GMB Congress call for a more accessible public transport system
GMB to launch campaign calling for a more accessible public transport system
GMB to launch campaign calling for a more accessible public transport system
The detriment faced by disabled people is completely unacceptable and offensive in the 21st Century says GMB London
GMB Congress has today passed a motion setting out their campaign for a more accessible public transport system for disabled people. [See notes to editors for congress motion]
Many GMB members with physical and hidden disabilities are not offered the same standard and ease of access to public transport systems as those without, which is unacceptable, unfair and discriminatory.
As part of their campaign, GMB will:
1. Actively and positively support the demand of those who self-define as disabled passengers for a more accessible public transport system that equally facilities all its users.
2. Fully engage with its respective Mayors of Cities (if they have one) and public transport providers in meaningful consultation on seriously improving disabled access to all areas of the public transport system.
3. Promote new thinking on ways to improve disability access through new internal and infrastructure programs (ramps & lifts) and mechanical aids (wheelchair stair–lifts) for disabled passengers to use or simply to provide better trained staff who actually understand and respect the needs of those who self-define as disabled passengers who use the public transport system.
The 102nd GMB Congress, comprises of 500 elected lay members and 300 visitors and guests. GMB Congress delegates were elected from the GMB membership to represent over 640,000 members from every part of the UK and Ireland and every sector of the economy. Congress is the supreme policy making body in GMB.
Gordon Brunning, Chair Ability of the Disability Forum told Congress:
“The detriment and ignorance faced by passengers with hidden and physical disabilities is unwarranted and can be humiliating and completely devastating for those disabled passengers living with self-esteem and self-confidence issues.
“The ignorance and prejudice often shown to disabled passengers/travellers does not stop when you leave the underground and wider rail network it can and does follow you on to the streets.
“This is completely unacceptable in an open-minded and what must surely now be an all-inclusive modern society.
“Disabled drivers (mobility cars) and passengers are further disadvantaged when using private cars or ph/taxi vehicles as a direct result of unnecessary road closures and infrastructure development programs that restrict access for mobility vehicles and ph/taxi wheelchair accessible vehicles which is clearly unacceptable and unfair to disabled drivers and passengers.”
Sue Hackett, GMB Equality Officer said:
“GMB is concerned at the continuing failure of TfL to extend accessibility throughout the underground network and beyond.
“A lot of London’s roads are being closed to cars and taxis and only allow access to buses and cycles. The closure of such roads impacts wheelchair accessible vehicles as well as those people with mobility issues that don't use
wheelchairs and so is unfair to disabled travellers who may require vehicular access to certain areas of London.
“Outside of London in our wider region there is is little or no transport links, let alone accessible transport.
“Disabled people deserve a more accessible public transport system. One that encourages all our citizens to participate in our society and not just exist. The detriment faced by disabled people is completely unacceptable and offensive in the 21st Century.
“So I urge you to support the fourth coming GMB London Regions disAbility group's campaign Freedom To Travel Anywhere.”
ENDS
Contact: Sue Hackett 07813 542070 or GMB London Press Office 07970 114762
Notes to Editors
Congress Motions
409. ACCESSIBLE PUBLIC TRANSPORT C19
This Congress notes that disabled people deserve a more accessible public transport system.
Many members suffering from physical and hidden disabilities are not offered the same standard and ease of access to public transport systems as able bodied people are which is unacceptable, unfair and clearly discriminatory.
We call upon Congress to:
1. Actively and positively support the demand of those who self-define as disabled passengers for a more accessible public transport system that equally facilities all its users.
2. Fully engage with its respective Mayors of Cities (if they have one) and public transport providers in meaningful consultation on seriously improving disabled access to all areas of the public transport system.
3. Promote new thinking on ways to improve disability access through new internal and infrastructure programs (ramps & lifts) and mechanical aids (wheelchair stair–lifts) for disabled passengers to use or simply to provide better trained staff who actually understand and respect the needs of those who self-define as disabled passengers who use the public transport system.
EALING GMB BRANCH
London Region
