Department of Transport

New information guides on accessible transport launched
_______________________________________________________________

date 4 September 1996
source Department of Transport
type Press release

note 278

Transport Secretary Sir George Young today launched two new guides
designed to improve access to information on transport and travel for
disabled people.

Sir George launched the fifth edition of "Door to Door", a guide to
transport and travel for disabled people and an updated Community and
Voluntary Transport Database giving details of accessible transport
throughout the country.

Both have been produced for the Department of Transport by TRIPSCOPE,
a voluntary organisation which provides transport and travel
information to disabled people.

Speaking at the launch at TRIPSCOPE's offices in Ealing, West London,
Sir George Young said:

"I am delighted that my Department's Mobility Unit has been able to
work closely with TRIPSCOPE on these two new publications

"Together they are an immensely valuable part of the process of
breaking down the barriers to independent living for disabled people.
Availability of a range of accessible transport and equally
important, information about it, is absolutely essential."

Sir George continued:

"Door to Door" aims to bring together information on available
transport and travel opportunities. In 1982 when the first edition
was published the choice was limited and, for many journeys there
were few, if any, options.

"This fifth edition reflects the very considerable progress that has
been made in recent years in opening up the range and quality of
transport opportunities available to disabled people.

"There is now a growing range of fully accessible public transport
and with the passing of the Disability Discrimination Act in 1995
steady progress will be made towards full accessibility.

"To expand upon the broad picture provided by 'Door to Door' we are
also launching a much more detailed source of specific information
about voluntary and community transport schemes and what they have to
offer at a local level both to residents and visitors. Over 1000
schemes are listed and the information can be supplied by the
Department's Mobility Unit or TRIPSCOPE direct from the database on
an area specific basis."

Notes to editors

1. "Door to Door - A guide to transport for disabled people" is
available from HMSO priced
#5.99 (ISBN 0-11-551747-2)

2. The Department of Transport's Mobility Unit can be contacted at

1/11
Great Minster House
76 Marsham Street
London SW1P 4DR


3. The guide and database were compiled by TRIPSCOPE

The Courtyard
Evelyn Road
London W4 5JL

# = pounds sterling

Railhub Archive ::: 1996-09-04 DoT-001