Access for All – improving accessibility at railway stations nationwide
The Access for All Programme provides an obstacle free, accessible route to and between platforms.
The Access for All (AfA) programme, initiated in 2006, aims to address the challenges encountered by disabled passengers and those with mobility restrictions when using railway stations in England, Scotland, and Wales.
During the latest round of nominations for the AfA programme, 310 nominations were submitted by Network Rail, train operating companies (TOCs), and other strategic transport organizations, including combined authorities.
The nominations were assessed against the following criteria:
- annual footfall – targeting busier stations gives better value for money and benefits the most disabled passengers, ORR footfall figures were weighted by the incidence of disability in the area using 2011 Census data
- rail industry priorities – TOCs were asked to consult with MPs, disability groups and local authorities, to ensure stakeholders’ support, before ranking their nominations
- availability of third-party funding – this helps to weight business cases but also demonstrates a commitment to the project by third parties
- local factors – this could include proximity to a hospital or a station with a high proportion of interchange passengers
- geographical location – the weighted footfall was compared against others nominated by the same TOC and against those within the same region rather than nationally to ensure a fair geographical spread across the country and to create more accessible entry points onto the network
- confirmed support of the local MP
Ministers have agreed on a list of 50 additional stations selected for initial feasibility work. If successful, these stations will be included in the AfA programme. This is in addition to the stations already in the AfA programme or those having accessibility improvements funded by other means.
Funding of £350 million for additional station projects was confirmed following HS2’s funding reallocation.
Inclusive design for everyone
Accessible stations make it easier for people to visit friends, get to the shops or to work. Accessibility benefits everyone – people with health conditions or impairments, people with children, heavy luggage or shopping and some older people. It’s also good for the economy and means fewer car journeys, less congestion and carbon emissions.
Inclusive design places people at the heart of the design process of our spaces and places.
Examples of accessibility improvements include:
- lifts that are automatic and give an audible tone when the doors open and close
- staircases and platform edges that have tactile warning surfaces
- new ramps and footbridges with lowered handrails
- open entrances and new ticket gates
- accessible waiting rooms and toilets.
Map of station accessibility improvements
Explore the work that we’ve completed, are in progress or are being planned.
Stations remain open throughout improvement work
Train services aren’t affected by improvement works, so there’s no disruption to your journey.
Funding and selecting stations
The improvements we manage and deliver are funded by the Department for Transport who also select the stations. In Scotland, ministers recommended stations to the Secretary of State for Transport. See Transport Scotland.
Occasionally local authority planning issues, heritage matters and other schemes can delay the start of works. While this is out of our control, we understand the frustration this can bring and work with our partners to resolve things as quickly as possible, keeping local communities, councillors and MPs up to date.
