The installation of retractable platforms, which would allow wheelchair users and those with buggies much easier access to the tube, is being considered by London Underground.
As part of the Deep Tube Programme, suppliers have been asked to put forward proposals for movable gap fillers on the Bakerloo, Piccadilly Central and Waterloo and City lines.
Already in use in Hong Kong and New York, the gap fillers would create a safer environment for disabled Tube passengers in London, particularly on curved platforms where it is difficult for wheelchairs to board trains because of the large gap between the carriage and the platform edge.
The Deep Tube Programme is still in its early development stage and it is unlikely that gap fillers will be introduced before 2020.
Unfortunately there should simply be a ban on wheelchairs and buggies on the deep tubes. They are a menace to other users in the crushed rush hour, let alone in an emergency situation.
I am sure it is not many years ago that by-laws required all pushchairs to be folded before being taken onto the deep tubes.
I’m sure if you
ever lose the ability to walk you will voluntarily ban yourself from the Tube
but rest assured should you decide you need to impose yourself and your
wheelchair on the rest of the travelling public you can thank the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 for
making it easier for you to do so.
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For the rules on pushchairs
and buggies see TfL’s conditions of carriage
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Section 12, Luggage
and Possessions and Section 13, Access and carriage of passengers in wheelchairs, buggies and pushchairs
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http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/conditions-of-carriage-may-2012.pdf
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There is little
point making the Platform Train Interface at stations such as Bank on the
Central and Waterloo on the Bakerloo more wheelchair or pushchair friendly if the
station does not have step-free access to all platforms. Lift installation
would have to proceed retractable platforms.
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The Waterloo &
City Line while being part of DLT won’t need gap filers, all four platforms are
relatively straight.