Bus Users UK has published a new study detailing accessibility challenges facing disabled passengers when travelling by bus & coach across England, Scotland and Wales.
The report, entitled ‘Why are we waiting? Disabled people’s experiences of travelling by bus‘, presents a range of first-hand accounts from disabled bus users across the three countries, capturing a glimpse of various key issues experienced by those using public transport every day.
Key findings within the report include issues with infrastructure, bus design, information, bus drivers and other passengers.
Claire Walters, Chief Executive of Bus Users UK, said:At some point in our lives, we are all likely to need more accessible transport and buses can provide that, offering independence and enabling people to lead active and fulfilling lives. However, despite many recent advances in legislation, staff training and vehicle design, buses are still far from fully accessible and this research highlights, in their own words, the many challenges facing disabled passengers.
Among the various issues presented in the report, passengers have cited difficulties with a lack of seating or shelter at bus stops, heightened kerbs, poorly conceived wheelchair bays, inconsistent timetables and the behaviour of both bus drivers & passengers.
The study, which was funded through a research grant by the Motability Foundation, has enabled Bus Users UK to suggest a range of recommendations within the report, emphasising the importance of collaboration between Government, transport sector stakeholders, local authorities and disabled people themselves in finding solutions to the problems presented.
Chelsea Fleming, Innovation Manager at the Motability Foundation said:This is an eye-opening piece of research from Bus Users UK, highlighting the lived-experience of disabled people when travelling by bus. At the Motability Foundation we want to help break the barriers that disabled people face when using public transport, and we hope that the recommendations made in this report help to bring about improvements to the accessibility of bus travel.
