The Welsh Government has unveiled Travel for All, a new initiative aimed at transforming public transport across Wales to be more inclusive, accessible, and empowering for disabled people and all passengers.
Launched at the Wrexham Gateway Project, the programme sets out five key principles to guide change across all transport modes:
- Safety and welcome
- Improved accessibility
- User involvement in design
- Staff training on equality and disability awareness
- Embedding lasting change
At Wrexham Gateway, accessibility upgrades are already in progress, including:
- Tactile paving
- Accessible doors
- Changing Places facilities
- Obstacle-free routes
- New help points
These improvements have been shaped by input from the Transport for Wales Access and Inclusion Panel, whose members have helped guide the design.
Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, said:
“Accessibility and inclusivity aren’t optional extras - they are fundamental rights. Wrexham Gateway shows what can be achieved when we develop transport infrastructure in partnership with disabled people, putting their expertise and lived experience at the heart of design decisions.
“Building accessibility into our infrastructure from the beginning not only saves time and money by avoiding retrofits, but ensures it’s always at the forefront of everyone's minds.”
Travel for All complements the Welsh Government’s 10-Year Disabled People’s Rights Plan, currently under consultation. The plan aims to remove entrenched barriers and promote physical accessibility, economic inclusion, and access to public services.
Transport providers will receive new standards and guidance, co-developed with disabled people, and customer-facing staff will undergo regular equality and disability awareness training.
By tackling physical barriers and embedding inclusive practices, Travel for All aims to give people greater confidence and independence when travelling — helping to build a Wales where everyone can live, work, and thrive.
Image credit : iStock
