From step-free to stress-free: Accessible & inclusive transport

• Travel for disabled people and older people is a lot harder because of barriers in the existing system.
• Journeys often take longer and require significant pre-planning due to inconsistencies in accessibility features and services provided across transport modes.
• This is worsened when the transport system fails, for example, a seemingly small problem, like a broken lift, can scupper a whole journey for an individual.

The Transport Committee has published a report on accessible and inclusive transport and made a number of recommendations among others:

• Transport for London (TfL) should add Thameslink to the Tube map, as it is a fully accessible service. This will raise awareness of the service and will open up a significant part of the transport network for everyone, in particular for disabled and older passengers.
• TfL and Network Rail should develop a mechanism that people can go to for live information about all aspects of an accessible journey across the Underground, railways, buses and trams.
• TfL and Network Rail should further embed inclusive design principles in their business planning and all major infrastructure projects should have dedicated access and inclusion representation on project boards.
• TfL should review Dial-a-Ride and Taxicard services to improve reliability and service experience, so that it is consistent across all boroughs.
• TfL and Network Rail should roll out the sunflower lanyard scheme to eligible passengers for use on the transport network.