Could you be the next person to help shape a barrier-free transport system for disabled people? MACS is recruiting for new Members to inform Scotland’s transport policy and delivery. Apply here: fa-evxn-saasfaukgovprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/Candid... #accessibility #disability #Scotland

Could you be the next person to help shape a barrier-free transport system for disabled people? MACS is recruiting for new Members to inform Scotland’s transport policy and delivery. Apply here: fa-evxn-saasfaukgovprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/Candid... #accessibility #disability #Scotland

🎥 WANTED; for Open University teaching videos on travel & transport (not public release). Someone dependent on public transport to/from work/unsocial hours/uses a bus pass extensively? Or a New Scot or refugee relying on buses? Interviews & journey record. Reply/DM us!

RNIB has published a new research report, ‘All Aboard’, which outlines what bus operators, traffic commissioners, local authorities and other passengers can do to help make bus travel better for blind and partially sighted people. Read more here: rnib.in/bus-report media.rnib.org.uk/documents/Al...

Interesting report from @descot.bsky.social about the cost of living for a disabled person. Information on transport covers car usage and tax exemption, National Entitlement Card Use, Train Assistance Requirements, Peak Fares and Ferries Use. Full report: disabilityequality.scot/wp-content/u...

Interesting webinar alert! Recording is available for the webinar, 'IncluCITY 2: Creating inclusive infrastructure' from the Global Disability Innovation Hub: www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPSM...

Open data has the potential to transform public transport, making it more user-friendly and inclusive. This Transport Scotland consultation is a step towards that future, and your insights can drive meaningful change.​ Take part in the consultation:

The Open Bus Data consultation discusses setting standards for data formats, which is vital for ensuring information is accessible to all, including those using assistive technologies: Provide your input: www.transport.gov.scot/consultation... #AccessibleData #DigitalInclusion #EqualAccess

Clear, accessible fare info helps everyone plan better—especially disabled passengers. The Bus Open Data Consultation is your chance to shape how it's shared. Share your views: consult.gov.scot/transport-sc... #FareEquality #AccessibleTravel

Relevant MACS highlights from the Prog for Gov: • Permanent abolition of peak-time rail fares from 1 Sept 2025. • Continuing to deliver the major vessels programme & beginning work to deliver 7 new electric ferries. • Taking forward the award of the next Clyde and Hebrides Ferry contract to CalMac.

On 14 March 2025 Public Health Scotland held its first webinar for Collaboration for Health Equity in Scotland (CHES). The webinar gave an introduction to CHES and the CHES Learning System. You can watch the webinar here:

Knowing the exact location and arrival time of buses can be a game-changer for disabled people. The proposed open data system, outlined in this consultation, seeks to provide such updates, enhancing journey planning and reducing uncertainty. Participate now:

Exciting #PublicAppointment opportunity to help improve, sustain and protect the health of people across Scotland! Ministers are seeking to appoint a new Chair to the board of Public Health Scotland. Apply now:

Disability Equality Scotland asked their members about their experiences with taxis, from accessibility to affordability. Findings: - 55% use taxis regularly - Half say taxis are not affordable - Only 1 in 10 found booking very good Full fact sheet: disabilityequality.scot/fact-sheet-t...

It's nearly 10 years since the British Sign Language (Scotland) Act was passed by The Scottish Parliament. They want to know if the development of national and public body British Sign Language (BSL) plans have improved the lives of of BSL users. Share your views:

Another great quarterly board meeting complete! We had a couple of spotlights on 'Free Companion Rail Travel Pilot' and 'Consumer Scotland’s newly published ‘Consumers and the Transition to Sustainable Transport Report’'. We also spoke about how we better do horizon scanning.😃

Scotland’s Bus Open Data Consultation could make journeys easier for disabled passengers. Real-time info, better planning, and more inclusive services. Have your say! 👉 consult.gov.scot/transport-sc... #AccessibleTransport #DisabilityInclusion

Moving to climate-friendly transport presents extra challenges for some people. How do you find using public transport? 'Just Transition: draft plan for transport in Scotland 'has been published and is out for consultation until May 19th.

The Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop MSP, today announced the reappointment of Simon Watkins as a Member of the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS). Four more years that we will benefit from Simon's expertise! www.gov.scot/publications...

In the 'Just Transition: draft plan', outcome ten is, 'Transport is accessible and easy to use for all, especially those with additional accessibility needs and isolated people.' This aligns with our vision. It's out for consultation until May 19th.

'Despite the UK having anti-discrimination laws that give rights to disabled people, society is still too often designed for non-disabled bodies. Nearly a third of disabled people say they find using public spaces difficult “all the time” or “often”. Interesting:

Are disabled drivers being left behind in the transition to electric vehicles? Interesting article from the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers (RiDC) :

Do you have an understanding of health inequalities in Scotland? Are you looking for an opportunity within a vital public body? Ministers are seeking to appoint a new Chair to the board of Public Health Scotland. Learn more:

Global Disability Innovation Hub has released 'Delivering Inclusive Design in Cities: A Global Action Report', providing evidence-based steps for cities worldwide to enhance accessibility and inclusion in their physical infrastructure, buildings, services, and operations. Read more bit.ly/3ABxhwH

Hot off the press... From 23 June 2025, young people aged 19-21 who live on Scottish islands are eligible for concessionary ferry vouchers for travel between their home island and the Scottish mainland. Read more: www.transport.gov.scot/news/concess...

