Inclusive Transport Futures: A National Invitation to Partner in Research and Innovation

Why Inclusive Transport Matters

Transport is essential for independence, health and wellbeing, and social and economic participation. Yet, it remains one of the most reported forms of disability discrimination in Australia. Despite decades of reform, 35% of people with disability still face barriers to public transport.

With the rise of digital technologies (including AI, smart glasses and autonomous vehicles); growing expectations for inclusive infrastructure (e.g. Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games), and the push for more sustainable urban planning in our cities and regions - now is the time to radically transform transport systems through inclusive innovation.

We invite industry, government, and community organisations to join us in shaping a national research agenda that delivers real-world impact for inclusive transport.

Our Collaborative Strength

This initiative brings together leading researchers from three universities with deep expertise in inclusive design, transport equity, digital innovation, and lived experience research.

Professor Elizabeth Kendall – Griffith University

Director of Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability. A national leader in disability and rehabilitation research, citizen science and consumer-led research. Elizabeth established and was the founding Director of The Hopkins Centre, a partnership between Griffith University, Queensland Health and the National Injury Insurance Scheme, Queensland, leading translational research in disability inclusion and rehabilitation.

Dr Lisa Stafford – Griffith University

Australian Research Council Future Fellow and recognised leader in planning inclusive communities. Lisa leads research across disability participation, planning and transport equity including trips not made, whole-of-journey mapping, planning strategies and co-creation with lived experience.

Professor Kim Marriott – Monash University

Expert in digital assistive technologies, Kim’s research focuses on emerging technologies, such as AI and smart glasses for accessible information access and wayfinding.

Professor Graham Currie – Monash University

Internationally recognised leader in public transport planning and policy. Graham brings deep expertise in transport equity, infrastructure reform, and strategic planning.

Professor Simon Darcy – University of Technology Sydney

Global leader in inclusive tourism and transport. Simon’s work spans universal design, accessibility innovation, and lived experience research, with a focus on systems change.

Potential Project Areas

We are seeking partners to co-design and pilot research in areas such as:

• Inclusive Journey Mapping: Understanding the full travel experience for people with disability, from planning to arrival.
• Trips Not Made: Investigating the impact of inaccessible travel on tourism, wellbeing, and social and economic participation.
• Navigation within transport hubs: Addressing signage, navigation in complex, stressful environments, and unexpected hazards.
• Handling Disruptions: Creating accessible communication systems for real-time updates and alternative routing.
• Accessible journey planning: Developing an AI-powered travel assistant for whole of journey support starting with pre-journey planning.
• Passenger Assistance Mechanisms: Designing scalable support systems for regional and remote travel.
• Consumer-Led Innovation: Engaging people with lived experience to identify priorities and test new service models.
• Workforce Development: Training transport staff in inclusive service delivery and accessibility awareness.
• Policy and Standards Engagement: Supporting implementation of disability standards and creating user-friendly guides.

Funding Pathways

We are actively preparing proposals under two major Australian Research Council grant schemes:

ARC Linkage Project

Proposed focus on supporting navigation and information access in transport hubs.[MM5] [LS6]

• Deadline: 18 March 2026
• Funding: $300,000–$400,000 over 2-3 years
• Partner Contributions: Cash and/or in-kind
• Optional: Co-fund PhDs via the National Industry PhD Program

ARC Collaborate Centre

A large-scale national consortium grant to drive long-term transformation in inclusive transport.

• Expected Deadline: Late 2026
• Funding: Up to $5 million over 5 years
• Focus: Whole-of-journey accessibility, inclusive technologies, systems reform, and workforce development

Contact Us

To express interest or explore partnership opportunities, please contact the team at:
inclusivefutures@griffith.edu.au

Professor Elizabeth Kendall

Director, Inclusive Futures: Reimagining Disability

e.kendall@griffith.edu.au

Professor Kimbal Marriott

Director, Monash Assistive Technology and Society (MATS) Centre

k.marriott@monash.edu