The National Centre for Accessible Transport (NCAT) has launched two resources aimed at improving transport accessibility for disabled people across the UK.
The ‘Resource Collection’ and the ‘Transport Barriers Database’ are designed to consolidate evidence, highlight challenges and support policymakers and industry professionals in creating more inclusive transport systems.
The Resource Collection is a live, open-source database that currently houses 629 resource documents and projects, including research, strategies, and policy-related materials.
It allows users to search by categories such as document type, year of publication, impairment type, transport mode and region.
Developed in collaboration with NCAT’s Community of Accessible Transport (CAT) panel, the database aims to bridge the gap between the wealth of information available and the practical needs of disabled people.
Users are encouraged to submit new materials to keep the database updated and comprehensive.
Recent research by NCAT revealed that 366 organisations and 54 hubs, such as research groups, living labs and funding schemes, are engaged in transport accessibility initiatives.
Despite this extensive activity, evidence is not being fully utilised to meet the needs of disabled people.
By centralising these resources, the Resource Collection aims to help policymakers and transport professionals to make evidence-based decisions.
NCAT has invited individuals and organisations to contribute to the Resource Collection by sending relevant materials to the organisation.
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In parallel, the new Transport Barriers Database offers insight into the challenges disabled people face when using transport.
The interactive, open-source dashboard features feedback from 1,195 disabled people, including CAT panel members.
Users can filter data by access needs, impairment type, transport mode, region, gender and age. The database also includes 1,274 searchable comments from participants sharing their transport experiences.
Research underpinning the Transport Barriers Database revealed that 92% of respondents encountered barriers when using at least one mode of transport.
Inaccessible streets and pavements were identified as the most significant obstacles in public spaces.
Additionally, 77% of respondents reported that these barriers negatively affected their physical or mental well-being, while 75% said the challenges caused travel-related stress.
To further support its mission, NCAT’s Accessible Transport Policy Commission is conducting an inquiry to develop a policy and regulation roadmap for accessible transport in the UK.
Over recent months, parliamentarians on the commission have chaired five online roundtables across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and nationwide, engaging with disabled people, advocacy groups, transport professionals and policymakers.
The outcomes will inform future recommendations to national and devolved governments.
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NCAT representative Michael Edwards, said: “We believe that accessible transport is a fundamental right.
“Our new Resource Collection is a vital tool to ensure that policymakers and professionals have the evidence they need to make transport systems more inclusive.
“We invite everyone to contribute to this growing body of knowledge and join us in our mission to create a more accessible future for all.”
NCAT’s work, which is funded by the Motability Foundation, is further supported by findings from its ‘barriers to streetscape access’ report, which provides evidence from more than 400 respondents.
Key recommendations include prioritising pavement maintenance near essential locations such as GP practices and shops, legislating for the inclusion of disabled people in street design, and improving local authorities’ issue-reporting processes.
The report also calls for the establishment of an accessible streets ombudsman and the introduction of standards for temporary paths and ramps during roadworks.
The reports, along with the Transport Barriers Database and other upcoming research, will serve as resources for NCAT’s first funding programme, Scaling Innovation.
The evidence gathered will also support future policy decisions and further NCAT’s goal of closing the transport accessibility gap.
