Department of Transport (DoT)

Accessibility Work Programme - Progress Report June to November 2020

The Accessibility Work Programme focuses primarily on the actions in two key “whole of Government” strategies where lead responsibility has been assigned to either the Department of Transport (DoT), or its Agencies and which relate to . The 2 key strategies are

1) the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 (NDIS), which is aimed at improving the lives of people with disabilities and,

2) the Comprehensive Employment Strategy for People with Disabilities 2015-2024 (CES) - which sets out a 10-year approach to ensuring that people with disabilities, who are able to, and want to work are supported and enabled to do so.

As well as these two key strategies and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (UNCRPD), there are also actions in a range of other Departmental and “whole of Government” strategies, where lead responsibility has been assigned to DoT, and/or its Agencies. All of these Actions have been combined into the DoT Accessibility Work Programme. It is updated regularly to align with meetings of the NDIS Steering Group, and meetings of the DoT Accessibility Consultative Committee (ACC). Further information on public transport accessibility, including previous Work Programme Progress Reports, can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/705a02-accessibility-in-transport/

The actions in the Work Programme are grouped under 11 broad Themes to reflect the priority actions in the NDIS, CES, and the UNCRPD.

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01. Public Transport over-arching (NDIS Actions 100 and 109- DTTAS SoS - PfG SP Action 01 - NPAS 1.5)

Review of Sustainable Mobility Policy

The Department of Transport (DoT) has responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Under the Transport Authority Act 2008 (as amended), the NTA has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network. Public transport operators, in conjunction with the NTA, are responsible for the operation of services.

From a policy perspective, the Minister for Transport has said there is a need for a fundamental change in the nature of transport in and the Programme for Government, 'Our Shared Future', commits to making public transport and active travel better and more accessible.

The Department of Transport has been undertaking a review of sustainable mobility policy, which incorporates accessible public transport and public transport in rural areas. In this context the Department held a public consultation process between November 2019 and February 2020, and included a stakeholder event in the course of that consultation, to which all members of the ACC were invited. Over 250 submissions were received as part of this public consultation process and a report of the public consultation was recently published online and is available at https://www.gov.ie/en/consultation/f1b503-public-consultation-on-a- review-of-sustainable-mobility-policy/

The Minister intends to develop a new policy framework for the next 10 years that can provide a strategic backdrop to the increased investment planned by this Government across the sustainable mobility programme. The new policy statement will be informed by the review of the previous policy framework (known as Smarter Travel), submissions received during the Department's consultation process and the views and recommendations of other relevant stakeholders. It will provide a platform to advance the ambitions of the Programme for Government in the area of sustainable mobility.

Lift refurbishment / replacement - “The Big Lift”

Lifts in rail stations out of service significantly impacts people with disabilities ability to access services.

In 2020 €3.3m is ring fenced under a rail lift refurbishment / replacement programme established by the NTA under the Capital Programme. The intent of this programme is to renew and replace life-expired lifts and lifts in poor condition, to ensure that the reliability and availability of lift access. A major part of the programme is the complete lift renewal at 12 stations in the Dublin Suburban area. Works at Malahide, Donabate, Raheny and Rush and Lusk are completed. Further information on these works – called “The Big Lift “- can be found on the Irish Rail website at https://www.irishrail.ie/news/major-lift-investment- programme-at-iarnrod-eireann

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Lift Call System

Lift faults predominantly arise from misuse, which in turn impacts on ongoing reliability. Irish Rail is rolling out a Lift Call system which will ensure lifts are monitored by CCTV to prevent access to those who seek to vandalise or damage equipment. The Lift Call system closes off the lift and when customers call the lift, with only opening on request. In order to access the lift the customer is first required to call via the help point located at each landing of the lift shaft. The call goes to a monitored CCTV room and can see if the person requesting the lift is genuine. Benefits include: reduction in vandalism, remote fault and alarm status of lifts in service, higher availability of lift services for customers with disabilities, visual monitoring of lifts 24/7 during normal and emergency situations. The Lift Call system is now in operation at 18 stations in the Greater Dublin Area. These are Dock, Booterstown, Blackrock, Seapoint, Salthill & Monkstown, Dun-Laoghaire, Sandycove, Glenageary, Killiney, Shankill, Bray, , Junction, Clongriffin, Bayside, Donabate, Skerries and Balbrigan

02. Public Transport Services (NDIS Action 100 - CES Action 2.10, 2.12 & 2.15 – PfG - SP Action 02 & 19 - NPAS 1.5)

Covid-19 impacts on overall public transport services – (for rural areas see below - Theme 03 PT in rural areas)

The Covid-19 public health emergency has been a profound and swift shock to the Public Transport sector. At the onset of the Covid-19 emergency in mid- March, there was a sharp drop in passenger numbers across all forms of public transport, falling by approximately 90% of normal levels.

