Paddington Station's New, Step-Free Entrance

[@PokhrajRoy.]

I don’t think we give enough credit to Jago and his great collection of B-Roll. They’re great 👏🏽

[@recklessroges]

I was thinking that! They are a wonderful time-capsule that I hope end up in the Transport Museum.)

[@FireflySt4rs]

Or in another media Archive

[@rifkiamil]

it’s all becoming part of a large model

[@katherinenarborough2662]

Step free access is always welcome on the tube which I strife for especially when taking my sister up London who gets around long distance in a wheelchair itself. With her I have to make sure lifts work at stations before, that getting on and off trains requires no ramp, and that we travel at times when wheelchair space on trains are avaliable which isn't easy even at the best of times. Geoff Marshall is someone I like because whenever a new station opens or a new entrance occurs at an existing station he always tries to include what lifts or step-free access are available which does help a lot.

[@JoolsBurke]

It's a pity no redundancy is ever built in, presumably for cost reasons, meaning if one lift is out of order there is no alternative. Redundancy is an important design and engineering feature, but always interesting which aspects of a finished project 'deserve' the cost

[@hairyairey]

There is redundancy with escalators, many stations have three. Of course a number of stations have problems with vertical clearance, look at how convoluted lifts are at stations like Kings Cross.

[@kaitlyn__L]

The part where you show up to the station only to find the lift to the platform is broken... that's gutting. (I say as an independent wheelchair user, though I do get some pushes from friends and family when they visit.)

[@orientalmoons]

​@@hairyairey I think it's three lifts (maybe four?) to go from the surface level to the Victoria line, perhaps other lines too. And the lifts are not big enough for everyone who wants to use them so there are often queues. It's good that they exist but not a great experience. Actually the best bit is getting in lift B and being taken directly to mezzanine level at King's Cross, completely avoiding the chaos and the Harry Potter shop queues on the main concourse.

[@cv990a4]

Given how long ago the original infrastructure was put in place, realistically it's going to take a long time before step free access is achieved on even a majority of the network. It's a reason to push for more big projects like Crossrail 2, because those kinds of projects result in old stations being comprehensively re-thought, and that's an opportunity for rebuilding them step-free. The Elizabeth Line must have been a step-change (heh) in terms of step-free transit access to/thru London.

[@fiddley]

I got funnelled down here about a week ago, must've been brand new. I was trying to go away on hols, heavy luggage, a bit late for my train and when I went through the barrier and saw daylight 2 mins after stepping off the tube I was somewhat annoyed as I assumed I'd taken a wrong turn and was about to emerge at one of the back entrances miles away somewhere down a side street. You can imagine, my day was immeasurably improved with what ensued.

[@ChrisGBusby]

The rumour mill has it that all the tiles from the demolished part have been stored to mend other buildings using the same tiles in the event of damage. However, I have found no official confirmation of this. Over to you Jago :)

[@metrotechguru5863]

That would be a very sensible action to take. Which is why I would doubt its authenticity. 🤣🤣🤣

[@mrbojangles8133]

maybe one day we'll find out one way or the other

[@RunawayTrain2502]

Is that what will happen with the York Rd station building too?

[@390modelacoupe]

Heavily crowded spaces are never nice, but it helps if you keep a marmalade sandwich in your hat. You know, for emergencies

[@brucewilliams8714]

Or one's handbag.

[@thryduulf]

I think Hatton Cross was the last station to open without step-free access, which was 1975, although the access at Heathrow was primarily for the benefit of airport passengers with luggage rather then disabled people. One thing that is often overlooked in terms of accessibility though is that step-free access for wheelchair users does not necessarily equal access for all. As an example, I have a friend who can manage escalators and a few steps but cannot manage long walks. They can navigate the "inaccessible" Central line at Liverpool Street but not the "accessible" interchange between Jubilee and other lines at Green Park (and don't get her started on the signage at King's Cross St. Pancras). TfL produce guides (that really could do with better promotion) for step-free access and for avoiding stairs (not the same thing) but nothing about avoiding long walks.

[@kaitlyn__L]

I spent too long in denial about my mobility before I admitted I needed a wheelchair, but if I had started using mine 3-5 years earlier only on long journeys out and bad pain days, I'd be in much the same position as your pal. Especially if I thought I was going out for a quick jot, or only going a short distance, and then get waylaid. (As it is, I had a number of incidents where I collapsed on platforms and my walking stick was no help at all! I started to admit I was becoming a danger to myself.)

[@someoneno-one7672]

The best way to change at Green Park in this case is to take the escalator up to the ticket hall level and then down to the relevant line. While there is a break between two escalator for Jubilee l, I think, overall walking distance is much shorter. Up in the ticket hall one doesn’t need to pas the ticket barriers to change between the lines. I recommend checking it out when you happen to be there - it might be helpful if your relative would need to change lines there.

