Some members may be aware that Disability Equality Scotland has been supporting Transport Scotland with research and evaluation, to monitor the overall progress of the Accessible Travel Framework, and its impact on disabled people, since its launch some 7 years ago. This research work is also linked to the work that Disability Equality Scotland is supporting around hate crime related to transport – in that one of the core outcomes of the ATF is to ensure disabled people feel comfortable and safe when using public transport. This includes being free from hate crime, bullying and harassment when travelling.
Accessible Travel Framework
The report looks at both how data has been gathered and evaluated as part of the work of the Accessible Travel Framework – originally published in 2016 – and also what has been done in the areas prioritised so far, where availability of information allows.
The current Accessible Travel Framework encompasses six areas:
- Area 1: Developing principles and charters for travel accessibility across modes.
- Area 2: Developing national guidance and good practice for accessible travel issues.
- Area 3: Improving availability of accessible information to plan and make journeys.
- Area 4: Enabling staff to support disabled people through awareness and training.
- Area 5: Co-production of transport policy and practices.
- Area 6: Sharing experiences, feedback, knowledge, and learning.
To date, this work has included a presentation by Disability Equality Scotland to the Transport Scotland ‘Accessible Travel Steering Group’, in late 2022.
The project also established an Accessible Travel Framework ‘Research and Evaluation Project Working Group’, comprising membership from Transport Scotland, the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS) and Disability Equality Scotland, to support the operational aspects of the research project and to ensure the dovetailing of relevant information and expertise.
As part of the Accessible Travel Framework research, Disability Equality Scotland staged an online event – in conjunction with Transport Scotland – in February 2023. This webinar provided an opportunity for Disability Equality Scotland members to discuss what they thought the key priorities for accessible travel in Scotland should be in the coming years and to share their insights about what impactful change they would like to see directly with those responsible for the implementation of the Accessible Travel Framework. The information and lived experiences gained through this event assisted in informing the research.
Although originally due to end on 31 March, the project was extended – with the agreement of Transport Scotland – to 30 June 2023.
By the time that you are reading this update, the report will have been completed. Disability Equality Scotland will be reviewing and proofing the draft report, prior to submitting the final report to Transport Scotland by mid-July.
Following the report submission to Transport Scotland, we are hopeful to be in a position to launch the findings of the report at the Disability Equality Scotland Annual General Meeting, on Tuesday 19 September 2023.
For more information about accessible transport, visit: www.accessibletravel.scot