Since the beginning of , the Government has been clear that continued operation of the public transport sector is important and it designated public transport as an “essential service”, recognising the importance of keeping the system running especially for carrying essential workers and other passengers making necessary journeys throughout the crisis period. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has been working with all transport operators to ensure service continuity. The majority of sub-vented PSO services continued to operate on a reduced schedule, with the aim of strengthening the robustness of service delivery for longer. Measures were introduced across the public transport system, guided by NPHET and the advice of the Chief Medical Officer, including enhanced cleaning regimes and social distancing measures.

From midnight Wednesday 21 October, Ireland moved to Level 5 of the Government’s Living with Covid plan until 01 December. Under Level 5 public transport will operate at 25% capacity, primarily for the purposes of allowing those providing essential services to get to work. Over-arching information on Covid-19 can be found on the Government’s portal www.gov.ie, while information specific to public transport can be found on the NTA’s website www.nationaltransport.ie and the Transport for Ireland website https://www.transportforireland.ie/news/covid-19-information/

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Public transport should only be used for essential journeys and customers should avoid peak time travel. People who can work from home should work from home and face coverings are mandatory on public transport.

Examples of Impacts and measures to assist people with disabilities

• Irish Rail continues to provide assistance to those who need it when boarding trains, eg mobile ramps at stations. • Floor decal stickers are being implemented on buses and coaches to highlight that the free priority seats are for those people who need them. There are also Covid-19 messages displayed on the buses asking passengers to keep the seats free downstairs for those who really need them. • have Customer Assurance Officers in Pink High Visibility vests on the platforms and trams to assist all passengers. If Luas is contacted they can arrange assistance for people, keeping in line with public health guidance. • Travel Assistance Scheme has been suspended in line with HSE advice on social distancing. Dublin Bus keeps the travel assistant email and phone covered for anyone looking for advice or information and there have been some enquiries to the team mainly from people with visual impairments. They are planning to do video calls to disability units so that assistance can be given to talk people through where to sit, and getting off at the centre doors. It is planned that the Travel Assistance Scheme will be back doing actual assists, once it is in line with public health guidance.

Public Transport Fares

The Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 provides a statutory power to the NTA to establish fares in relation to public passenger transport services. Following the establishment of the NTA in 2009, the NTA has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services, provided under public service contracts. Over a number of years, the NTA's approach has been to gradually simplify the fare structures across bus, rail and services and to move more towards a fairer, distance-based structure.

For 2020, the NTA set fares by way of two determinations: the first determination made adjustments for all monthly and annual tickets (including tax saver tickets) with an implementation date of 1st December 2019, and the second fares determination addressed adjustments for all other fares with changes effective from April 2020. These fares determinations made further progress towards the fares-policy objectives.

Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding

The main purpose of the PSO is to subsidise public transport providers, mainly Dublin Bus, Irish Rail, Bus Éireann and Local Link to provide socially necessary but financially unviable public transport services. On 13 October 2020 the Government announced as part of Budget 2021 that a significant additional allocation of €340 million will be made to PSO services provided by State operators and some private operators under contract by the NTA. Temporary support of €30 million Page 4 of 13 will also be provided to key Commercial Bus Operators. More information on the transport highlights of the Budget are available at https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/748e9-budget-2021-funding-for-the-departments-of-the-environment-climate-and-communications-and-transport- reflects-government-ambition-for-a-green-jobs-led-recovery/

Direct Award contracts

In Dec 2019 new direct award contracts were awarded to Iarnród Éireann, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann. These included greater accessibility requirements with regard to websites/Apps, format of information provided, standard of disability awareness training and renewal, review and monitoring of accessibility improvements and KPI’s, as well as a requirement for operators to provide a report on accessibility programme to the NTA on a quarterly basis.

