Westminster Underground Station

This station comes out directly opposite the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Because of its location it’s a busy station and the surrounding streets are also incredibly busy. This station is part of the Jubilee, District and Circle lines. The Jubilee platforms are located on the two lowest levels of the station and there is step-free from street level to train for all Jubilee services. The District and Circle trains arrive and depart from the same platform and these can be found on the level between the ticket hall and the Jubilee line platforms. The District and Circle Line platforms are curved, which means that the gap between the train and the platform varies along the platforms, and it is recommended that you speak to a member of staff for ramp assistance if you need step-free access. I have been able to manage the gap when I have my power attachment on, as the large front wheel can easily navigate the gap. However, when I am not using my power attachment, my wheelchair’s front castor wheels are too small and would likely slip down into the gap if I misjudged the gap.

My employer's offices are relatively near this station and although I'm now a full time homeworker, I used to use this station regularly. The station when I first started using I was one of the most accessible in London. Even as I became less able-bodied the station remained accessible due to the step-free access throughout. Even when the lifts were planned to be out, the staff lift was available to those who struggled with stairs. I think I was the only person using it with a Freedom Pass though! Just before I became a full-time homeworker and moved I had a step-free route from home to work using the Tube.

In theory the whole station is accessible. There can be long walks but it's doable without steps. The reality is the lifts are very unreliable. They're out more often than any other underground station in London. When there are planned outages, they work out ways round if possible. Unplanned outages: not so much so. See https://youtu.be/O8OIVKZrglc