Region: Bristol

A new survey has launched to find out about people’s experiences of travelling by rail across the West and any challenges they face.

It’s part of a wider project to improve station accessibility across the West of England and North Somerset being led by the West of England Combined Mayoral Authority, in partnership with Network Rail and GWR.

There is already progress being made in the region. Lawrence Hill station in Bristol will be step-free by March 2027, subject to funding approvals, with a new lift being installed on the platform currently only accessible by steps.

Helen Godwin, the Mayor of the West of England, said:

“We want rail travel in the West of England to be accessible for everyone.

“Our stations need to be easy, safe, and convenient to use for all, but some of them were built over 100 years ago so that’s not always the case.

“We’ve already heard from people about stations with step-only access such Freshford, Nailsea & Backwell, and Parson Street while others have long, steep ramps leading to platforms including Bedminster, Stapleton Road, and Yate.

“We want to understand which improvements could have biggest impact for local people, making it easier for you to travel. Don’t miss out on your chance to have your say.”

The survey is open until 11:59pm on Monday 20 October.

Once it closes, groups who show an interest will be invited to take part in a series of workshops in November to explore the key issues raised, feeding into the authority’s future investment plans.

More than £400 million is already being invested into rail across the West. Two new railway stations have opened since 2023, Portway Park & Ride and Ashley Down. Five more will be built in the coming years: Charfield, Henbury, North Filton, Pill, and Portishead.

Original press release by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority