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Access Denied

Access Denied: Disabled People’s Struggle for Transport Equality

On 20th March 2025 the Transport Select Committee unveiled a stark report titled "Access Denied: Rights Versus Reality in Disabled People’s Access to Transport." Delivered by Labour MP Ruth Cadbury, this document lays bare the grim realities faced by disabled individuals in the UK—a reality that successive governments have failed to adequately address.


The Grim Reality of Disabled Access

The report paints a troubling picture: inaccessible rail stations, taxi services refusing passengers with assistance dogs, and unreliable passenger assistance at airports and trains. It's a litany of failure that affects every mode of transport. The statistics are damning: 60% of disabled people report frequent travel woes, and over a third avoid travel altogether due to the complexity and safety concerns of current systems. The impact is severe, limiting our access to work, education, healthcare, and social participation.


A Legacy of Inaction

Despite the existence of the Equality Act 2010 and the government’s 2018 inclusive transport strategy, which ambitiously aims for equal access by 2030, progress has been woefully inadequate. These are not just administrative oversights—they represent a fundamental neglect of duty to millions of disabled people.


The Labour Government's Questionable Commitment

While the Labour government now promises change, recent plans to cut Personal Independence Payment (PIP) cast doubt on their commitment to improving disabled people’s lives. PIP often serves as a crucial gateway benefit, enabling disabled individuals to access transport and avoid being housebound. Without it, the promise of improved transport access rings hollow.


Recommendations and Accountability

The report calls for a seismic shift in attitude, recognising transport access as a basic human right. Recommendations include better staff training, sufficient staffing levels, and a single body to oversee accessibility across all transport modes. Yet, given the track record of both current and previous administrations, one must question if these recommendations will lead to real change or merely become more empty promises.


A Call to Action

The Committee has issued a call to action, urging the government to align reality with the rights of disabled people. But given a history of inertia and the looming threat of PIP cuts, skepticism remains warranted. Will the government truly step up, or will disabled individuals continue to face the same barriers and broken promises?

As we reflect on the efforts of advocates like the late Alan Benson, the responsibility falls on all of us to hold the government accountable. 

Only time will tell if this report will serve as a catalyst for genuine reform or just another missed opportunity in the long fight for equality.

Both locally and nationally, The Green Party will be monitoring the progress and campaigning for really inclusive transport for all.

Mark Webster

Disability Officer

The Green Party

(Telford & Wrekin)

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