West Drayton station has been transformed for customers ahead of the Elizabeth line opening next year, with a revamped ticket hall featuring a striking new glass and steel extension, alongside two new lifts enabling step-free access to the main platforms serving TfL Rail and Great Western Railway for the first time in the station’s 183-year history.
An additional lift at the station entrance connecting the low-level subway with the new concourse has also been brought into use.
These station lifts will be complemented by a new lift at Platform 1, now making four of the station’s five platforms step-free for current timetabled operations and fully step-free by the end of the year.
The station is staffed at all times while trains are running with ramps available for those that need them to board trains, and all London Underground and TfL Rail stations operate a turn-up-and-go service for customers needing assistance.
The Elizabeth line is due to open in the first half of 2022. When the railway opens, customers travelling between Reading, Heathrow and central London will still initially have to change at Paddington National Rail station to use Elizabeth line services from the new station located adjacent to Platform 1.
When the Elizabeth line fully opens, services will operate through to Abbey Wood and Shenfield without the need to change between Paddington stations.
Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris, said: “Passengers at West Drayton station will now notice major improvements, including a more spacious entrance, new information screens and crucially, step-free access to platforms.
“These upgrades will benefit passengers immediately and are part of readying the stations for services to start on the Elizabeth line next year.”
Heidi Alexander, Deputy Mayor for Transport, said: “The improvements at West Drayton station will make a huge difference to passengers, with step-free access, a revamped ticket hall and increased space enabling better journeys for all.
“As we get ready for Elizabeth line services to start next year, it’s exciting to see changes being made at so many stations that will benefit customers for years to come.”
