The strategy includes plans to enhance accessibility for National Rail, taxis, waterborne transport, Community Transport, Stratford Regional Station and coaches.
Lift provision and level access are key features of accessible transport, but other elements include low counters at ticket offices, sufficient manoeuvring space, good signage and real-time information accessible to sensory impaired people.
For some disabled and older people, these improvements may mean they can use public transport for the first time, unlocking a host of new travel opportunities.
Access improvements can also help many other people travel more easily, for example people with small children and passengers carrying luggage.
These plans will be met over the next four years with funding for new access initiatives, contributions to existing schemes and planned initiatives by transport delivery partners.
Rosie Winterton, Minister of State for Accessible Transport, said: ‘Providing a transport system that is able to serve everybody in the community is one of the Department for Transport's highest priorities. That is why we work very closely with disabled people and industry to make all modes of transport more accessible.
‘So I am pleased that the Accessible Transport Strategy supports our own work to promote accessibility and reduce social exclusion. It demonstrates an investment in transport that will make a huge difference to people’s lives’.
A new interactive map is also planned that will highlight accessible elements of mainstream transport services such as local buses, trains and the Underground service. This will help disabled people make more informed choices about the accessible travel options available to them both during and after the Games.
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