Half of adults with a learning disability feel unsafe using public transport

A new survey from Mencap has found that nearly half of adults with a learning disability feel unsafe when using public transport, leading to restricted independence, increased isolation and reduced well-being.

The research, supported by the Motability Foundation, also revealed that nearly half (48%) of respondents found public transport hard to understand and confusing.

Nearly a third (29%) added that the cost of public transport can stop them from using it, with only 43% of survey respondents saying they have a disability travel pass. This was due to being ruled ineligible for a pass, not receiving a necessary companion pass or because they found the process of applying for a pass too inaccessible.

A common frustration was also having to provide proof of having a learning disability each time and having to reapply periodically for a pass when they have a lifelong disability. Many people with a learning disability and their families have to cover the additional cost of paying for tickets for their support workers, which pushes the price up.

People with a learning disability fear abuse on public transport

“I sometimes get verbal abuse on public transport because of my appearance.”

Although I like riding on buses and trains… people can be nasty, call names, refuse to let me past… It is very frightening.”

“I remember one time I got on the bus and I didn’t have the right change out in time. The bus driver said, ‘for god’s sake!’ and slammed his hand down”.

Less than half (42%) of respondents agreed they feel safe when using public transport, with a majority linking their concerns to witnessing antisocial behaviour, experiencing disability hate crime or feeling especially vulnerable to abuse.

People reported experiences of being verbally abused or even physically abused, or witnessing antisocial behaviour, and avoiding travelling late at night or during hours when school children would be travelling, for fear of being targeted. Many also said they had experienced negative interactions with public transport staff.

Other barriers that left people feeling that they couldn’t use public transport included over two-thirds (66%) of respondents reporting that public transport is too crowded, and over a third (36%) reported that there are not enough staff at their station, which stops them from accessing it.

Many reported the frequency of buses or trains as an issue, particularly on weekends, when timings could mean hours of waiting if they missed one. Over half (57%) say that there is not enough public transport near them, or it does not come often enough, and this stops them from using public transport.

Barriers to using public transport

The researchers surveyed over 1000 people with a learning disability. In addition, ten people filmed their journeys on public transport to share their experiences of travelling and seven focus groups were held with a total of 34 participants.

The report said that public transport is important for everyone, but especially for people with a learning disability who are less likely to own a car or be able to drive. Buses, in particular, are vital for people to be able to work, see family and complete daily activities like shopping and socialising – so a good transport network is absolutely essential to quality of life.

It identified six key barriers to using public transport for people with a learning disability:

• Public transport is confusing
• Travel passes and tickets are not fit for purpose
• Travel spaces are not accessible
• It is unreliable
• Staff do not understand learning disability
• It is unsafe

“I would not be able to use public transport without my support staff as I cannot read. I get my words mixed up and I do not know what stops to get off at or which bus I need to be catching.”

Charity calls for government to make improvements to public transport

Jon Sparkes, OBE, Chief Executive at learning disability charity Mencap, said: “Navigating complex and inaccessible timetables, dealing with delays or cancellations and even feeling your safety is at risk can all be extremely stressful, causing fatigue and anxiety to many – it’s no surprise some people with a learning disability end up avoiding public transport at all. But this is a crying shame – as it impacts people having their own independence, holding down jobs, visiting friends and family and enjoying days out just like everyone else.

“People with a learning disability are the best people to advise travel operators on how to make their services safe and user friendly so accessible travel can be the rule – not the exception. We hope the industry is listening.”

Following the release of this report, Mencap want to see the Government, policymakers and transport operators engage with these findings and work to make improvements that will benefit people with a learning disability, consulting them throughout the process.

Alison Bloomer

Alison Bloomer is Editor of Learning Disability Today.

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