Four innovative projects set to share £800,000 to improve
accessible information for passengers using rail replacement
coaches.
Today's announcement (13 May 2025) will break down the
barriers to opportunity – as part of our Plan for Change – by
improving accessible travel on rail replacement coaches for
disabled people, thanks to £800,000 of government funding for new
technology innovations – including a 3Danimated avatar that allows passengers
to ask questions through voice interaction or access audio via
apps or QR codes.
Local Transport Minister has today confirmed the
funding will go to 4 selected projects which will help to roll
out audible and visible information for passengers onboard coach
services – transforming public services and driving efficiency.
While many buses in the UK already offer these features, coach
services used for rail replacement often lack the technology
needed to deliver the same standard of information. This can
leave passengers, especially those with visual or cognitive
impairments, without the support they need to travel
independently and confidently.
The new technology will offer flexible solutions that work in
different vehicles, helping operators meet the requirements set
out in the Public Service Vehicles (Accessible Information)
Regulations 2023.
The Department for Transport (DfT) introduced the Public
Service Vehicles (Accessible Information) Regulations 2023,
requiring local bus and coach services to provide clear and
accessible audible and visible onboard information. This includes
details such as the route, direction of travel and upcoming
stops.
The projects were selected following the competition run by
Innovate UK, which combined established solutions with newer
technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and a new Bluetooth feature,
Auracast, to deliver real-time information in a variety of
accessible formats. These projects will be completed by March
2026.
As part of the government's Plan for Change, these projects will
enable more people to travel independently for work, education,
and leisure.
Making transport more accessible and inclusive not only benefits
disabled passengers, but also helps unlock wider economic
benefits – from increasing workforce participation to boosting
local tourism and supporting businesses across the country.
Local Transport Minister, , said:
There are around 16 million disabled people in the UK and many
depend on coach services to get around. It's vital that these
services provide clear, accessible information for everyone,
particularly on rail replacement journeys where the route and
stops can change.
To help rail replacement coach operators make this transition
smoothly, we are providing £800,000 of funding as part of the
government's Plan for Change to explore technology that helps all
passengers, regardless of their needs, travel with confidence and
independence. Public transport should be accessible for all
and we're committed to making that a reality – clearing away
barriers to growth.
This government is securing our future through the Plan for
Change by making transport more accessible through initiatives
like Access for All, which has delivered step-free access at over
260 stations, and new measures in the Bus Services (No. 2) Bill.
The bill will require disability awareness and assistance
training for drivers and staff providing direct assistance to
passengers and require local authorities to pay regard to new bus
stop safety and accessibility guidance.
