Southern and Thameslink passengers at Sutton station can once again enjoy step-free access between the platforms and the station concourse after Network Rail completed the replacement of three unreliable lifts. The lifts, which had been in use for 24 years, are essential for wheelchair users, elderly passengers, parents with children in buggies, and travellers with heavy luggage.

The previous lifts’ lack of reliability had made journey planning difficult, particularly for those with accessibility needs. To reduce disruption and complete the project quickly, engineers worked on all three lifts simultaneously, finishing the work in just 17 weeks – less than half the time it would have taken to replace them individually.

Southern and Thameslink supported passengers during the work, helping them navigate alternative routes where necessary. The lifts have now completed a period of informal testing in public use and are fully operational, with the capacity of one lift increased from 16 to 20 people.

Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail Sussex route director, said: “The existing lifts at Sutton station had been in use for 24 years and needed replacing to give passengers reliable step-free access to the rail network. We knew this was going to be disruptive, particularly to passengers with accessibility needs, but by replacing all three simultaneously, we finished the job much faster.”

Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director at Govia Thameslink Railway, which operates Southern and Thameslink services and manages Sutton station, added: “Sutton station is an important interchange as well as a destination in its own right, so it's really good news that Network Rail has finished replacing the ageing lifts that were becoming increasingly unreliable. I'd like to thank all our passengers for their patience.”

Luke Taylor, MP for Sutton and Cheam, said: “It’s fantastic to see this work completed, as Sutton residents have been desperate for new, more reliable lifts for a long time. The station now being back to full and more consistent levels of accessibility is a huge win for our area.”

Image: Thameslink