New partnership launched to help passengers with autism and learning disabilities using TfL

Transport for London (TfL) has announced that it has partnered with the British Institute of Learning Disabilities (Bild) and People First to gain insights into the experience of passengers with autism, learning disabilities and other difficulties when using public transport across the capital. This new initiative aims to inform future plans and to enhance the accessibility of London’s transport network.

The partnership launch included a comprehensive survey designed to explore the challenges faced by individuals while navigating London’s transport system. Running until 15^th January 2024, the survey seeks input not only from those who have a lived experience, but also from their supporters and visitors to the capital.

TfL has a strong commitment to ensuring that London’s transport network is accessible to all. Among its existing initatives are a free travel mentoring service, a travel support card to communicate assistance requirement and their Turn Up and Go service, which is available on the underground, overground and Elizabeth line. This is in addition to the Please Offer Me A Seat badge, introduced in 2017, has been distributed to over 100,000 transport users with hidden disabilities.

Speaking about the new partnership, Seb Dance, Deputy Mayor for Transport, said: “I encourage everyone to complete the survey and ensure their views are heard so TfL can improve its services and continue building a fairer, more accessible London for everyone.”

You can find the survey here.

Kate Brackley, Learning Disability Advisor at Bild, said about the survey: “For many people with learning disabilities, transport is a big issue. As someone who has a learning disability, I have used transport in my life and yes, I do find things a bit difficult, but given the right support, you can do anything. I recently used the Tube by myself for the first time, I’m not used to doing that and I was so pleased that I was confident and managed to do it.”

The survey will play a crucial role in shaping future policies and projects, as well as helping to improve the understanding of the challenges that passengers with autism, learning disabilities and other hidden disabilities face while using London’s transport system.

The survey can be found here.