Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 14, 2013 14:06:12 GMT
I have looked at various references using the search engines, however I'd like some up to date info.
I travel to Woking once a year and am toying with the idea of travelling through London rather than Basingstoke and Birmingham
Having looked at the info on the website, there is step free access from St Pancras and at Green Park to use the Jubilee Line which is the only one with step free access at Waterloo.
There's no problem actually boarding or alighting from the train, even with a step or a gap. However I wonder how much room there is on board and whether it will be too much of a nuisance to other passengers.
Do you, in fact, see many mobility scooters or wheelchairs. How used are people to them?
PS: Mods. I think I might have put this in the wrong place. Sorry.
|
|
mrfs42
71E25683904T 172E6538094T
Big Hair Day
Posts: 5,922
|
Post by mrfs42 on Oct 14, 2013 16:22:05 GMT
PS: Mods. I think I might have put this in the wrong place. Sorry.  |
|
|
|
Post by Chris W on Oct 14, 2013 18:01:45 GMT
Wyvern Thanks for the interesting question... Whilst I would suggest that rush hours / peak times would be obviously busier and consequently more difficult to navigate your way around... and boarding/alighting, that's not to say that you should travel during these times... My suggestion would be to phone TfL and flag when you're due to arrive at each station and also the route you're intending to use... Station Assistants should be able to attend/meet you and help you through... however I am aware that even arranged meets haven't been possible due to emergencies/short notice problems. As an aside I haven't often seen mobility scooters or wheelchairs... however children's pushchairs are quite common. I hope that's of use and if indeed you do visit London let us know how your visit goes... i.e. is the step free access and 95ts units user friendly for you  |
|
|
|
Post by domh245 on Oct 14, 2013 18:23:46 GMT
I have seen quite a few wheelchairs around. I have also seen larger and more impractical mobility devices (the one in the style of a bed, the proper name escapes me at the moment) and that was at about 6:30 PM on a fairly busy D Stock. I suspect that in terms of room, it shouldn't be to much of an issue, and generally the other passengers can be quite understanding, but I would agree that your best experience would be travelling off-peak. It's also worth looking at stations that are step-free from street to platform because if you can handle the boarding and disembarking without problem then these could be a good alternative, especially if they have one of those mobility ramps, which can be used to make the boarding easier.
|
|
|
|
Post by norbitonflyer on Oct 14, 2013 18:47:22 GMT
I've never seen a mobility scooter on the Underground, but TfL's site says they are allowed. The main limitation other than the level access criterion appears to be whether they will fit in the lifts. It is also worth checking in advance that the lifts are working on the day you wish to travel. Both the 2009 stock on the Victoria Line and the 1995 stock on the Jubilee have space set aside for wheelchairs, scooters, pushchairs etc. TfL's journey planner even indicates which part of the train to use for level egress 9as not all stations have level access for the entire length of the platform. However, might I suggest two other possibilities that might be worth looking into? You don't say where your journey starts, but since you say that you are coming into St Pancras, and say your usual route is via Birmingham, I assume you are coming from somewhere in the East Midlands. The Thameslink service runs from Luton via St Pancras to Wimbledon, where you can change for Woking. (But do check with SWT whether the lifts at Wimbledon are big enough). It may be easier to avoid St Pancras by changing at, say, Bedford and Blackfriars, or Kettering and Luton, although same-platform interchanges might be a bit too much to hope for. The other possibility, which avoids any difficulties with lifts, is the No 59 bus from St Pancras to Waterloo: in particular in the return direction where the stops at both Waterloo and St Pancras are on the same side of the road as the station. Mobility scooters are permitted on London buses if they are on this list www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/tfl-guide-to-approved-mobility-scooters.pdf |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 14, 2013 18:55:56 GMT
95ts on the jubilee line, that's a new one lol (I'm sure you mean 96ts), the interchange at Green Park is 380 m via lifts.
|
|
|
|
Post by Chris W on Oct 14, 2013 19:07:57 GMT
95ts on the jubilee line, that's a new one lol (I'm sure you mean 96ts) My finger slipped.... honest Gov...!!!  |
|
rincew1nd
Administrator
Junior Under-wizzard of quiz
Posts: 10,286 
|
Post by rincew1nd on Oct 14, 2013 19:35:20 GMT
You don't say where your journey starts... It looks like you've got some good suggestions coming in, but knowing your origin might come up with a few more for you to consider. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 14, 2013 19:48:43 GMT
I would be starting from Derby.
