New research carried out by Transport for the North has found that most stations in the North are inaccessible for many people.

It showed that nearly a quarter of stations have no public address systems, less than half the stations have step-free access, and 6 in 10 stations don’t have fully accessible waiting shelters.

Northern politicians are calling for new investments in the North’s stations to make them more accessible to all users.

The current rate of investment will mean that step-free access for all stations will not be complete until the 22nd century and will continue to limit its users.

Many passengers with accessibility needs require support and assistance to be able to travel with confidence alone. However, many of the stations are completely unstaffed.

Stations also lack good lighting and CCTV, which can make stations unsafe for those at risk.

Transport for the North has written to the Transport Secretary to request an investment to fix these issues and to make these issues a priority.

They have asked for an additional £400 million over 5 years to address some of these issues.

“Accessibility is key. A rail network has to be for everybody. The simple ability to get around is a right that should be available to all our communities. 

“We have tactile paving in our urban spaces and step-free access in key public buildings, and we need that accessibility extended to our whole rail network. Without that we close off opportunities to lots of our people and businesses. 

“We are calling on the Government to address these accessibility challenges and create a more inclusive rail network for all rail passengers to use. 

“If it works for the Northern economy, it benefits the national economy too.” 

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester and Chair of the TfN’s Rail North Committee