Forum Topic

Wimbledon branch and step free access at East Putney

While I'm not disabled as such I do struggle with the stairs at East Putney and would like to the station made accessible. However, in terms of investment priorities, I'd far rather see London Underground sort out the signalling on the Wimbledon branch. My understanding is that they have put this in the 'too hard' box and have abandoned any plans to digitise the ancient system on this section having upgraded just about everywhere else on the District Line. Set against that a promise to look at step free access is not really much compensation as they have done this before and it got us nowhere.

Barry Elms ● 16d4 Comments

The Wimbledon Line is now in such a poor state as are the stations on the line itself because of chronic underfunding over many years. Until a great deal of money is spent it will not improve, although for smooth politeness in answering complaints TFL excels. However, in the present situation what else can they do BUT apologise?

Miles Thompson ● 15d

Sometimes I have to remind myself that this is the UK and that we are indeed in 2025. Years after provisions are meant to be made for those that have less mobility or dependents where stairs may be inappropriate, we are expected to celebrate when a local authority run organisation says that "it will carry out a full feasibility study into installing lifts".Surely such feasibility studies should have been conducted as standard years ago?Government be them local or national really must get back to providing basic services and should not be wasting millions on vanity projects.Step free access and toilets are basics that are expected of a civilised society. Why do we tolerate anything less?

Ed Robinson ● 15d

For me the issue at EAst Putney is that the steps are steep, a problme both up and down.At Southfields the tread is less demanding. I know there's a lift there - which I use - and I realise the layout and platforms of that station are different from east Putney.

Elizabeth Balsom ● 15d

Unfortunately, the issue on the Wimbledon branch is that it is Network Rail that is responsible for the signals between Wimbledon and Parsons Green. Network Rail and London Underground signalling systems don't quite talk the same language hence the reason why the train indicator boards on the platform are wrong 50% of the time!I did email and complain to Network Rail asking when were they going to send a competent & capable engineering team to resolve their numerous and repetitive signalling issues to which they sent the following response:-"Firstly, we're sorry for the disruption and inconvenience.  Last week and into this week we experienced repeated track circuit failures. Track circuits provide essential train detection to the signalling system, ensuring safe separation between trains. In these types of incidents, operational safeguards required imposing restrictions or suspending movements in the affected area. These measures, while essential for safety, can directly impact service availability and punctuality, leading to delays or cancellations.These failures are intermittent and have been at different locations, making fault identification challenging.During these periods, we operated a reduced service of approximately 50% to ensure passenger safety while also enabling engineers to investigate and work towards resolution on site in a safe environment.We are currently operating as many trains as possible through this section of the network and are actively reviewing our methods of operation.Our maintenance teams are reviewing all fault-finding work completed so far and conducting peer reviews to ensure we are tackling this challenge thoroughly. We have brought in additional teams to assist. Throughout this issue, we have been working closely with TfL. All organisations remain committed to restoring normal service as quickly as possible. This has included evaluating and sharing the most effective methods to resolve the fault, as well as improving the interim service available to customers during the disruptionWe hope this response demonstrates that we’re working closely with TfL to resolve these issues and improve our joined-up communications as quickly as we can. Thank you once again for reporting this matter."  I will leave you the readers to make your own mind up as to whether any improvement is made even if they have had a hundred years to review their "method of operation"!In the meantime TFL seem determined to spend several million pounds on improving the URR outside East Putney for about 300 metres. Let's say £1,000,000 a 100 metres - nice work if you can get it!

Hilary Jones ● 16d