I have been travelling via New Street and changing at Basingstoke,but the journey is longer and more expensive and XC may well stop selling through tickets which means I might have to mess about splitting.
I should say my scooter is small and light so I can lift it on off buses and trains without difficulty though I have fold it for Main Line trains due to the narrow doors.
|
|
|
|
Post by rsdworker on Oct 14, 2013 20:38:18 GMT
I would be starting from Derby. I have been travelling via New Street and changing at Basingstoke,but the journey is longer and more expensive and XC may well stop selling through tickets which means I might have to mess about splitting. I should say my scooter is small and light so I can lift it on off buses and trains without difficulty though I have fold it for Main Line trains due to the narrow doors. well East midlands trains have own fares - cheaper fare if you booked in advance - cheaper ones www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/tickets-deals/best-fare-finder/ - you will find cheaper fare there Through tickets are always allowed example you book slower route via Basingstoke - the tickets will allow you on route no matter which company is - example you use two or three trains by different company - its will allowed train layout since they are direct trains - Medians (the newer one has wide doorways) but their HSTS have wide doorways but if you want scooter aboard - you need book larger space in First class (this one which has big space for scooter go in and has accessible toilet - just ask for free upgrade explained here - www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/Documents/Disabled%20DL.pdfa infomation about scooters and accessibility also i been traveled alot on East midlands alot which i find more direct and easier for disabled |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 14, 2013 21:45:02 GMT
Thanks. YOu have the choice of "via London" or "Not via London" There doesnt seem to be an "Any permitted route" :-)
I fold the scooter on the train to save hassle as most main line TOCS have various conditions because of the problems with the older classes of train. For instance EMT ask to to apply for a "Scooter Card" on their website, although I haven't found anyone in customer service who can supply me with one.
It doesnt matter as its no great chore to fold it up if I dont have to do it too often. One problem is people are so fascinated with it they hold me up chatting about it.
|
|
|
|
Post by metrailway on Oct 15, 2013 0:27:16 GMT
I have seen the odd wheelchair, but never a mobility scooter. LUL have no size restrictions on mobility scooters/wheelchairs. Here is a LU guide for disabled travellers: www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/assistance-policy-disabled-customers.pdfStep-free LU map: www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/step-free-tube-guide-map.pdfIIRC it would be easier for you if you boarded the 4th car when travelling on the Victoria Line as the platforms are raised to match the car level. Do you know what time you intend to arrive in London? I would avoid peaks completely. Although the tube in Zone 1 is busy, you should be able to find a space for yourself and your scooter during off-peak times... if there is no disruption! |
|
|
|
Post by rsdworker on Oct 15, 2013 6:41:16 GMT
Thanks. YOu have the choice of "via London" or "Not via London" There doesnt seem to be an "Any permitted route" :-) I fold the scooter on the train to save hassle as most main line TOCS have various conditions because of the problems with the older classes of train. For instance EMT ask to to apply for a "Scooter Card" on their website, although I haven't found anyone in customer service who can supply me with one. It doesnt matter as its no great chore to fold it up if I dont have to do it too often. One problem is people are so fascinated with it they hold me up chatting about it. best is ask at Station or call EMT - they will supply one |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 15, 2013 9:13:58 GMT
I did ask at the station and no one knew what I was talking about. I've also emailed customer services. As I say it's no big deal since I can fold it up.
Thanks for your help. I would be travelling down on a Saturday morning to arrive in Woking around 1030, return in the afternoon. If I decide to do it, it should make an interesting adventure.
|
|
|
|
Post by norbitonflyer on Oct 15, 2013 9:52:58 GMT
If you want noticed that there is one daily return working between Derby and Guildford (from where there are frequent direct services to Woking). The northbound service is at the unsocial hour of 0602, but the southbound is a little more reasonable.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 15, 2013 13:38:30 GMT
Looks like a Parliamentary service |
|
|
|
Post by grahamhewett on Oct 15, 2013 16:20:03 GMT
@wyvern - not strictly a Parliamentary train as such but the descendant/relic of the former XC Gatwick/Brighton service - now mainly concerned as a positioning/depot run, alas. If only the timings were reversed, it might just be a useful service for those of us travelling from the SE to more northern parts.
GH
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Oct 23, 2013 13:26:59 GMT
Sorry to bump this thread but I found this video of someone using a scooter like mine in Germany. Just thought it might be interesing.
Thanks for all the info
|
|
