Caroline Pidgeon and Tom Brake have called on Transport for London (TfL) to get an Oyster reader installed and working immediately at the entrance to the new step-free path at Hackbridge.
The work on the new step-free path from London Road to platform two at Hackbridge train station has been completed but, according to Rail Network, the opening has been held-up by the delay in the delivery of the Oyster card reader.
A Network Rail representative commented: “I have confirmed that while our work is complete at Hackbridge there has been a delay installing the Oyster card readers, hence the delay in opening it.”
Carshalton and Wallington MP Tom Brake, who has long campaigned for improved local transport, has called on TfL to install the reader as soon as possible, so that the path can be opened to local commuters.
Commenting on the issue Tom said: “The new step-free access has been much anticipated, especially by those who currently struggle to access their local train station and to use public transport independently.”
“The work has been completed for weeks now and this delay on the TfL side is particularly frustrating. I will continue to press them for a quick resolution of this issue.”
Caroline Pidgeon, the leader of the Liberal Democrats in the London Assembly and the Deputy Chair of the London Assembly's Transport Committee, commented:
"Far too few railway stations across London have step-free access so it is incredibly frustrating when any new step-free access schemes are held up at any station.
"There should be no passing the buck on this issue. Southern Trains and Transport for London must immediately resolve any technical problems and ensure that step-free access is immediately available at Hackbridge Station."
The step-free access is part of a £350,000 refurbishment to make the station more accessible for passengers, especially older and disabled people and those with pushchairs or luggage.