CCS Disability Action project backed by Kinetic to uncover invisible transport exclusion

CCS Disability Action has received a $5,000 grant from Kinetic’s Moving Around Communities fund to develop a groundbreaking framework that measures transport exclusion – the journeys disabled people don’t take due to accessibility barriers.

Most transport data focuses on trips that happen. This project flips the lens to look at the ones that don’t. Whether it’s a missing curb cut, an inaccessible bus stop, or a lack of safe crossings, these barriers quietly shape people’s lives – and they’re not currently measured.

The project will integrate new questions into travel surveys and use observational data to identify patterns of exclusion across communities. These insights will help transport planners and policymakers invest in infrastructure that truly includes everyone.

“Transport exclusion is often invisible, but its impact is real,” says Mary O’Brien, Access Advisor at CCS Disability Action. “Thanks to Kinetic’s generous support, we can shine a light on the barriers that prevent disabled people from participating fully in their communities.”

The initiative will also measure diversity of participation at street level, such as mobility aid usage, and identify high-exclusion zones. Findings will be shared with decision-makers to inform inclusive transport strategies nationwide.

CCS Disability Action has supported disabled people and their whānau across Aotearoa since 1935. With 17 branches and a commitment to equity and inclusion, the organisation continues to lead change in access, advocacy, and support.

“Over half of us will experience disability by age 65,” says Bridget Doran, Research and Transport Engineer, who will be collaborating with CCS Disability Action on the project. “This work isn’t just about today’s users – it’s about building transport systems that work for all of us.”

The grant marks a significant step toward proactive, data-driven inclusion in transport planning and aims to ensure no one is left behind in future.

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