Over 150 people including disabled people and their representatives were given a vital opportunity to help make transport more accessible at a summit in Edinburgh.

The Transport Accessibility Summit, hosted by Transport Scotland, has been aimed at bringing together interested parties, including local and central government, to discuss a range of key issues raised by disabled people themselves.

It also enabled transport operators across different modes to hear the personal stories behind the issues and to share best practice.

Transport Minister Derek Mackay addressed the audience of over 60 disabled people, their support, disabled groups and transport providers to highlight the need to work together in partnership to make end to end journeys better.

Mr Mackay said

“Transport accessibility is important for everyone but disabled people face particular barriers. Statistics suggest that a non-disabled adult is 50 per cent more likely to make any kind of journey than a disabled adult – that is something we aim to address.

“By hosting this summit, our aim is to enable everyone involved to gain a better understanding of why so many disabled people are put off making journeys and how we can work together to make end to end journeys more accessible.

“Many of the people attending the summit support the statement - 'nothing about us without us' - and I will ensure that my Transport Scotland officials strive to make that happen, as well as commending this approach to transport providers in Scotland.

“Disabled people should enjoy the same rights, choice and opportunities to use travel as everyone else. I want a Scotland where disabled people know they can travel in comfort and safety and with the confidence of knowing they will be helped to complete that journey successfully and according to their needs. Today's summit is a small but a positive step towards that vision.”

In the lead up to the summit Transport Scotland, together with Scottish Disability Equality Forum (SDEF) and other stakeholders, held a series of meetings which raised almost 50 issues for discussion including:

  • making journeys to and from stations much better, this includes train stations, bus stations and ferry terminals;
  • providing accessible toilet facilities like changing places toilets near transport hubs;
  • challenging hate crime on public transport and make sure disabled people know about any breakdowns or changes to travel.
  • offering other accessible transport or help to finish the journey;
  • talking to disabled people about how to change attitudes of staff.