The Anonymous Widower

Hampstead Heath Station Gets Upgraded

Upgraded might be to soft a word for the work going on at Hampstead Heath station. Demolition and rebuilding might be better.

Lifts are being installed, a new ticket office is being constructed and the platforms are being lengthened to take the five-car Class 378 trains, when they arrive after the end of this year.

Sadly, not everybody would appear to be happy, according to this article in the Ham and High. But then, when the station is finished, it will be a lot better for access than most of the stations on the Victoria line, which handle a lot more passengers.

I think too, we often forget what happens in reality.  Yesterday coming back from IKEA, I needed to get on the Overground at West Croydon for Dalston Junction.  I had an awkward bag with me and I ended up on the wrong platform at West Croydon by my mistake. To get across, I needed to go up a ramp and down two sets of stairs. So I was asked if I needed help and I said that I didn’t!  In the end a member of staff escorted me down the steps to the train.

So provided they are trained and helpful, surely one part of a disabled access strategy, is extra staff on the station. After all, one group who need assistance in unfamiliar surroundings are those who are blind or partially-sighted.  I’m no expert, but surely a trained human guide is the best solution to their problems in these circumstances.

November 15, 2013 - Posted by AnonW | Transport/Travel | Construction, Hampstead Heath Station, London Overground, Stations