Accessible train stations are critical for growth and fairness

The importance of accessible train stations is not only a critical issue about fairness, but also about growth, local Lib Dem MP Lisa Smart told the Government, in a debate on step-free access for stations. 

Supporting fellow Liberal Democrat MP Paul Kohler, who brought the debate to Parliament, she raised the example of Bredbury Station in the Hazel Grove constituency, where access is only on one side of the station.

Lib Dem MP Lisa Smart said: “We very clearly need more certainty about the future of Access for All funding and the real crying need for many of our communities to have level access to public transport. 

“Stations like Bredbury, where you can travel in one direction with level access, but not the other, are affecting people's decisions about whether to take employment.”

The MP recently met with Transport for Greater Manchester to discuss whether the Bee Network roll out can deliver more step free access at stations in the constituency.

Lisa added: “This has been a priority for me for some time, and I am fortunate to have some amazing local campaigners in my area who have driven this as a priority. We have seen a number of improvements, but this needs to be delivered consistently across the whole area, and I am committed to making that happen.”