We know that disabled people should have a say over decisions that affect them. The Just Transition draft plan is currently out for consultation. Development of the plan has involved 1000 people so far. Make sure disabled people have a voice:

How do we make sure that our move to climate-friendly transport is fair? 'Just Transition: draft plan for transport in Scotland 'has been published and is out for consultation until May 19th. Make sure disabled people have a voice!

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport is currently consulting on the draft Strathclyde Regional Bus Strategy. Have your say before the deadline of 29 May:

Everyday journeys should be enjoyed by everyone 🚶♿ @pathsforall.bsky.social runs All-Ability Health Walk training. This supports our Scottish Health Walk Network members to break down barriers, enabling those living with disabilities to walk or wheel. Learn more:

Earlier this month Kaukab Stewart launched a pilot scheme to provide free rail travel for companions of blind and partially sighted passengers. It will apply on all Scotrail train journeys across Scotland from 1 April. Read more www.transport.gov.scot/news/ministe...

Are you an Easy Read user? Do you support people who use Easy [email protected] have an Easy Read User Feedback Group & new members are always welcome! For more info, pls email [email protected].

MACS has responded to the UK Government consultation on the Bill which will create Great British Railways. Main calls included: - A statutory commitment to improve accessibility for passengers. - A mandatory commitment to produce a National Strategy for improving accessibility.

'Disability and Transport 2023' was published this week. This publication presents findings from the Scottish Household Survey, as well as figures on indicators for the Accessible Travel Framework. Look at the full report here and we'll share key findings soon: www.transport.gov.scot/publication/...

The Westminster Transport Committee has today published its report: ‘Access Denied: rights versus reality in disabled people’s access to transport.’ Full report: committees.parliament.uk/publications...

Minister for Equalities Kaukab Stewart has launched a pilot scheme that will provide free rail travel for companions of blind and partially sighted people. The pilot will apply on all ScotRail train journeys across Scotland, starting 01 April 2025. Read more www.transport.gov.scot/news/ministe...

We want to see everyone being safe on transport. Scotrail has a dedicated Travel Safe Team which includes 36 Travel Safe Officers, three Supervisors, and a Safeguarding Manager – originally it was only eight people! This helps them to ensure everyone stays safe as they travel by rail.

Interested in supporting the scrutiny of the Draft Climate Change Plan? The Scottish Parliament is piloting a new approach to access research expertise. 'Areas of Research Interest' lets us ask academics to share their insights on given policy areas. Find out more:

Great way to finish the week… Anne Macleod, MACS Ferries & Aviation Workstream Lead, met with Jim Fairlie MSP (Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity) and Alasdair Allan MSP in Ness, Isle of Lewis today. They discussed Western Isles flights and other MACS issues. Dùrachdan!

Glasgow Disability Alliance are holding an event, 'Environmentalism & Me!' on Tuesday 18 March, 10:30am – 2:30pm. Join a discussion around the barriers disabled people face to participating in environmentalism causes and practices. Find out more info: 📧[email protected] 📞0141 556 7103

A couple of weeks ago SRITC held an insightful discussion on "Revolutionising Rural Transport: Big Data & AI for Better Access to Healthcare" with Stevie Revill, CEO & Co-Founder of UrbanTide. The recording is on their YouTube channel:

'Just Transition: draft plan for transport in Scotland 'has been published and is out for consultation until May 19th. If you work with disabled people, please make sure that they have a voice.

"It opens up a lot of the world to you" . Beki has cerebral palsy which affects her balance. She organised some cycling lessons through her local I Bike Communities team. @sustransscot.bsky.social shared her story in this video:

@nhs24.bsky.social have shared a BSL clip on how to give feedback or make a complaint about the care you have received and the services you have used. Watch the clip here:

Deadline tomorrow! @descot.bsky.social have launched a survey looking for members views on Thistle Assistance & how it can be made better for disabled people. You can find the survey here:

Interesting event! 28th February, Virtual cafe, SRITC: Online meet-up to discuss how improvements to rural and islands transport services can help locals to access healthcare services close to and further away from home. Book here: https://buff.ly/40YRkOU

Interesting event! 30th April, Glasgow: The The ALLIANCE Annual Conference 2025, ‘Our Voices Matter’ which is an opportunity to engage in meaningful, open, and honest discussions on health and social care reform in Scotland. Book here:

New consultation! 'Draft Just Transition Plan for Transport' was published yesterday. Find out more and respond to this consultation on Citizen Space: consult.gov.scot/energy-and-c...

Interesting event coming up! 04/03: Meeting on topic of transport and inequalities by the Scottish Parliament Cross Party Group on Sustainable Transport. The session will focus on disabilities and transport. Book here:

Everyday journeys aren’t the same for everyone. @sustransscot.bsky.social has published new research exploring LGBT+ experiences of walking, wheeling and cycling in Scotland Read more here 👉

Active travel support for schools need to consider the needs of every child. Research sets out key recommendations to improve the experience for neurodivergent children and make the school run fairer and safer for all. Read more 👉