In their recent report, ‘Mobility as a Multiplier: Unlocking the Economic Potential of Inclusive Transport’, they revealed that removing transport barriers could unlock up to £176.4 billion in economic growth.
James Partington, Director of Engineering Policy and Impact at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said: “Britain does not have a transport problem. It has a growth problem disguised as a transport problem. Fixing accessibility is not just the right thing to do, it is one of the fastest ways to unlock jobs, boost the economy and futureproof the country. The prize is enormous. The cost of doing nothing is even bigger.”
Their analysis shows that a fully inclusive rail network would cost Britain £20-24 billion over several years. However, the wider economic gains from removing the barriers to employment, travel and participation would be realised immediately and continue to grow over time.
Included within the report are practical recommendations to accelerate progress, such as tax incentives, a national accessibility data platform, inclusive design across engineering standards and education and ensuring that transport systems are designed around the needs of those who use them.
In April 2026 the government announced their ‘Better Connected’ strategy. The aim is to establish a shared vision to deliver a safe, reliable, affordable and accessible transport system for people across England.
Better Connected builds on the major action already being taken to modernise transport and make it work better for people, including the creation of Great British Railways, investment in local roads and rolling out more electric vehicle charge points.
According to the Guardian, a Department for Transport spokesperson said: “We’re working to make journeys easier for everyone, with £280m for step-free access and lifts at train stations across the UK.
“We’re also delivering better passenger assistance and setting clear expectations about accessibility for buses and taxis so that people can get to their next mode of transport more easily.”
The Government introduced PSVAIR regulations in 2023, requiring vehicles to provide route, stopping place, diversion, termination and hail-and-ride information. This builds on the PSVAR regulations introduced in 2000, which mandate that all public service coaches carrying over 22 passengers must be fully accessible.
In the UK, around 4.9 to 5 million working-age disabled people are out of work — a disability employment rate of just 53%, compared to a much higher rate for non-disabled people. According to Scope, disabled people are almost twice as likely to be unemployed as non-disabled people, and three times as likely to be economically inactive.
Making transport more accessible will remove a major barrier to work, education and independence for disabled people across the UK.
Accessible does not need to mean inflexible or expensive. Nor should you expect lower standards in build or finish. At EVM, we offer a range of accessible minibuses and medium-sized coaches without compromising on passenger comfort or kerb appeal. As specialists in customised transport vehicles, we are able to build models to your customers’ specifications and needs.
In addition to low-floor minibuses such as the Cityline 16-25 passenger minibus, which can be both PSVAIR and PSVAR compliant, we also offer vehicles with PSVAR preparation.
An example would be the Grand Toro II 35-37 seater midi coach, which can be made accessible with a wheelchair lift. You don’t even need to wait for a customised coach. We have Grand Toro IIs with full PSVAR or PSVAR preparation in stock and available to take home today.
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