On Thu, 20 Apr 2006 23:21:12 -0400, Carole wrote:

Will be traveling from Gatwick to Richmond with a friend who has some
health issues. We will have a bit of luggage. When using the Journey
Planner the route was Gatwick Clapham Junction Richmond. It looks like
stairs may be an issue at Clapham Junction. Would it be better to take
the train to Victoria and then the Underground to Richmond. Would stairs
come into play with the itinerary?
Thanks for any suggestions.

This is a slightly long winded way of making the trip but without
stairs.

Take the Southern Railway service from Gatwick to Kensington Olympia.
This is a level interchange as the train / tube platforms are adjacent
to each other. Take the District Line to Earls Court (e/b platform) and
use the new MIP lifts to swap between platforms and catch a Richmond
bound tube train from the w/b platform.

Alternatively take the Southern train to Olympia and get off but wait on
the same platform, then catch the local Silverlink train onwards to
Willesden Junction. Cross the island platform at Willesden Junction and
then catch the North London Line direct to Richmond.

While these routes allow a level transfer or use of lifts they are a
long way round for a short cut.

The route via Clapham Junction is undoubtedly quicker and I would simply
make contact with Southern Trains and South West Trains to ask for their
assistance at Gatwick, Clapham and Richmond. There are procedures, staff
and equipment in place to provide the required assistance.
--
Paul C


Admits to working for London Underground!