New bid to make transport accessible

A PLAN aimed at improving access to transport for millions of disabled people was launched in Leeds yesterday.

Rail Minister Paul Maynard, who launched the draft Accessibility Action Plan during a visit to the William Merritt Centre in Rodley, said disabled people had “the same right to travel independently as anyone else”.

More than 13m people are disabled, and although there have been improvements to make buses, trains and aircraft more accessible, much more needs to be done. While more than three quarters of trains meet modern access standards, another 4,000 are yet to be adapted. People in rural areas can struggle to find an accessible bus or taxi. Sometimes ramps are not available for wheelchair users at peak travel times, or on buses announcements are not made, meaning blind people may miss their stop.

A consultation is now seeking views on issues including making the Blue Badge – a lifeline for disabled drivers – eligible for those with non-physical disabilities.

From October, a pilot study will look at improving train tanking facilities and making accessible toilets more available.

The Department for Transport is also working with the Rail Delivery Group to provide “alternative journey options” if the only accessible toilet is out of order.

Chief executive of Leonard Cheshire Neil Heslop said: “We regularly hear of disabled people experiencing problems on buses, trains and tubes. All transport staff should be trained to recognise the requirements of people with visible and hidden disabilities or impairments. Addressing this is a priority.”