Mobility & Access Committee for Scotland (MACS)

Could you be the next person to help shape a barrier-free transport system for disabled people?

MACS is recruiting for new Members to inform Scotland’s transport policy and delivery.

Apply here: fa-evxn-saasfaukgovprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/Candid...

#accessibility #disability #Scotland

Could you be the next person to help shape a barrier-free transport system for disabled people?

MACS is recruiting for new Members to inform Scotland’s transport policy and delivery.

Apply here: fa-evxn-saasfaukgovprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/Candid...

#accessibility #disability #Scotland

🎥 WANTED; for Open University teaching videos on travel & transport (not public release).

Someone dependent on public transport to/from work/unsocial hours/uses a bus pass extensively?

Or a New Scot or refugee relying on buses?

Interviews & journey record.

Reply/DM us!

Getting Around: What blind and partially sighted people told us If you're affected by sight loss, we're here for you

RNIB has published a new research report, ‘All Aboard’, which outlines what bus operators, traffic commissioners, local authorities and other passengers can do to help make bus travel better for blind and partially sighted people.
Read more here: rnib.in/bus-report
media.rnib.org.uk/documents/Al...

Interesting report from @descot.bsky.social about the cost of living for a disabled person. Information on transport covers car usage and tax exemption, National Entitlement Card Use, Train Assistance Requirements, Peak Fares and Ferries Use.

Full report:

disabilityequality.scot/wp-content/u...

3. 1Around the world, our cities are changing at an unprecedented pace by 2050, 70% of the global population is expected to live in urban areas (UN). Yet, ra... IncluCITY 2: Creating inclusive infrastructure

Interesting webinar alert! Recording is available for the webinar, 'IncluCITY 2: Creating inclusive infrastructure' from the Global Disability Innovation Hub: www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPSM...

Open data has the potential to transform public transport, making it more user-friendly and inclusive. This Transport Scotland consultation is a step towards that future, and your insights can drive meaningful change.​ Take part in the consultation:

The Open Bus Data consultation discusses setting standards for data formats, which is vital for ensuring information is accessible to all, including those using assistive technologies: Provide your input: www.transport.gov.scot/consultation...
#AccessibleData #DigitalInclusion #EqualAccess

Clear, accessible fare info helps everyone plan better—especially disabled passengers. The Bus Open Data Consultation is your chance to shape how it's shared. Share your views: consult.gov.scot/transport-sc...
#FareEquality #AccessibleTravel

• A new grant programme to support rural and island EV charging infrastructure.

• A joint policy statement with COSLA to set a successor on 20% car use reduction.

• £70 million in flexible funding for inter-island connectivity (not a TS commitment).

• Expanded investment in walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure.

• Completion of the East Kilbride rail line electrification in 2025-26.

• Continuing procurement of ScotRail’s Intercity Fleet Replacement Programme and explore options around replacement of ScotRail’s suburban fleet.

Relevant MACS highlights from the Prog for Gov:
• Permanent abolition of peak-time rail fares from 1 Sept 2025.
• Continuing to deliver the major vessels programme & beginning work to deliver 7 new electric ferries.
• Taking forward the award of the next Clyde and Hebrides Ferry contract to CalMac.

Past webinars - The CHES Learning System - Collaboration for Health Equity in Scotland - Environmental health impacts - Population health - Public Health Scotland Collaboration for Health Equity in Scotland (CHES) is a joint project to support public service reform

On 14 March 2025 Public Health Scotland held its first webinar for Collaboration for Health Equity in Scotland (CHES). The webinar gave an introduction to CHES and the CHES Learning System.

You can watch the webinar here:

Knowing the exact location and arrival time of buses can be a game-changer for disabled people. The proposed open data system, outlined in this consultation, seeks to provide such updates, enhancing journey planning and reducing uncertainty. Participate now:

Appointment of Chair to Public Health Scotland This is an exciting time to take on this important and challenging leadership role, which offers the opportunity to make a difference to public health in Scotland.

Exciting #PublicAppointment opportunity to help improve, sustain and protect the health of people across Scotland!

Ministers are seeking to appoint a new Chair to the board of Public Health Scotland.

