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Post by spsmiler on Sept 13, 2024 21:28:59 GMT
I just realised on the report that half of the stations on the eastern end Central Line could have been step-free by now! I wonder how Loughton, Gants Hill & Leytonstone would have become step-free? Gants Hill - convert one escalator to incline lift? Loughton - lifts? Leytonstone - new elevated passage over the tracks with exits at both bus stations and lifts down to the platforms? All guesses! |
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vincenture
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Post by vincenture on Sept 14, 2024 17:38:42 GMT
Within Epping Forest area itself, there is not much incentive for Loughton to be step-free because from my guess
1. It needs lifts
2. Buckhurst Hill and Debden are already
3. The only counterpoint is night tube bus connection
4. The platforms are very curvy
For Leytonstone, perhaps either a revamp to make it have ramps? Lifts also doable. However, they’re currently focusing on Leyton.
Gants Hill probably its ridership would mean that with only 1 way between the concourse and platforms, an inclined lift might be reducing overall passenger flow. Unfortunately making Redbridge step-free might be easier imo.
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Post by spsmiler on Sept 15, 2024 22:28:29 GMT
When I was younger all three escalators would be used in the rush hours - with two down in the mornings and two up in the evenings. Oh and one in the opposite direction.
Nowadays they never have all three in operation at the same time - instead its just two - one up and one down, with the stationary escalator often varying from day to day,. The platform concourse has plenty of space for home-bound passengers to queue before starting their up escalator journey; some people walk up the stationary escalator!
What worries me is if there are only two escalators because an inclined lift has taken over the third escalator then what happens if one breaks down? Close the station? Havoc!
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Post by Chris L on Sept 16, 2024 9:26:54 GMT
Within Epping Forest area itself, there is not much incentive for Loughton to be step-free because from my guess 1. It needs lifts 2. Buckhurst Hill and Debden are already 3. The only counterpoint is night tube bus connection 4. The platforms are very curvy For Leytonstone, perhaps either a revamp to make it have ramps? Lifts also doable. However, they’re currently focusing on Leyton. Gants Hill probably its ridership would mean that with only 1 way between the concourse and platforms, an inclined lift might be reducing overall passenger flow. Unfortunately making Redbridge step-free might be easier imo. At Leytonstone a new bridge with lifts near the train crew accommodation should be possible and would be useful for the drivers. |
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Post by stapler on Sept 16, 2024 10:10:29 GMT
Within Epping Forest area itself, there is not much incentive for Loughton to be step-free because from my guess 1. It needs lifts 2. Buckhurst Hill and Debden are already 3. The only counterpoint is night tube bus connection 4. The platforms are very curvy For Leytonstone, perhaps either a revamp to make it have ramps? Lifts also doable. However, they’re currently focusing on Leyton. Gants Hill probably its ridership would mean that with only 1 way between the concourse and platforms, an inclined lift might be reducing overall passenger flow. Unfortunately making Redbridge step-free might be easier imo. I strongly agree that Loughton is on the too difficult list, but it should not be forgotten, as it is a major interchange, LU/bus/taxi, where Debden and BH are not. And the existing concrete steps are quite sheer, and slippy. I doubt whether there is sufficient space for lifts in the subway, and up to the waiting room area; but there might be scope for an extra lift complex to Great Eastern Path at the London end of the platforms. This could be designed such that it did not interfere with the listed building and would assure level access. No solution would be cheap... |
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vincenture
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Post by vincenture on Sept 17, 2024 15:31:23 GMT
When I was younger all three escalators would be used in the rush hours - with two down in the mornings and two up in the evenings. Oh and one in the opposite direction. Nowadays they never have all three in operation at the same time - instead its just two - one up and one down, with the stationary escalator often varying from day to day,. The platform concourse has plenty of space for home-bound passengers to queue before starting their up escalator journey; some people walk up the stationary escalator! What worries me is if there are only two escalators because an inclined lift has taken over the third escalator then what happens if one breaks down? Close the station? Havoc! True, that's the danger of all stations with only 1 entry and exit point (usually underground stations would have higher risk) |
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Chris M
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Post by Chris M on Sept 17, 2024 16:44:36 GMT
It will depend on the specifics of each station, but usually stations can remain open with a working escalator taking people from platforms to the exit (usually up) and a fixed staircase (or stationary escalator) for the opposite direction. For example Kentish Town operated like this not infrequently prior to the current closure.
