Forum Topic

Step free access at Barnes Station

Barnes Station will soon have step free facilities between platforms.There appears to be no plan to provide step free access between the bus stops  and the station. Such plans would come under Richmond and TFL.One would expect that there would be some joined up planning and coordination between the various transport organisations.

Ed Robinson ● 36d19 Comments

TFL have come back with basically saying their buses are step free and it's nothing to do with them. Try contacting Richmond council.There is no plan or overall coordination it would seem.I guess it's not as important as 20mph signs and other topics that have popped up and never will be under Labour or Conservatives.I will try our current London Assembly Member next.Yes

Ed Robinson ● 10d

One possible solution - it's not ideal but it would at least be easy to implement - would be to move the 265 bus stop, and the crossing lights, back from their present position to one opposite Station Road (the red blob on the map below). You'd still have to walk from there to the station along Station Road, but it's not that far and would be stepless - and you could then access the proposed lifts.

Richard Carter ● 23d

https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/accessibility-improvements-afoot-at-barnes-and-teddington-stations

Philippa Bond ● 24d

Hi I got the following update from Network Rail.(Ignoring the outcome NR have been quite responsive with confirmation of requests etc).I will try the GLA after the holidays if TFL has not responded. I suspect ULEZ expansion just like Brexit has consumed most of TFL's resources."Many thanks for getting in touch with us about the Access for All scheme that is currently underway at Barnes station.I'm afraid to say that your observation is entirely correct. The funding granted by the scheme is restricted to use for step free access once on and within the station. Regrettably it does not cover anything outside of the station boundary, to use your example, for instance, to go beyond the station to the bus stops. I understand this will be disappointing and it would be a very worthwhile enhancement to be able to 'join up' the two modes of transport with step free access between the two. Unfortunately as I said the funding we are allocated does not stretch to do this. It is an interesting and valid point that you raise though and one that will inform part of our future discussions as the Access for All scheme progresses.I'm sorry I can't give you better news, I am really grateful to you for taking the time and trouble to let us know your thoughts on this,Kind RegardsSimon

Ed Robinson ● 24d

Ed  When I wanted to get some information on what TfL were doing regarding bus route alterations and the announcement of them for someone who had difficulty travelling I contacted their local GLA Assembly Member who was very helpful because he knew exactly where to send the request to in TfL for information.  (I do think he also happened to have an interest in transport though.)  I notice that Leonie Cooper is the Assembly Member for Wandsworth & Merton.  I remember that Fleur Anderson was involved in a campaign for step free access to transport in Wandsworth so would have thought that you would get some success by writing to her - or can she not do anything because it is not her constituency (they have enough to do with their own - but perhaps the MPs can communicate with each other)?  You could also leave some feedback on the Crosscountry Trains Website for Barnes and you could ask for a referral to someone who can answer if they can't - you may actually even get one..  Cover as many angles as possible!

Philippa Bond ● 33d

And if the electorate who use or want to use or may need to use public transport don't say anything they won't be getting anything either!  The status quo isn't good enough.Too many people moan but don't do anything about actually contacting their Local Councillors, Assembly Members and MPs!  Since it is important that we reduce our personal car use -  public transport is important for lots of people.  This is a platform for discussion and debate!Well done Ed for putting in a FoI.

Philippa Bond ● 33d

Yes but it has been all governments for decades and probably all future governments for decades too!

Ed Robinson ● 34d

There is a lot of Govt interference and the hideous lack of investment in infrastructure in this country already makes us a laughing stock.

