Motability Foundation reports experiences of young disabled people using public transport
A report by the Motability Foundation has revealed that young disabled people face significant barriers when using transport, which “profoundly impacts their independence, social connections and ability to participate fully in society.”
There are 1.2 million young disabled people aged 10 to 24 in England and Wales. However, their transport experiences have not been the focus of specific research until now.
Motability Foundation commissioned Savanta to carry out research into the experiences and barriers that young disabled people face when travelling by public transport, so that the transport sector can understand their needs and involve them moving forward to ensure accessibility in future modes.
The study engaged 1,200 young disabled people from across the UK. It included working with six young disabled people as peer researchers sharing their lived experience, a rapid evidence review, quantitative polling, seven focus groups and five travel-along observations.
Key findings include 47 per cent of young disabled people feel they cannot use priority seating on public transport without being challenged, and 31 per cent of young disabled people deliberately reduce their journeys to save money.
Additionally, findings revealed almost two thirds of young disabled people experience mental and physical exhaustion from using public transport, and more than half of young disabled people feel unsafe using public transport.
Rachael Badger, Director of Performance and Innovation at the Motability Foundation said: “It is vital that the needs and experiences of young disabled people are understood across the transport sector so they can make the journeys they choose, and so that accessibility can be embedded into future modes of transport.
“We commissioned Savanta to carry out this research because we identified a gap in the evidence base when it comes to young disabled people’s experiences of transport. This research has their experiences at its core. It was guided by a group of peer researchers with lived experience and used mixed methodologies to provide new and rich insights into the transport needs of young disabled people.
“With the launch of this report, we hope to see a refreshed focus on young disabled people’s needs within the transport sector, and their inclusion in consultations on existing and future modes of transport moving forward.”
Molly Zakra, Associate Director at Savanta said: “Savanta was commissioned to undertake this vital research, exploring the transport experiences of young people across the UK, and we believe this work represents a significant step forward in understanding the complex barriers that impact the daily lives of young disabled people.
“This study is the first of its kind, working with young disabled peer researchers who brought their lived experience and unique insights to every part of this project. By embedding young disabled researchers into every stage of the project, we ensured that this wasn’t just research about them, but research with them.
“Alongside our quantitative research, focus groups and travel-along observations, we are proud of the rigorous research methods underpinning this work. We are even prouder of our approach to reimagine research as a collaborative and respectful dialogue, where the community aren’t subjects, but expert partners drive the narrative.”
An innovation partnership between the RNIB and the Motability Foundation will explore innovative ways of making journeys better for people with sight loss.
