A Campaign for Accessible and Inclusive Public Transport for All

A Campaign for Accessible Public Transport

Zach Eagling, a 13-year-old from West Yorkshire with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, has launched a petition urging the government to improve accessibility on public transport. He believes that everyone, regardless of disability, should have the freedom to travel with confidence.

Liberal Democrat MP Steve Darling, who is blind, has thrown his support behind Zach's campaign. He shared his own experiences of discrimination in the transport system, including being refused service by three taxis in a row while traveling with his guide dog. He emphasized the importance of disability awareness training for public transport providers and staff.

Darling also praised the helpfulness of the public, recalling his positive experiences on the London Underground where strangers readily assisted him. He commended Transport for London staff for their exceptional support and training.

More accessible seats on buses and trains

Reliable assistance from staff at train stations and airports

Greater care when handling wheelchairs on airplanes

This campaign builds on Zach's previous success with "Zach's Law," which criminalized the act of triggering seizures in epilepsy sufferers through flashing online images.

Statistics reveal that disabled people make significantly fewer trips than non-disabled individuals due to transport barriers. A 2023 survey by Transport for All found that over half of disabled respondents expressed dissatisfaction with public transport journeys.

The Department for Transport acknowledges the crucial role of guide and assistance dogs and affirms their commitment to creating a truly accessible transport system.

[link to petition]