Tube Travel for Wheelchair Users

By: Jonathan Webb - Updated: 8 Apr 2017 | *Discuss

 

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While access to the tube for wheelchair users is steadily improving, travelling on the underground system can still be problematic for some passengers. Not all of London's underground stations have access for wheelchair users, so it is vitally important that you confirm this prior to travel.

To help wheelchair users,Transport for London have made available a tube access guide, which gives details of which stations have step-free access. There are currently 48 stations on the tube system that are step-free from the street to the platform. If you require assistance in purchasing a ticket a member of staff will help you at the ticket office. If you wish to use the ticket machine, a member of staff in the ticket hall will normally be available to help you.

All London underground front line staff have undergone disability equality training to help passengers with disabilities. Many tube stations now have wide aisle automatic ticket gates, which are much wider than standard ticket gates, that wheelchair users are able to operate. This enables passengers in wheelchairs to pass through the gate line much quicker than would otherwise be the case if they have to wait for a member of staff to let them through a manual gate.

There are a number of initiatives underway to reduce the gap between the train and the platform edge, making it easier for wheelchair users to board trains. These include the provision of platform humps (at London Bridge, Wembley Park and on the Waterloo and City line) and changes to the height of the track on the Jubilee line and Central line. Priority seats on platforms are also being introduced

On the Train

Able bodied passengers are expected to leave these seats free or vacate them if a disabled passenger boards the train. Across the London Underground network, the number of seats is being increased and their location standardised, so disabled passengers will know where to find them. Rolling stock on the Jubilee, District and Northern lines have multipurpose areas which are suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and luggage.

On occasions a lift from the street to platform level may be out of service. It is possible to check this by using journey planner or calling customer service before you travel. It is also possible to sign up for Transport for London's travel alert system.

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