A new UK government campaign launches to improve the journeys of passengers with disabilities on public transport.
The UK Department for Transport has launched the ‘it’s everyone’s journey’ advertising campaign to highlight how people can all play a part in making public transport inclusive. The campaign is being supported by more than 100 partners, including First Group, WHSmith Travel and the Alzheimer’s Society.
As 1 in 4 disabled people say the attitudes of other passengers prevent them from using public transport, 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 government will also shortly be announcing 124 stations across Great Britain which will benefit from a share of a £20 million government investment for accessibility improvements. The enhancements – funded through the Access for All programme – will include new lifts, accessible toilets and customer information screens.
“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” said Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.
Operators, such as bus and train companies, are encouraged to sign up to the Inclusive Transport Leaders Scheme, to be recognised for the positive actions they are taking to improve disabled passengers’ experiences on public transport, and to encourage others to follow their lead.