Barking station is currently undergoing upgrade works by train operator c2c, including the refurbishment of its lift on platforms 1 and 2.
This has meant the lift has been out of action for several months and is yet to be brought back into use.
Alec Everitt, who is from Barking and registered blind, told the Barking and Dagenham Post that while he is able to use the stairs, it is “safer” for him to use the lift.
The 77-year-old said that “the lack of correct information” about when the lift will be operating again was “astounding”.
A spokesperson for c2c did not confirm when the lift will be working but said the upgrade works at the station will be completed by early 2026.
Mr Everitt, who has lived in Barking for the last 40 years, also said it was “annoying” that London Underground trains continue to make an announcement about the availability of the lift.
“It totally ignores the fact the mobility lift has been out of action for several months and is likely to be out of action for several more,” he explained.
“That makes it even more galling. They could delete that pre-recorded announcement or replace it with an accurate one. It sounds so simple.”
He added that a new announcement explaining that there is step-free access at East Ham and Upney stations would help people with mobility issues navigate the lift closure at Barking.
Transport for London (TfL) has been approached for comment.
A c2c spokesperson said that the works at Barking station have been “significant”, adding that there have been “unforeseen challenges with the refurbishment”.
“There have been vast improvements in the layout of Barking station over the course of the works, including a new station ticket office which was completed in the last few weeks making the ticket buying process much easier,” they said.
“However, the upgrade of Barking station has not been a simple process, and we appreciate the continued impact it is having on our customers, including the availability of the new accessible lift.
“This is going through final testing and we are working with urgency alongside Network Rail and partners to deliver this crucial facility for customers.
“To support our customers as much as possible while the works take place, daily announcements and travel advice has been shared throughout and we also have additional staff to assist customers at the station – this has continued while we have the delay to introduction of the refurbished lift.”
