Improving disabled access to UK’s public transport ‘almost impossible’

Experts say sprawling' system, negative attitudes and lack of staff support makes equal access hard to ensure

• Shocking experiences': disabled people describe UK transport failures

When Tanni Grey-Thompson was left stranded at London's King's Cross station on her way to the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games in Paris this week, she had to crawl on to the platform.

Lady Grey-Thompson, a former Paralympic athlete and crossbench peer, said she and other disabled passengers frequently suffered humiliating incidents travelling by train. The system is just not working," she said.