Disabled staying off public transport over prejudiced staff
OVER a quarter of disabled people never use public transport because of prejudice and negative attitudes from staff and passengers, a study shows.
Nasty looks and comments were among the experiences putting many off using buses, trains and Tubes.
Almost half had experienced such negativity – and around a third of it came from train crew and bus drivers.
Some 29% were put off using public transport as a result of, according to the survey of more than 2,000 by equality charity Scope.
Another 29% said they use it less than they would like to, due to issues such as overcrowding, problems getting on and off, and a lack of appropriate seating. James Taylor of Scope said disabled people are being “left behind” by society.
He added: “Time and time again, disabled people are an afterthought when it comes to transport. When things go badly, the impact is huge.”
Plans announced last year to close hundreds of ticket offices would have been “catastrophic” for disabled travellers, he added. Thanks to the campaign group Transport For All, the plans were reversed. But Mr Taylor said it shows how the needs of disabled people are overlooked.
He added: “No disabled passenger should be stuck on planes or trains, or shunned by buses or taxis, whether due to staff shortages, delays or miscommunication. While disabled people are being left behind we are far from being an accessible society.”
The Government launched a National Disability Strategy in 2021 setting out actions “to improve the everyday lives of all disabled people”. Targets it set out for the Department for Transport included an accessibility audit of rail stations, clearer audible and visual announcements on buses, and introducing legislation for taxis and private hire vehicles.
But ministers are not doing enough, said Scope as it calls for accessible transport for all.
Mr Taylor said: “It’s time for the Government, transport operators and regulators to immediately step up.”
Mark Evers of Transport for London said: “We appreciate Scope’s work to highlight this important issue, which is something we can all do more to change.”
The DfT said: “The Government is fully committed to improving transport accessibility. We continue to work with operators to ensure disabled people feel confident to travel easily and without extra cost.”
The Daily Express has partnered with Scope for its second Disability Equality Awards, to be held at The Oval in South London in April.