The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) has published a report arguing that making the UK's public transport network fully accessible to disabled passengers could boost the economy by £176bn. The report states that the current system is inaccessible to almost a quarter of the working-age population, effectively locking 2.8 million people out of the workforce due to transport barriers.
Economic impact of inaccessibility
IMechE's report highlights that nearly half of disabled professionals have turned down job opportunities because of transport issues. Based on the Office for National Statistics' estimate that an average worker contributes about £63,000 annually to economic output, helping all 2.8 million people into jobs could add £176.4bn a year to the national economy. The report describes inaccessible buses, trains, and stations as "not just a social failure, but a massive economic own goal, holding back growth, productivity and the UK’s path to net zero."
Cost of making rail network accessible
IMechE estimates that investing in a fully inclusive rail network would cost between £20bn and £24bn, spread over several years. The report calls on the government to consider tax incentives for accessibility upgrades to unlock private investment and to make inclusive design a core engineering requirement. The £176bn figure could be conservative, as additional benefits include a potential £22.3bn-a-year boost to retail, leisure, and tourism from disabled people taking more trips, and between £10bn and £34bn in extra annual fare revenue for transport operators.
Political context
The report comes after Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced billions of pounds in cuts to infrastructure projects to cover a £15bn increase in defence spending. Chancellor Rachel Reeves had previously argued against reducing infrastructure funding, suggesting that cuts by the Conservatives had weakened economic growth. James Partington, IMechE's director of engineering policy and impact, said: "Britain does not have a transport problem. It has a growth problem disguised as a transport problem. Fixing accessibility is not just the right thing to do, it is one of the fastest ways to unlock jobs, boost the economy and future-proof the country. The prize is enormous. The cost of doing nothing is even bigger."
Ongoing accessibility challenges
Former Paralympic wheelchair racing champion and cross-bench peer Tanni Grey-Thompson has repeatedly highlighted inaccessible transport in parliament. Two years ago, she was forced to drag herself off a London North Eastern Railway train because no staff were available to help. A survey for the House of Commons transport committee found that nearly nine in 10 disabled people often or always had difficulties when travelling. The committee recommended clearer legislation, tougher enforcement of existing rules, and a unified complaints service for disabled people facing problems on public transport.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: "We’re working to make journeys easier for everyone, with £280m for step-free access and lifts at train stations across the UK. We’re also delivering better passenger assistance and setting clear expectations about accessibility for buses and taxis so that people can get to their next mode of transport more easily."
