{"id":326379,"date":"2025-09-02T14:08:33","date_gmt":"2025-09-02T13:08:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.c2c-online.co.uk\/?p=326379"},"modified":"2025-09-02T14:11:47","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T13:11:47","slug":"grays-station-gains-step%e2%80%91free-access-with-new-lifts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.c2c-online.co.uk\/media-centre\/latest-news\/grays-station-gains-step%e2%80%91free-access-with-new-lifts\/","title":{"rendered":"Grays station gains step\u2011free access with new lifts\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

Local train operator c2c Railway has announced that a \u00a39 million investment to enhance accessibility at Grays station has been successfully completed.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The work brings step-free access to the station on c2c\u2019s Thameside route with two new lifts for both platforms, accessible via the main entrance. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Team members from c2c and Network Rail met with the local Thurrock MP, Jen Craft, on Monday 1 September to showcase the new lifts and highlight the difference they make all customers, including those with reduced mobility. The step-free access makes it easier and safer to move between platforms, significantly cutting travel time and improving overall accessibility and passenger experience.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The project was delivered in collaboration with Network Rail and carried out by contractors Octavius.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The new lifts can carry up to 16 passengers and are the first DLDS VLB (Dual Lift Drive System, Vertical Linear Beam) lifts to be installed anywhere in the UK. They are also evacuation lifts, which means they can be used in emergencies, including during a power failure, another first for the UK rail network.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to the lift installation, c2c invested \u00a3300,000 to upgrade the station\u2019s power supply, subway refurbishment and the evacuation features of the lift<\/span>. Throughout construction, the station remained open to minimise disruption to passengers.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This upgrade at Grays is part of the government\u2019s Access for All programme, launched in 2006 to improve accessibility across the rail network. The scheme aims to provide<\/span>
\n step-free access, better signage, and enhanced facilities for passengers with mobility needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, said:<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s brilliant to see these new lifts installed at Grays station, thanks to Government funding, helping more people use our publicly owned railway, c2c, and travel with confidence and ease.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOur transport systems should be truly accessible and inclusive, and our Access for All programme is making real change across the country to achieve this.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Rob Mullen, Managing Director of c2c, added:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe completion of step-free access at Grays station is the result of dedication, hard work and innovative engineering. It\u2019s great that c2c can add another \u2018first\u2019 to the UK rail network after making its entire network contactless earlier in the year. I am so pleased we have been able to improve the station experience for all our customers on the Thameside loop and for generations to come.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Simon Milburn, infrastructure director for Network Rail Anglia, said:<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want our railway to be as inclusive as possible, and Access for All schemes like the new lifts at Grays are helping to open rail travel to more people and make it easier for everyone to travel. I would like to thank passengers for their continued patience while we\u2019ve worked to bring the lifts at Grays station into service.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

ENDS<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n