TfL's new assessment of 17 Underground stations in east London aims to boost step-free access, supporting Mayor Sadiq Khan's goal of making half the Tube network fully accessible by 2030 and promoting inclusive transport for all users.
Council leaders across east London have welcomed Transport for London (TfL)’s new initiative to evaluate 17 Underground stations for potential step-free access, a significant move to enhance accessibility across the capital’s transport network. This comes as part of a broader plan to increase the number of step-free stations on the London Underground from the current 93 out of 272 to at least 136 by 2030, a target set by Mayor Sadiq Khan aimed at making the city’s transport system more inclusive.
Included in the list for assessment are key stations such as Hornchurch in Havering—London’s easternmost borough, primarily served by the Elizabeth line—alongside two stations in Redbridge: Snaresbrook and Barkingside, both on the Central line. Council leaders like Ray Morgon of Havering and Jo Blackman of Redbridge have expressed strong support for the scheme, highlighting the importance of accessible transport for residents with mobility challenges, parents with pushchairs, and elderly passengers. Morgon described the announcement as “delightful,” citing the potential of the improvements to reduce journey times and aid local regeneration efforts. Blackman emphasised the challenge these stations currently pose to less able residents and expressed hope that TfL would move quickly to convert them.
TfL’s chief customer and strategy officer, Alex Williams, has reinforced the organisation’s commitment to expanding accessibility, noting that over a third of the Tube network currently features step-free access and that work is underway on making 10 more stations step-free, with feasibility studies in progress for an additional eight stations. The assessment of these 17 stations is scheduled to start later this year. Other stations listed for potential improvements include Upton Park, Blackhorse Road, and Wood Green, reflecting a concerted effort to address gaps in accessibility across east London and beyond.
This initiative is part of a wider accessibility project across TfL’s network, which already boasts more than 200 step-free stations, including 77 Tube stations, over 60 London Overground stations, all 41 Elizabeth line stations, and all Docklands Light Railway (DLR) stations and tram stops. TfL has also been advancing step-free access at stations such as Colindale, Leyton, and Northolt, with construction scheduled to begin at Northolt next year. The Elizabeth line, in particular, offers a critical east-west link with fully step-free stations, including key interchanges at Paddington, Moorgate, and Farringdon.
Funding for these station improvements comes jointly from TfL and the Department for Transport (DfT), with TfL also seeking third-party funding to accelerate projects. The organisation works closely with local councils and the government, tapping into funds like the 'Levelling Up Fund' to support these accessibility upgrades.
As London's transport network evolves, these steps represent meaningful progress towards the Mayor’s ambition of making 50% of the Tube network step-free by 2030, reflecting a broader commitment to inclusivity and mobility equity for all Londoners.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative was published on 1 October 2025, reporting on TfL's recent announcement regarding the assessment of 17 Underground stations for step-free access. This information aligns with TfL's press release from 5 August 2024, which confirmed the next 12 Tube stations to be prioritised for step-free access, including Alperton, Arnos Grove, and Eastcote. ([tfl.gov.uk](https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2024/august/tfl-confirms-the-next-12-tube-stations-to-be-prioritised-for-step-free-access?utm_source=openai)) The inclusion of Hornchurch, Snaresbrook, and Barkingside stations in the recent assessment indicates an expansion of the initiative. The report appears to be based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. However, the narrative includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. Additionally, the report mentions that the assessment of these 17 stations is scheduled to start later this year, which is consistent with TfL's ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility. ([tfl.gov.uk](https://tfl.gov.uk/travel-information/improvements-and-projects/step-free-access?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The report includes direct quotes from council leaders Ray Morgon and Jo Blackman, as well as TfL's chief customer and strategy officer Alex Williams. A search for the earliest known usage of these quotes indicates that they have been used in previous TfL press releases and news articles. For example, Alex Williams' statement about making more Tube stations step-free is consistent with his previous remarks in earlier TfL communications. ([tfl.gov.uk](https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2024/august/tfl-confirms-the-next-12-tube-stations-to-be-prioritised-for-step-free-access?utm_source=openai)) The repetition of these quotes suggests that the content may be recycled. However, the inclusion of updated data and the specific mention of the 17 stations under assessment provide some originality.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Yellow Advertiser, a local news outlet. While it provides coverage of local events, its reputation and reach are more limited compared to national media. The report cites TfL's press release and includes direct quotes from council leaders and TfL officials, which adds credibility. However, the reliance on a single source and the potential recycling of content from previous TfL communications raise some concerns about the reliability of the information presented.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative discusses TfL's initiative to assess 17 Underground stations for potential step-free access, aligning with TfL's ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility across the capital's transport network. The inclusion of specific stations such as Hornchurch, Snaresbrook, and Barkingside reflects TfL's commitment to addressing gaps in accessibility. The statements from council leaders and TfL officials are plausible and consistent with previous communications. However, the repetition of quotes and the reliance on a single source without additional corroboration from other reputable outlets reduce the overall plausibility score.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative provides information about TfL's assessment of 17 Underground stations for step-free access, with some updated data and specific station mentions. However, the recycling of quotes from previous TfL communications and reliance on a single source without additional corroboration from other reputable outlets raise concerns about the originality and reliability of the content. Further verification from multiple sources is recommended to confirm the accuracy and freshness of the information presented.
