Poor transport a 'significant barrier' facing 230,000 disabled rural Scots
Watchdog calls for urgent improvements
Poor transport affecting 230,000 rural Scots with disabilities creates a "significant barrier" to them getting to health appointments and social activities, a consumer watchdog has highlighted in a new report.
Consumer Scotland said urgent action was needed because “problems with transport underpin nearly every challenge they face in accessing vital services”.
It said the cost, availability and accessibility of transport also increased social isolation, for many people with disabilities in rural areas, who account for one in 20 Scottish adults.
Research in Dumfries and Galloway and the Highlands found public transport was “often unreliable, expensive and physically inaccessible” for them, with a lack of accessible vehicles and parking for blue badge holders.
One participant from Dumfries and Galloway said: “I’ve given up using public transport. Very few are wheelchair accessible, and even then, they are very infrequent.“
Another said: “Buses will just drive by because they know that there’s no way you could get on them.”
Consumer Scotland called for better accessibility standards and more accessible vehicles, while trials of demand-responsive transport should be expanded.
It said disabled consumers’ views should be “heard more clearly” when decisions affecting them were made.
David Jackson, its policy and advocacy officer, said: “The wellbeing of disabled consumers is often closely linked to their ability to access health and social care services.
“Similarly, the ability to engage in activities and social events is crucial to helping address potentially higher rates of loneliness and mental health challenges.
“Our research highlighted that transport is a major barrier affecting the ability of disabled people in rural areas to access these vital health and social care services and leisure activities.
“Disabled people told us about the pressure and anxiety accessing such services can create, and the inconvenience and discomfort they encounter when access is difficult.
“For some participants, the decision was to live with pain or loneliness instead of fighting against the barriers faced.”
The Confederation of Passenger Transport, which represents bus operators, said the key was joined-up planning and long-term funding.
Scotland director Paul White said: “We recognise the findings and the challenges faced by disabled people in rural areas.
“While passengers with disabilities make thousands of bus journeys every day without incident, rural transport brings particular pressures, including longer routes, lower passenger numbers and higher operating costs.
“Accessibility is not just about the vehicle itself. In rural areas, inaccessible bus stops, limited infrastructure and wider service availability can all create barriers.”
Mr White said CPT’s manifesto for this year’s Holyrood election called for “sustainably-funded, socially-necessary services and closer collaboration between government, operators and passenger groups”.
He said: “Improving accessibility in rural Scotland will require joined-up planning, long-term funding and meaningful engagement with disabled passengers.”
ScotRail said 134 of more than 360 stations it operates were fully accessible and 191 had partial step-free access.
UK rail minister Lord Hendy announced on Thursday that step-free access would be also be provided at eight more British stations including Bellgrove in Glasgow, with designs drawn up for a further 23 including Falkirk Grahamston.
However, similar upgrades at 19 others including Dumbarton Central and Inverurie have been put on hold. The UK Government is responsible for station accessibility.
Gordon and Buchan Scottish Conservative MP Harriet Cross said the UK Department for Transport had told her the Inverurie decision was due to funding issues and “third party contributions” were required for the project to go ahead.
She said: “I have been told of numerous instances where users with reduced mobility, and those travelling with luggage, prams or bikes, have faced access difficulties at Inverurie.”
Phil Campbell, ScotRail’s customer operations director, said: “ScotRail is committed to making sure that all rail users have equal access.
“Our accessible travel service provides free assistance to people who need a little extra help, whether it has been booked in advance or not.
“We’re committed to building on the success of this service, which includes listening to and acting on feedback from our customers.”
A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “Our vision is that all disabled people can travel with the same freedom, choice, dignity and opportunity as other citizens.
“The important evidence and insights gathered by Consumer Scotland will help inform the next Accessible Travel Framework, which is focused on improving the overall journey experience for disabled people by removing the barriers which prevent them travelling.”
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