Prof Mari Martiskainen
On the 19 February 2025, Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood announced the appointment of 13 new members to the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC).
Established by the Transport Act 1985, DPTAC aims to provide independent advice to the Department for Transport (DfT) on the needs of disabled people, supporting the UK government’s ambition to have an inclusive transport network. The new appointees bring experience in disability academia, policy and transport accessibility.
After a competitive application process, Prof Mari Martiskainen has been appointed to DPTAC for the next three years.
Mari Martiskainen is a Professor of Energy and Society and Director of the Energy Demand Research Centre, based at SPRU - Science Policy Research Unit. She is also a member of the Sussex Energy Group, which she co-directed between 2021 and 2024.
“I am delighted to join DPTAC as a member,” Mari commented. “Around 24% of people in the UK have a disability, while many more will have additional mobility needs during their life, be it while having small children in prams or needing help later in life.
“In my role as a DPTAC member, I will highlight invisible disabilities in particular. As an avid public transport user, I am also excited to work towards creating a more sustainable transport system that has accessibility at its heart.”
DPTAC has helped to inform the DfT’s accessibility improvement work, including the Access For All programme which has made over 260 train stations accessible, as well as the Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group launched in 2024.
The Public Service Vehicles (Accessible Information) Regulations 2023, which require operators of local bus and coach services to provide information on the route, direction of travel and each upcoming stop, was also informed by DPTAC work.
“Having a fully inclusive and accessible transport system for disabled people will also make it better for everyone else,” Mari commented. “I look forward to working closely with the other committee members as well as colleagues at the Department for Transport.”
Congratulations to Mari on her appointment.