Influencing Policy

Throughout 2024–2025, MACS provided expert advice and lived experience insight across a wide range of national policies, consultations, and legislative developments. By engaging directly with Ministers, civil servants, and strategic partners, MACS ensured that the rights and needs of disabled people remained central to decision-making in transport and infrastructure.

National Cross-cutting Issues

MACS engaged with high-level policies and strategic frameworks, shaping national approaches to inclusion and rights:

  • Collaborated on inclusive reform: Actively explored and responded to discussions about building inclusive environments within national initiatives, such as the 20-minute neighbourhoods programme and Scotland's national events strategy.
  • Reviewed policy with a focus on fairness: Took a close look at transport policy documents and the Scottish Budget, ensuring that accessibility, fairness, and inclusion were at the forefront of each review.
  • Evaluated government consultations: Carefully assessed the Scottish Government’s consultation on Learning Disability, Autism, and Neurodivergence, ensuring MACS' stance was clearly represented. MACS commented on the Fair Fares Review, expressing concern over its lack of ambition and innovative proposals.
  • Influenced national strategies: Played an active role in reviewing the consultations on both the 20-minute neighbourhoods initiative and advocating for the establishment of a Disability Commissioner.
  • Planned strategic responses: Developed a detailed plan to address the Just Transition Draft Plan consultation by identifying risks of digital exclusion, exposing accessibility barriers in climate documents, and highlighting gaps in monitoring inclusive outcomes.
  • Highlighting infrastructural challenges: Provided detailed evidence to Transport Scotland regarding street furniture and infrastructure barriers that disproportionately affect blind and visually impaired individuals.

Ministerial Engagement and Equal Rights Advocacy

MACS maintains regular contact with policy teams throughout Transport Scotland but in some cases, MACS have to write directly to Ministers and Parliamentarians to champion transport equity and influence government decisions:

  • MACS voiced our worries about the lack of accessibility on the Benbecula–Stornoway air route by engaging with multiple Ministers and local authority leaders.
  • Raised important concerns over the profits of Motability with the Cabinet Secretary of Social Justice and put forward practical solutions to tackle these issues.

Public Spaces and Infrastructure

MACS advised on inclusive design for streets, towns, and public infrastructure, where physical accessibility is won or lost:

  • Met with the Scottish Road Works Commissioner to co-develop a disability awareness training session for street works inspectors.
  • Advised on the update of the Safety at Street Works and Road Works Code of Practice to improve access for disabled pedestrians.
  • Contributed to Inclusive Design for Town Centres and busy streets and consultations to ensure disabled people’s needs were reflected.
  • Delivered a keynote speech on Inclusive Placemaking at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Scottish Conference, making the case for accessible infrastructure and transport links.
  • Delivered an awareness session to Planning Aid volunteers in Inclusive Design linked to transport infrastructure.

Transport Services, Operations and Accessibility Reform

MACS offered targeted advice to improve transport service design, accessibility standards, and operational planning:

  • Consulted with Transport Scotland on the free rail travel pilot for blind companions, advising on implementation and promotion.
  • Gave feedback on Northern Isles freight vessel plans and ferry replacement strategies.
  • Continued input into ferry accessibility improvements through liaison with the Ferry Communities Board.
  • Participated in developing the Health & Transport Action Plan in the Grampian area.
  • Engaged with the DfT’s Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group to spotlight transport barriers for disabled islanders.

Parliamentary Engagement via Cross-Party Groups

MACS members regularly contributed to a range of Cross-Party Groups (CPG), bringing lived experience and policy insight to national discussions:

  • CPG on Disability – Advocated for accessible housing and transport as part of wider discussions on disability rights.
  • CPG on Islands – Promoted the voices of young islanders through engagement with the Young Islanders Network and shared lived experience data.
  • CPG on Poverty – Highlighted the cost of rural transport and proposed solutions to improve affordability and access.
  • CPG on Rural Issues – Provided input on decarbonisation and net zero strategies, ensuring inclusive planning for rural communities.
  • CPG on Sustainable Transport – Raised links between poverty and transport exclusion, pushing for more equitable policy responses.
  • CPG on Women and Transport – Shared insights into gendered transport barriers, particularly for women in rural areas.