To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to make taxis more accessible for disabled people.
Answered on
8 October 2019
In July 2018 the Department published its Inclusive Transport Strategy, with the intention of supporting a transport network which enables disabled people to travel easily, confidently and without additional cost. Disabled people make twice as many journeys by taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) as non-disabled people and it is essential that operators and authorities play their part in making this a reality.
The Government plans to update guidance to local licensing authorities on the provision of an inclusive service, including the appropriate treatment of passengers with assistance dogs.
In the meantime I urge authorities to ensure that drivers receive suitable disability awareness training and that robust action is taken against those who discriminate illegally against disabled passengers.