Re-statement
of Recommended Specification
for Buses Used to Operate Local Services
Contents
Introduction
Over 10 per cent of the people living in Britain have some degree of
disability which makes it difficult for them to travel by bus. About 20
per cent of bus passengers are over retirement age, and in off-peak periods
the majority of pubiic transport users have some form of impaired mobility
- not just through disability or age, but as a result of being encumbered
by shopping bags or trollies, by heavy luggage, or by travelling with
small children and a push-chair or "baby buggy". Retaining these passengers
and attracting more of them provides an important opportunity to increase
bus use and hence revenue.
The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) has published
two reports (a Recommended Specification in June 1988, and a First Progress
Report in July 1990) setting out a specification and practical advice
on implementing features on buses to help mobility impaired passengers
to identify their bus and to board, travel and alight more easily, quickly
and safely. Importantly, the recommended features also help all other
passengers, thereby making the bus service more attractive and reducing
delays and passenger accidents.
The main features of the 1988 DPTAC specification have been reviewed
and amended where necessary, and are now restated in this document. Buses
for operation commercially or on tendered services (including mini- and
midi-buses) should, in the Committee's view, comply with these requirements.
Only buses which fully conform to this Specification should be advertised
or referred to as meeting DPTAC requirements.
Most new buses can be ordered with many of the specified features already
incorporated, and others can be added at little or no extra cost. The
July 1990 DPTAC report gives examples of what can be done to convert existing
buses retrospectively to meet the specification without excessive cost.
The Committee recommends that, when Tendering Authorities evaluate operators'
proposals, those bids which incorporate use of buses that meet the greatest
proportion of the full DPTAC specification should generally stand the
highest chance of acceptance.
In reaching a final decision, Authorities should have regard for the
value of improved accessibility and ought not to award contracts solely
on the basis of price.
This Specification does not make provision for the carriage of passengers
in wheelchairs. When the planned UK trials of low-floor buses have been
completed, it is the intention that a supplementary DPTAC Specification
will be produced.
Explanation of Main Features Required
1. Bus Exterior
Many partially-sighted and elderly passengers find it difficult to identify
the bus they want amongst approaching traffic, especially a small bus.
Good destination and route number displays, clearly legible by day and
by night, are of vital importance. Commercial advertising should not detract
from them. Side and rear displays - at least of the route number - are
an important addition.
White or bright yellow lettering on black is most clearly visible, especially
for visually impaired passengers, and lower case lettering (as on Motorway
signs) is easiest to read. "Dot matrix" or-LED/LCD type indicators should
only be used if they give as clear a display as roller blinds - particularly
in conditions such as bright sunlight or darkness.
Front destination displays should preferably be fitted above the windscreen
so that they are not hidden by other traffic. If, less suitably, the information
is only provided at the top of, and inside, a tall windscreen, care must
be taken to ensure that it is clear IV visible (e.g.: especially where
the display is fitted behind curved glass).
A front route number display to the right (i.e. nearside) of the destination
helps waiting passengers identify the service they want when the approaching
bus is hidden behind other vehicles. Other major points served on the
journey can also be included, especially for longer services or where
alternative routes are followed, but care should be taken not to sacrifice
legibility of the ultimate destination displayed.
2. Entrances and Exits
Many passengers have difficulty in using steps more than 200mm high,
although the provision of adequate non-slip handrails can increase this
by about another 100mm. Because there may be no pavement or drivers cannot
pull into the kerb, the initial step height has to be measured from road
level with an unladen bus.
With adequate handrails about 95 per cent of elderly and disabled passengers
can manage steps of 250mm, but this percentage drops rapidly with higher
steps so that only about 65 per cent of ambulant disabled people find
it "just possible" to manage a step of 350mm.
The number and height of the other entrance/exit steps is also critical,
and three or more steep steps can be a frightening obstacle for many passengers,
especially when they are alighting. Buses with floor height not exceeding
650mm are clearly preferable and high-floor coaches are not suitable for
use on local bus services. The lowest possible step and floor heights
will increase the boarding and alighting speeds of all passengers and
reduce the potential for accidents, thus retaining existing custom and
attracting more passengers.
3. Other Steps / Stairs
As many passengers feel insecure on sloping surfaces, especially when
the bus is moving or braking, a flat floor from the top of the entrance
steps at least towards the area of the rear axle is necessary, with any
internal steps at this point grouped together.
