Appendix 2: List of issues

Consider how to have better integration between different modes of transport

Ensure paths are clear of obstructions like bollards, road works and wheelie bins and are accessible for all

Priority issue

Improve accessibility at more railway stations

Make each mode of transport more accessible to disabled people at least to but preferably beyond minimum standard and as quickly as possible

Priority issue

Consider how we influence design of buses/minibuses for people with different access needs

Make the journey experience better for disabled people getting to and from (and going between) bus and train stations and ferry terminals

Priority issue

Ensure that transport providers take responsibility for completion of a journey

Make tickets easier to access

Set up working reference groups involving public transport bodies, Regional Transport Partnerships Disabled People's Organisations and local groups to inform on priority connection issues

Priority issue

Include disabled people and Disabled People Organisations in decisions on transport

Standardise, evaluate and make mandatory delivery of disability equality training across all transport bodies

Priority issue

Train all transport providers in human rights and their roles and responsibilities in relation to disabled people

Priority issue

Seek commitments to improve effectiveness of equality training to taxi drivers to be able to assist disabled people

Ensure customer surveys are in accessible formats and relevant to issues for disabled travellers

Provide a guide for providers and disabled people to help them understand the equality responsibilities by giving them targeted, focused information on legislation, policies, regulation, contractual obligations, etc.

Provide a reference guide for transport operators on what they could do to support disabled people to travel more easily

Discuss with disabled people how to influence attitudes of staff – e.g. customer service charter?

Use the upcoming Clyde and Hebridean ferry services tender to do more in terms of access

Accommodate the different needs for an accessible taxi

Priority issue

Funders such as Scottish Government could offer grants to help taxi firms improve their fleet to include accessible taxis

Priority issue

Local authorities should collect information on numbers and types of accessible taxis in their area to help them identify where improvements are needed

Priority issue

Require taxis to provide evidence (for example a certificate) of their exemption from taking passengers in wheelchairs or assistance dogs

Priority issue

Use taxi licensing to ensure (20)% of taxis at any one time are accessible to wheelchair users in each local authority area

Priority issue

Consider dangers when vehicles and pedestrians share the same space without obvious dividing lines and consult disabled people for solutions

Consider some form of central leadership or guidance for local demand responsive transport

Address issues where there is not enough ambulance transport – especially when needed for scheduled hospital appointments

Consider the removal of Blue Badge charges for those on low incomes – currently badges can be issued for up to three years and the local authority has discretion to charge up to £20 per badge

Consult locally and decide with disabled people on the number of Blue Badge spaces

Ensure that Blue Badge parking is rigorously enforced

Ensure appropriate toilet facilities near transport hubs: changing places toilets

Extend/improve concessionary travel to include community transport

Provide accessible information for disabled people to help them be safer on public transport

Tackle hate crime on public transport with help from British Transport Police

Address low availability of sign language interpreters or people with some knowledge of signing

Agree on a universal symbol signage system across all modes of transport to make travelling more accessible for all (disabled people, non-English speaking, etc.)

Produce a good practice strategy for signage replacement

Develop better travel information, e.g. on time and places of available buses, increase in use of audio and visual description

Priority issue

Develop integration of timetable information of different modes of transport

Ensure disabled people are aware of any breakdowns or changes to travel and alternative accessible transport/assistance is provided to complete the journey

Priority issue

If an accessible bus breaks down, ensure that it is replaced by an accessible bus

Ensure people know exactly where and when an accessible bus will be available (including accessible bus stop)

Provide a means of contacting operator in accessible format if things go wrong

Ensure more publicity for Passenger Assist, which is a central booking system for assistance to travel by rail

Priority issue

Make booking of accessible taxis more accessible

Taxis to be contactable by SMS, not just a phone number

Upgrade the class 156 train which serves the Highlands to current vehicle accessibility standards (by law compliance must be by 2020)

Pilot an accessible taxi share scheme – like car clubs – for local areas where no taxi firms have wheelchair accessible vehicles

Give prioritisation of wheelchair users over buggies on buses – how do we achieve this?