Deaf People Urged to Share Experiences of Public Transport

The national charity supporting deaf people is urging them to have their say on public transport accessibility. 

RNID is urging deaf people to share their experiences in the first ever survey focusing on public transport accessibility for people who are deaf or have hearing loss in the UK.

The survey is part of a major project, funded by the Motability Foundation, which aims to understand the barriers faced by people who are deaf or have hearing loss when using public transport.

“Public transport should be accessible to everyone. However, right now, that’s not the reality for many people who are deaf or have hearing loss,” said Frankie Garforth, Head of Inclusion at RNID.

 “This survey is a crucial opportunity to share your experiences of using public transport. By taking part, you’ll be contributing to one of the most comprehensive pieces of evidence ever gathered on the accessibility of public transport for people who are deaf or have hearing loss in the UK.

“It’s vital that we capture experiences directly from people who are deaf or have hearing loss. Whether you live in a city or rural area, whether you take public transport regularly or avoid it altogether - we want to hear from you.

Your answers will be invaluable in helping us push for real, lasting improvements.”

The findings will be used to develop a detailed report and recommendations and will directly inform RNID's work with transport providers, policymakers and technology companies.

“We’re proud to fund RNID’s research, which will generate important new evidence about the barriers people who are deaf or have hearing loss face,” said Chelsea Fleming, Programme Director of Transport Solutions at the Motability Foundation.

“By putting lived experience at its heart, this work will inform practical recommendations and help drive lasting change across the transport system. We encourage people to take part and share their experiences – their voices are vital to making transport truly inclusive.”

RNID is keen to use the survey to capture a diversity of experiences, including deaf people and people with hearing loss who are:

· Urban commuters

· Public transport users who live outside of cities

· UK ferry users

· People with multiple disabilities

· People who have used Passenger Assistance Services

· People who avoid public transport altogether

The survey closes on Monday, April 13, and can be answered by a carer or travel companion of someone who is deaf or has hearing loss. It is available in British Sign Language (BSL) and English. 

For further information visit https://rnid.org.uk/2026/03/have-your-say-on-public-transport-accessibility/