Transport for London (TfL)

View gallery Transport for London (TfL)

Project Brief

Transport for London (TfL) manages most of the public transport in London, moving approximately 1.4 billion people annually. A core objective for TfL is to make this extensive and complex network as accessible as possible for every passenger.

While step-free access is being improved across stations, TfL wanted to understand the less obvious challenges faced by passengers with cognitive or sensory disabilities, such as dementia, panic attacks, or sight loss. The aim was to ensure that passengers with hidden disabilities could navigate the transport system safely, independently, and with confidence.

Project Scope

Motionspot was engaged to enhance the travel experience for passengers with cognitive and sensory disabilities across the London Underground, Overground, bus services, and streetscapes.

Access and Inclusive Design Review

Conducted detailed assessments of station layouts and operational environments, focusing on Euston Station, one of London’s busiest and most challenging transport hubs.
Focus Groups: Engaged with passengers with hidden disabilities to understand barriers, pain points, and opportunities for improvement.

Inclusive Design Recommendations

Developed a set of accessible design principles and practical guidance to improve wayfinding, spatial clarity, environmental cues, and sensory considerations.
These recommendations were designed to empower passengers with invisible disabilities to travel more confidently and independently across London.

Project Impact

Motionspot’s work has provided TfL with a strategic framework for improving accessibility for passengers with hidden disabilities, complementing existing step-free and physical access initiatives.

The inclusive design principles and recommendations have been shared at the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) global conference, influencing accessibility best practices worldwide and reinforcing TfL’s leadership in inclusive transport design.

The project has helped ensure that London’s transport network is safer, more navigable, and more welcoming, supporting the independence and wellbeing of all passengers, including those with cognitive or sensory disabilities.