Door to Door: a travel guide for disabled peopleGoing by road: Buses & coachesBusesIf you are a wheelchair user, buses are becoming more accessible as older, inaccessible vehicles are being replaced by modern low floor buses with ramps that enable wheelchair users to use them. Although not all buses described as 'low floor' are completely wheelchair accessible yet, over the next few years all buses will become fully accessible. You can see the timetable for full bus accessibility in the Legislation section. If you do not use a wheelchair but have difficulty walking, climbing steps or holding handrails, you will find that modern buses are already much easier to use with level access or lower entry and exit steps, near to the doors, easier to grip handrails, and 'bus stopping' signs so that you know the driver will be stopping at the next stop. The Conduct of Drivers, Inspectors, Conductors and Passengers Regulations say that the driver must provide reasonable assistance to wheelchair users and other disabled persons if asked, or if they think it might be needed. However, there may be circumstances when this may risk the health and safety of the disabled person, other passengers, the driver or security of the vehicle, in which case the driver may legitimately decline such a request. If there are other non-disabled passengers in the wheelchair space, the driver should ask them to move so that a wheelchair user can board the bus, but the driver cannot make them move. Wheelchair accessible buses have a designated space with a padded backrest for you to park against for you to travel in safety and comfort, you should always use this space. Make sure that the back of your wheelchair is against the backrest. You should never travel sideways, or at an angle, as this is not safe and could be dangerous if the bus brakes sharply or is in an accident. Also make sure that you are not blocking the gangways and exits. Once in position, make sure that your brakes are on. If you have a powered wheelchair, make sure that you switch you power unit off, powered wheelchairs should never be left in freewheel mode. If you can transfer between your wheelchair and a seat, getting a folded wheelchair on board can be a difficult procedure and there may not be much, if any space for the folded wheelchair on the bus. Since October 2002 Assistance Dogs have been allowed on all buses, no matter what the age or type. If you are visually impaired the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) can supply large-print numbered cards for use at bus stops as well as a plastic card with the word BUS printed in bold type to attract the driver's attention, this is especially helpful when using 'hail and ride' services - onlineshop.rnib.org.uk/browse.asp?n=11&c=49&sc=146&it=1&l=3. PostbusesIn many rural areas the Postbus service is the only form of public transport available, linking isolated communities. This service is operated by Royal Mail to carry passengers as well as to deliver and collect mail. There are over 200 routes throughout the UK, some of which use wheelchair accessible vehicles. The Postbus website gives more general information about the service, but you should contact your local Royal Mail Customer Service Centre to check which routes use accessible vehicles.Royal Mail Customer Service Centre: CoachesPeople usually travel by coach for longer distances, or trips. At the moment, coaches used on scheduled coach services are not always very accessible to some disabled people, as they often have several steep steps up from the entrance door and are not usually wheelchair accessible. Most coaches on scheduled routes in the UK will not carry powered wheelchairs or scooters. National Express (www.nationalexpress.com) will take folding manual wheelchairs in the luggage compartment but they normally require seven days notice. However since 2005 (under the Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 2000) all new coaches on scheduled routes must have improved access for ambulant and sensory impaired passengers and wheelchair access. National Express is introducing a new generation of coaches onto the UK network that feature a wheelchair lift incorporated into the passenger entrance. The easy access coach features a wider entrance and a completely flat floor throughout the coach to aid mobility for all. A streamlined NX Magic Floor Lift is incorporated into the passenger entrance and when deployed, the wheelchair is locked in place and the customer safely and securely uses the same standard three-point seat belt as other customers. Other features include reclining leather seats, air conditioning and a large toilet on the same level as the passenger accommodation (although the toilet itself is not wheelchair accessible). A programme of routes is currently being planned to roll-out the accessible coach across the network, with the whole National Express network being fully accessible by 2012. The following services are already operating with easy access vehicles. The majority of locations along these routes can be used by the easy access coach and wheelchair users, but you are requested to contact National Express Disabled Persons' Travel Helpline for further information before travelling.
To ensure that you can travel at your required time, and so that drivers are fully aware of when you are travelling, it is strongly recommended that you make a reservation in advance by telephoning the National Express Disabled Persons Travel Helpline on 08717 818179. A textphone is provided for customers who are deaf or hard of hearing on 0121 455 0086. More information about the assistance which National Express can offer passengers is given on their website www.nationalexpress.com/coach/ourservice/disabled.cfm (home page: www.nationalexpress.com) If you need assistance getting on and off the coach always ask for this when you book your ticket. Key points to consider:
Another scheduled coach service which uses wheelchair accessible vehicles is the "Oxford Tube", between Oxford and London (Victoria Coach Station), with stops in West London. All the vehicles have low floor access and the service operates at very frequent intervals throughout the day, so wheelchair users do not have to book a space in advance. (www.oxfordtube.com). Coach stations Coach hire Coach holidays Going abroad by coach Updated: 20.02.08 | Contact: dptac@dft.gsi.gov.uk |