Shifting Attitudes Towards Disability in Transport
Discover how the voice of those with impairments has become woven into the network
Indemnities for Blind Passengers and Invalids in Chairs (1953-04-15)TfL Corporate Archives
Before 1959, attitudes were different
Passengers with disabilities such as visual impairments, had to sign indemnities, to be able to travel on London's transport network. This attitude of holding the disabled individual accountable for any accidents or injuries, is a far cry from modern society
Even acceptable language in reference to people with disabilities has evolved greatly,
We now recognise individuals with disabilities as being just as valuable as able bodied individuals. This is part of an attitude shift in adopting the "social model" of disability, meaning the positive attitude change of removing the metaphorical barriers for people who need assistance.
Blind children get travel test on our buses and trains (1973-01-02)TfL Corporate Archives
Students with visual impairments use network in 1973
This article shows the variety of techniques they had to use in order to travel in London during this time, for example: using a pocket abacus to count the bus stops to know where to get off
An iBus Display on a London Bus shows Information about the Next Stop (2013-12-18) by Thomas RiggsTfL Corporate Archives
Thankfully now, we have technology like "iBus", which is behind the display screens and audio announcements on modern buses, making travelling far easier for people with visual impairments
Photograph taken from report into rail design improvements to aid blind users (1994-01-01)TfL Corporate Archives
The various needs of users
This image shows an improvement in the design of the doors, so that people with visual impairments can locate the train doors. These design features are still used today
Air ace launches rail guide for disabled (1982-04-23)TfL Corporate Archives
1981: The UN International Year of Disabled Persons
The London Transport Executive marked the year with a publicity campaign and a series of 4 seminars engaging with disability groups to identify barriers and evaluate possible design solutions
The Unit for Disabled Passengers was set up in 1984 to co-ordinate initiatives aimed at making London's transport more accessible
The Unit's achievements by the end of 1988 had included: 24 double deck buses serving airports, converted to carry 2 wheelchairs passengers; “Carelink” shuttlebus services between main line stations; dial-a-ride door to door services in operation; and DLR street level access to trains. Most significantly the Unit was in contact with 100 disability advocacy and support organisations to help build two way development conversations.
Tactile diagram of zone 1 of the tube map produced for London Transport by the RNIB (1986-01-01)TfL Corporate Archives
Tactile diagram of the Central London Underground (Zone 1), produced for London Regional Transport by the Royal National Institute for the Blind. Whilst well-received, it proved too expensive to update and reproduce
1993 The Year in Focus (1993-12-16)TfL Corporate Archives
In August 1991, the first handbook of London Underground’s requirements for making stations more accessible was published, a precursor to the current Station Planning Standard
And in October 1993 London Underground's Conditions of Carriage changed, permitting wheelchair access to "deep level" tubes for the first time
Flag raise group picture (2019-12-03)TfL Corporate Archives
In 2005 The Staff Network Group for Disability was formed with the aim of providing an independent forum for disabled colleagues, and to help encourage everyone in TfL to consider the needs of colleagues living with one or more disabilities
See our other stories for more information on Accessibility Design on London Underground and Accessibility on London Buses
Story compiled by TfL using information in records at the Transport for London Corporate Archives. The Corporate Archives seeks to preserve and make accessible records, not to interpret them. A wider range of material is available for physical consultation.
Permission is granted to reproduce for personal and educational use only.
