Passengers advised of urgent Stoke-on-Trent station lift repairs

Monday 9 Jan 2023

Passengers advised of urgent Stoke-on-Trent station lift repairs

Region & Route:: North West & Central; | North West & Central: West Coast Mainline South

Passengers are being advised about urgent repairs to a lift at Stoke-on-Trent station which will impact step-free access between platforms.

A fault with the electrical system to a lift for the footbridge between platforms 1 and 2 means the crossing over tracks is out of action for passengers.

The part needed for the repair is no longer made and it’s estimated sourcing a replacement component and carrying out the fix could take up to 12 weeks.

While the footbridge is out of use, passengers who need a step-free way to get from one side of the station to the other can use a free taxi shuttle service.

The subway between platforms will remain open as normal, but this is not served by any lifts.

During the repairs passengers are being advised to factor in extra time for their journeys if they need a step-free way to change platforms.

Martin Ball, head of maintenance for Network Rail’s West Coast South route, said: “We’re sorry for the inconvenience the lift fault will cause to passengers at Stoke on Trent station. We’re working as quickly as we can to get it working again and restore step-free access between platforms.

"While we carry out the urgent repairs our advice is to please allow extra time for your journeys and where possible contact your train operator’s Assisted Travel team before you set off so the shuttle taxi can be arranged for you in advance.”

Laura Harper, Avanti West Coast station manager at Stoke on Trent, said: “We’re working with Network Rail and industry partners to help customers as the works to repair the lifts at Stoke station take place.

"As always, our teams will be on hand to help customers travelling to and from Stoke during this time but we strongly recommend customers plan ahead, check before they travel and leave extra time for their journey.”

During the footbridge closure, rail travellers who need step-free access are advised to speak to station staff or to contact their train operator’s Passenger Assistance team:

Avanti West Coast’s Passenger Assist team - 08000 158 123 (Option 3)
CrossCountry Passenger Assist team - 0800 030 9224
East Midlands Railway Passenger Assist team - 08000 11 33 23
London Northwestern Passenger Assist team - 0800 024 8997
Northern Trains Passenger Assist team - 0800 138 5560

For more on how Network Rail maintains lifts at stations you can watch this video:

Contact information

Passengers / community members
Network Rail national helpline
03457 11 41 41

Latest travel advice
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Journalists
Network Rail press office - North West & Central Region
07740 782954
NWCmediarelations@networkrail.co.uk

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