New Trains to Offer Step-Free Access as Standard
Government strategy aims for unassisted platform-to-train boarding on all new Great British Railways rolling stock.
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New trains operating under the Great British Railways (GBR) banner are set to offer step-free access as a default. The government has confirmed that unassisted boarding between platforms and trains will become a standard expectation for future rolling stock.
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This commitment is a component of the government’s recently announced rolling stock and infrastructure strategy. This strategy will consolidate decisions regarding trains, track, depots, and maintenance under the GBR's authority. The intention is for new trains to be designed from the outset to facilitate unassisted level boarding at standard Network Rail platform heights. This approach is not anticipated to incur significant additional costs for the trains themselves. Examples of this design are already visible on services operated by Greater Anglia and Merseyrail, as well as the new trains being constructed by Alstom for the Transpennine Route Upgrade.
Design and Implementation Considerations
The design aims to minimise the horizontal gap between train carriages and standard platforms. This often involves retractable ramps that deploy automatically from beneath the doors. However, the effectiveness of these systems relies on consistent platform heights. Adjustments to platforms, such as the addition of short humps to raise their level, may be necessary to ensure seamless boarding. The Transport Secretary confirmed that unassisted access will be a baseline expectation.
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Limitations of the Commitment
The government's commitment is explicitly qualified with the phrase 'wherever possible'. This means that level boarding is not guaranteed for every new train at every station. Furthermore, the requirement applies solely to new trains. Passengers travelling on existing fleets will not necessarily see an immediate improvement in accessibility.
Questions this report answers
+Will all new trains have step-free access?
New trains for Great British Railways are expected to offer step-free access as a default. This means unassisted boarding between platforms and trains will be a standard feature, designed into the rolling stock from the outset.
+Does this mean all trains will be accessible immediately?
No, the commitment applies only to new trains being built. Passengers using existing train fleets will not necessarily see an immediate improvement in accessibility. The requirement is also qualified by 'wherever possible'.
+What is the government's rolling stock and infrastructure strategy?
This strategy places decisions about trains, track, depots, and maintenance under the oversight of Great British Railways. A key aim is to ensure new trains are designed for unassisted level boarding at standard platform heights.
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