Europe, UK (Commonwealth Union) – Nearly £5 million has been allocated to enhance the bus travel experience for disabled passengers in Great Britain. This funding will facilitate the implementation of audible and visual announcements across buses, aiming to make navigation easier for all passengers, particularly those with sight or hearing impairments.
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility in public transport, applications are now open for small bus and coach operators to access a portion of the £4.65 million fund. This technology, funded through the Accessible Information Grant, will feature advanced displays and audio systems, ensuring clear communication of information throughout the journey.
The grant applications align with recent regulations mandating audio and visual updates on bus journeys. Additionally, this initiative builds upon the £350 million earmarked last year to improve accessibility at train stations, made possible through reallocated HS2 funding.
Guy Opperman, Minister for Accessibility and Ministerial Disability Champion at the Department for Transport, says “Buses are the most used form of public transport in the country, and for people who are disabled, they may be the only way to meet friends and family, attend medical appointments or get to work.”
Last year, regulations were implemented mandating all bus operators across Great Britain to furnish high-quality and accessible announcements throughout their networks, guaranteeing that disabled individuals are not excluded when utilizing public transport. By aiding smaller bus companies, this funding aims to ensure that all operators can comply with the October 2026 deadline.
The government, in collaboration with the charity Scope, has released the Right to Ride guide. This guide aims to assist disabled individuals and those with limited mobility by consolidating useful travel information for bus, coach, taxi, private hire vehicle, and rail services into one accessible document. The document “Right to Ride” delineates the recourse available to individuals with disabilities in case of journey disruptions or inadequate assistance provision.