03. Public Transport in Rural areas (NDIS Action 100 – CES Action 2.9 & 5.11 – PfG - APRD Action 245 – SP Action 15)

From a policy perspective, the Programme for Government commitments in relation to public transport in rural areas will be progressed in the context of the new sustainable mobility policy statement. Among the measures that will prioritised is a Sustainable Rural Mobility Plan to ensure settlements over a certain size can connect to the national public transport system, expanding the Local Link rural transport service and prioritising public transport projects that enhance regional and rural connectivity.

Meanwhile, the NTA has undertaken a nationwide study to inform its approach to rolling out improved public transport across the country (excluding the GDA, Regional Cities and Large Towns) by providing better connections between villages and towns by linking them with an enhanced regional network connecting cities and regional centres nationwide.

Arising from this study, the NTA is starting on a two-phase consultation on its proposals, titled 'Connecting Ireland'; this will begin with local authority officials and other key stakeholders on the main concepts of Connecting Ireland, and then will be followed by a wider public consultation in Q2 2021 on the proposals.

Accessibility of services:

Approximately 90% of passenger trips across the Local Link network of rural transport services are accessible. Since October 2019, all vehicles contracted for the delivery of rural transport services must now be Wheelchair Accessible from the commencement date specified in the contract thereby removing the previous two year lead in period going forward

Covid-19 impacts on public transport services in rural areas - Impacts and measures to assist people with disabilities

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All Local Link Rural Regular services continue to run as normal. All Demand Responsive (DRT) day time services also continued to run however many were redeployed for ‘collect and deliver’ services, delivering critical medical, food and other supplies from pharmacies and local shops to vulnerable members of the community who were unable to travel. Services were suspended across the DRT evening services network.

The situation remains however that public transport capacity - with existing social distancing requirements - is significantly reduced. Under level 5 it is 25% capacity. Mitigation measures introduced by the NTA have included the introduction of additional services as well as extra fleet to cope with capacity issues.

Whilst it is a requirement that all contracted services for Local Link are wheelchair accessible, some of the additional fleet contracted on an emergency basis is not wheelchair accessible. Every effort is being made to ensure that these vehicles are only deployed on routes where there is no known wheelchair passengers travelling.

Covid-19 restrictions have also impacted on the rollout of the Designated Local Area Hackney pilot programme 2020. A Pilot Urban Area will be identified in 2020 and eligible criteria conditions will be agreed. It is hoped to commence pilots in Q4 2021.

New Local Link services

A number of new/enhanced Local Link services are due to commence before year end as a result of the Government's July Stimulus Funding scheme in counties Mayo, Kerry, , and .

Community Transport – pilot

Six pilot community car schemes were approved for 2020 in the following counties: , Kerry x 2, Offaly, and Mayo. Accessible vehicles were deployed in Longford (Granard) and Mayo (Louisburgh). As a result of Covid-19 restrictions, some of these pilots, which utilise cars as opposed to buses, are currently not operating whilst the remainder are operating as a ‘collect and delivery’ service i.e. delivering grocery shopping, prescriptions, other essential items etc. to people who currently cannot travel. The pilot is due to be reviewed by year end, with the findings influencing plans for 2021.

04. Public Transport Fleets (Bus, Rail and SPSV) (NDIS Action 102 - CES Action 2.14 & 2.16 - SP Action 03, 04, 09, 14, 16 & 17) Page 6 of 13

All new bus and coaches purchased by the NTA for the PSO fleet are equipped with wheelchair spaces and audio and visual announcements. All urban fleets (Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and Go Ahead) are wheelchair accessible. Approximately 68% of the Dublin Bus fleet has a space for both a wheelchair and a buggy. This figure will rise to 100% as the fleet is replaced.

Bus Éireann town services in , , , , and Balbriggan are wheelchair accessible. Approximately 89% of Bus Éireann’s coach (longer distance high floor) fleet is wheelchair accessible, and this will increase as vehicles are replaced

New commuter/regional bus fleet (linked to Theme 7 Advance Notice):

The NTA is purchasing 70 new low floor single and double deck regional commuter vehicles which will be provided in 2020/2021. Discussions were held with the manufactures to provide additional accessibility elements on each type of vehicle.

Double Deck buses will have a back-up manual ramp on the centre door. The front door is now wider than previously. An additional Passenger information system is being fitted in the wheelchair space of the double deck buses.