4. Doorways
Conflict arises because some elderly and disabled passengers need handrails
on both sides of the doorway to help them climb onto the bus, or to support
them as they descend. Other passengers, however, need sufficient width
to carry shopping bags or children and folded pushchairs. The dimensions
in the Schedules attached take account of these different requirements.
5. Floors and Gangways
Many disabled and elderly people feel (and often are) unsafe on sloping
floors, so floors should ideally be level. Gangways should be wide enough
for all passengers to move freely, especially to and from priority seating.
6. Handrails
Over 50 per cent of accidents to bus passengers are from fails on the
bus, and the fear of falling is one of the greatest deterrents to bus
travel among elderly and disabled people. The provision of adequate non-slip
colour-contrasting handrails is therefore one of the most important features
of the Specification. They are also one of the easiest and cheapest items
to fit retrospectively. Handrails should be within easy reach at all times,
especially when boarding and alighting and moving within the bus. Hanging
straps and ceiling mounted horizontal rails are not suitable for many
passengers.
7. Seats
If the width of the seats and the spaces between them is inadequate,
many passengers will find it awkward to get to and from their seats and
take more time in doing so, leading to major boarding and alighting delays.
Inward facing seats, especially when raised with footstools over wheel
arches, are potentially dangerous for elderly and disabled passengers
and should be avoided. Whilst this Specification sets out the minimum
number of seats which may be fitted to the recommended dimensions, the
Committee urges operators and manufacturers to consider seating designs
which achieve full compliance for all seats so that the maximum benefit
is offered to disabled and elderly passengers.
8. Bell Pushes
Sufficient bell pushes should be provided and mounted in such a way that
passengers do not need to leave their seats to signal their request for
the next stop. To assist people with rheumatism and arthritis, bell pushes
should be capable of being pressed with the palm of the hand.
9. Signs and Communications
To reduce anxiety and the risk of failing on moving buses, "STOPPING"
and other signs and information are essential for some disabled passengers
and helpful to all.
10. Luggage Space
Space for luggage, shopping bags and pushchairs reduces boarding and
alighting delays and the potential danger of loose objects moving about
on the bus.
The Specification
1. Bus Exterior
1.1:- All route number and destination displays must be clearly
visible by day and by night under all lighting conditions (including bright
sunshine) and must use white or bright yellow numerals and letters on
a black background.
1.2:- On the front of the bus above the windscreen there must
be a route number display at least 200mm high, preferably to the right
(nearside) of an ultimate destination name in letters at least 125mm high.
A route number at least 125mm high (together with the destination wherever
possible) must also be clearly displayed at or a little above eye level
on the nearside, adjacent to the entrance door. Ideally, the route number
should be displayed on the rear of the bus.
2. Entrances and Exits
2.1:- The Committee maintains its view that an initial step height
of 250mm and subsequent steps of 150-200mm must become the standard if
disabled and elderly passengers are to be able to board and alight easily
and safely. In acknowledgement of difficulties experienced by local authorities
and operators in achieving this standard in the short term, particularly
with existing fleets, it does however accept the need for a defined transitional
period during which it would recognise a less onerous specification for
entrance/exit step heights.
Therefore, vehicles with the following reduced standards will be deemed
to conform with the DPTAC Specification until 31 December 1996 only:-
-
- (i) A maximum first step height of 325mm.
- (ii) A maximum height for subsequent entrance/exit steps (maximum
two) of 225mm, consistent in height to within 10mm.
- (iii) A maximum ground to floor height of 775mm.
- From 1 January 1997, however, only vehicles with the following
standards will be deemed to conform with the DPTAC Specification:-
- (i) A maximum first step height of 250mm which may be achieved
with a split step or kneeling mechanism. If a kneeling mechanism is
used, the first step height before kneeling must not exceed 325mm.
- (ii) Each subsequent entrance/exit step (maximum two) must
be between 150mm and 200mm high consistent to within l0mm.
- (iii) A maximum ground to floor height of 650mm.
Figure 1
1:- 325mm max up to 31 December 1996
2:- 280mm min on vehicles less than 2.5 meters external width
3:- 225mm max up to 31 December 1996
4:- 775mm max up to 31 December 1996
2.2:- Step treads must be at least 300mm deep
(280mm on vehicles of less than 2.5 metres external width) from front
to back over a width of at least 455mm. Risers must be vertical, with
a smooth flat surface with no protrusions of more than 1 mm (except for
step-light mountings) and with any protruding edges chamfered. All step
nosings and treads must be non-slip and durable, with nosings in a bright
contrasting colour such as yellow or in a black/yellow "Shark's tooth"
or other pattern. (See Figure 1).
