Network Rail has completed the installation of three new lifts at Selhurst station, South London, making access between the station entrance, ticket office and platforms much easier for customers with reduced mobility, as well as those with children, heavy luggage or shopping.
The new lifts were funded by the Department for Transport’s Access for All programme, which aims to provide accessible, step free routes to and between platforms. In total, £350 million has been secured to make further accessibility improvements at stations throughout England and Wales over the next five years.
Shaun King, Sussex route director for Network Rail, said: “Improving access to stations is an important part of building a bigger and better railway. We want people to enjoy their journeys by train, so our stations need to be as easy to use as possible.
“The new lifts and footbridge will achieve this and help meet the needs of passengers at Selhurst station.”
Accessibility Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “Ensuring people can travel easily and confidently on the railway is more important than ever. These new lifts at Selhurst, funded by our Access for All programme, are just one part of our wider work to make our railways more accessible for everyone.”
Chris Fowler, Customer Services Director for Southern and Gatwick Express, said: “Travelling by train should be easy for everyone and accessible to all. That’s why I’m delighted that lifts have been installed at Selhurst, where the work will complement the multimillion-pound station improvement programme we’re delivering for our passengers across our network.”
Selhurst station sits on the Victoria to Brighton line and serves over a million and half passengers a year. More information on the project is available at www.networkrail.co.uk/selhurst-station-access-for-all