The Future of Accessible Transport, Driven by Evidence
Did you know that 92% of disabled people face barriers[1] when using at least one mode of transport? Even more striking—79% experience longer journeys[2] because of these obstacles. And most don’t believe things will improve in the next decade.
With a solid foundation of published research and the insights captured in our Transport Barriers Database, ncat is entering the next phase of our seven-year programme. This isn’t a reinvention—it’s a progression. We’re building on what we know, with greater clarity, deeper evidence, and increased momentum.
Our mission remains clear:
To create a barrier-free transport system, through commissioning robust evidence and actively listening to the voices and expertise of disabled people. Combining deep subject matter expertise and research credibility with a genuine respect for the lived experiences of disabled people.
We know that research needs to translate into tangible change for disabled people. That’s why ncat works to bring together key stakeholders from Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs), charities, industry partners, and policy makers, while amplifying the experiences and expertise of disabled people through our CAT panel and expert panel.
We also know that our research needs to be unique and add value.
Using our innovative Resource Collection which for the first time brings together the UK’s accessible transport knowledge in one easy-to-use database, we have identified where the gaps are.
Tackling those gaps is the starting point for our next phase of research projects. Plus, the findings from our published research steers the focus for our commissioned projects as we turn evidence into practical solutions through our Scaling Innovation Funding Programme.
Want to see how it all fits together? Our Roadmap sets out the timescales for these programmes and shows how each step moves us toward achieving our mission.
Our Three Strategic Pillars
- Generate – Produce high-quality, inclusive research shaped by disabled people’s experiences.
- Translate – Turn findings into policies, products, and services that make a difference.
- Adopt – Support transport professionals to embed evidence-based solutions into everyday practice.
Collaboration at the Core
We’re not just consulting, we’re co-producing. Every step of the way, we’re working with disabled people to ensure our research leads to real, lasting impact.
We’ll know we’re succeeding when ncat’s work is shaping the services, systems, and solutions that make transport truly accessible for everyone.
[1] ncat (2024). ‘Understanding and identifying barriers to accessing transport’.
[2] ncat (2024). ‘Understanding and identifying barriers to accessing transport’.
