Making Transport Better for Everyone

Accessible Transport

Accessible transport is a passport to independent living for everyone. It means

• having transport that goes where and when you need it
• getting information that is easy to understand about how to use the transport
• knowing how to use transport services
• being able to use the transport
• and having enough money to pay for it.

Tanni Grey-Thompson, a Paralympian athlete, had a bad experience on a train. She is a wheelchair user and had to crawl off the train because no one was there to help her get off. This is not right and shows how hard it can be for people with disabilities to use public transport.

TILII (Telling It Like It Is) are very concerned about what happened to Tanni. We are a group of adults with a learning disability that stand up for our human rights and speak out about things that make a difference to our lives. We know how important it is for everyone to be treated with respect and dignity.

Why Accessible Transport Matters

Transport is a big part of everyone’s daily life. It helps us get to school or work, to appointments like the doctor, and to see friends and family. For people with disabilities, including those with a learning disability, transport can be very hard to use.

Having a learning disability can make traveling more difficult. Things like unclear signs, no help from staff, or steps and gaps can make it hard or even impossible for some people to use public transport.

Tanni’s experience shows that we not only need to look at physical barriers like steps. Transport staff are also very important so we can feel confident using public transport.

Everyone should all be able to access public transport and be supported to use it.  We have a right to support on transport.

Belfast Grand Central Station

We are excited to see that the new Belfast Grand Central Station is being designed to be accessible and easy for everyone to use.

People with disabilities, including groups like the Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee, have helped design the station. This is called co-production, and it is very important. The station will have features that make it easier for everyone, including those with a learning disability, to travel.

Here are some of the great features the new station will have

• Changing Places Toilets: Special toilets designed for people with complex disabilities.
• Sensory Spaces: Calm areas for people who might get overwhelmed by noise and crowds.
• Clear Signs: Easy-to-understand signs to help everyone find their way around.
• Assistance Dog Area: A space for assistance dogs to rest and relax.
• Accessible Parking: Parking spaces for vehicles that can fit wheelchairs, making it easier to get to the station.
• Mixed Seating with Priority Seating: Different types of seating, including priority seats for people who need them most.
• Hearing Loops Throughout the Station: Devices that help people who use hearing aids to hear announcements clearly.
• Staff Assistance in the Station During Opening Hours: Friendly staff available to help when the station is open.
• JAM Card: Translink is a proud sponsor of the JAM Card, which helps people with a learning disability, autism, or communication barriers to let others know they need ‘Just A Minute.’

We are excited about the new Belfast Grand Central Station, and we hope it will set a good example for how all transport should be

What We Need to Do Next

At TILII, we believe everyone has the right to travel with dignity and independence. Tanni’s experience is a reminder that we need to do more to make transport accessible for everyone. For example, making sure all stations across Northern Ireland have Level Boarding so more people with mobility issues can get on and off trains without having to depend on someone else to help them.

We support groups like Transport for All and campaigns such as Rights on Flights. Transport companies and relevant Government Departments need to listen to people with disabilities and take action to remove barriers so we can be as independent as possible.

There is still work to do and we will keep speaking up until everyone can travel with the dignity and respect they deserve.  Our conference on the 7th March is looking at the right to a meaningful life and the barriers to equality and inclusion. So stay tuned!