The first World Public Transport Day is highlighting the role of transport in connecting people and communities, with evidence from the National Centre for Accessible Transport (ncat) emphasising the importance of inclusive journeys across the UK.
Launched in 2023 with funding from the Motability Foundation, ncat has established itself as the first national evidence base on accessible transport, bringing together research, lived experience and industry collaboration to build a clearer understanding of how transport systems are experienced by disabled people and where barriers arise across the whole journey.
ncat goes beyond identifying these challenges by developing evidenced based practical recommendations and actionable approaches that enable organisations to actively dismantle barriers and deliver more inclusive transport systems.
These findings are brought together in ncat’s latest report, which reflects three years of research initiatives examining how accessibility travel is experienced across streets, stations, vehicles, information and assistance.
Evidence shows that accessibility challenges remain widespread and persistent:
- 92% of disabled people report barriers on at least one mode of transport
- 79% travel less often because of those barriers
- 84% experience longer journey times
These findings highlight that accessibility is not defined by any single feature or mode but by how reliably the transport system works as a whole.
Emma Partlow, Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Accessible Transport, said:
“Transport enables access to work, healthcare, education and social connection, yet our research shows that accessibility remains a whole-journey, whole-system challenge. Barriers arise across streets, stations, vehicles, information and assistance, and when combined, can make journeys difficult or not possible at all.
“By bringing together research, lived experience and industry experts, we aim to strengthen understanding of how transport systems can work more consistently for everyone.”
The full report, Accessible Transport: Evidence to Inform Change,Three Years of Research from the National Centre for Accessible Transport, is available HERE.
(Pictues: ncat)
