UK’s leading wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) hire service, Open Road Access (ORA) reflects on an extraordinary year of growth, innovation, and connections. Throughout 2024, the company actively engaged in commitment to inclusivity, from providing accessible car rental to launching new WAV hire services, creating meaningful partnerships, and supporting the disabled community. 2024 has been about making travel more inclusive, hassle-free, and accessible for all.

“2024 has been a year full of learnings and positive change in accessible transport” says David Dew-Veal, Director of Strategy and Innovation at Proximo Group.

Open Road Access served over 1,000 customers
In 2024, Open Road Access served over 1,000 customers. Their vehicles played a vital role in events such as birthday celebrations, weddings, European vacations, and family gatherings.

Building Connections and Partnerships
Naidex and UK Care Week
The company joined disability advocates, caregivers, and industry leaders to address challenges in accessible transport at Naidex and UK Care Week. The events allowed ORA to engage directly with WAV car hire customers and hear powerful insights on overcoming transportation barriers.

Care Roadshow
Throughout the year, Open Road Access attended Care Roadshow events across the UK. These interactions with care professionals highlighted how wheelchair accessible vehicles can enhance the lives of care home residents.

Rebuilding Lives Conference
ORA sponsored and exhibited at the Rebuilding Lives Conference, which focuses on supporting individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Community Collaborations
The company also partnered with Lakes for All and Accessible Holiday Escapes to support wheelchair users in enjoying hassle-free accessible getaways. ORA’s community newsletter was another big milestone this year, keeping conversations flowing and ensuring their customers stay informed, inspired, and connected. On the conversation front, ORA launched insightful podcasts featuring advocates like Simon Minty and Martyn Sibley, amplifying disabled community voices.

Advocating for Accessible Air Travel
In 2024, Open Road Access hosted a groundbreaking webinar, bringing together experts from the Rights on Flights campaign, industry leaders and the disabled community. Panellists, including Christopher Wood MBE, Martyn Sibley, and David Dew-Veal together with the disabled community explored solutions for safer, more dignified air travel.

Launch of Exciting Services
Airport WAV Hire Service
ORA introduced a WAV hire service available at all major UK airports. This initiative enables wheelchair users visiting the UK to explore the country independently, offering a seamless travel experience.

Refer & Earn and Price Match Promise
Open Road Access also launched its Price Match Promise and a Refer & Earn program.

Driving accessibility forward in 2025
Building on positive customer feedback, the company remains dedicated to providing accessible transportation for all, whether for a day, a year, or anywhere in between. Open Road Access is expanding its services to meet growing demand, refining its processes to make booking and using their services even easier and building partnerships that drive accessibility forward.

“To our customers, partners, and team: thank you for being part of our journey. Your stories, trust, and feedback inspire us every day” adds Dew-Veal.

Discover more on:
https://openroadaccess.co.uk/reflecting-on-2024-a-year-of-growth-connection-and-progress/

ENDS