Travel information

Overview
Role of the working groups
What we have done
What we are doing
Top Tips

Overview

To decide how, when and if you can travel you need information about what is available and whether it meets your particular requirements. Everyone should be able to access this information.

For many people the information they require is not available or not accessible. For disabled people, this can make the difference between an accessible or inaccessible journey.

The Government has asked DPTAC to advise on why this is the case and recommend strategic actions to address problems facing disabled people when rail services. Much is already being done.

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 aims to prevent the discrimination of disabled people and to ensure information is accessible to disabled people.

New trains are required to have audible and visual announcements. Trials are underway on audible and visual announcements on buses. The Government is promoting the development of national travel information services.

Yet problems remain.

Role of the working groups

Information is an issue relevant to all DPTAC's working groups.

Our main objective is to advise on improving access to travel and accessible information for disabled people, both before and during journeys. We take into account complementary advice from all of DPTAC's Working Groups.

Our role is to focus on the strategic issues. This enables DPTAC to be more effective in influencing the process and outcome in all areas rather than specific schemes. Our work helps to inform those seeking to improve access at a local level. Local people will be aware of how this guidance can be applied to local circumstances.

We advocate the promotion of an accessible transport system in the advice we give to Government.

An accessible transport system is one that recognises the need for every stage in the journey to be accessible to disabled people, including access to information that enables people to plan their journey and information while travelling.

An accessible transport system sets out to include as many people as possible. It does not attempt to meet every single need. Rather, by considering people's diversity, accessible transport systems try to break down unnecessary barriers and exclusion. In doing so it will often achieve superior solutions that benefit everyone.

What we have done

In the last twelve months we have;

• Monitored progress on Traveline, Transport Direct and the Rail Journey Information System;
• Encouraged and advised on the trials of audible and visual announcements on buses and considering the design of bus displays.

What we are doing

We are currently considering the following;

• Continuing to monitor progress on Traveline, Transport Direct and the Rail Journey Information System;
• Continuing to monitor the trials of audible and visual announcements on buses and considering the design of bus displays.

We welcome your comments and views on the issues raised above and any priorities not considered. Click here to e-mail us ideas.

Top Tips

If you are a transport operator;

• Publish information on what you provide for disabled people;
• Ask disabled people what problems they experience using your services.

If you are a building operator;

• Publish information on what you provide for disabled people;
• Ask disabled people what problems they experience using your services.

If you are a disabled person;

• Contact your local access group if you want to get more closely involved;
• Ask for information on transport services in your area.

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