TfL trails new accessibility aid on Jubilee Line

Transport for London is trialling a new bridging device cross the Jubilee Line on the city’s underground network. As part of the trial, customers will be invited to try the new device at eight stations on the Jubilee line from now until February 2023.

The trial was inspired by the results of TfL’s consultation on step free access across the network and is part of the ongoing work to make the London Underground more accessible and inclusive for travellers. The bridging device has been specially commissioned and is designed to provide additional support, comfort and reassurance to customers at step-free stations, where there is still a small gap between the train and the platform. Customers interested in taking part in the trial can request to use the device at any of the included stations along the Jubilee Line and station staff will be able to deploy the device. They are also available to assist customers who want to use it to get off arriving trains by requesting that a member of staff be waiting with the device.

The device is the same width as boarding ramps that are already in use across the national train network but is only 200mm in length, making it easier for use on tube platforms. Customers who use the device are invited to provide comments on their experience. If the trial is successful, Transport for London will consider extending the use of the device across the London Underground and wider TfL network as it continues to make the capital’s transport network more accessible.

The trial can be found at the following Jubilee line stations: London Bridge, North Greenwich, Green Park, Canary Wharf, Bermondsey, Canning Town, Canada Water and Stratford. Customers can submit their feedback here.

Speaking about the trial, Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor for Transport, said: “This new trial is one example of how we are seeking out innovative solutions to enhance step-free access. It is also vital that our accessibility plans are informed by disabled and older customers, and I am delighted that we have had such a great response to the consultation. I’m pleased that there are now more than 200 step-free stations across the TfL network are step free and with the recent opening of Bond Street station, all 41 Elizabeth line stations have step-free access with the majority of central stations on the line being step-free from street to train. There is still work to do and we will ensure that this feedback shapes how we prioritise and deliver step free stations into the future.”