Transport for London (TfL) has unveiled plans to expand step-free access across the London Underground network.
Building upon earlier announcements regarding North Acton and West Hampstead stations, TfL is now commencing design work on three additional Piccadilly line stations: Alperton, Arnos Grove, and Eastcote.
This brings the total number of Underground stations with secured funding for step-free improvements to five.
Furthermore, TfL has identified seven more Tube stations for step-free access feasibility assessments.
These include Croxley, East Finchley, Neasden, Northwood, Turnham Green, Colliers Wood, and Tooting Broadway.
The inclusion of Colliers Wood and Tooting Broadway is particularly significant, as it addresses the southern end of the Northern line, which currently lacks step-free stations except for the terminus at Morden.
Construction at Northolt station on the Central line is scheduled to commence early next year, marking tangible progress in TfL's accessibility initiative.
This project aligns with the Mayor of London's ambitious goal to make 50 per cent of Tube stations step-free by 2030.
Currently, over a third of Underground stations offer step-free access.
TfL said they acknowledge that future progress will depend on deliverability and funding availability, with priority given to projects that can secure third-party financial support.
Alex Williams, TfL's Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, said: “I'm really pleased that we're now able to confirm the next tranche of Tube stations that will be prioritised for step-free access planning, building on feasibility work that started last year and influenced by feedback from accessibility campaigners and TfL's consultation on step-free access."
The Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, added: "London is for everyone, and the Mayor and I are committed to making London's transport network as accessible as possible, to enable everyone to enjoy all that London has to offer.
2I'm pleased that work will begin soon to give three more stations step-free access, and I will continue to work with TfL to keep increasing this number, and build a better, fairer and more accessible London for everyone."