Additional single deck regional commuter vehicles are being purchased, a medium distance vehicle with a dedicated wheelchair space (seats will not need to be removed) which allows a wheelchair to board with normal ramp access. These vehicles are intended for routes up to 50km, being regional commuter routes. In 2019, the NTA took delivery of 52 of these new buses and 40 more buses were scheduled for delivery in 2020. COVID-19 has caused at least a 5-week delay to the start of production of the first vehicle, but the supplier is still advising the NTA that all 40 vehicles will be delivered during Q4 2020. The first inspection in Ireland took place on 9th November 2020. All wheelchair spaces are longer than the UN Regulations while the width is as set out in the regulations, as there are limitations in the total width of the vehicle. Induction loops are installed in all vehicles.

New Trains:

All rail fleet is accessible internally. Due to the platform train interface (gap), advance notice is required if wheelchair users need assistance in alighting/boarding. In 2019, Irish Rail commenced a public tender process for 600 electric/battery-electric powered DART carriages. The tender scoring for the new fleet will award higher scores to carriage builders who provide the best platform train interface solution for accessibility. However, the outcome of this will depend on tenders submitted and what is available on the market. All going well, Irish Rail expects award of contract will be in Q1 2021, with delivery of vehicles from late 2024 onwards

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) / Taxis:

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The Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Grant Scheme first introduced in 2014 and operating annually since then, provides grants for the acquisition or conversion of suitable vehicles to operate as wheelchair accessible taxis and hackneys. The above measures have helped to increase the number of WAVs in the fleet from a low of 4% in 2014 to over 16% currently.

The WAV2020 Grant Scheme, which closed for applications on 01 May 2020 for economic reasons in light of the COVID pandemic. The NTA issued 263 grants: 220 new WAV licences, 5 change of vehicles (i.e. from an existing standard vehicle to a WAV) and 38 upgrades to older WAVs in the fleet. A further 168 new WAV licences, which were not grant aided, brought into the fleet during 2020 to date brings the total increase to 393.

A condition attaching to the grant scheme is that all successful applicants must complete a disability awareness training programme with the Irish Wheelchair Association which is funded by NTA. Whilst the aforementioned pandemic has impacted on the delivery of these training programmes, a plan is in place to complete same in December.

05. Commercial bus sector (NDIS Action 102 - CES Action 2.11 - SP Action 05)

In Q3 2019, the NTA initiated a public consultation on proposals for accessibility requirements for commercial licenced bus services – no such requirements exist at present. Accessibility licence conditions for new licences and for existing licences (on renewal), will be determined following the outcome of the consultation.

A report of the submissions is being compiled. Due to the severe impact of Covid 19 on commercial operators this has been delayed.

06. Public Transport Infrastructure (NDIS Action 109 - CES Action 2.17 - SP Action 06, 07, 08 & 18)

01. ACCESSIBILITY RETRO-FIT PROGRAMME

Accessibility features, such as wheelchair accessibility and audio/visual aids, are built into all new public transport infrastructure projects and vehicles from the design stage. However, there are legacy issues in relation to older infrastructure and facilities, for example Victorian era railway infrastructure. To address these legacy issues, DoT funds an on-going programme of accessibility improvement grants, managed by the NTA, to upgrade existing older infrastructure and facilities. Funding for the ring-fenced Retro-fit Programme was trebled to almost €28million in 2018 for the period 2018-2021. The funding allocations for 2020 and 2021 are €7m and €9.8 respectively

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Rail accessibility Retro-fit

Since 2007, all 17 new rail stations have been built to accessibility standards. 118 of the 144 rail stations on the network have all platforms accessible and in the remaining 26 stations one platform is accessible. An audit carried out in 2014 has identified a further 54 stations that require upgrades. Since 2014, 22 of these have had accessibility works completed including Connolly station. 27 stations had smaller accessibility improvement works carried out in 2018.

• Construction is continuing on new overbridge and lift at train station and in Carlow station. There were some delays due to Covid 19 restrictions but it is still hoped to complete them in 2020. Accessibility works to Coolmine station are complete. Construction work has started for the installation of a footbridge at station. • Detailed design work on improving the accessibility to 15 railway stations is being carried out presently. Review of accessibility within the stations of Carlow, Ennis and Edgeworthstown also is planned. • A platform train interface is being investigated to determine if there is a method to bridge both the vertical and horizontal gaps between the platform and the trains.

