Local Transport Minister, , is encouraging transport
operators nationwide to follow the lead of Brighton & Hove
Buses and improve accessibility on their bus services as he marks
the international day of people with disabilities.
During a visit to Brighton today (3 December 2024), the minister
learned about specially designed buses centered around being as
accessible as possible. This includes displaying information for
those with hearing and sight impairments and increased space for
wheelchairs.
As part of the visit, the minister met with a number of disabled
passengers who rely on these services, hearing about how they
directly contributed to the design and feel more confident
when travelling on these buses.
Local Transport Minister, , said:
We want to build a transport system that works for everyone, and
Brighton and Hove are leading the way in making this a reality
for bus passengers.
Speaking with local disabled people it was clear how much they
valued these services and we want operators across the country to
learn from this leading approach – enabling everyone to travel
with confidence.
Brighton & Hove Buses partnered with the Sight Loss Councils
when developing training to ensure blind and partially sighted
passengers would be supported. This training, which is
endorsed by the Confederation of Passenger Transport and the
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, is now seen as the
industry gold standard and is on offer to all bus
operators across the country.
Ed Wills, Managing Director for Brighton & Hove Buses and
Metrobus, said:
We are the leading operator for customer journeys per head of
population outside of London so accessible travel is vital for
connecting our community.
Listening and learning from the lived experience of disabled
people including co-designing our policies, initiatives and new
vehicles helps to ensure a more inclusive journey for all.
This is an important part of our ongoing partnership working with
Brighton & Hove City Council and local community groups to
improve our network for all customers.
This visit follows the government announcing £1 billion of
bus funding, £9.2 million specifically for Brighton & Hove
City Council, to keep fares down, protect local routes and
deliver more reliable services.
To help build on our bold ambitions to make the transport network
accessible, local authorities should consider how any
improvements to services using this funding impact accessibility.
The Public
Service Vehicles (Accessible Information) Regulations
2023 have also come into effect for newer vehicles,
which require operators of local bus and coach services to
provide information on the route, direction of travel and each
upcoming stop.
See Providing accessible
information onboard local bus and coach services for
more information.
