Funding to put innovation at forefront of disabled access across transport network

Innovative ideas to improve travel for disabled passengers could be made a reality thanks to new government funding.

The Department for Transport (DfT) is marking Purple Tuesday by launching the first-of-its-kind Accessible Technology Research and Innovation Grant (A-TRIG), which will invest up to £500,000 in projects that can improve access to services or inspire more confidence to travel.

These projects could provide a range of practical solutions that remove physical barriers, make it easier to access information, automate processes or see better support for travellers.

They could include:

• ways for visually-impaired passengers to identify the bus they want to catch
• smartphone apps to report inaccessibility and track progress
• a Wayfinder-style system to plan bus journeys

Previously, the department has funded a mobile phone app to help people with dementia use public transport to get to hospital.

Grant Shapps, transport secretary, said: “Everybody’s way of travelling has been affected by COVID-19, but none more so than those who are disabled. While essential in tackling the virus I know the widespread use of masks, social distancing and changed timetables has been disconcerting for people with accessibility issues.”

Adding: “I want to harness the power of technology to improve accessibility for disabled people through COVID and beyond. Today’s funding will play a key role by finding new and innovative ideas and projects to break down barriers and could make a massive difference to people’s lives.”

The competition comes as the department publishes its 2-year update on its Inclusive Transport Strategy, highlighting the work delivered – including expanding Blue Badges to non-visible disabilities, launching the It’s everyone’s journey public awareness campaign, and funding 59 Changing Places toilets in motorway services, 7 of which have now opened, with more to do so next year.

Transport companies are also being urged to use free disability training resources, being published shortly, to train their staff so disabled people have a consistent and positive experience regardless of transport mode, helping overcome one of the biggest barriers to confident travel along with infrastructure enhancements.

The training has been designed with the involvement of disabled people and will help change the way staff interact with and support all passengers.