[@thryduulf]

@@someoneno-one7672 They aren't a relative, but that's not a bad idea. I almost never do anything except change between the Jubilee and Piccadilly lines at Green Park so I don't have the rest of the station in my head.

[@jh_9858]

Gloucester Road had a shopping arcade built on top of it in the 1990s. At the time there was community campaigning that step-free-access should be added to the Circle and District lines as part of the development, but it was not done. So there are still 36 steps down to the Circle/Eastbound District, and 40 steps down to the Westbound District.

[@kaitlyn__L]

@@jh_9858 christ. I’m really glad people were campaigning for that, but it’s also quite depressing that only a few years before my birth (I’m 30 now) the powers that be went “hmm… nah!”

[@simonbennett9687]

When we were planning how to construct the taxi deck ahead of building the Elizabeth line station at Paddington, we at Crossrail were told that we absolutely could not close London Street because it was needed for ambulance access to St Mary’s hospital. Now look at it! Well you can’t because it’s not just closed, it’s gone.

[@aviewfromtheinterior]

That will be because Tanner Lane exists, which is a new road, to enable access to St Mary's

[@HandiTransport]

Step free and gap free access is really important but unfortunately the definition of step free is a bit varied. It's difficult to provide true wheelchair access because of the demands of different wheelchairs. If I use a manual wheelchair (or a manual wheelchair with electric assistance) I can cope with smallish gaps and height differences. If I use my heavy electric wheelchair this is blocked by a height difference of more than about 7cm and a horizontal gap of about the same. I can't even ask for assistance from other passengers because it weighs in at 135kg before I get on. The last time I considered using the tube I found a tfl map of step free access underground. In the small print this plan considered a gap of up to 20cm either horizontally, vertically or both was acceptable as 'step free'. Because of the access issues on the underground I'm stuck with the buses in London with the exception of Docklands and the modern extensions of tube lines. Planning travel in a wheelchair is really really tough and anything that highlights the improvements is to be welcomed. Having properly accessible stations and transport is really important and not just for a small minority. Many people end up with mobility problems and the step free access also helps pushchairs and those with luggage.

[@comicus01]

Has no one out there gone and done real world assessments of each station to see just how accessible they are? When the Elizabeth Line opened and Geoff Marshall did his series of videos, I remember he would point out the location of each elevator, etc, at each station.

[@swedneck]

it's baffling to me how even a 2cm height difference or gap could be considered step-free, that feels like a very very malicious interpretation of the term.

[@dlevi67]

Flippin' eck! A vertical gap of 20 cm is a normal stair step. And they call it 'step free'. Perhaphs they should change it to 'stepS free'

[@comicus01]

@@swedneck 2 cm height difference definitely could be an issue. But a gap between the train and platform of 2 cm doesn't seem too bad. But then I'm not in a wheel chair. 3 cm might be pushing it.

[@swedneck]

@@comicus01 i mean just use luggage bags as a sanity check: would you be very happy running that over a 2cm gap? i wouldn't, if it's heavily packed that's going to go "ka-thump" fairly hard. frankly simply having no noticable gaps or height differences shouldn't be that hard in the first place, it feels way more like it's a matter of not wanting to spend the money on polishing out minor blemishes.

[@flippop101]

As a young designer in the 1980s I penned proposals for LT refurbishments and DLR stations before leaving the country for Germany. All the more reason to watch your channel and see how the system has developed, including aspects concerning access. Thank you for this evening‘s superb video!

[@SeverityOne]

Accessibility _is_ an issue. Some ten or so years ago, my wife hurt her knee badly when walking down the stairs at South Kensington. Long story short, she needed an ambulance, and the only way they could do this is by bringing down a foldable wheelchair, get her on a train (during rush hour no less) and take her to Earl's Court, where there are lifts. Warmest regards to the all the people involved, including the assistant who materialised within seconds after I pressed the assistance button, the PCSO who stayed with us until the ambulance crew arrived, the ambulance crew itself, and the hospital staff.

[@mattbosley3531]

If they could bring down a folding wheelchair, surely they could find a couple of strong blokes to bring up your wife?

[@mudchute4dlr]

and explaon why tfl should be blamed for this?

[@wertrocks123]

​​@@mudchute4dlrwhy did you come out of nowhere and go on the defensive about something that was neither said nor even implied?

[@hiviolet007]

I always research the step free access tube map before I choose my Airbnb when visiting London. I’m not disabled but I want to know I won’t have to haul my suitcase up or down any stairs. Back in the old days when there was a shortage of lifts, there was always someone kind to grab the bottom of my bag and help me without even asking. So nice!😊

[@nah95]

My first visit to London was 8 years ago and I had to go from Old Street to Marylebone. I decided to use the Underground. While carrying a suitcase. Some bad decisions were made that day.

