Engineers call for extensive reforms to public transport to improve inclusivity

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers has published a new report, ‘En route to inclusive public transport’.

Read the new report, ‘En route to inclusive public transport’.

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) is calling for extensive reforms to make public transport more inclusive in the UK. Previous research by organisations like the National Centre for Accessible Transport (ncat) have highlighted the barriers people face in getting from A to B, particularly those who are disabled, neurodivergent, elderly, or who have young children. 

Inaccessible transport systems impose economic costs, hindering productivity and workforce participation, while limiting opportunities for equitable economic growth. Therefore, investing in accessible transport is not only an ethical imperative but an economic necessity, offering the opportunity to foster social mobility, expand access to life opportunities, and enable more inclusive growth.

At the crux of the problem is a lack of a whole system approach to transport accessibility. Fragmented data, limited funding, a complex and disjointed policy landscape, varied assets and infrastructure, and a lack of expertise make an inclusive transport network near impossible without ambitious changes.

Transport stakeholders must act to ensure outcomes are enabled by data, existing systems are fit-for-purpose, and upskilling and partnership is prioritised to grow inclusive design expertise.

In its recommendations, available in full in the report, IMechE call for:

• A single data platform for operators and infrastructure owners
• Linking accessibility standards to measurable impacts
• Expanding and streamlining funding programmes
• Reforming incentives for innovation
• Embedding inclusive design into education and professional development for engineers
• Prioritising co-production with disadvantaged groups for better designs at lower cost

Ruth Cadbury MP, House of Commons Transport Committee Chair, welcomes the report: “I am delighted to see the Institution of Mechanical Engineers focus its attention on this chronically overlooked subject. Inclusive transport services don’t just benefit the most vulnerable, they make travelling safer, more equitable and more enjoyable for everyone. I look forward to discussing the Institution’s report and its findings on improving the physical environment of transport services, so that inclusivity can become the norm rather than the exception.”

Clive Gilbert, National Centre for Accessible Transport, said:
“Millions of people currently face barriers when travelling by public transport in the UK. To them, accessible and inclusive transport is vital to being able to access opportunities with dignity and independence. Ambitious changes are needed to ensure accessibility is a priority for transport stakeholders who must then define a clear and joined-up path towards a transport network that works better for everyone.” 

Lead author and IMechE Policy Advisor, Kahu Te Kani, said:
“Public transport is core part of the nation’s engineering heritage and serves as a vital link to work, school or leisure for millions of people. However, many individuals and families face the harsh reality of inaccessible transport every day. The future transport system is already being built, so it must be made with everyone in mind. To tackle systemic challenges—some as old as the infrastructure itself—a whole-system approach is needed, and engineers must be ready to design and deploy it.”

For more information, contact: media@imeche.org / policy@imeche.org