Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS) Strategic Plan 2026 - 2030

Foreword

“As the Mobility & Access Committee for Scotland (MACS) begins a new strategic plan, we embark on an exciting and fresh chapter. We enter 2026 with a refreshed workplan, but also a new strategic plan which will guide us for years to come.

Furthermore, I am delighted to welcome five new committee members who will bring new skills, passion and lived experience to MACS, with their terms spanning the life of this strategic plan.

Recent years have produced an ever-evolving political landscape as we find ourselves navigating periods of uncertainty. MACS remain fully committed to represent the views of people with disabilities, their families and Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs). We will use our lived experience to influence and engage with Scottish Ministers, striving for a Scotland without barriers, where we can travel independently and safely.”

- Anya Kettles, MACS Convener

The following strategic plan will guide MACS in their role as an advisory board to Scottish ministers, under new leadership, with new membership and considering the changing public transport landscape, with a focus on the future of transport.

With this strategy we want to build upon our existing work, knowledge, relationships and most importantly, utilising our lived experience. This will support MACS to influence accessible public transport, as well as the accessibility of the first and last mile of disabled people’s journeys.

Our work is underpinned by the voices of disabled people, and our lived experiences. With our vision, “We envision a Scotland where disabled people can enjoy seamless, door-to-door journeys, contributing to their full participation in society.”, we will acknowledge the wide-spanning impact that inaccessible and unaffordable transport has on the disabled community.

We will continue to advise Scottish Ministers on aspects of policy, legislation and practice affecting the travel needs of disabled people to enable them to take account of the broad views and lived experiences of disabled people as a corner stone of their work.

Background

The Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS) is a non-departmental advisory public body. Within the founding legislation the Scottish Ministers have defined the overall aim for MACS as follows:

“MACS will consider such matters relating to the needs of disabled persons in connection with transport as the Committee think appropriate and give advice to Scottish Ministers”.

In doing so, the Convener aims to ensure, that MACS’ policies and actions support the wider strategic policies of the Scottish Ministers. This aligns with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MACS and Transport Scotland (TS), our Sponsors. MACS Strategic Remit is:

  • To give Scottish Ministers advice on aspects of policy, legislation and practice affecting the travel needs of disabled people.
  • To take account of the broad views and lived experiences of disabled people when giving advice.
  • To encourage awareness amongst disabled people in Scotland of developments which affects their mobility, choices and opportunities.
  • To work closely with SG and ensure our work programme complements the work being undertaken by the Inclusive Mobility and Transport Committee (IMTAC), the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC), the Equality and Human Rights Commission and other organisations, voluntary and statutory.
  • To promote the travel needs of disabled people with designers including transport planners and operators so that these are fully taken into account in the development of vehicles and infrastructure and delivery of services.
  • To monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of our work against the above aims and objectives in improving travel opportunities for disabled people in Scotland.

MACS Vision

“We envision a Scotland where disabled people can enjoy seamless, door-to-door journeys, contributing to their full participation in society.”

Our Values

We are ambitious

We are not afraid to take on difficult issues and speak up in pursuit of positive change. We underpin our approach by drawing from lived experience, listening and responding to the voices of disabled people, continuing our research to build on our existing knowledge and a commitment to learning and continuous improvement.

We connect

We work collaboratively and are informed by the knowledge and experience of those we work for and with. We are visible, accessible, empathetic and compassionate in our interactions and value quality relationships based on honesty, understanding, support and an appetite and willingness for positive change. We keep disabled people and their needs at the centre of our work.

Our independence is a valuable asset, but we recognise that working with others makes us all stronger.

We are courageous and honest

We say what is right and not what is easy to help to drive progress and positive change. We constructively challenge where needed and work with others to find solutions to make transport and travel more accessible and affordable. We welcome challenge and feedback to improve our own work.

We act with integrity and transparency

We take personal and collective responsibility for our work and actions and how we use our resources and limited capacity. We are transparent, trustworthy, consistent, and open about our successes and failings.

High Level Objectives

Objective One

To build on the Scottish Government’s policy to promote a fair, accessible and inclusive Scotland.

Objective Two

To work across Cabinet and Ministerial portfolios to ensure the need for an accessible transport system is recognised, supported, and meaningfully progressed.

Objective Three

To ensure that the Scottish Government has public bodies and local authorities uphold their duties regarding the provision of accessible public transport and infrastructure and supports progress in these areas.

Objective Four

To advocate for engagement with MACS when developing or revising policy and ensure accessibility is given priority consideration when developing or revising policy, plans or contracts by officials in the Scottish Government and other areas of influence.

Objective Five

To support Transport Scotland deliver on accessibility and equality outcomes withing the National Transport Strategy, ensuring delivery plans lead to meaningful changed for disabled persons, and working in close collaboration with on the Accessible Travel Framework.

Key Priorities

  1. Accessible Transport Systems
  2. National Transport Strategy
  3. Active Travel & Infrastructure (including Transport to Health & Motability)
  4. Island Connectivity Plan
  5. Representation, Equality & Engagement