[@Magnificvs]

I would like to nominate St Pancras as the most beautiful station. There’s always a warm and pleasant atmosphere in it.

[@adamcetinkent]

Unless you're taking the Eurostar

[@KeoniDSouza]

6:11 "You are the condition to my planning permission" - one of the best yet!

[@srfurley]

Paddington main line station used to provide wheeled access for passengers if they were dead. There was a special enclosed trolley designed to carry a coffin which was kept on one of the platforms on what used to be the arrivals side of the station. I’m not sure when it was last used for its intended purpose, but I think carrying of deceased passengers had generally ceased before Winston Churchill. Was so carried on 30th January 1965. The trolley eventually found its way to the museum at Didcot Railway Centre. I’m not sure how common this was, but similar trolley exist on the Bluebell Railway and at the National Railway Museum, York, so it looks like they were used on at least three of the big four.

[@juliansadler6263]

Waterloo had a coffin trolley as well. You can see one in use in the film 'Terminus'.

[@srfurley]

@@juliansadler6263 Yes, I’d forgotten about that one, and I don’t think it’s the one that’s at the Bluebell now.

[@RJSRdg]

Winston Churchill's body went via Waterloo, not Paddington, as Churchill wanted to get one over on de Gaulle by making him catch a train from Waterloo station!

[@juliansadler6263]

@@RJSRdg General de Gaulle was at the State Funeral but not the interment so didn't use Waterloo Station.

[@1258-Eckhart]

Paddington is a lovely station to arrive at - light and airy, clean and architecturally impressive. I like the bridge over all the platforms to the Liz & H&C lines.

[@MelanieRuck-dq5uo]

These difficulties of access to the London Underground also apply to pre-1988 Daleks! I didn't hear Jago mention this once. A huge omission!

[@craigthomson3621]

A reasonably thick shagpile carpet could stop Daleks.

[@amitbasu8159]

It's disappointing that disability legislation now renders the UK more susceptible to conquest by the Daleks. A clear oversight.

[@ap9970]

2:04 Love that they have an arrow pointing skywards towards the "Rooftop Restaurant"

[@VikShah1]

Thank you for indirectly mentioning me! I was one of the people to email you and request you do more videos on accessibility on the underground, and I am most grateful to you for taking this on board. This video is great and I look forward to seeing more that touch on the subject.

[@alanmoss3603]

I'd like to nominate West Croydon for the most beautiful overground station award - mainly because I've just had a serious blow to the head!

[@AFCManUk]

The orginal entrance to Paddington....basically 'Smoker's Corner' :D

[@shodan2958]

Yay for more coverage of this. Being in disability circles myself I do think TfL should be doing all they can to bring stations up to an accessible standard. It's what a good society that looks after people should do, we're better off seemingly than the Paris metro which apparently isn't at all accessible but our bar is still particularly low I feel.

[@Vieux_rat75]

Paris's metro network is still largely inaccessible, with only line 14, which opened in 1998, meeting modern accessibility standards. Some of the newer stations are also accessible, but they're in the minority. However, the new Grand Paris metro, set to open from 2025, will be fully accessible. The transport authority has announced a major overhaul of the network's century-old stations, but it's a daunting task that will take time, effort... and a lot of money!

[@CineMiamParis]

@@Vieux_rat75 Indeed. Not to mention that accessibility on line 14 can be touch and go. Apparently the company in charge of escalators is not great at their job. To wit, those at Olympiades station had to be entirely replaced, after years of breaking down. People with limited mobility could use the elevator, singular, which can hold about 12 displeased Parisians or… one wheelchair.

[@fjkelley4774]

Agree, the Paddington interior is exceptional. Always enjoy Jago's videos.

[@MichaelJohnsonAzgard]

Great video and I would look forward to more on the subject. As a wheelchair user I'm always checking several sources before travelling anywhere. Transport for London has done more than most cities around the world for accessibility. Yes, more can always be done but I still appreciate the effort.

[@euanduthie2333]

1:57 How many times have I come in and out of Paddington station and not noticed this gorgeous art deco building before? Thanks Jago!

[@kayelem]

Some info I found; it was originally named 'Arrivals Side Offices', changed to 'Tournament House' in 1987. Photographs show the date '1932' on it, but at least one source states it was completed in 1935. It was designed by Percy Emerson Culverhouse, Chief Architect of the GWR, who designed several other interesting buildings; more info on his Wikipedia entry.

