Harrogate-based charity Disability Action Yorkshire is giving transport companies an opportunity to discuss their policies for improving accessibility on local public transport at an event on February 9.

The charity has invited managers from Northern Rail, the Harrogate Bus Company, LNER, Leeds Bradford Airport and integrated passenger transport at North Yorkshire Council to discuss their plans to make journeys better and safer for disabled people across the region.

Andrew Jones, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough will chair the meeting.

People with a range of disabilities will have the chance to talk to transport leaders about the day-to-day challenges of travelling on trains and buses and spending time at the airport.

The event follows a Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce meeting last year about public transport in the region.

Jackie Snape, Disability Action Yorkshire’s chief executive, asked senior representatives of the four companies at the chamber meeting what plans they had to improve the travelling experience for people with disabilities.

The responses showed there was a need for disabled people and the transport companies to come together to discuss this.

Ms Snape said:

Improvements highlighted at the chamber meeting included specialist accessible vehicles, updated signage and screens, call points, waiting rooms and an increase in trained staff.

Ms Snape said:

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