THE MOBILITY OF DISABLED PEOPLE. PHASE 2 OF A STUDY OF THE USE OF TRANSPORT BY DISABLED PEOPLE

During 1984 and 1985, the centre for transport studies carried out a programme of research for the transport and Road Research Laboratory on the demand for wheelchair accessible bus services in three areas: Glasgow, doncaster and London. It was clear from this research (see IRRD no 811177), that users of these services placed a high value on them, but that the take up was small. This report, therefore is a second stage study with the following objectives: (1) to identify those people who would benefit from using a special bus service, find reasons for non use, propose ways in which services could be adapted for wider use; and (2) identify and where feasible quantify the cross sector benefits which arise when people do use the special services. Information is given on age (in Glasgow 55%, doncaster 57% and London 61% were aged 65 or over), disabilities suffered, household characteristics, employment, levels of mobility allowance, and personal mobility. A major part of the survey was concerned with the outside activities of the respondents, and trip rates are given. The use of accessible transport services, ordinary public transport, and reasons why people don't travel are described, and the provision of services at home outlined. Amongst the conclusions, it was noted that the low level of use of special bus services arose from lack of system capacity, perceived unreliability, difficulty in booking services and lack of knowledge on how to use a service.