Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood visited Brighton on 3 December to mark the International Day of People with Disabilities and showcase Brighton & Hove Buses’ industry-leading approach to accessibility.
The minister called on transport operators nationwide to adopt similar practices to create an inclusive transport system.
Brighton & Hove Buses have implemented several measures to make their services accessible, including enhanced visual and audio information for passengers with hearing or sight impairments and increased space for wheelchairs.
The company also partnered with the Sight Loss Councils to develop training for drivers that supports blind and partially sighted passengers. This training, endorsed by the Confederation of Passenger Transport and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, is now considered the gold standard for the industry and is available to operators nationwide.
Minister Lightwood 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.
During the visit, the minister met with disabled passengers who contributed to the design of the buses, helping to ensure their needs were at the forefront.
This commitment is part of the operator’s ongoing partnership with Brighton & Hove City Council and local community groups to improve the network.
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.
The visit to Brighton follows the government’s announcement of 1 billion GBP in bus funding, including 9.2 million GBP for Brighton & Hove City Council. This funding aims to reduce fares, protect local routes, and enhance service reliability. Authorities are encouraged to prioritise accessibility when implementing service improvements using this funding.
Additionally, the Public Service Vehicles (Accessible Information) Regulations 2023 now require newer vehicles to provide information on routes, directions of travel, and upcoming stops.
In response to these requirements, at this year’s Euro Bus Expo, industry experts gathered to discuss the enormous accessibility changes facing the bus sector over the last five years.