Apply now:

Disability Equality Scotland asked their members about their experiences with taxis, from accessibility to affordability.

Findings:
- 55% use taxis regularly
- Half say taxis are not affordable
- Only 1 in 10 found booking very good

Full fact sheet: disabilityequality.scot/fact-sheet-t...

British Sign Language (Scotland) Act 2015 Inquiry - Scottish Parliament - Citizen Space Find and participate in consultations run by the Scottish Parliament

It's nearly 10 years since the British Sign Language (Scotland) Act was passed by The Scottish Parliament. They want to know if the development of national and public body British Sign Language (BSL) plans have improved the lives of of BSL users.

Share your views:

Slide that says 'Blind companion free rail travel pilot'.

Screenshot of nine people at a Teams meeting.

Slide that says 'Public Transport that consumers can choose'.

Another great quarterly board meeting complete! We had a couple of spotlights on 'Free Companion Rail Travel Pilot' and 'Consumer Scotland’s newly published ‘Consumers and the Transition to Sustainable Transport Report’'.

We also spoke about how we better do horizon scanning.😃

Scotland’s Bus Open Data Consultation could make journeys easier for disabled passengers. Real-time info, better planning, and more inclusive services. Have your say!
👉 consult.gov.scot/transport-sc...
#AccessibleTransport #DisabilityInclusion

Moving to climate-friendly transport presents extra challenges for some people.

How do you find using public transport?

'Just Transition: draft plan for transport in Scotland 'has been published and is out for consultation until May 19th.

Public appointment: Member reappointed to the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland Scottish Public appointments news release

The Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop MSP, today announced the reappointment of Simon Watkins as a Member of the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland (MACS).

Four more years that we will benefit from Simon's expertise!

www.gov.scot/publications...

In the 'Just Transition: draft plan', outcome ten is, 'Transport is accessible and easy to use for all, especially those with additional accessibility needs and isolated people.' This aligns with our vision.

It's out for consultation until May 19th.

‘I’m still sick. I’m still disabled. But I’m proud of my body’: Frances Ryan’s manifesto for disabled women Women with disabilities are the biggest minority group in the world, but are still shut out of society. In an extract from her new book, the writer reveals how that is changing – and what more needs…

'Despite the UK having anti-discrimination laws that give rights to disabled people, society is still too often designed for non-disabled bodies. Nearly a third of disabled people say they find using public spaces difficult “all the time” or “often”. Interesting:

Are disabled drivers being left behind in the transition to electric vehicles? Consumer group head reveals how the move to electric vehicles and emerging self-driving car technology are affecting disabled drivers

Are disabled drivers being left behind in the transition to electric vehicles?

Interesting article from the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers (RiDC) :

Appointment of Chair to Public Health Scotland This is an exciting time to take on this important and challenging leadership role, which offers the opportunity to make a difference to public health in Scotland.

Do you have an understanding of health inequalities in Scotland? Are you looking for an opportunity within a vital public body?

Ministers are seeking to appoint a new Chair to the board of Public Health Scotland.

Learn more:

Global Disability Innovation Hub has released 'Delivering Inclusive Design in Cities: A Global Action Report', providing evidence-based steps for cities worldwide to enhance accessibility and inclusion in their physical infrastructure, buildings, services, and operations.
Read more bit.ly/3ABxhwH

Hot off the press...

From 23 June 2025, young people aged 19-21 who live on Scottish islands are eligible for concessionary ferry vouchers for travel between their home island and the Scottish mainland.

Read more: www.transport.gov.scot/news/concess...

We know that disabled people should have a say over decisions that affect them.

The Just Transition draft plan is currently out for consultation. Development of the plan has involved 1000 people so far.

Make sure disabled people have a voice:

How do we make sure that our move to climate-friendly transport is fair?

'Just Transition: draft plan for transport in Scotland 'has been published and is out for consultation until May 19th.

Make sure disabled people have a voice!

Strathclyde Regional Bus Strategy (SRBS+

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport is currently consulting on the draft Strathclyde Regional Bus Strategy.

Have your say before the deadline of 29 May: