Madeleine Hughes, Author at National Centre for Accessible Transport

One male and two female discussion participants sitting at a round wooden table outside a building. A reception sign is visible in the background.

News

New Report Reveals How Public Behaviours Impact Disabled People’s Travel Experiences

Today, we’ve released findings from focus groups conducted to inform our published report, Invisible Barriers, which explores the travel experiences…

Madeleine Hughes16 October 2025

Woman using mobility aids is standing at the Visitor Information desk in Coventry Pool Meadow Bus Station. There are lots of leaflets on the desk and a staff member is slightly obscured by the leaflets on the other side of the desk.

News

Let’s Talk Complaints: Building a Better Journey for Disabled Passengers

Calling all UK transport operators, let’s explore how complaints handling can work better for disabled passengers.We’re launching a new research project to…

Madeleine Hughes16 September 2025

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson (centre) chairing Accessible Transport Policy Commission Event. There is a semi circle of tables with eight people (six male, two female) sitting behind them facing the camera. A standing poster sits behind them reading 'National Centre for Accessible Transport'. They are in the House of Lords and a very large old painting hangs on the wall behind them.

News

NEW REPORT: ncat Publishes New Roadmap Designed to Tackle Transport ‘Postcode Lottery’ for Disabled People

The UK’s transport system is failing disabled people, with a lack of consistent accessibility across the country making travel a…

Madeleine Hughes9 September 2025

Six boxes with different statistics in them. Top left says 84% of 'Please offer me a seat' badge users have an invisible impairment. This comes from TfL research. A small icon of a badge is depicted. Top middle says '34% of non-disabled responders were unaware the sunflower lanyard indicates a hidden disability'. There is a small illustration of a sunflower lanyard. Top right says '83% of respondents think extra luggage space by seats would free up priority seats' next to a illustration of suitcases. Bottom left reads ' 42% non-disabled respondents believe people don't give up priority seats because they're unaware they're in them' next to an illustration of two priority seats. Bottom middle reads '32% of non-disabled respondents felt having an injury or access need was a valid reason to park in a disabled space' next to a priority parking sign. Bottom right reads '30% stated that education for 4-12 year olds would be extremely impactful in changing public attitudes' next to an illustration of two children.

News

Public Attitudes Negatively Affect Disabled People’s Travel Experiences

This week we have published, ‘Invisible Barriers’ , a new report which explores what interventions across the transport sector would…

Madeleine Hughes20 August 2025

woman standing at visitor information on left of photo. On the right of the image is a open space in Pool Meadow Bus Station. Several signs are hanging from ceiling showing bus times and destinations

News

🚨 Could you be our next CEO? 🚨

We’re thrilled to announce we are hiring a new Chief Executive Officer! 🎯 Are you passionate about making transport more inclusive…

Madeleine Hughes9 July 2025

Family with their backs to the camera, waiting on a railway platform with train in front of them. One adult in a wheelchair, one adult holding a small cild, with another child alongside.

News

Board to Meet with Manchester Transport Professionals Next Week

We are looking forward to our next ncat Board meeting next Tuesday 8th July in Manchester where we will also…

Madeleine Hughes1 July 2025

Male wheelchair user on left looks at his young daughter (middle) while waiting with his family (son and female partner) to board the train. In the background is a train operative who has positioned a ramp up to the carriage. He is talking to a passenger before they exit the train.

News

Introducing ncat’s 2025-2027 Strategy

The Future of Accessible Transport, Driven by Evidence Did you know that 92% of disabled people face barriers when using at least…

Madeleine Hughes25 June 2025

Eleven people sitting around a U-shaped set of tables in a room in the House of Lords. An old painting is on the wall behind them and a banner reading 'The Accessible Transport Policy Commission' is behind the people on the left.

News

Accessibility Must Be An Enforceable Priority Say Transport Professionals at ncat House of Lords Summer Roundtable

On Wednesday 18th June ncat’s Accessible Transport Policy Commission hosted our Summer Roundtable at the House of Lords on the…

Madeleine Hughes23 June 2025

woman using mobility aids stepping onto double decker bus

News

Our work has been recognised in Government response to Transport Committee’s latest report

We’re proud to share that ncat and our Policy Commission have been acknowledged in the UK Government’s official response to…

Madeleine Hughes18 June 2025

woman standing facing camera holding mobility aids. Bus in background in front of Coventry Pool Meadow Bus Station

News

Commission Holds House of Lords Roundtable on Bus Services Bill

The Accessible Transport Policy Commission hosted another Roundtable Event in the House of Lords last month, this time the new Bus…

Madeleine Hughes6 May 2025