2.3:- All entrance/exit steps and the area immediately outside
the bus must be well lit, both at low level and from overhead, when passengers
are boarding and alighting. Entrances and exits must have a minimum height,
above the first step, of 1.8 metres.
3. Other Steps / Stairs
3.1:- At the bus entrance, the required number of steps must be
grouped together with no further step between the point of payment by
the driver's cab and the start of the gangway.
3.2:- Any internal steps must be grouped together, and be between
150mm and 200mm in height (consistent to within l0mm). They must comply
with paragraph 2.2 above and incorporate adequate handrails.
3.3:- Staircases on double-deck buses should preferably ascend
forwards, with risers of consistent height, and every tread should ideally
be square or rectangular with a depth of at least 250mm from front to
back. Adequate handrails are needed on both sides of the staircase.
4. Doorways
4.1:- The width between handrails of a single-stream doorway must
be not less than 700mm and not more than 850mm.
4.2:- At wider doorways behind the front wheel
an intermediate handrail must be provided (see paragraph
6.4) to give a minimum width between handrails of 600mm, and a maximum
of 850mm.
4.3:- At wider doorways ahead of the front wheel
or at separate exit doorways behind the front wheel, the minimum width
between handrails can be reduced to 530mm, with a further reduction to
470mm for the forward-section of a split-step entrance.
5. Floors and Gangways
5.1:- All floors and gangways must be level and covered with a
non-slip material which does not allow water to accumulate. A slope of
up to 30, over short distances only, may be applied where no alternative
exists.
5.2:- Gangways (at a height of 765mm or more above the floor)
must be not less than 460mm wide (420mm on vehicles of less than 2.5 metres
external width). In the passenger circulation area immediately to the
rear of the driver's cab (and preferably up to the priority seating -
see paragraph 7.5) the minimum width at floor level
between obstructions must be 700mm and preferably 800mm.
5.3:- Minimum headroom on the lower deck of all buses at the gangway,
and preferably throughout the seating area, must be 1.8m.
6. Handrails
6.1:- With the exception of handrails on entrance/exit doors or
at the side of the doorway (where an oval section with the same maximum
dimension can be used) all handrails must be round, with a diameter of
between 30mm and 35mm and no sharp bends. There must be a minimum clearance
of 45mm (preferably 50mm) between handrails and any adjacent surface.
6.2:- Handrails must have an easily-gripped non-slip surface,
preferably with a "rigidised" or similar raised texture, in a bright colour
which provides a clearly visible contrast (both in colour and tone) with
the interior colour scheme and seat covering. Ideal colours are yellow
(RAL 1023 or 1028), orange (RAL 2008) and bright green (RAL 6018). On
older buses being retro-fitted with DPTAC features, if replacement rigidised
handrails cannot be provided, the existing handrails should be coated
with a non-slip surface (e.g. nylon or epoxy powder dipped) in a contrasting
colour and tone.
6.3:- Handrails must be provided on both sides of each entrance
and exit to give a rigid handhold parallel with the slope of the steps
from a point not more than 100mm from the outer edge of the first step
to a point not less than 100mm beyond the nosing of the top step, at a
height of 800-900mm above the steps. Handrails may be fixed to the inside
of the door leaves provided they do not move when open.
6.4:- Where the doorway is wide enough (see
paragraphs 4.2 / 4.3) the two sections
must be divided by a combination handrail (which need not be centrally
positioned) consisting of:-
-
- (i) A vertical handrail from a point not more than 1 00mm from
the outer edge of the first step, to a height of at least 800-900mm
above that step;
- (ii) A second vertical handrail not less than 1 00mm beyond
the nosing of the top step extending from the floor to a height of at
least 800-900mm above the top of that step; and
- (iii) A handrail linking these two vertical handrails parallel
with the line of the steps at a height of 800-900mm above the steps.
The slope of this handrail must be parallel with the slope of the steps
on the lowered side of a split-step entrance, where applicable.
(See Figure 1).
6.5:- There must be a horizontal handrail at
a height of 800-900mm extending from the top of the entrance steps, past
the driver and to at least one of the priority seats (see paragraph
7.5). Any necessary break in this handrail must be compensated for
by suitably placed vertical handrails.