[@julietblue1240]

I work in one of the tall buildings in Paddington basin and always like seeing it out the window but I never notice it when I’m actually on the ground walking around the station

[@MrPaulFCockburn]

It’s also worth noting that the ,Disability Discrimination Act 1995, when it originally came into force in November 1996, was a pretty toothless piece of legislation, which required several subsequent Acts to better define its terms (especially when it came to transport provision) and also establish the Disability Rights Commission which began to legally enforce its terms. Eventually, of course, the DDA 1995 (and also the DDA 2005, etc) were superseded and replaced (except in Northern Ireland) by the Equality Act 2010, while the DRC was folded into the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

[@kenmorris100]

Thanks for this latest update on Paddington Station. I can remember back un the 50s and 60s when this was the main vehicle approach to the station with taxis and parcel vans driving through and exiting up the ramp to Bishops Bridge Road by the H&C Booking Office. Just to the immediate right was the entrance to the Post Office Railway. So quite a change looking at it today.

[@SethBartonSEF]

Just went through here on Sunday, didn't realise it was *that* new. Very nice and convenient, got me out the station and to the pub quickly and without any confusion. 👍

[@chrissaltmarsh6777]

Good stuff. I spent some time finding access routes, 20 years ago. With a small child in her buggy. (Said child was born in St Mary's, but was then much more portable) Often the answer was a fellow passenger taking the front and helping up the stairs. Waterloo had the International entrance, with escalator on which the buggy could be taken (quite against the rules) onto the main concourse; thence home to Clapham Junction .

[@user-cn8kt2vp2t]

I never thought I’d see the day where I saw myself in a Jago video! But today was the day

[@djmurray6152]

Agree, the main entrance to Paddington has always felt like a hidden back entrance

[@chriswood5205]

Indeed. In fact, in over 45 of using the station, it has never previously occurred to me that this was the main entrance. I'd always assumed the main entrance was the one on platform 1.

[@INREACTO]

Off topic but not really. I use a wheelchair and was on the Elizabeth Line in July. I decided to go to Stratford to see the Olympic Park. Alas I couldn't exit in Stratford because there was a big gap between train and platform. I was in an official disabled carriage. All these £billions spent on the line but they couldn't even get that right! More recently I took the train to Norwich. It uses the same route as the Elizabeth Line. On my return to London I decided to get off in Stratford to look at the Olympic Park... The train I used was Greater Anglia. As a corporate decision, it decided to make all its station platforms suitable for level boarding. That included Stratford. There was no need to get a ramp to get off the train! Talking about showing up the Elizabeth Line!

[@petermichaelgreen]

Unfortunately, we have a situation where two incompatible approaches have been taken to step free access :( Heathrow and the elizabeth line core have gone for standard height trains and taller platforms. Unfortunately, the taller platforms can only be used at dedicated stations because of compatibility issues with other stock (particularly freight stock). So level boarding on the elizibeth line is only available in the core and at heathrow, at other stations staff assistance is required to board/alight wheelchairs. Greater anglia on the other hand have gone for low floor trains that can provide level boarding at standard-height platforms.

[@INREACTO]

@@petermichaelgreen thank you

[@ingleacre6480]

Worth comparing this to the Old Street rebuild, which was led by TfL’s highways department - so despite taking the top off the station and spending the best part of a decade rebuilding the shopping arcade between the street and the station entrance, *zero* changes were actually made to the station itself, and a perfect opportunity to give a major zone 1 station step free access was squandered.

[@shrikelet]

Never get tired of those oxblood tiles

[@PeterTorr]

Great video again Jago! Look forward to using this new entrance soon! Always remember that entrance being mainly a taxi rank!? Fond memories of my youth travelling up from Cornwall to London , exiting this entrance and walking and staying in Sussex Gardens B&B for weekend breaks etc. 👍🏻

[@k.r.baylor8825]

While I'm not disabled, step-free access on the Underground is something a tourist worries about, lugging heavy wheeled bags around the stations. I know in my London visits I look for the wheelchair signs for the Tube lifts, so I don't have to hoist an overweight travel bag up any stairs. It would be a very useful subject to explore.

[@kaitlyn__L]

A great example of the ways accessibility features benefit many more people than just those they were intended for :)

[@geirmyrvagnes8718]

So it is confirmed. The Paddington Stanley Heaps entrance is now housing model trains in Jago's back yard.

[@kr46428]

The universal attribute I've noticed about nearly all major train stations in the UK is the constant huddled crowd of smokers standing directly outside the entrance puffing away like an old GWR Castle. For this reason, I don't tend to linger outside the entrances much anymore. However, Paddington is indeed a beautiful station, and anything we can do to increase accessibility is most appreciated by many, even those just trying to handle large cases.

[@mcarp555]

Wow, I can't wait to see this. The old entrance was always odd, like finding a major station at the end of an alleyway.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Everyone should be able to access public spaces.

[@JBLewis]

We were just at Paddington, my gosh! it will be a month ago tomorrow, and were admiring the new construction not even realizing that the new Paddington Underground entry was there!

[@d.lam.8178]

Ah, so that thing they were building two months ago when I was there is done? Neat.

