Imagine being told that using public transport is a hassle simply because of your physical abilities. This is the daily reality for many wheelchair users, and it's a stark reminder of how far we still have to go in achieving true accessibility.
Jane Wickenden, a wheelchair user from Wincanton, knows this struggle all too well. She describes accessing Castle Cary station in Somerset as a 'faff,' a term that barely scratches the surface of the challenges she faces. To cross the tracks, Jane relies on staff supervision, a process that feels anything but comfortable. But here's where it gets controversial: despite the obvious need for improvement, only a quarter of UK railway stations currently offer step-free access, and just 11% are staffed at all times. This leaves many disabled passengers in a frustrating limbo, forced to navigate a system that often feels designed to exclude them.
However, there's a glimmer of hope. The UK government has pledged nearly £280 million to enhance accessibility at select stations through its step-free access scheme. Castle Cary and Yeovil Junction are among the stations progressing to the detailed design stage, a move that Jane welcomes with open arms. 'It will give me a lot more flexibility of choice and train times,' she says. Yet, Councillor Richard Wilkins, transport lead at Somerset Council, cautions that construction is not guaranteed and depends on the outcome of the design work. Early feasibility studies are promising, but the road ahead remains uncertain.
And this is the part most people miss: even with these improvements, the pace of change is glacial. According to Transport for All, a disabled-led campaign group, it could take a century to make every UK station fully accessible. Deborah Persaud, a spokesperson for the group, highlights the absurdity of the situation: 'It's really not acceptable that in 2026, we are still seeing brand new stations opening without step-free access.' This raises a thought-provoking question: Why are we still building infrastructure that fails to meet the needs of all passengers?
The government argues that it's prioritizing projects that leverage existing infrastructure and third-party funding. The Department for Transport emphasizes that new lifts and step-free routes will empower disabled people, older passengers, and parents with pushchairs to use the rail network more confidently. But is this enough? While these improvements are undoubtedly a step in the right direction, they also underscore the systemic barriers that persist. For Jane and countless others, the 'faff' of using public transport isn't just an inconvenience—it's a daily reminder of the work still needed to create an inclusive society.
What do you think? Is the government doing enough to improve accessibility, or is the pace of change too slow? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
