In the past three weeks, I have travelled on trains three times. Each time I travelled, the lift was out of order. At one station, the lift has been out of service for four months. As a wheelchair user, this creates a very stressful situation. People who need the lift for accessible reasons, such as those who cannot use stairs at all, are unable to travel stress-free on trains. Not enough is being done about this.

The inability to rely on lifts being operational at railway stations across the UK is not just a personal inconvenience, but a severe barrier to accessibility. For many individuals with disabilities, parents with pushchairs, elderly passengers, and travellers with heavy luggage, the lift is essential for navigating the station and catching their trains.

Data from the Office of Rail and Road show that only 75% of railway stations in the UK are step-free. Out of that percentage, many are plagued with frequent lift malfunctions and breakdowns, rendering any step-free access useless. The impacts of these consistent breakdowns severely affect the everyday lives of those dependent on these services.

It's crucial that Network Rail and associated train operators prioritise the maintenance and reliability of lifts. There needs to be a robust system in place to ensure timely repairs and regular maintenance checks. Moreover, an effective communication strategy should be in place to inform passengers about lift status, enabling individuals to plan their journeys with full awareness of potential accessibility issues.

Let's push for better funding towards the maintenance and upgrade of existing lift infrastructure. Implementing an audit system can ensure adherence to regular servicing protocols. These actionable steps are vital to ensure equal access and alleviate unnecessary stress for thousands of travellers across the nation.

Join us in calling upon the UK railway authorities to make an invaluable change in ensuring that all passengers can travel with confidence and ease. Sign this petition to demand immediate action and guarantee that accessibility is a right, not just a privilege. Together, we can create a more inclusive travel experience for everyone.