The Government is committed to an accessible public transport system in which disabled people have the same opportunities to travel as other members of society.

The powers in Part 5 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA 1995) allow regulations to be made requiring all new land-based public transport vehicles – trains, buses, coaches and taxis – to be accessible to disabled people, including wheelchair users. Regulations covering buses and coaches, the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations 2000 (PSVAR), have been made and cover all new buses and coaches introduced into service since 31 December 2000 which can carry more than 22 passengers and are used to provide a local or scheduled service.

On these pages you will be able to find further information about the PSVAR including advice and guidance for bus and coach operators and their staff on the application of the regulations together with information for disabled people.

• Publications and other resources
• Summary table of special authorisations (PDF – 104 KB), 17 January 2006, last updated 21 April 2009
• Buses, coaches and accessibility: frequently asked questions, 24 June 2005

Accessible Transport Infrastructure

We recognise that making public transport vehicles accessible is only part of the solution and that this must be complimented by associated improvements to the accessibility of public transport infrastructure. Access to transport infrastructure (such as bus and railway stations) is already included in Part 3 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA 1995), which covers access to goods, services and facilities.

We have published comprehensive guidance on best practice in the design of public transport infrastructure and the pedestrian environment. Inclusive Mobility is designed to assist transport operators in meeting their obligations under the DDA 1995. The Disability Rights Commission has also published a Code of Practice aimed at service providers more generally in implementing the legislation.

Removing the transport exemption from Part 3 of the DDA

Part 3 of the DDA 1995 deals with access to goods, facilities, services and premises. The Act imposes specific duties on service providers which have been introduced incrementally since 1996 and the final duties came into force on 1 October 2004. Transport infrastructure (bus stations, railway stations, airports and ports) is already covered by these provisions and we have produced a best practice guide on access to transport facilities entitled Inclusive Mobility.

However, there is currently a specific exemption for any service "so far as it consists of the use of any means of transport". The Government is seeking to remove this exemption and measures to effect this change were included in the Disability Discrimination Act 2005. More information about the Act.