The ‘Travelling with Confidence’ programme, grant-funded by the Motability Foundation, has been developed in light of evidence showing the large proportion of disabled people facing barriers using rail, and how these can be reduced. Research by Scope shows 54% of disabled people often or always feel anxious using public transport, and 30% say difficulties with public transport reduce their mobility.

Experience in community rail demonstrates the benefits that can be unlocked through empowering disabled people through meaningful engagement and change to break down barriers, opening up rail and connected sustainable modes of travel.

The ‘Travelling with Confidence’ programme brings together four core delivery partners, with small grants available to other accredited community rail partnerships who want to deliver smaller-scale projects in their local areas. The two-year programme will engage over 1,800 disabled people with diverse needs and lived experiences, developing their skills and awareness and providing enriching rail travel experiences, while drawing on their input and enabling them to shape their involvement.

The core delivery partners, Community Rail Lancashire, GOCRP (Gloucestershire CRP and Oxfordshire CRP), Severnside CRP, and Southeast Communities Rail Partnership, worked with over 40 inclusion and disability partners in 2025.

Community Rail Network is coordinating the programme, gathering evidence and insights, and involving its wider membership of 75 community rail partnerships and 325 station groups, to share good practice and support wider activity. This will include providing small grants and advice to help more of its members set up similar initiatives in their local areas, aiming to empower hundreds more people and build a lasting legacy.

Read more about the programme and hear from the four core CRPs involved here.

Read our project update from September 2025 here.

Read our project update from February 2026 here.

Find out about our Travelling with Confidence small grants fund.