The installation of new lifts at Osterley station has enabled step-free access from street level to the platform, becoming the 89th London Underground station to meet the accessibility measure.
Two new lifts and improves signage will give passengers with accessibility needs better access to the station and wider transport network from Osterley, while boarding ramps will continue to be available to assist customers with boarding and alighting.
The station also features tactile paving along the full length of both platforms.
Alongside those with additional mobility needs, the two new lifts will also greatly improve access within the station for people with heavy luggage or travelling with prams or pushchairs. Given Osterley’s location on the network, this will be especially helpful for those travelling to and from Heathrow airport on the Piccadilly line.
Osterley’s accessibility improvements bring the number of step-free stations on the Tube to 89, following the opening of two new step-free stations on the Northern Line Extension at Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station last month.
In the last year, accessibility works have also taken place at Wimbledon Park (in August), Ickenham (in June), Debden (in April), and Amersham (in February).
Work is continuing at Harrow-on the-Hill and Sudbury Hill, which are scheduled to join the roster of step-free stations later this year.
In 2022, TfL will deliver full step-free access at Knightsbridge as part of a development scheme and Moorgate, which is already step-free to the Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines via the recently opened station entrance.
Transport for London (TfL) is also progressing step-free access work that will make busy Zone 1 stations partially step-free in 2022. These are at Bank (Northern line only) and Paddington (Bakerloo line only).
Heidi Alexander, Deputy Mayor for Transport, said: "I'm delighted that step-free access is now available at Osterley Tube station. The two new lifts will make a big difference to passengers with mobility needs and the wider public, and I'm really pleased that we are on track for Harrow-on-the-Hill and Sudbury Hill to go step-free later this year."
Esther Sharples, London Underground's Director of Asset Performance and Capital Delivery, added: "Osterley Tube station becoming step-free is another milestone in our pledge to make the Underground network more accessible and comes hot on the heels of two brand new step-free stations opening on the Northern Line Extension at Nine Elms and Battersea Power Station last month.
“People with additional mobility needs as well as those with children in buggies or carrying heavy luggage can now access the Tube with greater ease at Osterley station, improving their journeys."
Later this year, TfL will launch a consultation to enable Londoners and disabled public transport users to give their feedback on where further step-free improvements across London could be made in the coming years, subject to available funding.
