Zach's Right to Ride: Making Public Transport Accessible for Wheelchair Users
A grassroots campaign fighting for genuine accessibility across buses and trains throughout the United Kingdom.
Our Mission: Freedom to Travel for Everyone
Full Accessibility
Ensuring public transport across the UK is genuinely accessible for wheelchair users, not just on paper but in practice.
Independent Travel
Empowering disabled people to travel independently, safely, and with the dignity every person deserves.
Inspired by Zach
Built on the personal experiences and unwavering determination of Zach Eagling's campaign for meaningful change.
Champion for Change
Meet Zach Eagling: A Young Champion for Accessibility
At just 14 years old, Zach from West Yorkshire is already making history. Living with cerebral palsy and epilepsy hasn't stopped him from becoming one of the UK's most inspiring young advocates for disability rights.
After successfully campaigning for Zach's Law—landmark legislation against online bullying targeting disabled people—he's now leading the charge for better access and support on buses, trains, and aeroplanes. Backed by his family, legal experts, and local MPs, Zach refuses to accept the barriers that prevent wheelchair users from travelling freely.
The Barriers Wheelchair Users Face on UK Public Transport
Despite legal protections, wheelchair users encounter persistent obstacles that transform routine journeys into stressful ordeals. The challenges are widespread, systematic, and urgently need addressing.
Limited Accessible Seating
Insufficient wheelchair spaces on buses and trains create an unpredictable "lottery" where users never know if they'll actually be able to board.
Unreliable Assistance
Assistance services at stations and airports frequently fail to materialise, leaving wheelchair users stranded and unable to complete their journeys.
Damaged Wheelchairs
Poor handling during air travel causes distressing damage to wheelchairs—essential mobility equipment that's irreplaceable and often custom-made.
Infrastructure Gaps
Overcrowding, lack of step-free access, and insufficient priority seating remain widespread across the transport network.
Shocking statistic: Disabled people make 25% fewer trips annually compared to non-disabled people, primarily due to transport barriers (Department for Transport).
Your Rights Under UK Law
Understanding your legal entitlements is the first step towards demanding the service you deserve. UK law provides robust protections for disabled passengers.
Equality Act 2010
Requires transport providers to make reasonable adjustments to remove physical barriers and ensure equal access for disabled passengers.
Accessible Travel Policies
All transport providers must publish clear policies detailing the support and assistance available to disabled passengers.
Assistance Entitlements
Disabled passengers have the right to assistance, alternative accessible transport when needed, and guaranteed priority seating.
Financial Support
The Disabled Person's Railcard offers up to one-third off rail fares for eligible users, making travel more affordable.
Protected Companions
Assistance dogs and essential companions are protected under law and must be accommodated on all public transport.
Zach's Campaign: Three Key Demands for Change
Our petition focuses on practical, achievable reforms that would transform daily travel for wheelchair users across the UK. These aren't radical requests—they're basic standards of dignity and accessibility.
More Accessible Seats
Significantly increase the number of wheelchair spaces on all buses, trains, and public transport vehicles to end the access lottery.
Reliable Assistance Staff
Improve the reliability and punctuality of assistance staff at stations and airports so disabled passengers can travel with confidence.
Respectful Equipment Handling
Ensure careful, respectful handling of wheelchairs, especially during air travel, preventing damage to essential mobility equipment.
1,000+
Current Signatures
Supporters who've already joined the movement
10K
Our Target
Signatures needed to present to Government
We're building momentum, but we need your voice. When we reach 10,000 signatures, we'll present this petition directly to Government ministers and transport authorities, demanding action and accountability.
How You Can Help: Join the Movement
Real change happens when ordinary people take action together. Whether you're a wheelchair user, a family member, or simply someone who believes in equality, your support matters enormously.
Sign the Petition
Add your name to Zach's petition and show transport providers and the Government that accessible travel is non-negotiable.
Share Our Story
Amplify Zach's voice on social media to raise awareness nationwide and reach people who can make a difference.
Success Stories and Progress So Far
Change is happening, and it's happening because people like Zach refuse to stay silent. Every victory proves that determined advocacy can transform laws, attitudes, and infrastructure.
We're building on momentum from Zach's Law and growing support across communities, proving that when we stand together, accessibility becomes unstoppable.
1
2023: Zach's Law
Landmark legislation introduced tough penalties for online bullying targeting disabled people.
2
Growing Support
Increasing public and political backing for accessible transport campaigns nationwide.
3
Advocacy Networks
Transport for All and partner organisations providing crucial advice and advocacy for disabled travellers.
4
Infrastructure Recognition
Rising acknowledgment of the need for inclusive design in transport infrastructure planning.
Resources and Support for Wheelchair Users
Knowledge is power. These resources help wheelchair users understand their rights, plan accessible journeys, and access the support they're entitled to receive.
Access Cards
Discover how Access Cards can help you communicate your specific accessibility needs quickly and easily to transport staff.
Booking Assistance
Step-by-step guidance on booking assistance and understanding your rights when travelling on trains and buses.
Advocacy Contacts
Direct contacts for organisations offering expert travel advice and legal support for disability-related transport issues.
Journey Planning
Practical tips for planning accessible journeys with confidence, including apps and tools designed for wheelchair users.
Need immediate help? Transport for All's helpline offers free, confidential advice for disabled passengers facing accessibility barriers: 0330 818 8282
Together, We Can Make Public Transport Work for Everyone
Zach's Vision
A future where wheelchair users travel freely across the UK without barriers, anxiety, or worry—just like everyone else.
Your Voice Matters
Help us create a nation where accessibility is the standard expectation, not a rare exception or afterthought.
Join the Movement
Sign up, get involved, and ride with us towards a more inclusive, accessible tomorrow for all disabled people.
Every signature brings us closer to real change. Every share reaches someone who can help. Every voice added to this campaign makes accessibility impossible to ignore. Stand with Zach—stand for equality.