A GOLCAR woman is helping to highlight the problem wheelchair users face when using public transport.

Rebecca Unsworth has muscular dystrophy and relies on a wheelchair when she goes out.

And now the 26-year-old has joined forces with disabled people throughout the UK as part of a Muscular Dystrophy Campaign to lobby the government to improve standards.

Rebecca, a childcare and disability studies student, said: “Using buses can be a bit hit and miss.

“It all depends on the driver and the type of bus and whether it is busy.

“I use a wheelchair so need the ramp to get on the bus and some don’t have them.

“Often there is only one space for a wheelchair and there are already prams in it.

“Taxis are much better, but then they are a lot more expensive.”

Rebecca has a condition known as central core disease – a disorder that affects the muscles used for movement.

It is genetic and her mother and sister also have it, but they are able to walk much easier.

She is one of Muscular Dystrophy’s Trailblazers – a group of 16 to 30-year-olds fighting for the rights of young disabled people.

On Tuesday the charity presented the End Of The Line report, which includes Rebecca’s experience, to the government in a bid to improve standards on public transport.

Rebecca, who is applying for university next year, added: “I hope the campaign will make it easier for people like me to use buses.

“People need to feel comfortable and confident to go out on their own and know they can get about easily without feeling like they are putting anyone out.”

The report presented to parliament reveals that wheelchair users are forced to pay more to use public transport because some cheaper modes such as coaches are not available for them.

It also revealed that half of train stations lack basic facilities for the disabled.

While on a third of bus trips young disabled people were unable to board the first bus which arrived.

Rebecca added: “Most people find it easy to get around and be independent, but when you are disabled simple tasks like travelling can be extremely difficult.

“I hope that by joining forces with other young disabled commuters from across the UK we’ll have a real impact and access to public transport can be improved.”

More than 60,000 people have muscular dystrophy or a related condition.

It causes muscles to weaken, making it hard for those affected to get about.