Local MP Sir Jeremy Hunt has confirmed that the Department for Transport has approved plans to upgrade Ash Vale Station, moving the project into its next phase, the design stage. The upgrades will be delivered as part of the Access for All (AfA) programme, ensuring step-free access between the station entrance and all platforms in passenger service. Network Rail will work closely with train operators and local partners to make this happen.
Sir Jeremy shared a letter from the Department for Transport outlining the government’s commitment, which also highlighted that:
- Ash Vale was chosen because it is a busy station and the improvements will benefit a broad cross-section of the community.
- Significant technical development work has already been completed, which will help speed up delivery.
- A key factor in the station’s progress is match funding from Surrey County Council, which is a prerequisite for the project to proceed.
Letter from Department for Transport – 15 January 2026:
“Dear Sir Jeremy,
This government is committed to improving the accessibility of the railway and recognises the significant social and economic benefit of doing so. As we move towards the establishment of Great British Railways, we will provide greater detail of how these ambitions will be funded and delivered.
I’m delighted to confirm that Ash Vale station in your constituency will benefit from upgrades as part of the government’s Access for All (AfA) programme. Network Rail will work with train operators and other local partners, to deliver step-free access between the station entrance and all platforms in passenger service.
In May 2024, the previous government announced feasibility work on 50 stations without indicating how the delivery is such schemes would be funded, raising significant stakeholder expectations. This government is committed to a rigorous approach and only making commitments we believe are affordable and would represent value for money to passengers and taxpayers at shell helpfully demonstrates this approach.
As you know, Ash Vale a busy station and the accessibility upgrades will be of significant benefit to a broad cross-section of your constituents or stop it was also selected because significant technical development work already exists, thus speeding up delivery of the accessibility upgrades. However, a key factor in this station’s progress is that Surrey County Council committed match funding –
This government is committed to improving the accessibility of the railway and recognises the significant social and economic benefit of doing so. As we move towards the establishment of great British railways, we will provide greater detail of how these ambitions will be funded and delivered.
I’m delighted to confirm that Ash Vale station in your constituency will benefit from upgrades as part of the government’s access for all (AfA) programme. Network Rail will work with train operators and other local partners, to deliver step free access between the station entrance and all platforms in passenger service.
In may 2024, the previous government announced A feasibility work on 50 stations without indicating how the delivery is such schemes would be funded, raising significant stakeholder expectations. This government is committed to a rigorous approach an only making comments we believe are affordable and would represent value for money to passengers and taxpayers at shell helpfully demonstrates this approach.
As you know, Ash Vale is a busy station and the accessibility upgrades will be of significant benefit to a broad cross section of your constituents or stop it was also selected because significant technical development work already exists, thus speeding up delivery of the accessibility upgrades. However, a key factor in this station progressing is that Surrey County Council committed match funding – the provision of which will be a prerequisite for the project to proceed.
Network Rail will now begin to engage with train operators and other local partners to normalise the projects delivery. I have asked that they keep your office informed on the progress.”