Improving transport accessibility could significantly enhance economic growth by enabling millions more people to enter the workforce, according to new research by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. The organisation’s analysis indicates that the economic benefits of eliminating barriers in public transport would surpass the estimated costs of the High-Speed 2 (HS2) rail project, including its extensions to the North West and Scotland.

The report highlights how current transport infrastructure—buses, trains, and stations—often fails to accommodate individuals with disabilities or other mobility challenges, effectively excluding them from employment and educational opportunities. This exclusion, the report suggests, results in economic losses amounting to tens of billions of pounds annually.

James Partington, representing the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, described the situation as a “massive economic own goal,” emphasizing that addressing accessibility issues is not only a matter of social justice but also a strategic economic imperative. He stated that improving transport access is among the quickest ways to generate jobs, strengthen the economy, and prepare the country for future demands.

The analysis underscores the broader societal benefits of inclusive infrastructure, advocating for investment in accessible transport as a means to support wider economic participation. It positions accessibility as a key factor in unlocking growth potential across the nation, particularly in regions connected by HS2.