02 September 2025 •
Local train operator c2c Railway has announced that a £9 million investment to enhance accessibility at Grays station has been successfully completed.
The work brings step-free access to the station on c2c’s Thameside route with two new lifts for both platforms, accessible via the main entrance.
Team members from c2c and Network Rail met with the local Thurrock MP, Jen Craft, on Monday 1 September to showcase the new lifts and highlight the difference they make all customers, including those with reduced mobility. The step-free access makes it easier and safer to move between platforms, significantly cutting travel time and improving overall accessibility and passenger experience.
The project was delivered in collaboration with Network Rail and carried out by contractors Octavius.
The new lifts can carry up to 16 passengers and are the first DLDS VLB (Dual Lift Drive System, Vertical Linear Beam) lifts to be installed anywhere in the UK. They are also evacuation lifts, which means they can be used in emergencies, including during a power failure, another first for the UK rail network.
In addition to the lift installation, c2c invested £300,000 to upgrade the station’s power supply, subway refurbishment and the evacuation features of the lift. Throughout construction, the station remained open to minimise disruption to passengers.
This upgrade at Grays is part of the government’s Access for All programme, launched in 2006 to improve accessibility across the rail network. The scheme aims to provide
step-free access, better signage, and enhanced facilities for passengers with mobility needs.
Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, said:
“It’s brilliant to see these new lifts installed at Grays station, thanks to Government funding, helping more people use our publicly owned railway, c2c, and travel with confidence and ease.
“Our transport systems should be truly accessible and inclusive, and our Access for All programme is making real change across the country to achieve this.”
Rob Mullen, Managing Director of c2c, added:
“The completion of step-free access at Grays station is the result of dedication, hard work and innovative engineering. It’s great that c2c can add another ‘first’ to the UK rail network after making its entire network contactless earlier in the year. I am so pleased we have been able to improve the station experience for all our customers on the Thameside loop and for generations to come.”
Simon Milburn, infrastructure director for Network Rail Anglia, said:
“We want our railway to be as inclusive as possible, and Access for All schemes like the new lifts at Grays are helping to open rail travel to more people and make it easier for everyone to travel. I would like to thank passengers for their continued patience while we’ve worked to bring the lifts at Grays station into service.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
About c2c
- c2c is the award-winning train operator running services between Fenchurch Street and Shoeburyness, serving 26 stations in East London and South Essex.
- c2c is one of the UK’s most punctual and popular train operators and nearly 37.3 million journeys are made on its services every year.
- The operation of all c2c services transferred into public ownership on Sunday 20 July 2025 and is managed by DFTO (DfT Operator Ltd).
- For more information email mediaenquiries@c2crail.net
Images:
Featured Image: Pictured l-r: Rob Mullen (Managing Director), Paul Meenan (Head of Mechanical and Electrical), Jen Craft MP, Thyreece Ewart (Asset Engineer), Rob Mullen (c2c Managing Director) and Simon Milburn (Infrastructure Director for Network Rail Anglia).
Second Image: Jen Craft MP speaks to Rob Mullen, Paul Meenan and Thyreece Ewart.
Third Image: The lift at Grays station.
Fourth Image: Jen Craft MP at Grays station