I was quite surprised using Stratford International the other day quite how much of a step there was between platform and train- I've noticed the same at Ebbsfleet.
Now, I appreciate the reasons why "gapless" is tricky on much of the network- various different widths, heights and lengths of stock on often curved platforms with trains passing through at speed (requires more clearance). But the platform roads are used only for stopping services, and the domestic ones are only used by (and are only likely to be used by in the foreseeable future) one stock type, that was ordered specially for the service.
How difficult would it have been, really, to specify the trains and platforms to match each other? If done at the design phase, surely we could have had wheelchair roll-on roll-off access without ramps? Ashford, and the stations beyond, may still have required ramps, but even just having St Pancras, Statford and Ashford would have been a start. Step free access benefits everyone, not just wheelchair users.
I know they have the "many stock types", but I was surprised by the massive step up at the new platforms at Cambridge, too.
Now, I appreciate the reasons why "gapless" is tricky on much of the network- various different widths, heights and lengths of stock on often curved platforms with trains passing through at speed (requires more clearance). But the platform roads are used only for stopping services, and the domestic ones are only used by (and are only likely to be used by in the foreseeable future) one stock type, that was ordered specially for the service.
How difficult would it have been, really, to specify the trains and platforms to match each other? If done at the design phase, surely we could have had wheelchair roll-on roll-off access without ramps? Ashford, and the stations beyond, may still have required ramps, but even just having St Pancras, Statford and Ashford would have been a start. Step free access benefits everyone, not just wheelchair users.
I know they have the "many stock types", but I was surprised by the massive step up at the new platforms at Cambridge, too.