Merseyrail network leads the way on accessibility as work starts on Meols station lifts
Publish date
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
Work is starting to install passenger lifts at Meols station– helping continue the work to make the Merseyrail network one of the most accessible in the country.
The £2.2 million project, which will see the lifts link to the current overbridge, will provide step free access to both platforms and will be especially useful for people travelling from the direction of Liverpool, who currently cannot exit the station without using the stairway.
The lifts will be installed over the next six months in a scheme funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) Access for All programme with the work being delivered by Merseyrail.
Currently 40 of the 68 stations on the Merseyrail network are accessible.
The new trains that will be introduced on the Merseyrail network from 2020 will be a game-changer for accessibility, allowing level access on and off the train from every platform at every station.
"Meols station has always presented a challenge for those with limited mobility and people with pushchairs, so the new lifts will make a big difference. Hopefully it will encourage more people to take the train who couldn’t previously.
"Our work to ultimately improve access at all our stations through these kinds of infrastructure improvements, combined with new, state-of-the-art trains on the Merseyrail network that will allow unassisted access for wheelchair users or those with buggies and luggage, demonstrates our commitment to making our trains and stations an option for all."Transport Portfolio Holder for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
This is the tenth station that Access for All funding has been secured for in Merseyside. Previous schemes have included the installation of passenger lifts at Formby and Birkenhead North stations.
"Merseyrail will become one of the most accessible networks in the country when the new trains arrive and the installation of lifts at a number of stations will help to deliver improved access to rail travel.
"We are looking forward to offering lifts at Meols station for passengers who may not have been able to travel with Merseyrail before."Managing Director of Merseyrail
The Access for All fund was launched to address issues faced by disabled passengers using railway stations across the country and provides an obstacle free, accessible route to and between platforms.