Rejuvenation of Kent’s rail stations continues

Over the last three years Southeastern has invested £3 million improving its services for disabled people travelling throughout Kent and South East London. Part of this work was funded in partnership with the Department for Transport's Small Schemes Fund.

People using stations across the Southeastern network can now enjoy a range of improvements designed to make rail travel easier for people with mobility problems or sensory impairments. Accessible toilets, highlighted stair-nosings, adjustable-height ticket windows, dropped kerbs, hearing loops and automatic doors are just some of the facilities making a difference to rail users.

The works have greatly enhanced step-free access at Southeastern's stations in Birchington, Chatham, Maidstone West, Mottingham, Sandwich, Sundridge Park, and Welling. Six others (Barnehurst, Crofton Park, Cuxton, Hayes, Longfield and West Malling) will have step-free routes to services for the first time."

Next month Southeastern will complete the installation of a new lift at Tunbridge Wells that will give direct access from the platform to both the newly-created booking hall and ticket office on platform two.

And the improvements continue.

“Assistance Points” are now being installed at every station on the network. These will enable passengers to contact staff at a central control centre to ask about arrivals or departures. Disabled customers can also use these Assistance Points to let staff know they require assistance.

"We want to create more opportunities for disabled people to travel, and make it easier for them to do so,” says Justin Ryan, Southeastern's Accessibility Manager. “This work uses the principles of 'inclusive design'. It will benefit every one of our customers, including elderly passengers, people who may be temporarily disabled due to illness, and parents travelling with young children.”

“Our next deadline is March 2010,” Justin Ryan continues. “By then we will have adjustable height ticket counters at our stations in Ramsgate, Faversham and Rainham; and brand new accessible toilets installed at Staplehurst, Deal, Herne Hill, Orpington, Maidstone East, Ramsgate and Faversham.”

“Seventeen stations also see other improvements, so we're extremely pleased to have secured funding from the DfT to increase the amount we're able to invest at some locations.”