Trailblazers End of the Line 2016 report has found that journeys are often a lot longer and more expensive for young disabled people.
The report highlights how public transport plays a vital role in helping disabled people to live independently, work, socialise and study, yet:
- nearly two thirds of respondents have experienced problems getting on a bus owing to the attitude or behaviour of the driver or fellow passengers
- half of respondents have been unable to get on a bus because the ramp was not working
- more than half of respondents have been unable to travel on a bus because the wheelchair space was taken up by buggies
- over a quarter of respondents say they have been refused service by a taxi driver, purely because they are disabled
- over half of respondents have experienced difficulties in booking a wheelchair accessible taxi.
About Trailblazers
Trailblazers is a national network of more than 600 young disabled people and their supporters who work together on a national and local level to highlight and address the issues that are important to them.
We aim to fight the social injustices experienced by young disabled people and to ensure we can gain access to education, employment and the services we require. We are part of Muscular Dystrophy UK, the leading UK charity focusing on muscular dystrophy and other related conditions.
Muscular Dystrophy UK is a member of Disability Rights UK.
Also of interest
Firstgroup Plc v Paulley - This decision also finds that a bus company has no legal right to expel a non-wheelchair user who is occupying a wheelchair space. The case is being heard in the Supreme Court in June 2016.
Disabled people help train bus staff on accessibility - Our ambassador, Stephen Brookes, highlights success in the integration of disabled people into the process of training drivers and conductors in Blackpool.