[@distinctdipole]

My favourite London terminus. Thank you Jago

[@MrGreatplum]

As a town planner, I am pleased to see that a developer did not try and squirm out of one of its conditions!

[@clairelindsey5472]

I love your videos. They are always the highlight of my day when you upload. I have been speaking about accessibility for 12+ years now and would be happy to have you come on a trip around London’s transport network to show you accessibility from a different view point.

[@marksimons8861]

At last! step free entry to the Bakerloo line. It's always nice when somebody else is paying the bill. 😎

[@jamesmarsh6853]

The Elizabeth Line station already added step free access to the Bakerloo as there’s lifts either end of the tunnel between the interchange but obviously depending on where you’re accessing it from this will be much quicker.

[@levs5319]

I personally really like Budapest's solution to this issue: at stations where a traditional lift isn't possible they remove one of the 3 or 4 escalators at a station and turn that into a sideways elevator, and while it does reduce capacity by quite a bit it's imo the easiest and quickest way to implement accessibility to underground stations as it doesn't require any additional digging or space

[@Jimyjames73]

I haven't been on the Underground in many Decades!!! Thanks for sharing 🙂🚂🚂🚂

[@qwertyTRiG]

Paddington has a more beautiful interior than St Pancras? I think I've been there only once. I'd love to see a video on accessibility on London Transport (not just the Tube).

[@comicus01]

I haven't been to every London station, but I like Paddington, St. Pancras, and Waterloo the most.

[@dlevi67]

I think 'as a station', meaning the platforms, it does. The shopping concourse and hotel at St. Pancras is IMHO more beautiful than those at Paddington, but - especially for the shopping bit - that's no high bar to clear (while St. Pancras's is genuinely a nice place).

[@qwertyTRiG]

@@dlevi67 That makes sense. The only London stations I really know are St Pancras, Euston, and London Bridge. I know I've been in Victoria and Paddington, but it was a long while ago.

[@hughs591]

Thank you Jago, looking forward to using the step free Bakerloo access when we next come to London. On the subject of Paddington, have you considered covering the forthcoming diversion of services to Euston as a consequence of HS2 work? It’s supposed to be going to add just 15 minutes the journey but I suspect the reality will be “interesting.”

[@benwherlock9869]

It's nice to see the entrance opened up. It always felt like a slightly dingy side street to me. 😊

[@dukeofaaghisle7324]

No, you’re absolutely right about the Paddington trainshed interior. Liverpool Street and St Pancras are worthy runners-up in my opinion, but Paddington is quite superb. I like Marylebone too, and…

[@tantaf123]

Having a rough week, and now I'm smiling because I'm watching the latest jago video! :D

[@peternorris6438]

A very informative video of one of my favourite stations

[@K1W1fly]

Paddington is a gobsmackingly gorgeous station. Brunel rocks!

[@hairyairey]

@@K1W1fly Did some carol singing there with a group of people - suggested we went under the smaller arch and I think we did sound better. Also, two hours of singing is hard work!

[@btuckervideos4705]

Was on the Bakerloo on my birthday last Thursday, and somehow exited at Paddington at the new Bakerloo line entrance rather than the main entrance inside the concourse. Was reasonably impressed by the new entrance, but will probably still be entering the Bakerloo from the concourse entrance as I would typically be going straight there from a GWR mainline train and the concourse entrance would be easiest to reach from there

[@robp4682]

Thank you for another great video - please keep it going

[@recklessroges]

What a comprehensive collection of Paddington platform shots. (I'm sure you have The purple 'Betty line somewhere.)

[@thesteelrodent1796]

It's interesting that London still has a "whenever we get around to it" approach to step-free access. Here in Copenhagen, step-free access to all stations became mandatory when they expanded the S-train network in the 1980s, but all the stations built in the 1970s already had elevators integrated into their design. To comply with the requirement, whenever possible they got away with adding a single elevator to each station, but there are some stations that have multiple elevators due to their design, and all the S-trains carry ramps, so anyone in a wheelchair or disability scooter merely have to tell the driver that they want to get on and where they're getting off. Providing the same step-free access on the intercity trains proved a greater challenge, as it was not a consideration when they were built, so all the DSB stations have special lifts to allow wheelchairs to board the trains (effectively a mini-version of the ones they use to load cargo onto aircraft). The rural side/local lines are the ones that are still a bit behind. Some have step-free access, but many don't, and on many of those lines a wheelchair user must bring a helper to get on and off the trains

[@Richard_OKeeffe]

Paddington main station is the only true railway Cathedral, as it is the only one that has transepts

[@kaitlyn__L]

What a lovely level-boarding platform in the footage for the Circle and District line tracks at the end! I know you'd said they were all originally designed with as flush a fit as possible before they started mixing deep-level and subsurface lines, but gosh. I always preferred the breezy airiness of the subsurface lines too, especially in the centre of London, with their smoke vents and decent amount of cover.

