This paper presents some guidelines for making bus transport more accessible to passengers in general as well as disabled people. The study that it reports was conducted for the Mobility Unit, Department of Transport (DTp) and the Passenger Transport Executives Group in the UK. Ideally, interchanges and bus/coach stations should be located at or near passenger destinations, local shops, and other transport services. Designs should provide unimpeded access for disabled passengers. Recommendations are made about: (1) entrance doors, ramps, steps, stairs and lifts into or within buildings; (2) pedestrian clearways, ticket barriers and gates, telephones, seating and waiting areas, and priority seating at bus stations; (3) bus stops and bus shelters; and (4) public transport information displays, which should provide each passenger with a comprehensive, coherent and consistent set of relevant information. Local groups, representing people with mobility impairments, should be consulted early, when developing schemes for new or refurbished buildings. All public transport operating and information staff should be given disability awareness training, and be made aware of possible `hidden' disabilities.
Abstract