Taking place at UCL, Newcastle University and the University of Westminster, the doctoral studies will explore the use of augmented reality in mobile navigation for those with visual impairments.

The researchers will also develop design practice to create policy and guidance for accessible travel spaces.

The grants follow a pilot scholarship programme at Coventry University’s National Transport Design Centre and extend the programme to include more universities and to expand the scope, with research areas now including accessible transport policy and practice, alongside transport design. 

Rachael Badger, director of performance and innovation at the Motability Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be awarding grants through our PhD scholarship programme to support more disabled people to use their lived experience to undertake research into transport design, policy and practice.

“Research led by disabled people, with an understanding of the complex issues faced in travel, is key to finding accessible transport solutions.”

The pilot programme began in 2021 and currently supports three PhD students at Coventry University, who are researching rail travel and aviation.