Making public transport fully accessible could boost UK economy by £176bn, report says
A new report argues that investing in fully accessible public transport could add £176bn annually to the UK economy by enabling millions of disabled people to enter the workforce.
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) has published a report highlighting that the current transport system is inaccessible to nearly a quarter of the working-age population. The lack of lifts, ramps, tactile paving and sensory-friendly environments effectively shuts people out of work, education and everyday life.
According to the report, almost half of disabled professionals have turned down job opportunities due to transport issues, leaving about 2.8 million people locked out of the workforce. Using the Office for National Statistics’ estimate of an average worker’s annual economic contribution of £63,000, IMechE calculates that bringing all these people into employment could generate £176.4bn per year.
“Inaccessible buses, trains and stations are not just a social failure, they are a massive economic own goal, holding back growth, productivity and the UK’s path to net zero,” the report states.
The cost of making the rail network fully inclusive is estimated at between £20bn and £24bn over several years. IMechE urges the government to consider tax incentives for accessibility upgrades to attract private investment and to embed inclusive design as a core engineering requirement.
Beyond direct employment effects, the report identifies additional economic benefits. These include a potential £22.3bn annual boost to retail, leisure and tourism from disabled people making more trips, and between £10bn and £34bn extra fare revenue for transport operators.
The report comes after Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced billions in cuts to infrastructure projects to fund a £15bn increase in defence spending. Chancellor Rachel Reeves had previously warned against reducing infrastructure investment, arguing that cuts contributed to weaker economic growth.
Former Paralympic champion Tanni Grey-Thompson, a cross-bench peer, has repeatedly raised the issue of inaccessible transport in Parliament. Two years ago, she had to drag herself off a London North Eastern Railway train because no staff were available to help.
A House of Commons transport committee survey found that nearly 90% of disabled people often or always face travel difficulties. The committee recommended clearer legislation, stronger enforcement and a unified complaints service.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said the government is working to make journeys easier for everyone, with £280m allocated for step-free access and lifts at train stations across the UK.
