South Harrow Station has been shortlisted for a feasibility study by Transport for London (TfL) to assess whether step-free access can be introduced in the future.
The news marks a positive step forward in a long-running campaign by local MP Gareth Thomas, councillors, disability groups, and community organisations to improve transport accessibility in the borough.
Opened in 1903, South Harrow is one of the busiest stops on the Piccadilly line’s Uxbridge branch. Located in Zone 5, the station handles more than half a million passengers each year. Despite this, it currently has no lifts or ramps and around 40 steps, making access difficult for people with mobility issues.
Gareth Thomas, MP for Harrow West, said: “I am delighted South Harrow has been shortlisted for the step-free feasibility study from Transport for London. I’ve joined many local residents, councillors and community groups in petitioning for improved accessibility, and we’ve collected hundreds of signatures from those affected.
“The station currently has around 40 steps and no lifts or ramps – this upgrade is long overdue and of real need. With the new fleet of Piccadilly line trains expected later this year, this would be a perfect time to enhance accessibility to the station!”
TfL has confirmed that South Harrow is among 30 stations currently being assessed for potential step-free upgrades. This is part of its wider commitment to make 50% of the Tube network step-free by 2030.
Alex Williams, TfL’s Chief Customer and Strategy Officer, said: “We are committed to doing all we can to make sure that London’s transport network is as accessible and inclusive as possible, with Knightsbridge Tube station recently becoming step-free and work continuing at several stations to install lifts and make stations accessible.
“The Mayor has set an ambitious target for 50 per cent of the Tube network to be step-free by 2030, and as part of our work towards that target we continue to consider how Tube stations across London can be made step-free. We have previously confirmed that a number of stations are undergoing feasibility studies, and recently we identified 30 further stations that are being looked into further as options for future work. We will continue to carry out investigative work and will soon confirm further feasibility studies as we continue our efforts to make the Tube truly accessible and inclusive.”
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
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