Accessible bus bays at train stations

The NTA is also engaging with Irish Rail on the development of additional stops identified for upgrade to wheelchair accessible bus stops at and rail stations.

Accessible bus bays at bus stations

The NTA has been working with Bus Éireann and they have completed an upgrade of wheelchair accessible bays at Cavan, Monaghan, Sligo and Ballyshannon Bus Stations. Works are nearing completion for the provision of wheelchair accessible bus bays and external accessibility improvements at Rosslare, , and Stations. Designs have been agreed on the provision of wheelchair accessible bays and external accessibility improvements at Ballina, Athlone, Tramore and Bus Stations and tender documents are prepared. The remaining 7 stations of Busáras, Dundalk, Parnell Place Cork, Macroom, Ennis, and Longford are still being discussed for design.

Accessible bus stations

The NTA requested Bus Éireann to carry out Accessibility Audits on 18 of their Bus Stations buildings. The works have been listed and prioritised for future Works.

Bus stops in rural areas

All bus stops in Dublin, regional cities and towns are wheelchair accessible. Page 9 of 13

The NTA has carried out a nationwide survey of approximately 12,000 bus stops in Ireland with a view to determining which ones require work to make them accessible and to declutter the area by removing multiple operators poles and having one Transport for Ireland (TFI) pole to service all companies.

The NTA has set a target of having wheelchair accessible bus stops (one stop in each direction) in 43 towns with a population over 5,000. This would mean 50% of main towns would have a wheelchair accessible bus stop (1 in each direction). Engagement with local authorities and Bus Éireann is on-going. COVID-19 has limited construction works; however there is increased engagement by local authorities on the design of new bus stops. It is expected that 28 accessible stops will be completed by the end of December 2020 and several others will be in the design stage.

07. Public Transport Advance Notice (NDIS Action 110)

While all of the fleet operated by Irish Rail is accessible internally, the main issue with accessibility for wheelchair users is the platform train interface (gap) at stations. To address this gap, a mobile ramp is required between the platform and the carriage. At present there are no known heavy rail applications where an automatic wheelchair ramp is fitted and used by a wheelchair user without railway staff in attendance. In addition, not all rail stations are accessible. Accordingly advance notice is necessary to ensure that assistance is available to enable access for wheelchair users.

Irish Rail has reduced the notice time from 24 hours to 4 hours on the DART, Maynooth, Northern Commuter and Cork/Cobh/ routes. Information can be found on the Irish Rail website at https://www.irishrail.ie/en-IE/travel-information/accessibility-onboard-trains/access-dart-northern-commuter

Irish Rail Accessibility App.: Irish Rail is continuing to develop a smartphone accessibility app to address some of the key communication breakdowns that occur when providing assistance to persons with disabilities. Final development of the app is progressing well, with ongoing workshops. Testing sis scheduled to commence with Irish Rail staff in December. Information on the App can be found on the Irish Rail website at https://www.irishrail.ie/Travel- Information/accessibility-onboard-trains/access-dart-app

Irish Rail Customer Service Officers (CSOs): Irish Rail is rolling out Customer Service Officers on all Inter-city routes which will eliminate the advance notice requirement on such services. 70 out of a total of 120 CSOs are in place with a further 14 scheduled to commence training at end of November. The Covid -19 pandemic delayed the hiring of more but this will continue in 2021.

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08. Public Transport Communications (NDIS Action 111 - CES Action 2.19)

100% on board audio and visual ‘next stop’ announcements are available on all Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead fleet.

Next Stop Announcements project:

Bus Éireann fleet has, since 2015, been fitted with multimedia screens which show route progress and stop information. A project is underway to roll out on- board audio and visual announcements for all 6,000 bus stops in rural and regional areas. Bus Éireann have next stop on board announcements at 51% of their stops presently. The Company has been implementing other routes in the GDA and Cork in 2020.

DART Passenger Information System:

Whilst all DART trains are equipped with Passenger Information Systems (PIS) audio/visual system, 47% of the fleet is in need of upgraded PIS. The NTA has approved funding for the replacement of the DART PIS. Contract is due to be awarded by year end with installation due for completion in early 2022.

