Background information

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.

More information on the Part 3 duties and what we are doing to make public transport infrastructure accessible is available at http://www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/education/whatwehavedoneb.

We have also 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 Inclu sive 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 new Act can be found here: http://www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/access/dda2005/