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Written question asked by Feryal Clark (Labour) on Thursday, 21 July 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 5 September 2022. It was answered by Karl McCartney (Conservative) on Monday, 5 September 2022 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Bus Services: Disability

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to increase the provision of audio-visual announcements on local bus services.

Answer

The Department recognises the importance of audible and visible information in ensuring disabled passengers have the information they need to travel safely, with confidence, and without the fear of a journey taking them anywhere other than their desired destination.

DfT statistics indicate that in March 2021, 45% of buses were providing audible and visible information across Great Britain. More and more services are now incorporating accessible information, but its availability remains inconsistent across the country, and the Department is determined to address this.

The Department therefore intends, subject to final analysis, to introduce Accessible Information Regulations before the end of this year. This will ensure a rapid increase in the provision of better information for passengers, with the implementation timescale, also taking account of the impact on operators. The Department will also provide Accessible Information Grant funding to help smaller operators to meet the new requirements.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
42262
Session
2022-23
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Disability Bus services Disability aids Information
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk