Disabled access to buses to be improved

The Department for Transport (DfT) said disabled passengers will be given easier access to buses throughout the UK due to a boost in funding.

Almost £5 million is being made available to roll out audible and visual announcements across the country.

Applications have opened today (8 April) for small bus and coach operators to bid for a share of the £4.65 million of funding to install state-of-the-art technology that will both display and announce information clearly for all passengers, including those with sight and hearing impairments.

Known as the Accessible Information Grant, this funding is planned to support small operators to fit screens, speakers and induction loops guaranteeing passengers are informed about which route they are on and what stop they are at throughout their journey.

Last year, regulations were put in place requiring all bus operators to provide audio and visual updates on journeys.

Guy Opperman, minister for accessibility at the DfT, said: "Buses are the most used form of public transport in the country, and for people who are disabled, they may be the only way to meet friends and family, attend medical appointments or get to work."

He added that the funding is "the extra push" that operators need to upgrade their buses on time. 

"I can only imagine how daunting it must be to get on a bus and not know for certain where it’s going or when to get off, which is why we introduced new rules to ensure all buses provide this information in an accessible way," he added.

Pete Osborne, Deputy CEO at Guide Dogs, said:"For many people with sight loss, bus travel has been difficult or impossible because of a lack of audio next stop and final destination announcements."

This comes as the government, alongside charity Scope, has published the Right to Ride guide which helps disabled people and others with reduced mobility when using bus, coach, taxi, private hire vehicle and rail services by compiling helpful travel information together in one easy-to-read document.