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
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Next Steps for National Parks in Scotland Communities across Scotland are being asked to consider whether their local area could be designated as the country’s newest national park.  Individuals, groups or organisations considering making a proposal can now register early interest. Nominations will officially open later this year, once the appraisal framework has been finalised. Visiting Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity Lorna Slater said: “I look forward to engaging with communities and learning more about their proposals, and I encourage everyone to get involved as we move closer to naming Scotland’s
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Scottish Ministers are looking to appoint up to four Members of the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS). MACS was set up under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 to advise Scottish Ministers on the barriers and challenges for disabled people in relation to transport. While supported by Transport Scotland, the Committee offers its views independently of government and it is expected to reflect the views of disabled people and organisations representing disabled people, however, it works independently of those individuals and organisations. MACS are seeking to appoint four roles at this time to commence in October 2023.  There are
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The dispute does not involve ScotRail staff, however, it will have a major impact on the train operator’s ability to provide services as the RMT planned action involves Network Rail staff in Scotland. Network Rail RMT members are currently voting on a pay offer, which is due to close on Monday, 12 December. Even if strike action is called off after that vote, it would take the rail industry at least 48 hours to restore a normal service. The RMT union announced its members at Network Rail will take strike action on Tuesday 13, Wednesday 14, Friday 16, Saturday 17
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Join Disability Equality Scotland as we host a webinar discussion about Disability Training for Public Transport Staff on Thursday 24 February 2022, from 1:30pm to 3:00pm. Feedback from our members has suggested that the success of a journey often depends on the attitude and behaviour of transport staff. Their knowledge and awareness of disabled people’s travel needs can make all the difference to a journey and can help disabled people to have confidence to travel. During this interactive webinar, we will be joined by representatives from leading public transport operators in Scotland to discuss how disabled people can be better
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