Do you use the lifts at Plymouth or Newton Abbot station? Read this.

We know that this will impact our customers and have put the following measures into place:

• Trains will be re-platformed where possible to maintain lift access
• The goods lift will be used for customers to access Platforms 3/4 with help from station staff
• Additional staff will be on hand to give customers a helping hand with luggage on the stairs
• Free onward road transport (including wheelchair accessible taxis) will be provided for customers where we cannot offer any lift access
• The national assisted travel booking system has been amended to alert customers and to offer the best options for their individual journey

At Newton Abbot both lifts at the station will need to be closed for 13 weeks starting from 11 January 2016.

The following measures have been put into place:

• Free onward road transport (including wheelchair accessible taxis) will be provided for customers who cannot use the stairs to and from either Totnes or Exeter St Davids. These are the nearest accessible stations.
• The national assisted travel booking system has been amended to alert customers to the temporary situation so they can allow more time, and so that road transport is ready for them when they travel
• Additional staff will be on hand at the station specifically to give customers a helping hand on the stairs

GWR General Manager West David Crome said:

“Great Western Railway recognises the key role that rail travel has in supporting the local and national economy, and I would like to thank our passengers in advance for their patience while these improvements works are ongoing.

“The Great Western network is already seeing the biggest investment since Brunel, and these station works will allow passengers to take advantage of the full benefits new trains and more frequent services will bring to the area in the near future.”

We are alerting customers with station posters, announcements on trains and at the station, social media alerts and information on our website. We are also writing to all Disabled Railcard holders in the area, and have alerted local businesses who offer services to disabled travellers.

It may well be that more customers will need assistance over this period. This can be booked in advance on freephone 0800 197 1329 (between 0700 and 2200) or online at www.gwr.com. Lifts at Taunton Station are being refurbished at the same time and arrangements are also being put in place to help customers there.