ncat announces publication of Economic Benefits report at Accessible Transport Policy Commission’s Annual Reception
Economic Benefits of Accessible Transport – National Centre for Accessible Transport
Over 100 stakeholders committed to transport accessibility came together to celebrate the work that ncat has achieved so far at our Policy Commission’s annual reception held at the House of Lords.
Commission Chair Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson introduced the speakers including Simon Lightwood MP, Clive Gilbert and also ncat CEO Emma Partlow, who outlined the consortium’s successes up to this point, and what the priorities for the future of accessible transport need to be.
It was a fantastic night! Thanks to everyone who joined us and especially to the speakers and the organisers at the Policy Commission. It was a joy to celebrate all the work we’ve done so far and talk about where we can take it in the future.
Indeed, one of the biggest challenges facing accessibility improvements across the UK’s transport network right now is simple: a lack of sustained investment.
In our newly published report, Economic Benefits of Accessible Transport, our researchers have explored why this challenge persists, and what needs to change to build stronger, evidence-based economic cases for accessible transport.
Key Barriers
1. No dedicated policies or funding pots, making accessibility schemes harder to progress.
2. Complex and resource-intensive funding processes that many authorities struggle to navigate.
3. Guidance and appraisal tools that are not fit for purpose, pushing staff to rely on bespoke approaches.
4. Gaps in data and evidence, alongside limited knowledge sharing between authorities.
Recommendations
* Embed accessibility into organisational culture through leadership, representation, disability awareness, and business-case training.
* Strengthen policies, strategies, and create funding mechanisms that prioritise accessible transport.
* Improve the collection and sharing of accessibility data across the sector.
* Enhance appraisal methods to capture lived experience and the full value of accessibility benefits.
