Press Release - 22 May 2006: MACS welcomes the findings of the Scottish Executive research ' Improved Public Transport for Disabled People'
MACS welcomes this piece of research and supports the Report recommendation that public transport for disabled people is set firmly within the context of wider transport policy. The Committee agrees that the monitoring of outcomes (rather than outputs), to show whether disabled people's mobility is being improved, is very important. We also believe that it is essential that the Scottish Executive recognises the challenges set out in the Report's summary of key changes and the presumed need for substantial new investment and gives clear direction on this to ensure that the needs of disabled people are taken fully into account and that appropriate resources are available to address these needs in the National, Regional and Local Transport Strategies.
The research provides additional understanding of the main factors that stop disabled people travelling as much as other people. It highlights that there are inequalities in the travel behaviour of disabled and non-disabled people and that disabled people do wish to travel more than they currently do. The Committee notes the Report finding that 'the provision of on-demand, door-to-door transport would contribute to removing a range of obstacles and difficulties identified by disabled travellers (or potential travellers)'.
The research also shows that many disabled people have had a negative experience with staff on public transport and recognises the importance of training for transport operators. MACS has published guidance on ' Recommended minimum training standards for staff assisting disabled people', which provides advice for transport operators.
We will study the report to ascertain whether it does indeed provide a better idea of the scale and scope of current and potential demand. We will use the information it presents combined with our wider knowledge of the problems experienced by disabled people travelling in Scotland, to give robust strategic advice to Scottish Ministers on the way forward.
Notes:
- The Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS) is an advisory non-departmental public body set up in 2002 to advise Scottish Ministers on disability issues in relation to transport policy.
- MACS' vision is of a Scotland where anyone with a mobility problem due to some physical, mental or sensory impairment can go when and where everyone else can and has the information and opportunities to do so.
- The Committee is made up of 13 people, appointed by Scottish Ministers. Trevor Meadows is the Convener of MACS.
- Trevor has worked on accessible transport issues nationally and in Europe.
MACS Secretariat
Tel: 01383 749548
E-mail: macs@macs-mobility.org