[@JaapFilius]

Yes, I do not always think about your 'point': make it step free for disabled people is a (very) complex thing on the old deep level stations, if it is possible anyway. So good that you pointed that out. No, I am not disable or so, but when I come at places (which you have here in the Netherlands as well) who are not step free it is so (too) easy to think that 'they' should make it fit for the disabled as well.

[@divarachelenvy]

yet another top notch video mate..

[@gerardwallace9513]

It's definitely a great improvement in getting to and from the Bakerloo line without having to battle through the National Rail concourse!

[@ConfidentialMeerkat]

I can't help but chuckle at the fact that technically, most of the tube was originally step free and disabled friendly to a degree in the form of the passenger lifts! Then, all that got ripped out and replaced with the escalators, and the tunnels changed to air ducting, and so on

[@jamesmarsh6853]

Most are still inaccessible as they still have steps after the lifts down to the platform level.

[@SchnitzelDaemon]

I would really appreciate a video on accessibility! Looking forward to it.

[@jadeboswell-rz2ly]

Hi Jago, very interesting video. I shall be very interested in forthcoming videos on accessibility. As it is the new entrance to Paddington looks to me somewhat like 1970's designed Thames embankment with a hint of Pompidou.

[@hetty5531]

I was there today! Came out from the Bakerloo line thoroughly confused, I always go up the stairs rather than the escalator and was shocked to find I would need to climb about an extra 20 haha

[@QALibrary]

that is a great upgrade and given the station a much better entrance

[@lotto77102]

Shopping centres attached to stations always seems a bit naff, but every time I've been to Sydney I'm always impressed by Town Hall and Wynyard stations, where you can enter/exit the station straight from an attached shopping centre, and it's lovely and convenient when you want a drink and/or a snack. Blows my little Canberran mind.

[@Anonymoususer_8823]

To be honest the new entrance at Paddington Square looks really impressive. I think it’s a great idea to have another access instead of going into the actual station itself and to miss out on the congestion and chaos at London Paddington.

[@DavidShepheard]

I think the main reason why the Disability Discrimination Act didn't result in all the railway stations and trains in the UK becoming accessible is that central government didn't actually provide the funding for the work. There is also resistance to destroying heritage features, like listed buildings. What we need are four things: 1) There should be government grants for adding accessibility to public transport. People with non-accessible trains should be able to apply for part-funding for replacement trains, so long as the replacement trains are fully accessible. Same with busses. And the same with station upgrades. There should be negative VAT on work related to making anything accessible for the first time. And there should be zero VAT on work for replacing accessibility features. 2) There needs to be a clear statement in the law that preservation of listed structures is important. But that accessibility is more important than heritage. If there is no way to make a listed building accessible, then planning departments must accept a level of alteration needed to make a station accessible. 3) The Department for Transport should publish an annual league table showing the state of play of all of the railway stations in the UK, with regard to accessibility. Every year the Minister for Transport should be required to discuss the 25 most busy stations in the UK, that currently lack step free access to trains in a Parliamentary speech and should state a plan to deal with that deficiency. Something like this, would force every government to invest in the big stations, that disabled people are going to need to go to, just like everyone else. 4) Transport operators need to be required to operate "Railway Replacement Taxis" or "Railway Replacement Busses" for disabled people, who are unable to use stations, that lack step free access. If the system has flaws, it's not down to disabled passengers to pay the additional costs of those flaws. We can provide the actual service of going to a bad station, without the accessibility stuff being installed. So let's open up the entire public transport network to registered disabled people now. If that is done, and privatised companies that are trying to siphon profits out of the transport system, have to actually pay to provide an equal service to disabled people, I think that magically, there will be a lot more eagerness for lobbying for awkward stations to get a rebuild. We have a long history of government in the UK, where the ruling party thinks they can come up with some sneaky trick, to get "investors" to come onto the transport system and pay for things, so that tax money is not invested in the railways. And history shows, that private companies do not actually want to pay to improve things. They just want to get access to money from passengers. And - unfortunately - disabled people are passengers that cost a bit more to look after properly, but who don't pay extra. So private businesses are very very motivated to find reasons why spending money on improving stations is "not reasonable". The fact that we got a flipping cable car across the Thames, instead of having the same amount of money invested on ripping a hole into the ground to make an existing Underground station accessible, shows that people don't really care about disabled passengers. They are invisible to them. Even when disabled people were crawling underneath Routemaster busses and handcuffing themselves to the driveshafts of the busses, there were loads of people saying "But Routemasters are popular with tourists". I loved the old Routemasters, but the disabled people who crawled like worms underneath them opened my eyes to how terrible a Routemaster was to a disabled person. And as soon as I realised they blocked disabled passengers, I wanted them gone. Every Metro mayor in the UK, should make an annual statement about how much non-accessible rail network they oversee. And they should make an application every year to the DfT to upgrade some of the stations to make them accessible. We need to understand exactly who is trying to solve the problem, and who is trying to sweep the problem under the carpet. Given the scale of the problem, it's going to take years to fix things. But disabled passengers shouldn't have to sit at home waiting to be allowed onto the transport network. And people can't both make the argument that a small station doesn't have the footfall to justify being done now and also make the opposite argument that a big station will cost too much to adapt. We need to see spending reports for every part of the UK.

