"Investing in the UK transport network to make it fully accessible to disabled passengers could boost the economy by £176 billion by helping millions more people into work, according to a report. Making the economic case for an inclusive transport network, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, the IMEC-E, said the current system was inaccessible to almost a quarter of the working age population, highlighting the lack of lifts and ramps at stations, large gaps on platforms and a lack of tactical paving and sensitive, friendly environment. IMEC-E said that people were being shut out of work, education and everyday life. Its report found almost half of disabled professionals have turned down job opportunities because of transport issues, leaving about 2.8 million people effectively locked out of the workforce in part because of transport barriers. Based on the Office for National Statistics, estimated on an average workers annual contribution to economic output of about £63,000."