Making public transport fully accessible ‘could boost UK economy by £176bn’

The brief

Investing in the UK transport network to make it fully accessible to disabled passengers could boost the economy by £176bn by helping millions more people into work, according to a report. Making the economic case for an inclusive transport network, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) said the current system was inaccessible to almost a quarter of the working-age population. Highlighting a lack of lifts and ramps at stations, large gaps on platforms, and a lack of tactile paving and sensory-friendly environment, IMechE said people were being shut out of work, education and everyday life. Its report found that almost half of disabled professionals have turned down job opportunities because…