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Post by billbedford on Sept 18, 2024 7:55:37 GMT
Can someone please give me the definition of "step-free" access?
Is it 'All public parts of the station can be reached by dedicated step-free routes' or 'Normal passengers can access all of the station without encountering steps'?
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Post by Dstock7080 on Sept 18, 2024 9:26:04 GMT
I wouldn’t agree those definitions, perhaps:
“a step-free route is available within the station, from street to train”
therefore not all areas available for all users.
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Chris M
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Post by Chris M on Sept 18, 2024 11:45:07 GMT
I generally agree with Dstock7080, although at some stations the route is only from the street to the platform as boarding ramps are not considered to constitute step-free access. It is also possible to quibble in some cases about "within the station" as e.g. West Croydon requires a trip via the street and car park to get between the ticket hall and the LO platform.
Additionally, ticket halls having step-free access does not guarantee that ticket machines are accessible to wheelchair users.
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brigham
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Post by brigham on Sept 19, 2024 8:14:48 GMT
From what I read, I conclude that 'step-free access' is currently the minimum standard which qualifies as 'wheelchair-friendly'.
The requirements will change over time, and it is hoped that investment in step-free access will take future requirements into account.
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Post by Chris M on Sept 19, 2024 11:19:58 GMT
It's also worth noting that "wheelchair friendly" and "step-free access" are not reliable guides to accessibility for those with all access needs. For example someone who can manage escalators or a short flight of steps but can only walk short distances will find that a different set of stations are accessible and inaccessible to them than a wheelchair user (for example Liverpool Street LU would likely be accessible to them but Green Park potentially inaccessible).
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Post by imran on Sept 23, 2024 17:53:33 GMT
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brigham
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Post by brigham on Sept 23, 2024 18:36:36 GMT
"The green travel routes, canals and parks surrounding the station provide attractive options for those choosing active travel...".
Active travel, eh?
I'll have to try some of that.
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Post by townvoyager on Sept 23, 2024 21:54:57 GMT
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Chris M
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Post by Chris M on Sept 24, 2024 0:10:41 GMT
brigham "Active travel" means walking, cycling and similar human-powered means of getting from A to B (e.g. using a scooter, wheelchair, rollerblades, etc) townvoyager indeed it is only the Bakerloo ticket hall that has ever been in the scope of these works, not the escalators or platforms. Step-free access to the platforms was provided as part of the Elizabeth line works, a completely separate project.
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Post by imran on Sept 25, 2024 12:06:54 GMT
Here’s X2K9 giving a full tour of the revamped entrance and ticket hall: 👇
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Post by jimbo on Sept 30, 2024 3:25:30 GMT
TfL Investment programme report Quarter 1 2024/25 (1 April to 22 June 2024)
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gefw
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Post by gefw on Nov 1, 2024 17:59:49 GMT
As for Eastcote, if this were to happen, there’s a chance selective door operation might need to be done on the eastbound platform for safety clearance. The westbound SDO might extend to 2? I agree there is not space for the lift tower on the existing platform - it's not as wide as Sudbury Hill. I was thinking of the lift towers being behind the existing walls of the stairs/ back walls of the platform (on the embankment space) The recent (re)review of the options for Eastcote SFA have resulted in a single preferred option to be taken forward to detail surveys & design. Doesn't seem to have gone to public or local council consultation yet. The report provided through a FOI is heavily redacted but appears to have the lift shafts/access (standard lift capacity of 17 persons) on each platform in between the foot of the existing stairs and the waiting rooms, possibly partially set back into the platform rear walls. With high level covered walkways to join the existing ticket hall area (presumably near the top of stairs). This would seem to mean the main views of the existing Holden architecture is preserved. The report notes/suggests upgrade of existing public toilets to include mobility impaired facility & baby change. The existing waiting rooms appear to be retained as they are a part of the station character but likely to be modified for mobility impaired (particularly remove step) The provision of lifts and higher level of requests for assistance/deployment of train boarding ramps will likely mean the station is better staffed (ie a higher priority when staff shortages). Nothing about making staff office more open/ better visibility. |
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