Coach and bus operators across the country are being invited to complete this year’s Bus Users UK survey on accessibility.
The charity says its annual findings help to provide an assessment of current of ease of access to public transport and guide future best practice to make it available to more people.
Among the questions being asked of operators regards their use of features such as on-board audio-visual announcements or extra leg-room, PSVAR compliance, and which members of staff have received disability awareness training.
Bus Users UK hopes the survey will encourage operators to think more inclusively in planning and designing services.
Dawn Badminton-Capps, Bus Users UK Director for England, says: “Bus passenger numbers fell dramatically during the pandemic and government messaging not to use public transport along with changing work patterns have meant numbers have failed to return to previous levels.
“If we are to protect services, meet decarbonisation targets, deliver on BSIPs and achieve the Government’s levelling up agenda, it’s more important than ever to encourage more people on board. To do that we need to raise the bar on inclusion and access so that buses become a viable and attractive option for everyone.”
The organisers of the survey says last year’s questionnaire suggested that improving access can be achieved without expensive design and technology. The charity is highlighting the benefits of printing timetables and accepting cash payments to boost inclusion.
The survey is available throughout March here.
