As a mother of two living in Willesden, London, I face daily challenges navigating our local public transportation. My youngest is still in a pram and the lack of step-free access at Willesden Green tube station as well as Brondesbury and Brondesbury Park overground stations adds significant time to my journeys. The extra 20 minutes it takes me might seem minor to some, but for busy parents like myself, every minute counts. Imagine waiting at the top of the stairs for someone to offer fo help you carry your buggy down or having to boldly ask a random person who happens to make eye contact with you. Hardly anyone offers. Other times I’ve had to pick my baby up and clumsily push the buggy gown the one step at a time. Not ideal in the slightest. I’d like to add that TFL staff are not very helpful either.  I’ve lost count the number of times I have decided not to take my daughters out as it is just too much of a hassle. It should not be this way! 

It's not just about convenience; this is also about inclusivity. It's estimated that there are over 1 million people in the UK who use wheelchairs (source: NHS) and we live in a family orientated area in which there are an abundance of parents with prams. Without step-free access at these stations, we're excluding a significant portion of our community from using public transport efficiently.

We need Transport for London (TfL) to recognise this issue and take action. Other major cities around the world have made strides towards making their public transport systems more accessible - it's time for London to do the same.

By signing this petition, you're supporting not just me and my family but also countless others who struggle with accessibility issues on a daily basis. Let's make our voices heard and demand step-free access at Willesden Green tube station as well as Brondesbury and Brondesbury Park overground stations! Please sign this petition today.