Philippa Bond ● 34d

Let's see what TFL has to say, perhaps they have something smart to do with bus routes up their sleeve, although the tight turns are unlikely to give them many options. Richmond are not the quickest either. I think the crash barrier on Gypsy Lane is still missing. Qim still hoping there is something I have over looked. I hope it is the case because looking at TFL budget document it would be nice to think if only TFL had bigger budgets ect but it looks like it is just a low priority. Under "delivering on our customer goal - give people more reasons to choose sustainable travel"  the top item is "Expanding high speed mobile coverage on the tube" which is really a nice to have IMO. Perhaps it is just a sloppy glossy but one wonders about the thought of the ordering.Toilets and step free access although perhaps not as sexy as USB ports on buses and high speed internet on the tube, many would consider basic requirements of a civilised society.LTN's, 20mph London etc should really be additional to providing a basic service to all IMO. I'm sure another sexy initiative will come along soon and 2030 will come and go without much change.I'm not suggesting TFL could get everything done in a year but the Mayor is approaching the end of his second term and this doesn't appear to be an election issue. It's worth looking at the planning application on Richmond's website. They have a 3D drawing which gives a good indication of what the new step free access between platforms will look like.Travelling via Station Road by a private vehicle will be fine, although the new bridge is quite far from the ticket area, it will have cctv but I imagine may appear quite isolated during times.The pavement is not in best condition along Station Road if not using a vehicle. https://board.tfl.gov.uk/documents/s19826/TfL%20Budget%202023-24.pdf

Ed Robinson ● 35d

It was to do with access to the station, if Ed knows what he is doing let him. He obviously knows who he is dealing with. He is just letting residents know about it. If you know better why don't you deal with it as well, instead of criticizing.

Barbara Stevens ● 35d

Barbara. I'm not disagreeing with Ed about the need to have better access and integration of the transport network. I was just pointing out that Grant Shapps blocked the opportunity for doing that (or at least take steps to move towards that) by abandoning the plan to let TfL Rail operate the franchise given to South West Railways.Surely, that's a valid debating point?(I thought you were going to take the opportunity to pick up my misspelling of Mr Shapps's name 🙂)

Michael Ixer ● 35d

Michael, why do you continually go against everything people have to say. Whatever it may be. Ed has said there needs to be better access to the station and there have been a few problems with muggings.  Does it matter who is in charge of the station TFL or who ever, if Ed is prepared to help other people who aren't as able as you. Why keep picking faults with what he is doing.

Barbara Stevens ● 35d

*Shapps*

Michael Ixer ● 35d

But that's even more of a reason for there to be a plan.  Sometimes there seem to be no stations in an area with step-free access.  It's extremely disappointing that during the London Olympics there was better access.

Philippa Bond ● 36d

Correct, Ed. So if Schapps had let the planned takeover of South West London National Rail Tracks by TfL Rail go ahead there might have been better integration of rail, bus and tube services. In practice, I suspect there'd be little money to install lifts in the immediate future because of the government's lack of investment in infrastructure ... 

Michael Ixer ● 36d

"Nothing to do with TfL"Quite right National Rail own the station.TFL run the buses and Richmond Council look after the road. The same as Putney High Street & Putney Bridge (we won't mention Hammersmith Bridge).It takes all three organisations to enable step free access to the station.Nothing new there - it's been that way for decades.

Ed Robinson ● 36d

But Barnes station is owned by National Rail and operated by South West Rail. Nothing to do with TfL. Only central government can pass legislation to integrate the transport. I think it was Grant Scapps who blocked the takeover of what's now SWR by TfL Rail which would have led to more integration.  Bad Tory decision based on flawed ideology?

Michael Ixer ● 36d

I put a FOI request into TFL.It's 2024, stations have been there for years. It's not like there are new ones are popping up every day. OK there is the new Elizabeth line.But you think there were be a published overall plan handed down through the decades.Putney constituency only has two tube stations and one rail. However Barnes is very close to the boundary. Plans for the platform to platform access were published quite a while ago. Very odd it is not even mentioned during the recent campaign which was an odd campaign anyway.

Ed Robinson ● 36d

There's nothing to stop all residents writing to their Councillors and Assembly Members and MPs about the lack of joined up planning and coordination in these matters especially when it concerns routes that they take when out and about.www.theyworkforyou.com  is a good site to start with. You might find out about some more plans and/or the criteria for upgrades.

Philippa Bond ● 36d