Disabled consumers will be able to enjoy travelling with small buses and coach operators as funding is now available for them to install high-quality and accessible announcements.

Known as the Accessible Information Grant, this £4.65 million funding is now available to ensure they can also become compliant before the October 2025 deadline. This funding is supporting small operators to fit screens, speakers and induction loops to keep disabled passengers informed about which route they are on and what stop they are at throughout their journey.

Regulations introduced in 2023 require all bus operators to provide high-quality and accessible announcements across their networks to ensure disabled people are not left in the dark when it comes to using our public transport.

Unlocking opportunities for those with sight loss

Pete Osborne, Deputy CEO at Guide Dogs, said: “Accessible buses can unlock opportunities to get around independently, whether that’s to travel to work, go shopping or see friends. But for many people with sight loss, bus travel has been difficult or impossible because of a lack of audio next stop and final destination announcements.

“After years of campaigning, we were delighted with the announcement of the new regulation last year and we greatly welcome the opening of these grants. AV announcements on buses will be a significant step forward in creating a more inclusive and accessible transport network, helping people live the lives they choose.”

The right to ride

This comes as the government, alongside charity Scope, has published the Right to Ride guide which helps disabled people and others with reduced mobility when using bus, coach, taxi, private hire vehicle and rail services by compiling helpful travel information together in one easy-to-read document.

Right to Ride explains the actions a disabled person can take when a journey has been disrupted or the assistance provided is unsatisfactory or has failed, guiding on:

• the rights of disabled passengers travelling across Great Britain
• what to expect in terms of assistance
• what to expect in terms of accessibility
• how to make a complaint if travel does not go as planned
• how to claim compensation or redress

Mark Hodgkinson, Chief Executive at disability equality charity Scope, said: “Disabled people have been campaigning for many years to make public transport more accessible.

“We know that disabled passengers are often let down by poor customer service, inaccessible transport and a lack of up-to-date information. When things go wrong it can often have a big impact and be hard to know your rights to put things right.

“The Right to Ride document is a significant step forward in providing disabled people with more clarity and transparency over their rights and what to expect when travelling on public transport.

“We want transport companies to listen to their disabled customers and make travel more accessible for all.”