COVENTRY’S ground-breaking National Centre for Accessible Transport (NCAT) launched its Accessible Transport Policy Commission at Westminster chaired by Paralympic icon Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson.
The first-of-its-kind project was launched earlier this year and aims to make transport accessible for all by engaging with disabled people to better understand their experiences and come up with solutions.
It is funded by the Motability Foundation and led by Coventry University.
The Commission aims to bring together disabled people and transport professionals with policymakers to form a more inclusive consensus about the future of the transport system.
Vice-chairs on the commission include Coventry South MP, Zarah Sultana.
Research from Motability shows disabled people in the UK currently make 38 per cent fewer journeys than able-bodied people.
This figure hasn’t changed in the last decade, impacting disabled people’s access to healthcare, employment, education and other social activities.
Baroness Grey-Thompson said: “Whether it’s to get to school, commute to work or visit friends, transport is a vital part of everyday life.
“However, too many disabled people face extra obstacles because of poor accessibility.
“We don’t want special treatment – only the same experience as everyone else.
“I’m looking forward to working with my fellow Commissioners to bring disabled people and transport professionals together with policymakers from across the UK to break down barriers so in future no one is left behind.”
