Step Free Access
Tube Lines
Background
As part of the programme to modernise the London Underground network, Transport for London have undertaken to increase the availability of step free access to Underground stations. This involves the provision of lifts and ramps so that mobility impaired passengers can avoid escalators or steps. This increases the accessibility for disabled passengers as well as improving access for other users such as people with children, people with heavy luggage and older people. Projects such as this are helping TfL meet their objective of step free access on 25% of stations by the end of 2010.
Project
Our Human Factors Engineers, seconded into the Tube Lines Stations Upgrade Team, have provided expert human factors support to the renewal of London Underground stations. The scope of the work has been to provide a human focus for the station re-design to improve wayfinding and the ease of use of the new accessibility features of the stations.
Implementation
We have integrated our human factors expertise into the project organisation providing expert advice during project design meetings and liaising widely with Tube Lines and LU engineers. We have been responsible for reviewing workload, task descriptions and training needs analysis requirements for each station.
Following site visits to familiarise ourselves with the station layout and local conditions, we supported the development of emergency plans by, for example, reviewing fire evacuation plans. We were responsible for the human factors aspects of many of the passenger interfaces including reviewing signage schemes, supporting the review of station layout along with analysis of passenger flow and assessing aspects of the station such as help points and ticketing for accessibility issues.
We followed the various human factors issues through undertaking both pre and post commissioning inspections and delivering close out reports.
Outcome
Over the last four years we have provided human factors expertise into the renewal and modernisation of over 40 London Underground stations of which around 15 have included Step Free Access. Stations covered have varied from branch lines such as Mill Hill East to more central interchange stations such as Covent Garden and Finsbury Park.
Our work has supported the construction of modern stations that provide the appropriate working environment for staff and provide an enhanced experience for the travelling public.
For More Information
For further information on Transport for London's Step Free Access programme visit their website