[@RJSRdg]

Unfortunately it will never be possible to make all the railway network accessible. Anywhere that has a platform on a curve, there will be a gap between the train and the platform (because the carriages are straight and the platform isn't). Additonally, particularly on faster lines, the tracks tilt on a curve, meaning that on one side of a curved platform, the train is leaning away from the platform (so the floor is raised), and on the other side, the train is leaning into the platform (so the floor is lowered).

[@kaitlyn__L]

The sad thing is, around 2014 or 2015 I recall the Conservative Party outright said that pausing accessibility upgrade works is the first thing to go when the DfT reviews its budgets. Second being line signalling upgrades. By driving us away from the railways into Motability cars, they viewed that as a cost-saving for the railway network rather than as the larger cost to society it actually is. But that shouldn't be surprising, they've never put their weight behind railways even when they started paying lip-service to them again.

[@RJSRdg]

And then there's the issue of the Bakerloo Line stations north of Queens Park. Bakerloo Line trains have lower floors than main line trains so that they can fit through Tube tunnels, but from Queens Park onwards they share Platforms with Overground trains which have standard height doors, so they can't both have step free access!

[@simonadams71]

I concur that Paddington is the most beautiful station internally. St. Pancras of course, externally.

[@RichardFelstead1949]

I'm sure Paddington Bear is happy with new layout. Greetings from Australia.

[@richieixtar5849]

My favourite station .. ta :)

[@acey850]

About a month ago I was going from the Elizabeth line exit to the H&C or District line entrance when I spotted this new entrance which I guess wasn’t fully ready. It was so bright like the light at the end of the tunnel. Didn’t visit it though because I cba to wade through the sea of people.

[@philiplettley]

Shows how much it's changed round there, used it a lot in the mid to late 90s, the only bit I recognise are the entrance and ramp, the hotel frontage and the KFC. Used to stay at the London crown hotel, top of the ramp turn left and its right there. The first time I stayed there was London marathon weekend 1996, got the hotel booking office to find me a room, when I asked how to get there etc. They told me it was about 200 yards away, couldn't believe it lol

[@pauljmccluskey5532]

Hi Jago, I do a lot of work with people with varying disabilities and understand the terminology, Reasonable Adjustments and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and, more often than not, various colleagues also live in Norfolk and Suffolk like I do, and do tend to encounter many difficulties around accessing the Underground/Overground/buses etc., as they are not all accessible as they should be, and it would be fantastic if you could do some videos on this subject, as I’m sure it would benefit my work colleagues and I would be happy to give you some recognition amongst them. ❤

[@joermnyc]

Yes, I noticed on the deep tube trains, the gap was less horizontal, and more vertical, in places at least a foot down. I do know some step free stations will raise a section of platform to meet the floor of the train, we do that in NY around where the conductor sits in the middle cars. Unfortunately those cars can be quite busy and there's no room on board. Not exactly convenient.

[@andyilsley2448]

Marylebone is my favourite ❤

[@hreader]

Speaking as a frequent user of Paddington I think the Paddington Square development is an enormous improvement, and I'm glad this last part of it has now been opened. There's also a very tasty cafe/coffee-shop on that raised area over the new Underground station entrance. Previously, this entrance to Paddington always looked pokey and a bit tattered. Well done to the developers and their architects!

[@DeanStephen]

“Oxblood-free”! I was just thinking how much I liked the nice bright, often white, exteriors of new London developments. It really helps lift the dark, oppressive look of “Victorian brick, brick, and more brick.”

[@teecefamilykent]

Great video sir Marylebone station is still My favourite station frontage though.

[@hairyairey]

What a contrast between the underground and the Tyne and Wear Metro. From 11th August 1980 onwards all its stations and trains were accessible although granted there were some very difficult gradients at some stations.

[@johnrafferty8087]

I miss the old one. Coming off trains on platform 10 11 or 12 straight to the Bakerloo

[@CookeeQapla]

step free access fab...I was also there today but couldn't work out why you have to walk outside as you leave the bakerloo line before you go inside the main rail station ... it was raining! sigh

[@lindenbeck]

I love the entrance of Victoria Station too.

