Making London’s transport network accessible for all

27 MAY 2010

What is it like to navigate London’s public transport network if you have a disability or reduced mobility?  How successful have current measures to improve accessibility been – and what more needs to be done?

The London Assembly Transport Committee is examining how the experience of people with reduced mobility[1]  on the capital’s Tubes, buses and trains could be improved.  This includes people in wheelchairs, older people, and people with buggies and young children.

Improving transport opportunities for all Londoners is a key goal for both the Mayor and Transport for London (TfL)[2] but what is the best and most cost-effective way to do this? 

The Transport Committee will take a ‘whole journey’ approach to the experience of passengers with reduced mobility, from journey planning through using each form of transport and the interchanges between them.

The Committee will look at how current accessibility measures are working in practice and what can be done to address any gaps.  For example, all buses are now classed as accessible, but issues with wheelchair ramps persist, and less than half of bus stops have been properly modified.  

The Committee will also assess the scale of the projected demand for more accessible transport due to factors like the increasing numbers of elderly Londoners.

At the same time as demand is projected to increase, budget pressures have meant TfL has had to scale back its step-free access programme on the Underground[3].  The Committee will look at other ways accessibility could be improved without a big capital outlay.

Chair of the Transport Committee, Val Shawcross AM, said:

“There are a lot of good intentions about improving accessibility, but with budget pressures and competing priorities, are they translating into action?

“We intend to find practical and cost-effective ways of making the public transport network more user-friendly for all Londoners.”

The Committee will gather evidence from key stakeholders and work with representative groups to develop case studies to inform its findings.  Two public hearings will be held - the first on 23 June - with report publication expected in January.   People are encouraged to share their experiences of this issue – more information.

The terms of reference of the investigation are:

  • To examine the extent to which current measures designed to improve the accessibility of TfL’s services meet the needs of those with reduced mobility;
  • To assess the scale of the challenge in making the transport system accessible for the projected increasing numbers of people with reduced mobility; and
  • In light of the findings, make recommendations to the Mayor and TfL for further steps to take to improve transport services for people with reduced mobility and meet the challenge of increased demand.

Notes to editors:

  1. The investigation will work to the EU definition of a person with reduced mobility, available at:   http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/transport/mobility_and_passenger_rights/l24132_en.htm
  2. See the Mayor’s Transport Strategy and Transport for London’s Business Plan 2009/10 – 2017-18.
  3. See http://www.transportforall.org.uk/news/-64-million-cost-of-abandoned-step-free-tube
  4. Full background paper available as Item 11 here.
  5. Val Shawcross AM is available for interview.  See contact details below.
  6. As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.

For more details, please contact Dana Gavin in the Assembly Media Office on 020 7983 4603/4283.  For out of hours media enquiries please call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the Assembly duty press officer.  Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit, Greater London Authority, on 020 7983 4100.