Smaller step-free ramps to be trialled

I saw this somewhere earlier today, I think that especially where the gap between train floor and platform is 'fairly small' this will be ideal. Quick, easy, lightweight - easier to deploy.

But not suitable for where tube and subsurface trains call at the same platforms, nor perhaps at stations on converted steam train routes where the width of the gap between the platform and the tube train floors are wider. Leyton / Leytonstone (Central line) come to mind, as I pass through these fairly often.

Not a lot of point deploying ramps at stations without step free access.

The reason step-free access has taken a bit of a back seat recently is mostly the budget issues, but also TfL has been running a consultation on which types of stations should be prioritised. The result (as noted in the article linked at the top of this thread) was a slight preference for adding step-free access in areas that don't have any rather than making other areas step-free hubs. If followed-through then that would deprioritise Loughton, being adjacent to both Debden and Buckhurst Hill.

Indeed. Or interchanging. Either between lines or by short workings.

That comment exemplifies how the needs of mobility restricted persons are not understood.

<< The result (as noted in the article linked at the top of this thread) was a slight preference for adding step-free access in areas that don't have any rather than making other areas step-free hubs. If followed-through then that would deprioritise Loughton, being adjacent to both Debden and Buckhurst Hill.>>
True, but although Buckhurst Hill was made step-free by reopening the long-closed entrances at the south, they debouch a wheelchair user where s/he doesn't want to be for interchange; a bus every 75 minutes on the 549? And as for Debden [is there a less pleasant approach route anywhere else on TfL?], with a rough barriered alleyway to the buses?