UK, Merseyrail
Merseyrail is in the middle of an ambitious programme to introduce level boarding across its 68-station network. Starting with a comprehensive yearlong platform upgrade project in October 2018 to standardise all platforms in the network, Merseyrail is now in the process of receiving its brand new fleet of level boarding trains.
The entire train fleet should be replaced before the end of 2021, at which point every station will feature level boarding at the platform. Coupled with the station accessibility works from street to platform, which now include 51 stations, 76% of the network will be independently accessible for passengers requiring step-free access.
UK, Greater Anglia
Greater Anglia has introduced the first mainline trains in the UK that allow for level boarding at the national standard platform height. The trains will cover a wide range of services, from quiet rural routes to busy intercity and airport express services.
The introduction of these trains will bring level boarding, practically overnight, to stations all across the East of England. Greater Anglia has stated that up to 70% of the platforms served by these new trains will fall within the limits of level boarding, enabling independent boarding. At other platforms, manual boarding ramps will remain available for use.