Friday, March 29, 2024
- Advertisement -
Home Passenger Influencers, charities and transport partners sign open letter calling for consideration as...

Influencers, charities and transport partners sign open letter calling for consideration as public transport usage increases

Following the continued easing of COVID restrictions and the return of many to public transport, a coalition of influencers, disability charities and transport operators have joined forces with the Department for Transport (DfT) calling on passengers to see this re-emergence as a chance to rethink travel habits and help create a more inclusive transport environment for everyone.

This week, an open letter has been published to that effect.

The letter, signed by a range of influencers, is supported by charities including Scope, Leonard Cheshire and the Royal National Institute of Blind People, and is backed by many of the country’s biggest transport providers.

Advertisement

It asks the public to show consideration to fellow passengers and to be more mindful of the needs of others, highlighting ways in which we can all nurture a culture of support.

It also addresses issues faced specifically by disabled people when returning to the transport network, encouraging everyone to be more aware, supportive and considerate of those around them, while being mindful that not all disability is visible.

‘It’s everyone’s journey’

  • The ‘it’s everyone’s journey’ campaign follows the DfT’s latest campaign research, revealing that, after Covid concerns, one of the greatest barriers to public transport among disabled transport passengers is currently other people.  
  • One in four disabled users of public transport say that other passengers make them anxious or nervous. According to research, the majority of public transport users recently surveyed (75%) feel that passengers hold at least some of the responsibility for helping to improve journeys for disabled people.  
  • Despite a marked change in passenger attitudes, this still leaves 1 in 4 public transport users feeling that other passengers are not considerate of those around them.  

Small Changes, Big Impact

‘It’s everyone’s journey’ calls for small changes, that can make a #WorldOfDifference. These actions include –

  • Recognising and understanding that not everyone can wear a face covering, due to medical exemptions.
  • Making space. Some people will rely on others to social distance on their behalf.
  • Being patient and prepared to help each other, but always asking first.
  • Keeping priority seats and designated wheelchair spaces clear for those that need them
  • Remembering that not all disability is visible.
  • And above all, showing consideration for each other.

Transport Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “As COVID-restrictions lift, we are emerging into a different world. The return to public transport presents us with both challenges and opportunities. With new measures in place to keep us all safe, we also have a unique opportunity to rethink how we travel. This campaign looks to highlight ways every passenger can help create a public transport environment that is more inclusive for all.”

Signatory, Dan Jones, creator of The Aspie World YouTube channel and podcast which is the UK’s #1 resource for Asperger’s, ADHD, OCD and Dyslexia, said: “Don’t judge or stare if an autistic person is Stimming (rocking, flapping hands) to cope with social anxiety on public transport.”

Full List of Open Letter Signatories
Amit Patel @BlindDad_UK
Carrie-Ann Lightly @CarrieAnnLightlyBlog
Connor Ward @ConnorWardUK
Daniel Jones  @TheAspieWorld
Emily Davison  @FashionEyesta2012
Rosie Jones  @JosieRones
Shona Louise  @ShonaLouiseBlog
Tania Dutton  @WhenTaniaTalks

Disability Charities and Organisations
Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
National Autistic Society (NAS)
Parkinson’s
Alzheimer’s Society
Leonard Cheshire
Scope

Transport Operators and Companies  
Go Ahead Group
Stagecoach
National Express West Midlands
First Bus
Network Rail
Arriva Bus
Rail Delivery Group
Confederation of Passenger Travel (CPT)
Transport for London (TFL)

image_pdfDownload article

Most Popular

DRS takes delivery of 25 new JNA-Z box wagons from VTG Rail UK

Direct Rail Services (DRS) has taken delivery of a fleet of 25 brand new JNA-Z box wagons from VTG Rail UK, the country’s leading...

SYSTRA employee named one of Planner Magazine’s Women of Influence 2024

The Planner Magazine has selected Jenny Jefferies, Technical Expert - Consents at SYSTRA, as one of its Women of Influence for 2024. Jenny, who is...

ORR review leads to 50 per cent reduction in maximum fees for ticket refunds

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has announced that, thanks to new rules, the maximum fee that train operators and ticket retailers can...

East West Rail to hold drop-in events ahead of statutory consultation

East West Railway Company (EWR) will hold a series of information events in May, helping people to understand how the formal application process to...
- Advertisement -