Park, all of which are scheduled to become step-free later this year.
Additional improvements to accessibility will be made at Ickenham station next year, which will include a brand-new step-free accessible car park, comprising three blue badge spaces next to the station.
As well as the 84 step-free Tube stations, there are also 60 London Overground stations and 25 TfL rail stations that are step-free, while all DLR stations and Tram stops are as well.
Commenting, London’s Deputy Mayor for Transport, Heidi Alexander said:
"Making London's transport network accessible for all continues to be a key priority and step-free access at Ickenham station will make a huge difference to the daily lives of passengers with mobility needs, as well as the wider public.
“It's great news that 84 Tube stations are now step-free, with even more to come later this year."
TFL’s Director of Asset Performance and Capital Delivery, Esther Sharples added:
"Ickenham station becoming step-free is another milestone in TfL's pledge to make the network more accessible.
“People with disabilities, people with buggies and people carrying luggage can now travel with greater ease.
“Improving accessibility is one of our top priorities as we want all Londoners to feel comfortable and confident when using our services."
As more people begin to use the Tube network, TfL is striving to make travel accessible for everyone.
To support this, all London Underground, Overground and rail stations, including Ickenham, offer a Turn-up-and-go service for customers needing assistance with their journey on TfL's services.
Customers using this service do not need to pre-book assistance and can request help on arrival at the station and TfL staff are trained to offer support and advice to help customers with accessibility needs complete their journeys.
London Underground staff can also assist wheelchair users by pushing their wheelchair, if needed, and can guide visually impaired customers by the arm.
