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Bus Accessibility

Volume 470: debated on Tuesday 22 January 2008

18. To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps she is taking to improve the accessibility of buses to elderly people with mobility difficulties. (180552)

In 2000, the Government introduced the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations requiring all new and existing buses and coaches, with a carrying capacity of more than 22 passengers and used on local or scheduled services, to be accessible to the widest possible range of disabled people.

In addition, regulations were introduced in 2002 and 2006, which placed certain duties on bus and coach operators and staff with respect to disabled people.

We have also announced that free off-peak local bus travel anywhere in England for people aged 60 and over and disabled people resident in England would be in place from April 2008.