Disabled people need taxis they can book and rely on. The Government’s plans could improve services, but there is still no commitment to the accessible vehicle numbers or funding we are calling for. Here’s what the plans mean and what Difference North East wants to see next.
Right now, private bus companies set routes, timetables, fares and service standards. An ‘Enhanced Partnership’ is in place, but bus companies still control key decisions. The proposal is a Bus Franchising Scheme. If introduced, bus companies would be contracted by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (North East MSA) to run services. The public would have more say over services, timetables, routes and fares. This consultation asks for your views on that proposal.
In Middlesbrough, wheelchair-accessible taxis have dropped from 150 to just 30 in six years. An 80% fall. This means many disabled people cannot get to hospital, work, or see family. The council scraps taxis when they turn 12 years old, even if they still work well. They are thinking of changing this rule, but it’s not enough.
This problem is happening across the North East. We are asking MPs for:
– Better driver training
– A national plan with targets
– Easy booking systems
– One place to report issues.
Share this story and tell us your taxi experiences. Disabled people have waited too long. We need action now.
What Does Good Care Looks Like? is a disabled-led research project from Difference North East exploring what good care means from the perspective of disabled people themselves.
This is about how you can get involved in our Disabled Climate Action Forum and what we are doing to safeguard the environment.
We’ve sent this open letter to the new Prime Minister,
What happens after you share your experiences with us? Charlotte explains how your stories help shape our research, campaigns and influencing work.
The Cleveland Police Hate Crime Strategy Launch. Difference North East went to a big meeting about hate crime in Cleveland. A hate crime is when someone hurts you or is mean to you because of who you are. This could be because you are Disabled, Black, or LGBTQIA+ or something else. We told Cleveland Police what they need to do to help Disabled people. We said Disabled people need the same legal protection as everyone else. Cleveland Police made an easy read document. This is good.
If you have experienced a hate crime in Cleveland you can report it to Cleveland Police.
Disabled people in the North East told us everyday life is still too hard.
77 people shared their experiences.
Many said: Transport is unreliable or inaccessible! There are not enough accessible toilets! Services are confusing and stressful! Workplaces and buildings exclude them! They are treated without respect!
People want to be listened to and involved in decisions that affect their lives.
Access should not be optional. Everyone deserves to get around, use services, work, and be treated with dignity.
Read the full report to learn more and get involved.
We are making progress in our campaign for fair and accessible travel. After we asked for change, Mary Kelly Foy MP confirmed she supports all of our actions. She will follow this up, and we will share updates soon. The North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, has also responded positively and is looking at our proposal.
This campaign is about disabled people’s real lives. Many people cannot travel when they need to. One member, Delta, shared how limited bus times and high taxi costs leave her feeling trapped. Fair travel would help disabled people live more independent lives.