Passengers who use Stechford station in Birmingham can now celebrate after the opening of new passenger lifts.

The lifts marked the end of a £3.9m ‘Access for All’ upgrade scheme.

Along with the crucial new lifts, the work which was carried out by Network Rail has also seen new lighting as well as upgraded CCTV installed at the popular station in the east of the city.

The completion of the project has been welcomed by Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris. The multi-million-pound investment was provided directly from the Department for Transport’s ‘Access for All’ programme, which was launched in 2006 to improve accessibility at railway stations nationwide.

Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director for station operator West Midlands Railway, said: “Making sure the railway network is accessible for all our customers is a priority and this important scheme is another great example of how we are working hard to make things happen.

“Well over half a million passenger journeys are made using Stechford every year and this facility represents a welcome addition for our customers at the station.”

Dave Penney, central route director at Network Rail, said: “It is fantastic that the improvements at Stechford have been completed, meaning passengers now have step-free access to the rail network.

“We have worked closely with the Department for Transport and West Midlands Railway to deliver this upgrade which will benefit passengers and the local community for many years to come.”

Chris Heaton-Harris MP, Rail Minister, said: “Rail services are a crucial lifeline for many disabled people. The new lifts at Stechford, funded by our Access for All scheme, will ensure all passengers can confidently and reliably access the transport links they need most.

“Accessible, reliable rail infrastructure will be at the heart of our post-Covid recovery and we are due to invest more than £380m into our Access for All programme between now and 2024 to provide accessible routes at more than 100 stations nationwide.”

Where Next?

RailAdvent Plus
   Get image downloads, Prints and Streaming Video
News Homepage
   For the Latest Railway News
RailAdvent Online Shop
   Railway Prints, DVD’s / Blu-Ray’s and more
LocoStop – The RailAdvent Community
   Come and share your railway pictures
Mainline UK Steam Info
   Upcoming mainline steam tours/loco movements