Buses

Overview
Role of the working group
What we have done
What we are doing
Top Tips

Overview

Everyone should be able to get to, and use, bus and coach services, including bus stations and information. For many people this is currently still not possible due to barriers created by the design, management and operation of the local bus and coach services and the surrounding infrastructure.

The Government have asked DPTAC to advise on why this is the case and recommend strategic actions to address problems facing disabled people when using bus and coach services. Much is already being done.

DPTAC's specification for low-floor buses, first issued in 1985, has been widely adopted and accepted as the normal practice.

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 aims to prevent the discrimination of disabled people and to ensure bus and coach services are accessible. New buses and coaches will have to comply with Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations. By 2004 those bus stations and associated infrastructure will have to be accessible to disabled people.

Local bus operators and authorities are working together in many areas to improve the quality of services. One area often included is access for disabled people. There is also work being undertaken on passenger information, covered in more detail on our travel information section.

The Transport Act 2000 requires local authorities to offer a free pass that entitles disabled people to a minimum 50% concession on local bus services.

Transport 2010: The 10 Year Plan for Transport makes a commitment that accessibility for disabled people will be a condition of public money being spent. Local authorities are developing Bus Strategies which should include how evidence of how accessibility for disabled people will be built in.

These requirements will improve access for disabled people but there is still further work required to meet the needs of everyone.

Role of the working group

The Bus, Coach and Community Transport Working Group was re-established in 2003.

Our main objective is to advise on improving access to bus and coach services for disabled people, taking into account complementary advice from other DPTAC Working Groups.

Our membership includes representatives from disability interests and those concerned with the regulation, manufacturer and operation of the bus and coach services. We also have observers from the Department for Transport and other Government agencies.

Our role is to focus on the strategic issues. This enables DPTAC to be more effective in influencing the process and outcome in all areas rather than specific schemes and routes. Our work helps to inform those seeking to improve access at a local level. Local people will be aware of how this guidance can be applied to local circumstances.

Our advice to Government champions the promotion of an accessible transport system.

An accessible transport system is one that recognises the need for every stage in the journey to be accessible to disabled people, including access to information, the bus stop and the vehicle. It sets out to include as many people as possible. It does not attempt to meet every single need. Rather, by considering people's diversity, accessible transport systems try to break down unnecessary barriers and exclusion. In doing so it will often achieve superior solutions that benefit everyone.

What we have done

We have;

• published a revised Accessibility Specification for Small Buses Designed to Carry 9 to 22 Passengers (Inclusive) - November 2007.
• published Accessibility Specification for Small Buses Designed to Carry 9 to 22 Passengers (Inclusive) - December 2001.
• advised on the development of accessibility regulations (Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 2000), introduced under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
• advised the DfT on a new training video to help bus drivers understand their new responsibilities towards passengers with disabilities.
• became involved in the trial of audible and visual announcements on buses.

What we are doing

Our current activities include:

• Monitoring developments in audible and visual announcements on buses and destination displays.
• Encouraging good practice in publication of printed material.
• reviewing the provision of concessionary fares.

We welcome your comments and views on the issues raised above and any priorities not considered. Click here to e-mail us ideas.

Top Tips

If you are a bus or coach operator;

• Ensure your staff are competent in access issues. Training is available;
• Ensure you follow recommended guidelines on access;
• Regularly review access for disabled people, perhaps using the experiences of disabled people with a range of impairments;
• Publish information in accessible formats on what you provide for disabled people;
• Ask disabled people what problems they experience using your services.

If you are a disabled person;

• Contact the National Federation of Bus Users (www.bususers.org) or your local access group if you want to get more closely involved in local bus services;
• Ask your council about their concessionary fares scheme;
• If you have a problem with using bus services, contact in the first instance the operator to make them aware of the difficulty.
• If this fails then contact The Bus Appeals Body or relevant devolved organisation. Details can be found at www.bususers.org/complain.htm.

If you develop bus and coach vehicles;

• Be aware of the requirements and good practice on accessible bus and coach services.
• Consult disabled people when designing new products.

• Publications & other resources
• Links

Top of page