200 Years of Stations: From Victorian Hubs to Inclusive Gateways

200 Years of Stations: From Victorian Hubs to Inclusive Gateways 🚉

When Britain’s first railway stations opened 200 years ago, they were built primarily for function – though many in major cities also became grand architectural landmarks and symbols of civic pride. Accessibility, however, was rarely a consideration.

Today, stations are recognised as gateways to the rail network – places that must be safe, intuitive, and welcoming for everyone. As we look to the future, accessibility and passenger experience will continue to shape how stations serve their communities.

Joanne McClure and Paul Gill, Senior Consultants at Mercury3 Consult, share their expert insights in this article. Joanne McClure has over 25 years of experience in the rail industry, with expertise in health and safety, contract and asset management, programme and project management, policy development, and stakeholder relationship management. Paul Gill is a project manager who has most recently served as a Portfolio Manager for Network Rail’s Access for All (AFA) Programme.

The Past: Laying the Foundations of Accessibility

The introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act (1995) marked a significant milestone in enhancing transport accessibility. It legally required public services to address the needs of disabled people, driving the first wave of improvements, such as step-free access at major stations and clearer signage

This progress was strengthened by the Accessibility Code of Practice (ACoP) for Design Standards for Accessible Railway Stations (2015) and the Inclusive Transport Strategy (2018), which set out clear design principles – from tactile paving and audio-visual announcements to passenger assistance services.

In 2006, the Government launched the Access for All (AfA) programme, backed by an initial £360 million fund to enhance accessibility at stations across the UK. Since then, the programme has delivered hundreds of schemes, including new lifts, improved lighting and signage, upgraded announcement systems, and the installation of Changing Places accessible toilets.

Despite this progress, more than 40% of UK stations still lack step-free access, highlighting the significant work that remains to make the network truly inclusive.

Image credit: Alfreton Station lifts installed through the Access for All programme, April 2025, Network Rail.

The Present: Creating Welcoming, Seamless Journeys

Step-free access from the street to the platform remains a top priority for passengers. But accessibility today goes beyond ramps and lifts; it’s about the entire passenger journey.

Stations should be intuitive to navigate, with clear wayfinding, good lighting, logical passenger flow, and up-to-date digital information. Some customer information screens now include British Sign Language, and station design now considers a broad spectrum of needs, from mobility to neurodiversity.

Accessibility is now a core requirement, not an add-on. Legislation such as the Equality Act 2010 makes this law, and passenger feedback reinforces its importance. Schemes like Network Rail’s Access for All continue to aim to make the railway network more inclusive for everyone – not only disabled passengers and those with mobility restrictions, but also for those with health conditions or impairments, people with children, heavy luggage or shopping, for example. By providing step-free access, better signage, and improved station facilities, this scheme enhances comfort and independence for all passengers.

As we celebrate Railway 200, 200 years of rail travel in Britain, continued investment in accessibility is essential. Inclusive stations not only promote fairness and independence but also strengthen the industry by encouraging more people to choose rail as the most sustainable and efficient way to travel across the UK.

The Future: Designing for Every Passenger

While many stations have seen major improvements, innovation is accelerating. Train operating companies (TOCs) are increasingly implementing real-time passenger information systems. These updates can be delivered directly to passengers through mobile apps and smart signage. In recent years, touchless ticketing has also been introduced. While these changes may not seem directly related to accessibility at first glance, they demonstrate a growing consideration for a diverse range of passengers, including those with visual impairments and neurodiverse people, for example.

Adaptive environments are gradually being established, such as quiet zones, safe spaces, and family-friendly waiting areas, showing how station design is shifting towards a more human-centred approach.

However, as technology advances, inclusivity must remain balanced. Some passengers prefer traditional ticket offices and human assistance. Future station design must cater to both – embracing innovation without leaving anyone behind.

Our Expertise: Delivering Accessible, Future-Ready Stations

At Mercury3 Consult, we bring together multidisciplinary expertise to help clients deliver accessibility improvements across their operational property estate. Combining technical know-how with hands-on programme and project management experience, we drive accessibility schemes so that they are delivered efficiently, safely, and within budget – shaping stations that will serve as welcoming gateways to the rail network for the next 200 years.

A recent example is the Alfreton Station Access for All scheme, which involved installing two 16-person passenger lifts, upgrading the existing footbridge, extending the platform, and adding ramped access to the main car park. Entry into service for this scheme was in April 2025.

Alfreton is just one of the four Access for All projects that Mercury3 Consult has contributed to – supporting with delivery, and programme and project management.