Residents have been asking for improvements to accessibility at local stations. Past campaigns have resulted in the installation of step-free access at Ickenham Station (then part of the constituency) and last year both Eastcote and Rayners Lane were prioritised for step-free work.
Now, following a campaign led by local residents to the Mayor of London, I am delighted that Ruislip is one of 17 shortlisted stations to start step-free feasibility work. This is a welcome development toward improving travel across our tube network for residents who require additional assistance.
Furthermore, in light of this announcement, I wrote to TfL for an update on the progress of step-free work at other local stations. I have included this information below.
The subsequent development and delivery of schemes at these and other stations will depend on deliverability and our future funding position, with schemes prioritised where there is significant third-party funding available. Please note that all dates are indicative.
Eastcote – This station is nearing the end of the concept design phase. Dependent on deliverability and funding, we’d be looking to do detailed design during 2026 and get on site in 2027.
Rayners Lane - The feasibility study identified major challenges with installing lifts, mainly related to property acquisition and heritage considerations. Progression to the next stage of the design process was therefore suspended in favour of Eastcote.
Northwood – This station is nearing the end of the feasibility phase. Dependent on deliverability and funding, we’d be looking to do concept design during 2026, detailed design during 2027 and get on site in 2028.
Northwood Hills - This station was on our longlist of 30 stations to be the subject of a feasibility study during 2026 but it did not make the shortlist, in part because it is located between one station that is already step-free (Pinner) and another that is already proposed to be upgraded (Northwood).
Pinner – This station is step free
Hatch End - This station is owned by Network Rail and therefore any works would need to be funded via the DfT’s Access for All programme. However , it is not currently part of this Programme and so there are no extant plans to deliver step-free access at this location.
Ruislip – This station is included on the list of stations to be the subject of a feasibility study during 2026. Dependent on deliverability and funding, we’d be looking to do concept design during 2027, detailed design during 2028 and get on site in 2029.
West Ruislip - The installation of a lift to make the Central line platform step-free has been categorised as ‘close to impossible’, largely because of the narrowness of the island platform. It is therefore very unlikely to be considered in the short to middle term.
