We want to make rail travel in the West of England accessible to everyone. Our stations need to be easy, safe and convenient to use for all. But with some stations dating back to Victorian times, it’s not always the case across the region.

We know right now that some stations are not accessible for people with disabilities or reduced mobility.

In partnership with GWR and Network Rail, we’re reviewing how easy it is for people to access railway stations across the West of England and in North Somerset. We want to identify improvements which would have the biggest impact, making it easier to travel.

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

But we know more work is needed on these older stations. We’ve previously heard from people about issues at other stations such as Parson Street, Freshford, Nailsea and Backwell, where there is step-only access, and Stapleton Road, Bedminster and Yate, which all have long, steep ramps to platforms. 

Two people walking over the bridge at Montpelier Station, Bristol

What changes would you suggest?

We recognise that accessibility impacts a range of people in different ways. Whether you use the train regularly or only occasionally, we want to hear about your experiences - good or bad - and what changes you would like to see.

The survey we launched in September 2025 has now closed.

Now the survey has closed, selected groups will be invited to take part in a series of workshops throughout November and December 2025 to explore the key issues raised.

All the feedback from the survey and workshops will be analysed and next steps updated on here.

The West of England rail network

The West of England rail network, with stations including Bristol Temple Meads, Portway Park & Ride, Ashley Down, and links to Cardiff, Yate, and Bath Spa. New stations are Portway and Ashley Down.

FAQs

The Mayoral Combined Authority is currently reviewing all stations across the West of England and North Somerset. We’ve already heard from people about the challenges at Parson Street and Freshford stations, which both have platforms accessible only be steps. We also know Stapleton Road, Bedminster and Yate stations pose issues as they all have long, steep ramps leading to platforms.

Plans to install a lift at Lawrence Hill to make it accessible to everyone were approved by Bristol City Council in October 2025. If funding is approved, the station will be step-free by 2027. The scheme will see a lift installed on platform 2 (the southbound platform heading towards Bristol Temple Meads) which currently only has steps. Platform 1 currently has step-free access through Lidl car park. Whilst the lift is being installed, the steps on platform 2 will be demolished and a temporary footbridge from platform 1 will be installed.

The survey closed at 11.59pm on 20 October 2025. Following that, a series of workshops will take place throughout November and December 2025 to address some of the key topics which emerge from the survey. On top of the information we already have about stations, we will review all the feedback from the survey and workshops. We will then identify improvements which would have biggest impact, making it easier for people to travel in the region.

Applying for funding to pay for accessibility improvements at stations can be complicated and highly competitive. It’s often nationally funded through programmes such as the Department for Transport's 'Access for All' programme. Working with our rail industry partners such as GWR and Network Rail, we plan to take a new approach to plan and co-ordinate improvements regionally, including seeking funding from multiple sources for future improvements.

Passenger Assistance

This project does not cover Passenger Assistance. Passenger Assist is a national system used by all train companies, which allows them to make the necessary arrangements for someone’s journey. If you need further information, or to book assistance, please contact GWR directly.

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Rail

Learn how we're transforming rail travel with new and improved stations, and more frequent train services.

Walking and cycling

Discover our investment in improvements to walking and cycling infrastructure.

Buses

Discover our work to improve bus travel in the region.