GOVERNMENT suggestions to improve transport for disabled people have been called “total drivel” by Mick Cash.

The RMT general secretary has lashed out at Transport Minister Jesse Norman’s call for the development of self-driving vehicles and transport apps to boost accessibility.

The government has set out its aim to create a transport system that can offer equal access for disabled and vulnerable people by 2030.

Mr Norman said that self-driving technology could improve the mobility of elderly, vulnerable and disabled travellers and could help alleviate problems related to isolation and loneliness.

But Mr Cash expressed his scepticism that the DfT under Chris Grayling would be able to create a viable model for disabled and vulnerable people’s travel.

Mr Cash told the Star: “Travel apps and technology are all very well, but it’s total drivel from Chris Grayling’s DfT to suggest that they are an alternative to having staff on hand to assist passengers with disabilities.

“We have seen from the driver-only operations chaos on Southern Rail what happens when the rail companies are allowed to pursue alternative models that axe staff.

“Passengers with disabilities are left cut off and stranded.”

The world’s first trials of self-driving vehicles for blind army veterans were launched in April through a joint venture between the Blind Veterans charity and Coventry-based development firm Aurrigo.

Projects that do not have a provision for wheelchair users or other vulnerable people who face transport difficulties risk being denied Department for Transport (DfT) funding.