Inclusive design
Crossrail will dramatically improve accessibility to key locations on the route. All newly built Crossrail stations will have marked routes, step-free access, and simple signage and information to ensure that the majority of passengers can move independently through stations.
There will be level access from platform to Crossrail trains in Crossrail's central London underground stations and at Heathrow.
Including the existing stations that Crossrail serves, there will be step-free access from street level to Crossrail platforms in both directions at 29 out of 37 stations.
When interchanging between Crossrail and other services, there will be step-free access between Crossrail platforms and other National Rail and London Underground services where this is possible, given the constraints of the existing Tube and National Rail network.
The route map below shows all interchanges and indicates where step-free access will be provided once Crossrail services open.
Download Crossrail Linear Route Connection Accessibility Map, December 2012
Crossrail trains will have dedicated clearly distinguished priority seats as well as space for wheelchairs. Each carriage will provide both visual and audio information about the train’s journey, and a facility to alert and speak to the driver in the event of an emergency. Drivers will also be able to view CCTV images of all carriage interiors.
Crossrail Inclusivity Policy
The Crossrail Inclusivity Policy addresses the need for inclusion in the planning, design, construction and operation of Crossrail.
The policy is developed in the context of a complex legislative framework, which places obligations on our company. The policy will enable Crossrail to fulfil its obligations, as well as go beyond the letter of the law in implementing good practice.
Since the publication of the policy in 2005 Crossrail has worked hard to ensure its policy aims and objectives are being met.
Download Crossrail Inclusivity Policy
During the route planning and development stage of the project CRL worked together with DfT and TfL to produce an Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA). In developing, agreeing and publishing this report, the DfT acted in compliance with its statutory duties, and met appropriate levels of assessment for the stage of the project.
Equality Impact Assessment Reports
The EqIA report follows the Race Equality Impact Assessment (REIA) and the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) of the Crossrail Bill, which were published by the DfT at the time of the introduction of the Crossrail Bill into parliament in February 2005. Copies of all the assessments can be found here:
- Crossrail Equality Impact Assessment: Public Consultation Comments & Crossrail's Response January 20
- Amendment of Provisions 4 Equality Impact Assessment - August 2007
- Amendment of Provisions 1-3 Equality Impact Assessment - February 2007
- Summary of Crossrail Disability Impact Assessment - December 2006
- Crossrail Equality Impact Assessment January 2006
- Crossrail Race Equality Impact Assessment - December 2005
