Session 4 – Taxis, Community Transport and Active Travel

Held on: 25th February 2026

Taxis

Participants often use taxis when there aren’t other accessible routes available.

Barriers and challenges

Participants raised some challenges:

Not all taxis are wheelchair accessible.
Some drivers do not take passengers with guide dogs.
Digital booking systems can be inaccessible for screen reader users.
Apps often do not include accessibility options (for example, requesting extra time or an accessible vehicle).
Postcode-based booking systems can be difficult when in unfamiliar places.
One participant reported being banned from a taxi company after making an accessibility complaint.
Difficulty getting in and out of standard saloon cars.
Drivers unwilling to adjust seats.
Being dropped off across the road rather than at the destination.
Problems lifting wheelchairs into vehicles when drivers do not assist.
Participants stressed that experiences vary widely depending on the company and the driver.
For some people, taxis are essential during pain flare-ups or mobility difficulties.

However, accessible taxis are not always available, particularly in rural areas. In some areas, passengers must request an accessible vehicle in advance, and this can result in higher costs if a larger vehicle is sent.

What would improve taxi travel?

Key suggestions included:

More wheelchair-accessible taxis, including in rural areas.
Clear accessibility options within taxi apps.
Greater reliability and clearer communication if a booking is not accepted.
Consistent processes for complaints and accountability.
Better understanding among taxi operators and drivers of the needs of disabled passengers.

Community Transport

Use and awareness

Only a few participants had used community transport before.
Some people were not aware it was available in their area.
Others had never used it due to lack of information.
In some areas, services are limited.
Booking often needs to be made well in advance, sometimes up to two weeks.

Support from drivers

Participants described community transport drivers as:

Helpful and understanding.
Familiar with passengers’ needs.
Willing to assist depending on how someone feels on the day.

This flexibility was seen as very valuable, particularly for people whose conditions vary day to day.

Barriers and improvements

Challenges included:

Limited geographic coverage.
Restrictions imposed by local councils.
Not enough drivers.
Limited funding.

Participants felt community transport should be more consistent across Scotland and better supported at the national level.

Active Travel (Walking, Wheeling and Cycling)

Walking and wheeling

Many participants said poor infrastructure limits their independence.

Concerns included:

Uneven or poorly maintained pavements.
Inconsistent dropped kerbs, often with raised edges that create bumps.
Cars parked on pavements and tactile paving.
Having to step into the road to get around obstacles.
Steep underpasses are difficult for wheelchair users.

For blind and partially sighted people:

Shared-use paths can be confusing.
Poor colour contrast and lack of clear separation between pedestrians and cyclists creates safety risks.
Inconsistent design makes routes harder to navigate.