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She agrees that society’s disabling barriers prevent disabled people from having accessible transport and emphasises the need to change infrastructure for an inclusive network.
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He apologises for a scheduling conflict but raises a concern about the discretionary nature of companion bus passes, arguing that it is not sufficient to provide disabled people with bus passes if they cannot use them without companions.
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Ms Chamberlain highlighted the challenges faced by wheelchair users in her rural constituency of North East Fife, including difficulties accessing taxis and public transport. She emphasised issues such as limited space on buses for wheelchairs, mandatory notice requirements for service availability, and insufficient bus frequency between population centres. Additionally, she criticised current access infrastructure at Leuchars railway station near St Andrews, noting the lack of a lift and steep ramp gradients which discourage use by wheelchair users and prams. She also questioned the UK Government's approach to Access for All funding, expressing frustration over delays and the potential three-year wait for further announcements.
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Congratulates Ruth Cadbury on her work as Chair of the Transport Committee and expresses concern about the lack of access to public transport for disabled people. Emphasises that having access to transport is a human right, yet stories abound of barriers faced by disabled individuals when travelling. Mentions issues such as pavement parking, e-scooters blocking paths, non-functional ramps on buses, floating bus stops preventing travel freedom. Highlights efforts in her constituency towards inclusive transport but argues for greater progress and action to create an accessible network.
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No extracted contribution text available for this contributor yet.
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Gratefully acknowledges the debate's importance, advocating for increased ridership among all groups. Points out that disabled people use public transport 28% less than those without disabilities, leading to financial burdens and isolation in rural areas where private car or taxi options are limited. Discusses local campaign efforts to improve accessibility at Wymondham station, highlighting the long duration of such campaigns despite multiple government changes. Advocates for higher-quality accessible bus infrastructure and new models for rural public transport hubs as seen in the 'Buses connecting communities' report.
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No extracted contribution text available for this contributor yet.
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Acknowledges the crucial role of transport in opportunity, citing a Transport for All report where 56% of disabled people reported being 'unhappy or extremely unhappy making journeys'. Emphasises the importance of improving public transport for disabled users and mentions the Railways Bill's need to enshrine voices of disabled passengers on the passenger council. Discusses pavement parking as another issue, highlighting the safety concerns it poses for those with mobility or visual restrictions.
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Highlights challenges faced by disabled people in accessing tube services, citing a survey where only 6% thought Transport for London was doing enough to improve reliability and accessibility. Mentions the case of a constituent unable to use Rickmansworth station due to lack of step-free access. Discusses the impact on an ageing population like Rickmansworth and calls for extension of TfL concessions to residents outside Greater London.
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I welcome the Transport Committee’s report and the Government’s response. There are some access issues that I will talk about from first-hand experience, particularly regarding toilets and changing places facilities, aviation accessibility task and finish group's report, Motability, Great British Railways integration with TfL, micromobility regulations, information availability through apps, ticketing issues for disabled passengers.
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The Select Committee’s “Access denied” report highlights legislative loopholes and lacklustre political will in addressing barriers faced by disabled people. Step-free access on railways is crucial not only for disabled individuals but also for older people, those with children or luggage, and many other travellers. Preston Park station lacks step-free access, hindering thousands of passengers from using it conveniently. Despite positive aspirations, concrete funding and commitment are lacking to remove barriers and end discrimination faced by disabled people in public transport networks.
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I thank my hon. Friend for securing the debate and commend her colleague on pavement parking issues. I have dedicated much of my career to improving accessibility for disabled people, especially older individuals, focusing on age-friendly communities with accessible transport as a key aspect. In Keighley, we completed a £7.8 million modernisation programme at Menston station, which included lifts, but the actual trains remain inaccessible without further action such as Harrington humps. I urge the Government to support councils and combined authorities in increasing accessibility further. Additionally, I appreciate the Government’s efforts on electric buses and their commitment to public ownership of buses, though these must be designed with full accessibility features. Lastly, I highlight affordability issues for disabled people and advocate for a fairer bus pass system before 9:30 am for disabled workers.
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I address the Minister regarding Leighton Buzzard station’s accessibility issue. Despite having lifts, one route still requires steps and passing a locked gate. I suggest opening this gate to allow step-free access for disabled people. Discussing the Transport Committee's report on accessibility, I support a unified complaints system under Great British Railways and highlight the importance of neurodiverse-friendly design with clear signage as seen in Tokyo’s Ginza line. Consistent and familiar designs can enhance overall passenger experience.
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I thank the Chair of the Transport Committee for securing this debate. At Long Eaton train station in my constituency, disabled people face significant challenges due to steep inclines and narrow ramps. Although lifts were installed in 2012, their use is restricted by operational hours, limiting access for disabled individuals outside these times. I commend local councillors for raising concerns about accessibility issues over the years. Additionally, Long Eaton station suffers from a short platform and an outdated railway bridge that causes traffic congestion and flooding issues, affecting all commuters. Proper investment in modernisation is needed to ensure full accessibility every day.
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Emphasises the importance of accessibility in transport, highlighting issues such as step-free access at stations, public transport to jobs, bus journeys decline, healthcare access difficulties, and inadequate responses to constituents' concerns. He criticises piecemeal approaches and stresses that decisions must prioritise accessibility from the start. He mentions his involvement in campaigns for ticket office retention and proposes amendments on accessible information, representation, bus accessibility, reporting, and extending support for disabled people.
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Points out that many disabled people do not have a choice but to rely on cars or taxis due to the lack of accessible public transport in rural areas.
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Highlights the impact of Conservative party policy on Motability vehicles, which will disproportionately affect disabled people living in rural communities.
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The Government are delivering a comprehensive programme of reform to improve the accessibility of our transport system. The Railways Bill will establish a passenger watchdog which will protect the rights of disabled passengers, and an accessible travel charter is being developed which sets out clear commitments for transport operators and local authorities. The Bus Services Act 2025 introduces measures to improve the accessibility of local transport, including streamlined disability awareness training requirements for bus drivers and frontline staff. The Government are also considering reforms to increase the provision of wheelchair-accessible vehicles in taxis and private hire vehicles. Accessibility will be a core priority in the forthcoming integrated national transport strategy.
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I thank hon. Members for their contributions to this debate, and the Committee team for the contribution they have made to our work in this important area. I welcome the Minister’s commitment and ambition, and his list of Government initiatives in this area, and I am glad that the Law Commission will be involved in giving teeth to the charter. I just hope that in due course, Ministers will clarify whether disabled people will be involved in shaping the integrated national transport strategy, and will address my questions on the enforcement gap. A fully accessible transport system benefits us all, but we have to remember that—as others have said—disabled people often do not have the choice that many of us have about which mode of travel is available and accessible to them, given their specific needs.