ACCESSIBLE TRANSPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS: A CASE STUDY OF WALSALL MBC

Walsall MBC UK commissioned research on the provision of transport for those with special needs ("accessible transport"). It recognised that the existing fragmentation of responsibility and provision militated against the holistic approach was necessary. The Birmingham School of Planning undertook the research by reviewing existing best practice in accessible transport, assessing the need for it in Walsall and making recommendations on how it could be met more efficiently. It was found that responsibility for providing travel for those whose mobility is impaired cut across normal departmental divides, and involved in varying degrees the suppliers of transport, health care and social services. A complex picture of transport needs emerged with the danger that responsibilities could be unclear and some customer needs could slip down the gap between providers. The study falls into three parts: first we carried out a review of best practice in the UK and abroad. This was followed by two postal questionnaires: to individual users of accessible transport and to carers and providers. As the response to the latter survey was below expectations, a sample focus group of carers and providers was established to supplement the survey results. A number of recommendations were made including a four-point action plan. In particular, the split of responsibilities between the various agencies - health, education, and local authorities - must be addressed before a fully accessible transport system can be created. The Walsall study constituted a valuable step towards breaking down the fragmentation of responsibility and services and moving towards the desired transport continuum. (A) For the covering abstract see ITRD E121926.