Transport operators need to do more to support people with mental
health problems to use their services, according to a new survey
conducted by UCL.
The attitudes and behaviour of fellow travellers, worrying
about getting lost and having to speak to strangers are some of
the biggest concerns facing adults in Britain with a mental
illness such as anxiety, depression or agoraphobia.
The data suggested that the situation seemed to be worse in
rural areas, along with the quality of transport
provision.
Other worries include the availability of suitable public
toilets, particularly for older travellers, with 40% of those
surveyed reporting this as a key issue, and concern about what to
do if the bus is diverted or the train breaks down.
The results of the survey, carried out by Emeritus
Professor Roger Mackett (UCL Transport Studies) will be launched
on Monday 17th June at an event hosted at UCL.
Professor Mackett said: “This report presents sound
evidence about the difficulties that people with mental health
conditions face whenever they travel. Many of the issues could be
addressed by improving the understanding of the public, transport
staff and employers about mental health and by involving people
with mental health conditions in the design of wayfinding systems
on paper and websites and in the design of buses and
trains”.
Over a third of those surveyed reported frequently being
unable to leave home because of their mental health. Over half do
not buy advance rail tickets because of not knowing how they’ll
feel on the day of travel, and so miss out on cheaper
fares.
Very few of the respondents possess support instruments
such as Disabled Persons Railcards, travel assistance cards,
concessionary bus passes or ‘Please offer me a seat’ badges,
although many reported that these would encourage them to travel
more.
The full report includes recommendations to make travelling
easier for the quarter (26%) of all adults in England who have
been diagnosed with a mental illness, plus the further 18% who
have experienced mental illness without being diagnosed.
These include designating ‘quiet routes’ in urban areas,
being able to contact the train conductor by mobile phone when
assistance is required, easier access to Disabled Persons
Railcards and other concessions, more ‘safe places’ where people
can talk to a trained member of staff, cards asking taxi drivers
not to chat and more options for public transport routes on
mobile phone wayfinding apps such as avoiding tunnels.
The survey was carried out online through a link to a
questionnaire. This was distributed by 18 organisations including
TfL, Sustrans, Transport Scotland, SANE, Anxiety UK and the
Mental Health Action Group. There were 385 useable anonymous
responses from people indicating that they have a mental health
condition.
Nicky Lidbetter, CEO of Anxiety UK, said:
“Anxiety UK welcomes this report
which highlights a comprehensive range of issues that
those experiencing mental health problems face when travelling by
public transport. It is our aspiration that transport
operators adopt the recommendations made and in doing so, reduce
the challenges that those with mental health issues currently
face.”
Dr Andy Cope, Director of
Insight at Sustrans,
said: "This report is a
startling revelation of the challenges that the transport system
presents to the huge part of society that has mental health
conditions. The benefits of being able to get out and about are
well known, but so many people are unable to easily get
around, because the transport
system doesn’t meet their needs. Walking and cycling can be
important in helping to address some mental health conditions by
supporting health and wellbeing, growing confidence, and helping
people to feel connected. Therefore a priority should be given to
projects that make it easier for people to travel locally by foot
and by cycle, including dedicated cycle paths, quitter routes,
and better wayfinding.”
The report has been reviewed by Anxiety UK,
Sustrans and Bus Users UK.