[@Clavichordist]

When I visited London, I used the original Paddington underground station. I remember the station being a bit run down and while I feel bad about seeing a historic and rare structure being removed, I welcome the new station and access. Your disabilities act is very similar to the American's with Disabilities Act over here. The requirements are similar for companies and landlords to provide reasonable accomodations for disabled people. Like TFL, the MBTA here in Boston has been updating stations as they are renovated and any new stations are automatically ADA compliant.

[@WardyLion]

I’d love to see a Leslie Green styled house.

[@squeaksquawk4255]

It's mainly a question of style, but I always thought the clear glass of Blackfriars overlooking the river was prettier than Paddington, though it's definitely close.

[@ogden4]

Re accessibility, I was talking to a grandad and his wheelchair using grandson in the King Charles I pub near Kings Cross. They were originally from the north east and attend every South Shields home match. He was telling me he can only do this on the East Coast Mainline because KingsX and Newcastle provide excellent provisions but, despite the appetite, the Midland Mainline stations were terrible. Just worth considering that, whilst London termini might cater, stations up the line are less developed

[@TheScillonian3]

I work in one of London's busiest stations, which is not wheelchair accessible. The most common question I get asked is "where is the lift?" which I can only say "I'm very sorry but this is not a step free station". There seems to be a culture in TFL that we blame the disabled for not planning their route, but TFL are to blame for not having more step free stations. Having said that, to make as many stations as possible step free would cost tens of billions, and even then some stations would still not be step free due to structural issues.

[@stuartrayfield1448]

Really interesting video, looking forward to your future video to accessibility on the Tube was wondering what was classed as the first step free accessible station you mention that London Underground started the process at Hillingdon in 1992 The Bakerloo line at Paddington was technically accessible prior to this entrance opening via the Elizabeth line connector corridor but it was a bit of a faff when I tried it so this will be more convenient but IIRC there aren't many step free stations on the Bakerloo line generally

[@ZaphodHarkonnen]

Having lived in Reading for several years before moving back to NZ. It’s going to be sooooo weird next time I’m going through Paddington station with the changes. :D

[@andrewlong6438]

Got to see this new entrance. Seems to have been ignored by social media types who rushed over to the opening of a new station in Bristol. The old entrance to Bakerloo line was really grim. A video on accessibility on rail network would be great. I live near Reading on line to Waterloo and of first four stations east of Reading - only 2 can be considered to be fully accessible.

[@petermichaelgreen]

The rail network has a lot of inaccessible local stations but the major interchanges generally have step-free access to the platform. In most cases, staff assistance is needed for wheelchair users to board trains which is less than ideal. The underground does much worse, because not only are a large number of stations inaccessible, the inaccesibility extends to major interchanges.

[@rolandharmer6402]

Thanks Jago. This is a vast improvement. Did you know that a few years back there were proposals to demolish Span 4 of Paddington Station? - the very entrance to this development.

[@nutsnproud6932]

I need assistance on National Rail trains. A member of staff will get me on a train with a ramp at each end if I notify them 24 hours in advance. Now if TFL had the same system I'm sure at Escalator stations some contraption could be made to get wheelchairs up and down escalators with staff assisting. They have keys to start and stop escalators. At one hospital I visit they have a ramp on the wall if I need to use it I press a button and a porter will deploy the ramp and push me up the stairs.

[@y2an]

I’m always dumbfounded at the idea that mobility issues affect just the disabled. Anyone with a suitcase or a pram or a sprained ankle - which at one time or another is probably most people - needs the exact same accommodations as the permanently disabled. Design should be for everyday mobility of everyone carrying on their normal lives which would then be inclusive of - well, everyone.

[@DBIVUK]

As I was one of the members of the planning committee which decided the Paddington Cube application, I can confirm that improving access to the tube at Paddington (including providing step-free access) was a major part of the reason for granting it. However I still don't like the fact that ambulances getting to St Mary's have to do three 90ª turns in a short space,

[@jamesu9607]

Do you have any insight into the loss of the additional escalators/stairs to platform that were in the approved plans?

[@DBIVUK]

@@jamesu9607 Think this was 18/08240/FULL approved at committee in November 2018. westminster.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s29920/ITEM%2001%20-%20PADDINGTON%20SORTING%20DELIVERY%2031%20LONDON%20STREET%20128-142%20PRAED%20STREET%20LONDON%20STREET%20PART.pdf

[@geirmyrvagnes8718]

For tourists: There is a bit of canal with British canal boats right next to the station. If you are just in London, Paddington is a very likely place to come through, so just add a little bit of transport history if you have a few minutes. 😄

[@010101110100]

Can’t beat Little Venice

[@peterbumper2769]

As a person who does use a wheelchair, from what I have heard, the biggest issue seems top be, yes, there is an elevator, but only one. If that single elevator breaks down, a person need to travel to another station and then get a taxi back to where they want to be