Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has launched a public awareness campaign to improve the journeys of disabled passengers on public transport through increased empathy and consideration.
Supported by more than 100 partners, including First Group, WHSmith Travel and the Alzheimer’s Society, the Department for Transport's (DfT) ‘it’s everyone’s journey’ advertising campaign uses charming animations to highlight how we can all play a part in making public transport inclusive.
'The campaign will encourage everyone to reflect on how common, and often unconscious, behaviours can impact others and what we can all do to create a more considerate environment for passengers,' the DfT said.
According to the DfT, one in four disabled people say that the 'attitudes of other passengers prevent them from using public transport'.
Mr Shapps said: 'I want our transport system to be the best in the world for disabled people, but we still have a long way to go.
'Our ‘its everyone’s journey’ campaign highlights that we can all play a part in making transport more accessible for disabled people. Because I believe we should all be making a determined effort to make public transport accessible to everyone, and I am committed to accelerating the pace of change.
'We are launching a new scheme to recognise those transport operators which are getting it right and will work quickly to implement recommendations from the upcoming Keith Williams review to improve rail accessibility.'
The Government is also set to announce 124 stations that will benefit from a share of a £20m cash pot to boost accessibility. Funded through the Access for All programme, the money will go towards new lifts, accessible toilets and customer information screens.
Alongside this, the department is launching its Inclusive Transport Leaders scheme, an accreditation scheme to promote best practice in inclusive transport.
Transport operators, such as bus and train companies, that sign up to the Inclusive Transport Leaders Scheme, will achieve recognition for their actions to improve disabled passengers’ experiences on public transport.
They can work towards 1 of 3 accreditation levels ‘Committed’, ‘Operator’ or ‘Leader’ by meeting designated criteria.
Register now for full access
Register just once to get unrestricted, real-time coverage of the issues and challenges facing UK transport and highways engineers.
Full website content includes the latest news, exclusive commentary from leading industry figures and detailed topical analysis of the highways, transportation, environment and place-shaping sectors.
Use the link below to register your details for full, free access.
Already a registered? Login
