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The underground railway systems in London (The Tube) and Glasgow (The Subway) were mostly built in late Victorian times and as a result generally have very poor or no access for disabled people, especially wheelchair users.
However some parts of the London Underground, especially the newer lines, are now accessible, and there is a continuing scheme of works to upgrade other parts of the system, which will include some of the older stations.
London Underground has produced a detailed guide on access to the Underground, which allows passengers to understand the access available at every station across the network, particularly the routes between street and platforms. It is currently only available through the Direct Enquiries website - the nationwide disabled access register - where visitors to the site will be able to search for accessible routes through each Underground station, prioritising their search according to their individual needs. Routes available include both street-level to platform and interchanges (platform to platform). The access details include the number of steps, lifts, escalators, walking distances, ramps and platform to train gap width.
The site also allows passengers to search for comprehensive information about each station, including car parking, toilets, and services for visually impaired people, induction loops and other access facilities. Go to: www.directenquiries.com and click on 'London Underground'.
Transport for London (TfL) and Scope have produced the 'Tube Access Guide: how to plan a Tube journey avoiding stairs and escalators', a leaflet that gives the access arrangements at all Underground stations. The leaflet includes a map of the Underground network showing accessible stations, which is based on the standard tube map.
TfL also produces a Large Print Tube Map, both a colour version and a black and white version for people who are colour blind.
If you decide to travel by Underground, you must be able to travel independently throughout the tube journey, or take sufficient helpers with you to complete your journey safely.
If you are visually impaired, station staff will help you to the platform if they are available. Guide dogs may not travel on escalators (unless carried) but there are usually alternative fixed stairs.
There are no toilet facilities on tube trains and very few at Tube Stations.
More information about the London Underground is given on the Transport for London website which includes a journey planner at: www.tfl.gov.uk/modalpages/2625.aspx. You can also call the Transport for London Travel Information Call Centre (TICC) on 020 7222 1234 (24hours), Textphone 0207 918 3015.
More information about the Glasgow Subway can be found on the Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive (PTE) website at: www.spt.co.uk/subway/usersguide.html#accessibility.
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