This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Transport to be more accessible
09/07/2004
Accessible public transport for disabled people is
improving but there is still much more that can be done,
Transport Minister Nicol Stephen said today.
Mr Stephen was commenting on the publication of two
research projects. Research, commissioned by the Executive,
looked at progress made by policy makers and transport
operators since 1998 in providing accessible transport for
disabled people in Scotland.
Main findings of the research showed:
- Progress has been made on many issues but there are
still some areas of Scotland where provision varies -
public transport is generally worse for those living in
very rural, sparsely populated, or island areas.
- Main barrier to use is uncertainty about whether
transport will be accessible, for example: low floor
buses.
- Improvements have been made, including introduction
of low floor buses, more accessible trains and ferries
and further improvements to Scotland's airports. The
number of accessible taxis is also increasing.
- Policy moves such as setting up of the Mobility and
Access Committee for Scotland (MACS) and progressive
implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act
(DDA) 1995, has encouraged more joined up working
between transport operators and disability groups,
though the pace of change has not been fast
enough.
Mr Stephen said:
"It is encouraging that this research shows progress in
increasing access to travel for those with disabilities.
There are better facilities now available including more
low floor buses, better access to trains and ferries and a
growing number of easy to use taxis.
"However, there is still much more to be done. There is
room for improvement across Scotland in the provision of
public transport for disabled people.
"We are committed to promoting public transport for
disabled people to ensure services match their needs. To
help improve access to shopping, leisure and health
services, the Executive is supporting many
Demand-Responsive Transport schemes and community projects
across Scotland.
"We have already delivered free off-peak local bus
travel across Scotland for older people and those with
disabilities. Our Partnership Agreement commits us to
assessing improved public transport concessions for
disabled people."
Research commissioned by Capability Scotland and
supported by the Executive was also published today. This
studied the influence of public transport provision on the
social exclusion of disabled people in Scotland.
Alan Dickson, Chief Executive, Capability Scotland
said:
"Our research with disabled people has shown that
inappropriate public transport provision contributes to the
social exclusion and disadvantage of disabled people in
every area of life. Whilst we are moving forward this is a
key area for investment and policy direction and more
immediately we'd like to see more in terms of information
for disabled people on what is available and more training
for transport providers on disability equality."
Reid Howie were commissioned by the Scottish Executive
to undertake research into transport provision for disabled
people in Scotland: Progress since 1998. Fieldwork was
carried out between August 2003 and February 2004. The
research involved a range of research methods including a
literature review, a survey of local authorities, transport
operators and organisations representing disabled people
throughout Scotland. Research publication available in the
publication section of the website.
As part of European Year of Disabled People 2003 the
Executive funded a major transport conference in September
last year. The conference brought together disabled people
and transport providers to talk about the future of
transport provision for disabled people in Scotland.
Capability Scotland's research was carried out over a 6
month period by a Scottish Executive secondee to the
organisation. The research had three main aims:
- to find out whether public transport provision
contributes to preventing disabled people from playing
a full role in society, particularly in relation to
education, healthcare, leisure and employment
activities;
- to find out whether disabled people experience
extra costs when using public transport in terms of
money, time, inconvenience or planning;
- and to find out what improvements disabled people
would like to see made to public transport.
For further information regarding Capability Scotland
research visit
www.capability-scotland.org.uk.