Accessibility is to improve at 45 more stations in England and Wales, Rail Minister Tom Harris announced today. The stations have been included in the second round of the Department for Transport's Access for All funding.
Access for All is a ring-fenced fund of over £370 million through to 2015. The investment will make stations easier for disabled people to use. It means that passengers will get an obstacle free, accessible route from station entrances, to and between all platforms. The funding is provided over and above commitments made in franchises, the ongoing renewal of stations and major station improvement projects.
Today's announcement brings the number of stations to be improved to 92, with a third round of stations expected to be announced next year. Work will be carried out by Network Rail and completed between 2009 - 2011.
In addition, the Government has allocated an additional £2.5m in the second round of Small Schemes funding. This will deliver enhancements such as ramps, induction loops, improved flooring and disabled parking at over 300 stations. The funding, part of the Access for All fund announced in March, will be matched by funding from elsewhere in the industry, bringing the total level of investment to almost £12m.
Rail Minister Tom Harris said:
"We want to encourage more passengers to use the rail network, and part of that is ensuring that stations are accessible. Lifts, step-free access, more disabled parking and better signage make a significant difference to many.
"These improvements will deliver real benefits for disabled passengers."
Access for All is a ring-fenced fund of over £370 million through to 2015. The investment will make stations easier for disabled people to use. It means that passengers will get an obstacle free, accessible route from station entrances, to and between all platforms. The funding is provided over and above commitments made in franchises, the ongoing renewal of stations and major station improvement projects.
Today's announcement brings the number of stations to be improved to 92, with a third round of stations expected to be announced next year. Work will be carried out by Network Rail and completed between 2009 - 2011.
In addition, the Government has allocated an additional £2.5m in the second round of Small Schemes funding. This will deliver enhancements such as ramps, induction loops, improved flooring and disabled parking at over 300 stations. The funding, part of the Access for All fund announced in March, will be matched by funding from elsewhere in the industry, bringing the total level of investment to almost £12m.
Rail Minister Tom Harris said:
"We want to encourage more passengers to use the rail network, and part of that is ensuring that stations are accessible. Lifts, step-free access, more disabled parking and better signage make a significant difference to many.
"These improvements will deliver real benefits for disabled passengers."
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