A young disabled campaigner from the West Midlands has hit-out at local transport that he believes is failing a generation of disabled people; as revealed by a hard-hitting report today. Christian Fulton took part in a nine-month undercover investigation and national survey for Muscular Dystrophy UK Trailblazers – a network of 700 young disabled people across the UK. The End of the Line report shares disturbing experiences across buses, trains, taxis and the underground. 

Campaigners will grill MPs and transport operators about the damning findings at an event in Parliament. They reveal a bleak picture of young disabled people turned away from journeys, facing abuse and left stranded. The UK-wide report finds:

  • Shocking accounts of abuse and threats from staff and passengers.
  • A disabled passenger hospitalised by the dangerous design of a bus.
  • Two thirds denied from boarding a bus due to the negative attitude of the driver or public.
  • A third of disabled people left stranded after taxis refused pick-up because of their disability.
  • A quarter unable to use their nearest train station and having to travel miles in a costly taxi to an accessible one.

Muscular Dystrophy UK Trailblazers are calling for:

  • Taxi operators to increase the number of accessible taxis in the UK and ensure any app-based technology provides an accessible service.
  • The Government to work with groups such as Trailblazers to ensure the transport needs of disabled people are met.

Christian, who has Facioscapulohumeral (FSH), muscular dystrophy told of his outrage at the attitude of taxi drivers to disabled people. He spoke of incidents in which taxis had driven round the block just to avoid picking him up, as well as being left stranded in town, due to a lack of options. The charity was alarmed at the high amount of respondents who reported similar issues.

Christian Fulton, Muscular Dystrophy UK Trailblazer said:

“I have experienced many issues with taxis in my region. Some have simply driven by me because of my disability. In one case, a taxi drove round the block just to avoid picking me up. Once I was left stranded in the cold as not a single taxi would even consider taking me. Stations are also not accessible – they have uneven floors and the lifts are too thin, leaving me stuck. This needs to change. Disable people need to know that transport exists for them too.”

Tanvi Vyas, Manager, Muscular Dystrophy UK Trailblazers said:

“It is disturbing to learn of such shocking experiences across the West Midlands. The fact that young disabled people are being denied life opportunities by an inaccessible network is a national disgrace. Reports of verbal and physical threats are deeply troubling and will dent the confidence of victims for years to come.

“While we recognise and welcome improvements to transport over the years, it is clear from this report that much more needs to be done. Local authorities and transport operators need to engage with charities like Muscular Dystrophy UK Trailblazers, and ensure that transport works for everyone. No-one should be left behind.”