Summary of key findings

The following reflect the key findings that have emerged from the ATF Evaluation Research Project: 2016 to 2023; commissioned by Transport Scotland and conducted by Disability Equality Scotland.

The key findings reflect the main contents of the report and are subsequently supported by a number of key recommendations and are presented in no particular order of importance:

  • Feedback has suggested that there has been a failure to collaborate systematically concerning the ATF and a failure of accountability mechanisms.
  • The review recognises that there have been a number of confounding variables in relation to the implementation of the ATF and to transport in Scotland more generally – particularly over recent years.
  • The review also recognises that ‘transport’ encompasses a wide expanse of integrated components, including (though not exclusively): Clear Pathways; Hate Crime; Journeying between different modes of transport; and Journey Planning. Although relatively easy to approach the development of such examples in isolation, the reality for the disabled person is that these components are very often inter-linked.
  • The review found that there was a general lack of information available concerning the ATF for it to collate and consider. Therefore, there is a need to improve the quantity, quality, timing, and scheduling of data collection (both quantitative and qualitative) within the area of disabled travel.
  • Overall, there is evidence to reflect that some progress has been made concerning elements of the ATF priority actions put forward in the last five years. Whether there is a causal relationship between this progress and the ATF is questionable. It is proposed that on the evidence available, overall progress of accessible travel for disabled people has been challenging to fully identify.
  • It is recognised that developments have been made in recent years to improve the experience of accessing transport services - however it is acknowledged that passenger assistance and staff training remain vital to be carried forward and enhanced further.
  • Although sporadic at present, all members of transport staff working within accessible travel should receive disability equality training.
  • It has been identified that historic Transport Scotland delivery plans have not distributed priorities and actions equally across all areas of the ATF.
  • In order to further support disabled people, the ATF should prioritise inclusive communication for all delivery projects – including those delivered by stakeholders.
  • There is a need for a shift in approach and language of project documents, moving away from progress or completion, to progress and on-going development/continuation, in consultation with disabled people and DPOs.
  • The Accessible Travel Hub should be utilised and enhanced as a central resource for disabled people.
  • The review has also recognised emerging issues associated with transport, in particular:
    • Active and sustainable travel.
    • Clear pathways.
  • Evidence has suggested that there is an observed length of time taken to effect changes across larger stakeholders.
  • Previous regional engagement exercises, and feedback opportunities are perceived as vital to implementing progress of the ATF.
  • Provision should be made to adequately store the data collected and reported upon within this report.
  • In association with the creation of future delivery plans, Transport Scotland should engage in a series of co-production activities, to create progress indicators for the actions within each new ATF priority.