Using public transport can be "upsetting" and "distressing" says Hereford disability rights activist
A report by a group of MPs has warned there's a "substantial gap" between the rights of disabled transport users and their daily experience
Work needs to continue to make public transport more accessible says a Hereford disability rights activist.
A report by a group of MPs has warned there's a "substantial gap" between the rights of disabled transport users and their daily experience.
The Commons' transport select committee found "far too great a burden" is placed on individual people with disabilities to hold operators and authorities to account.
A survey conducted by the committee, which received 825 responses, found that 67% of disabled people, or those who assist them, encounter problems using transport either “always” or “most of the time”.
It was also informed of incidents including wheelchair users left on planes and taxi drivers refusing lifts to people with an assistance dog.
28-year-old Cameron Wood from Hereford says it has had an impact on him personally and something needs to change.
"I've been left at bus stops on so many occasions over the years," he said.
"It leaves me feeling distressed and upset because all I want to do is get home at the end of the day for example.
"Something has to change because successful public transport is needed so that we can live our best lives moving forward."
Recommendations from the committee include that within 12 months the government must produce new, long-term, fully costed inclusive transport strategy to make both radical improvements across the transport network and closes the gap between rights and reality.
In response the government says it must work with operators, councils and industries in making transport accessible.
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