The Government yesterday launched a campaign called ‘It’s Everyone’s Journey’ to detail how members of the public can play their part in making travel on buses and trains more inclusive.

The campaign hopes to encourage everyone to reflect on how common - and often unconscious - behaviours such as being rowdy or impatient can impact others. It also aims to raise awareness about the needs of disabled people, particularly people with non visible impairments.

Certain behaviours are said to make public transport a daunting place for disabled people, such as not looking out for a fellow passenger who might need a seat or be in distress.

A series of posters has been produced to make the point, including ones that encourages other passengers to help those who look stranded at bus stops and another reminding people that loud conversations can overwhelm those with mental health conditions. A third encourages travellers to ask if someone standing needs a seat more than you, and a fourth urges people to be more patient with those who may be struggling at a ticket barrier.

“I want our transport system to be the best in the world for disabled people, but we still have a long way to go,” said Transport Secretary Grant Shapps. “Our campaign highlights that we can all play a part in making transport more accessible for disabled people.”

The Department is also launching an Inclusive Transport Leaders accreditation scheme to promote best practice in inclusive transport among bus and train operators, who can work towards one of three accreditation levels ‘Committed’, ‘Operator’ or ‘Leader’ by meeting designated criteria and publicly declaring the steps they have taken to improve the travelling experiences of disabled passengers, older people, and those with reduced mobility.

One group working with the Government on its new campaign is the Alzheimer’s Society. “We know that using public transport can be confusing and stressful for many people with dementia, which can result in people with dementia staying at home to avoid travelling,” a spokesman said.

(Images: Department for Transport)