Bus and Coach

Bus and Coach Operators

Bus and coach operators must comply with rules about the accessibility of their service, over and above the general requirements of the Equality Act 2010. This includes the following regulations:

• Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations (2000) – Details the accessibility requirements that must be met by all bus and coach providers. The Regulations include provision for low-floor boarding devices, visual contrast on step edges, handholds and handrails, priority seats and provision for passengers in wheelchairs. All single-decker buses being used on local or scheduled services must comply with the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations (2000) by 1 January 2017. These Regulations will extend to all double-decker buses and coaches by 1 January 2020.
• The Public Service Vehicles (Conduct of Drivers, Inspectors, Conductors and Passengers) Regulations 1990 – Drivers and conductors must ensure the safety of passengers on board the vehicle. These regulations impose additional service standards, including duties on staff to help disabled people when boarding and alighting, and on passengers to behave acceptably.

•  Regulation (EU) No 181/2011  – European Union regulations that govern passenger rights on bus and coach journeys. Provisions relating to disabled passengers’ rights include:

• The right not to be refused booking or carriage except in specific justified circumstances
• Alternatives to be provided where carriage is not possible; disability awareness training requirements for staff
• Rights and conditions of assistance provided at stations and on board vehicles; publicity of availability of assistance
• Compensation for damage to mobility equipment; provision of accessible information about travel and passenger rights, and complaints mechanisms.
• The UK Government has exempted bus drivers from training requirements until 2018. In the UK, the relevant Traffic Commissioner has the power to take steps to require that the Regulation is complied with. Further protections apply for passengers on coach services longer than 250km between EU Member States.

Engagement Groups

• The Bus Stakeholder Group – Transport Scotland organised group which discusses bus policy, including a representative from the Mobility and Access Committee for Scotland and has accessibility as a standing item. Chaired by Minister for Transport and Islands.