Making public transport fully accessible could add £176bn to UK economy, says report

Making public transport fully accessible in the UK could add £176 billion to the economy by enabling millions to enter the workforce, according to a report released by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). The report highlights the urgent need for infrastructure improvements to support an estimated 2.8 million disabled individuals currently excluded from employment due to transport barriers.

Economic Impact of Accessibility in Transport

The IMechE report emphasizes that the current transport network effectively locks out nearly a quarter of the working-age population from job opportunities. It identifies significant deficiencies in the existing system, including:

• Lack of lifts and ramps at stations
• Large gaps on platforms
• Insufficient tactile paving
• Poor sensory-friendly environments

According to the report, approximately 50% of disabled professionals have declined job offers due to transport-related issues. The economic contribution of these individuals, if employed, could be around £176.4 billion annually, based on an average worker’s output of £63,000.

Cost of Making Transport Inclusive

IMechE estimates that the cost of making the rail network fully accessible would range between £20 billion and £24 billion over several years. The report urges the government to implement tax incentives to encourage private investment in accessibility upgrades. It suggests that improving transport inclusivity could also generate additional annual fare revenue of between £10 billion and £34 billion for transport operators.

“Inaccessible buses, trains and stations are not just a social failure, they are a massive economic own goal,” the report states, underscoring the urgency of addressing these barriers to unlock economic potential.

Government Response and Future Directions

The analysis comes in light of recent announcements from Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding cuts to infrastructure projects to accommodate a £15 billion increase in defense spending. Chancellor Rachel Reeves previously warned that reducing infrastructure funding could hinder economic growth.

In response to the report, a Department for Transport spokesperson stated, “We’re working to make journeys easier for everyone, with £280 million for step-free access and lifts at train stations across the UK.”

Accessibility advocates, including former Paralympic champion Tanni Grey-Thompson, have long highlighted the challenges faced by disabled travelers. Nearly 90% of disabled individuals surveyed reported frequent difficulties when using public transport, prompting calls for clearer legislation and better enforcement of existing accessibility rules.