Octavius is proud of the Access for All (AfA) schemes we’ve delivered and how these have helped bring mobility opportunities to so many people. We’re also aware that physical transport infrastructure – however well designed – is only part of the story.
Disabled people travel up to a third less than non-disabled people. It’s harder for them to access employment, healthcare, education and social activities as a result. AfA and other programmes are helping to address that. We want to make sure that people with reduced mobility really feel the benefit of the investment.
To have the maximum impact on people’s lives public transport should be a safe and welcoming experience for all. So it’s also about behaviour and how we treat other public transport users. Making public transport more accessible means treating everyone with respect and patience, no matter how much of a hurry we think we’re in.
Why Octavius Supports Everyone’s Journey
Because we’re committed to ‘public transport for all’ Everyone’s Journey is a campaign we’re completely behind. It’s a Government-backed initiative to promote kindness and consideration to our fellow travellers.
Being considerate doesn’t ask for a massive effort or commitment. It might be as simple as giving up a priority seat without being asked, or standing back while somebody less mobile boards or exits a train.
Small acts of kindness go a long way – perhaps literally when we’re talking about access to the rail network. Largely it’s a state of mind and being a bit less self-focused.
Kindness Is Good For You
If you need another reason to be more helpful and understanding when you share public transport with other people, consider this: it’s good for your mental health and wellbeing.
Research shows that everyday simple acts of kindness can boost your mood, reduce stress, and maybe even reduce symptoms of depression or anxiety. Instinctively, we know this. We’ve all felt that warm glow and inner smile when we help somebody out, even in a small way.
Barriers to public transport are not limited to reliability and the physical infrastructure, but also include the attitudes and behaviours of staff and fellow passengers. We hope that Everyone’s Journey will make a meaningful difference and encourage more people onto public transport.
To discover more about practical solutions presented by AfA projects take a look at our resource centre or contact Lloyd Jefferson-Smith, Head of Rail Pre-Delivery at AfA@octavius.co.uk
