Lifts on the London Underground have closed for an alarming amount of time due to staff shortages, with reports indicating that in 2024, they were out of action for 6,197 hours. This represents nearly double the number of hours lost compared to 2023, which saw lifts inaccessible for 3,301 hours, and a staggering rise from 2,480 hours in 2022. These troubling figures come from a Freedom of Information request submitted by the Liberal Democrats, underlining a growing crisis in accessibility for disabled individuals and others relying on these essential facilities.
Jennie Berry, a campaigner advocating for better access for disabled persons, expressed her frustrations, stating that she has often had to crawl up stairs when lifts are not operational. "Countless times I've had to climb up the stairs by myself and ask strangers or friends or whoever's with me to carry my chair up the stairs. It's the same for a lot of disabled people across the board," she remarked. Ms. Berry is calling for Transport for London (TfL) to be held accountable and to expedite the problems plaguing the system.
The data reveals that some stations, notably Chorleywood, Elm Park, and Barkingside, suffered the most due to lift closures. In 2024, lifts at Chorleywood station were out of service for 1,061 hours, while Elm Park and Barkingside had lifts closed for 865 hours and 488 hours, respectively. These closures highlight the impact on everyday commuters, particularly those with mobility challenges.
Paul Kohler, the Liberal Democrats MP for Wimbledon and the party's transport spokesperson, stressed the severe implications of these accessibility issues. He stated, "We are supposed to have one of the best transport systems in the world, yet in its current state too many people are excluded from it altogether." He described the experience of those reliant on lifts during sudden closures as not only disruptive but potentially distressing.
Mr. Kohler's statements resonate with the experiences of users who find themselves trapped by the inadequacy of the system. "Across London, wheelchair users and others with accessibility needs are left stranded due to a sudden lift closure. This doesn't just cause significant disruption to someone's day but can also create an upsetting or distressing experience. This is simply unacceptable," he added, urging both the mayor of London and the Labour government to act promptly to resolve what he termed a crisis in the transport system.
In response to the growing criticism, Nick Dent, director of customer operations for London Underground, acknowledged the situation in a statement. He apologized for the inconvenience caused, asserting that efforts are underway to review cancellation data to find better solutions for preventing lift closures. “Keeping step-free stations open as much as possible is a priority and we always try to minimize lift disruptions by moving station staff to cover key locations,” said Mr. Dent. He noted that where it is not possible to keep lifts running, TfL provides a taxi service at their cost to help affected customers reach their destination or another accessible station.
However, campaigners argue that these measures are insufficient. The increasing hours of lift outages are raising alarms among advocates for disabled individuals who say that more robust solutions are needed. Berry's accounts of navigating the Underground reflect a larger problem endemic in the London transport system that affects many disabled residents.
With another year on the books demonstrating rising difficulties concerning lift accessibility, the Liberal Democrats have pledged to push for concerted efforts to modernize the transport infrastructure. They believe a proactive approach is essential to meet the accessibility requirements of all Londoners. As Berry highlighted, those with disabilities shouldn't have to struggle to navigate the city they live in, especially not in a system touted for its inclusivity.
In light of these developments, the pressure is now turned to TfL to make substantive changes and alleviate the burdens that have been placed on Londoners who need these essential services. Continuing this trend might mean a further ban on access to critical public transport, ultimately creating deeper fractures in London's public transport system. Without immediate and effective interventions, there remains a risk that individuals who rely on elevators will feel even more excluded from what is supposed to be a world-class public transport system.
The future looks uncertain unless drastic action is taken to address lift accessibility on the London Underground. With the stakes so high for many who depend on these facilities, it seems that the time for talk may need to convert into action. It is not just about the data or the hours; for many, it's about their ability to travel safely and freely throughout the city.
