Accessible transport remains unavailable to many people worldwide, even where legal frameworks and formal accessibility requirements exist. When passenger lifts fail, information is unclear or transport hubs are hard to reach, the accessible travel chain breaks down, reducing trips and access to jobs, education and healthcare for persons with disabilities.

This report helps transport policymakers, authorities and operators close this gap by moving from mere compliance to accessibility that works in real-world conditions. It sets out practical recommendations: embedding universal design into operations and maintenance, improving wayfinding and information, securing sustainable funding and financing, clarifying institutional responsibilities, and making co-creation with disabled people continuous rather than a one-off exercise.

The report draws on an expert Roundtable where participants examined case studies of accessible transport solutions that work in practice, distilling international experience into clear, actionable principles for decision-makers.

Policy Insights

• Adopt and apply universal design principles to achieve accessible transport environments and ensure proper implementation through routine maintenance and monitoring.
• Establish and sustain co-creation processes with disabled persons to embed lived experience in transport systems.
• Create governance structures and frameworks that guide co-ordinated action, with clarified roles and sustained training to enable operationalisation.
• Make accessibility financially viable and commercially attractive using financial instruments and procurement.

You can read the full report on the ITF website.