Wayfinding: A pilot wayfinding project has been undertaken at Killester station with signage now in place. Irish Rail plan to expand it to more stations

09. Public Transport Disability Awareness Training (NDIS 122 - SP 34, 35 & 36)

Just a Minute (JAM) Card:

The JAM Card was launched in Ireland in November 2019. It enables people with a communication barrier to tell others they need ‘Just A Minute’ discreetly and easily. NTA, Dublin Bus, Go Ahead, Irish Rail, Transdev (LUAS), Bus Éireann and Local Link are becoming JAM Card friendly. The NOW Group has facilitated the training of customer facing staff in the public transport operators to recognise the JAM Card and guidance on how to best assist customers.

The NTA is planning a campaign to further promote use of the JAM card.

Further information about the NOW Group, which developed the JAM Card, and the JAM Card itself can be found at https://www.nowgroup.org/ and https://jamcard.org/ respectively.

Disability awareness training is provided by all state transport operators and in recent contracts it is conditioned what level of disability awareness training it should be and that it be renewed every 3 years.

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Strict terms and conditions continue to be applied to the WAV grant to ensure vehicles are used for intended purpose and disability awareness training is a condition of the grant. Additionally, the NTA continues to endorse and promote the ‘Just A Minute’ campaign to assist public transport users by including JAM Card training in the training module for new taxi licenses.

10. Public Transport and Technology (CES Action 2.13, 2.18 & 5.10)

Leap Card:

Approximately 3.8million leap cards have been issued to date. A number of enhancements have been made to simplify payment for travel via different methods such as automatic top up, annual tickets, Leap App top up and top up at the ticket vending machines. Monthly and annual tickets are now available across the various Transport Operators in the GDA to simplify payment for fares. Year on year Leap Top-Up users are down 38% October 2020 vs October 2019.

Journey Planner

The journey planner features a wheelchair symbol for transport services that are known to be accessible. A New Journey Planner APP has been procured which includes accessibility elements that are still being developed.

Real Time Passenger information System

There are approximately 800 Passenger Information Displays installed to date. These show if the vehicles are wheelchair accessible by having the symbol in the RTPI unit. Real time app users are up 9% in 2020 vs 2019.

Next Generation Ticketing (NGT)

A survey has been sent out to User Groups nationwide which asks what type of ticket they use and how easy they find paying for travel. In the Market Consultation for the NGT suppliers have been informed that the solution for the NGT solutions should conform with the European standards for the Accessibility requirements for ICT products and services and Universal Design

11. Integration Measures (UNCRPD Article 09 - SP Action 22, 33, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 & 88)

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The DoT Accessibility Consultative Committee (ACC):

Meetings of the ACC are required to align with meetings of the NDIS Steering Group and the first two ACC meetings of 2020 took place on 22 January, and 08 July. The third meeting is scheduled for 25 November 2020.

Disability User Groups: Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, Go Ahead, Irish Rail and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (Luas) each have an Access Officer, and all have a Disability User Group in place, except Go Ahead who are planning to establish one. The Irish Rail Disability User Group met during the year, including on 11 June and 24 September with the next meeting scheduled for early December. The Company appointed a consultant with experience in the sector to carry out a review of the effectiveness of its Disability User Group.

NDIS Steering Group and CES Implementation Group: The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has lead responsibility for both the NDIS and CES. The NDIS Steering Group met on 06 February, 14 May and 29 September while the CES Implementation Group met on 06 February, 18 June and 14 October. The next meeting of the NDIS Steering Group, which both DoT and the NTA are represented on, is scheduled for 10 December 2020 while the next CES IG is scheduled for 02 December 2020

UNCRPD Initial state Report: The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has over-arching responsibility for disability issues in Ireland. As with the NDIS and the CES, it is currently leading on Ireland’s Implementation of the UNCRPD and Ireland’s Initial State Report which is due to be submitted to the UN later this year. DoT and the NTA are engaging with DVEDIY in the UNCRPD Implementation and the preparation of this Report.

Websites:

The Transport for Ireland (TFI) and NTA websites were recently upgraded to include accessibility requirements and give an Accessibility Statement. The TFI website is a “one stop shop” for public transport information www.transport for Ireland.ie.

From 05 October the Local Link website has transitioned from being a stand alone site to being fully integrated within the TFI website with ongoing refinements underway. This move is intended to reinforce and emphasise that Local Link is mainstream public transport and sits alongside the suite of other TFI branded public transport options.

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