Introduction
Ensuring accessible and inclusive transport is essential for disabled people to travel independently and with dignity. Our response outlines key action points to remove barriers, improve services, and embed accessibility across all aspects of transport planning. By incorporating disabled users’ experiences, enforcing standards, and holding service providers accountable, we aim to create a transport system that works for everyone.
Summary of our response
Incorporate accessibility into all plans
- Include disabled users in the design and testing of all transport technologies.
- Establish mandatory disability awareness training for all transport staff and service providers.
Improve public transport accessibility
- Ensure all buses, trains, and metros are wheelchair-accessible for independent travellers.
- Reduce the notification time for assistance to one hour for metros and light rails.
- Mandate accessible alternative transport for disrupted services, with upfront taxi payments when necessary.
Enhance information accessibility
- Test all apps and websites with disabled users to meet accessibility standards.
- Staff major transport exchanges with trained personnel to assist disabled travellers.
- Provide real-time, easily accessible transport updates across multiple platforms.
Address active travel barriers
- Ensure active travel schemes consider the needs of disabled people, such as adapted vehicles.
- Include disabled people in planning and promote their participation through inclusive imagery and policies.
Improve private transport services
- Mandate minimum wheelchair-accessible vehicles in fleets.
- Require disability awareness training for taxi drivers, with periodic reviews.
- Establish a clear complaint and enforcement process for discrimination in private hire services.
Establish accountability structures
- Appoint a member or representative from a Disabled Persons Organisation (DPO) to oversee access and inclusion in transport committees.