Liverpool Lime Street Railway Station

The metro line loops around the centre of Liverpool meaning that there is only one metro platform at Liverpool Lime Street Station because all the metro trains are going in the same direction. This metro station is categorised as an ‘A’ station on the access map, meaning there is step-free access to the platform and the train pulls in level to the platform with a sliding-step to bridge the gap between the train and the platform. There is a lift that takes you from the main ticket hall of the railway station down to the metro platform. The other routes to the metro all have stairs to navigate. The lifts have tactile buttons that also have Braille on them, a hearing loop, and two alarm buttons, one closer to the floor so it can be reached if someone falls. Once on the platform, there are digital displays overhead to show which trains are coming and how long they will be. There is some seating up and down the platform and some of the seats have armrests. There are tactile markers at the edge of the platform as well as a yellow line about a foot from the edge, followed by a white line on the very edge. The metro trains themselves were one of the best parts about the metro. They stopped level with the platforms and had a sliding-step to bridge the gap between the train at the platform. The accessible boarding point was really clearly signposted and the wheelchair space had been well thought out, in my opinion. This is mainly because I think the design accommodates people with lots of access needs. It seemed that as well as the driver there was always an additional member of staff on the train who would be checking to make sure people had got on safely before closing the doors. This made me feel safer knowing that someone was there if I ended up needing assistance.

Liverpool Lime Street is the main railway station in central Liverpool. It is set across two levels; above ground is the National Rail part of the station with services from East Midlands Railway, Transpennine Express, London Northwestern Railway, Northern, Avanti West Coast, and Transport for Wales, and the underground part of the station which is part of the metro line operated by Merseyrail. I’ve done a separate review about the Merseyrail experience. The station was fairly easy to navigate, there was lots of clear signage that helped me to find my way around. The floors were all smooth but there were some sections that were very busy and became more difficult to navigate. When I arrived in Liverpool the first time, I was met promptly by staff who had brought a ramp so I could get off the train. They were very friendly and helpful and made sure I didn’t need any further assistance. When I arrived back at the station to return home again I found the process slightly more confusing. There was a passenger assistance waiting area but it was easy to miss. It was located by the information desk and consisted of some seating surrounded by some barriers with purple banners saying ‘passenger assist’ on them. However, there were no members of staff near this area and the information desk had been closed as well. As the time got closer to my train’s departure time I started to get quite nervous as there wasn’t anyone in sight to ask for help and there were no numbers to call. Eventually some staff did come over and promptly got me onto my train. I think perhaps a sign explaining that staff would be on their way and to remain waiting in the area would have been useful. I noticed that there were tactile maps of the station by two of the entrances. Staff had an electric buggy to help transport those who struggle with longer distances. There was also a BSL display providing information about trains and platforms. Throughout the station and the platforms, there was seating regularly available, although at busy times this seating filled up quickly. There was a clearly signposted accessible toilet available in the station as well.

I'm a powerchair user who uses this station regularly to get to work amongst other things. It has all the usual retail outlets and facilities you might expect to find at a major train station including a large Wetherspoons . All have step free access.