‘The station staff had to assist me in boarding the train, etc, as they did for many other passengers’

• I AM physically disabled and have to use adaptions to walk.

Transport for London’s attitude to step-free access is in my view woeful at best.

By its own admission, less than half of its stations are step-free. Worse, some state step-free but there are still stairs to climb.

The new Elizabeth line is a disgrace. Many of the stations I cannot access due to my disability. I went to Reading in 2022 shortly after the Elizabeth line opened. On those three occasions the ticket barriers did not even work.

The trains were not even level with the platform. The station staff had to assist me in boarding the train, etc, as they did for many other passengers.

What happens to those of us who cannot access the trains easily and need support?

The promises made by the former mayor did not translate to more staff. Far from it.

If someone is taken ill or attacked how exactly will a ticket machine help?

I strongly support and stand in absolute solidarity with the unions. They are fighting to keep the staff and for those staff to be paid properly, as they should be.

The huge profits that the train companies make are shocking. I see no reason why those profits cannot be used to ensure equality for all passengers and for the staff to be paid properly with good working conditions.

SARAH BIRD
Address supplied