A new ticket hall is now open on the Bakerloo line at Paddington Tube station that provides direct step-free access from street to platform via two lifts.

The new ticket hall is three times the size of the previous one, the number of ticket gates has increased from five to 11, and there is improved signage.

Situated beneath Paddington Square’s 18-storey mixed-use building, the new ticket hall is built on the site of a former Royal Mail sorting office.

Concrete foundations extend 26 metres below ground, and contractors had to divert a main sewer to reconfigure the previous ticket hall.

Previous access for customers with accessibility requirements was via a longer route via lifts at the Elizabeth line entrance and then a connecting passenger tunnel.

During construction, work took place near major assets including the existing escalators which remained operational to serve the Bakerloo line platforms and Mail Rail, the former post office railway.

“Bringing more step-free access to London’s transport network is a key priority, especially at busy hubs. Paddington station is one of London’s busiest stations and a historic and vital part of London’s transport infrastructure. I want everyone to be able to use it, so I’m delighted that the new ticket hall will give the Bakerloo line direct step-free access for the first time. I’m also excited to see the Paddington Square regeneration plans develop, giving a boost to the local area and helping to build a fairer, greener and more prosperous London for everyone.”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan