Today, I spoke in response to Fleur Anderson MP, Member of Parliament for Putney, who delivered a speech on the importance of improving accessibility to rail travel, and transport in general.
The transport network is not only essential for growth and productivity but allows us to stay in touch with friends and family, access vital services and contribute to society. However, for our ageing population, as well as the fifth of people who identify as having a disability, access to transport can be challenging. That is why I am pleased the Government is committed to ensuring that disabled people have the same access to transport as everyone else, and can travel easily, confidently and without incurring additional expenses.
The Government’s Inclusive Transport Strategy looks to achieving a genuinely inclusive transport network and sets out an ambitious plan to be implemented by 2030. It aims to promote passenger rights and improve staff training, as well as access to better travel information and improved physical infrastructure.I hope you will be pleased to learn that the £300 million of funding committed through the strategy to extend the Access for All programme has now been allocated, making railway stations more accessible, including through step-free access, in Northamptonshire and across the UK.