Toyota Mobility Foundation and Sociability deliver accessible journey planning in Derby
- Pilot delivers personalised and accessible journey planning across transport and venues.
- Key transport hubs in Derby now mapped with detailed accessibility information.
- Enhanced Open API enables cities and platforms to integrate accessible routing and filters.
London, UK – The Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) and Sociability have completed a multi‑year pilot in Derby, UK, delivering new accessible journey planning capabilities that support independent mobility for people with disabilities.
Since 2021, TMF has supported Sociability’s work to expand accessibility data beyond venues alone. The completed platform brings venue accessibility and public transport routing together in a single experience allowing users to personalise accessibility requirements across their entire journey.
As part of the project, accessibility data for Derby’s transport infrastructure was integrated into Sociability’s platform, with an enhanced API enabling partners and third‑party developers to access and apply it within their own services.
The pilot was delivered together with Derby City Council, University of Derby and other local stakeholders, with disabled transport users involved throughout the development. The project generated practical insight into what it takes to design and deploy accessible routing across multiple user journeys, both within existing platforms and new features. Continuous input from disabled users and iterative testing were central to delivery, ensuring the solution supports independent travel and real‑world use.
Project insights will guide further development, including additional accessibility filters, expanded transport modes and exploration of real‑time updates. The routing feature is currently in closed beta, with Sociability engaging cities and regions interested in collaboration.
This aligns closely with TMF’s mission to support mobility innovations that deliver real, lasting benefit to society.
Find more information on Toyota Mobility Foundation Press Room.
The Toyota Mobility Foundation (Chair Akio Toyoda, hereafter referred to as “TMF”) was established in August 2014 by the Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) to support the development of a more mobile society in which everyone can move freely. The Foundation underscores Toyota’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and respect for people. It utilizes Toyota’s expertise and technologies to support strong mobility systems while eliminating disparities in mobility. TMF works in partnership with universities, governments, non-profits, research institutions and other organizations, creating programs that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address mobility issues around the world.
“TMF aims to create a truly mobile society that will help people live better lives no matter where they are,” said Chair Akio Toyoda.
Sociability helps disabled people find accessible places. A leading disabled-led, accessibility data platform, Sociability’s free mobile app and website empower disabled people to find personalised accessibility information for thousands of local venues. Based in London, UK, Sociability provides detailed accessibility data for almost 20,000 venues across the UK – with almost 15,000 of those in London itself. Sociability partners with leading organisations and employers – such as Toyota, Arup, Foster + Partners and more – to better understand, improve and communicate the accessibility of their premises to its rapidly growing community of more than 70,000 users and followers across the world. To learn more about Sociability, please visit http://www.sociability.app or contact hello@sociability.app