6.6:- Vertical handrails must be provided between the tops of
seat backs and the ceiling, adjacent to the gangway, in such a way that
the maximum distance between handrails is 1050mm. This is best achieved
by vertical handrails on every second row of forward facing seats, staggered
on either side of the gangway. Where seat pitches vary either side of
a gangway, it may be necessary for vertical handrails to be fitted to
every seat back for a short distance, in order to ensure that the 1050mm
"reach" is not exceeded.
7. Seats
7.1:- The minimum seat width must be 450mm per passenger (425mm
on vehicles of less than 2.5 metres external width), even if this means
that only three seats can be provided across the width of the bus.
7.2:- The top of each seat cushion must be between 430mm and 460mm
above the floor immediately in front of the seat (See Figure 2). The clear
headroom above each seat must be at least 1.25 metres from the top of
the seat cushion. The tops or backs of all forward facing seats must be
fitted with a rigid handhold. Where no such handhold or vertical handrail
is available, a horizontal handrail must be provided for this purpose.
(e.g.: in front of seats facing a bulkhead).
Figure 2
7.3:- The distance between the front surface of the seat back
and the back of the seat(s) in front must be at least 680mm. The distance
between the foremost part of the seat and the vertical plane through the
rearmost part of the seat in front (i.e. knee-room) must be at least 230mm
- see figure 2. On all single deck and the lower saloon
of the doubledeck vehicles, these dimensions must be applied as a minimum
to the first three rows of forward-facing seats on both sides of the gangway
(excluding the priority seating required by paragraph 7.5
below). Ideally, these dimensions should be applied to all seats forward
of the gangway steps. If facing pairs of seats are provided (e.g. over
the rear wheel-arches) the knee-room between them must be at least 600mm
and preferably 700mm.
7.4:- Inward facing seats, if they are unavoidable, must be provided
with one vertical handrail to every two seats. Fixed armrests to divide
up a bench seat are a useful optional addition to the handrail(s) specified.
7.5:- At least two pairs of forward-facing seats
(or one pair plus one individual seat on vehicles of less than 2.5 metres
external width) nearest to the bus entrance/exit must be provided for
elderly and disabled passengers, and clearly marked with an appropriate
notice, incorporating a pictogram, to indicate their purpose. There must
be an extended space (i.e.: knee-room) of at least 450mm in front of these
priority seats, and adequate space under them for a guide dog to lie down.
Handrail provision must accord with paragraph 6.5.
8. Bell Pushes
8.1:- Plastic bell strips and ceiling-mounted bell pushes must
not be used. Bell pushes should be mounted on all vertical handrails or
bulkheads (as a minimum, within reach of passengers seated on the priority
seats (see paragraph 7.5) and at every third row of
seats). Bell pushes adjacent to seats must be positioned not more than
1200mm above the floor (1 500mm for all other locations). The bell push
surrounds and the bell pushes must be in bright colours (e.g. yellow and
red) which contrast with the surface on which they are mounted and with
each other, must project sufficiently from their surround so that they
can be operated by the palm of the hand, and must face the rear of the
bus.
9. Signs and Communications
9.1:- Clearly-visible illuminated signs reading "STOPPING" or "BUS
STOPPING" must be mounted at least 1.5 metres above floor level where
they can be seen by the maximum number of passengers and must remain illuminated
until the doors are opened.
9.2:- Other signs in the bus must be clear and in as large a print
as practicable, drawing attention, for example, to the availability of
concessionary fare schemes for elderly or disabled passengers. In particular,
notices indicating emergency exits or the location of fire extinguishers
and first aid boxes must be clearly visible to the maximum number of passengers.
9.3:- A public address system is a useful option, to enable announcement
of stop names and destinations, and to give other information to passengers,
especially those with visual handicaps or in need of special help.
9.4:- Tactile plates with raised symbols mounted on entrance and
exit handrails can help blind passengers to distinguish features such
as the number of steps. These may be fitted where agreement has been reached
with local organisations representing blind and partially-sighted people,
thus ensuring that the message the plates convey will be understood.
10. Luggage Space
10.1:- Luggage space must be provided for the safe storage of shopping
bags, trolleys or folded pushchairs near to the entrance/exit. If over
a wheel arch, it must be protected by a horizontal rail (also usable as
a handrail) at a height of 800-900mm above the floor. Consideration should
be given to the allocation of some floor space for heavier luggage, protected
by a rail near floor level to prevent objects sliding or rolling into
the gangway.
Updated: 9 November 2000
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