Travelling by bus and coach as a wheelchair user
Everything you need to know about travelling by bus and coach as a wheelchair user, covering boarding, accessibility and safety tips from wheelchair users.
Buses are a great way to travel, wheelchair users able to use them for free throughout the day and on weekends!
You should be able to travel safely by bus – but people tell us it’s not always that simple.
We’re going to provide some expert tips on travelling by bus and coach as a wheelchair user, explaining your rights, restrictions in place, and the responsibilities of providers. You’ll also be able to read some expert tips from our Youth Board.
In this guide we’ll cover:
- The basics of travelling on a bus as a wheelchair user
- Any restrictions that can apply
- Accessibility features you can expect
- Getting on an off the bus (and why you should have priority)
What you need to know about travelling by bus as a wheelchair user
Let’s start with some good news: Wheelchair users can usually travel free on local buses anywhere in England between 9.30am – 11pm, Monday – Friday and at any time on weekends and bank holidays.
Some local authorities offer free travel for longer and some allow a companion to travel with you for free. You’ll need to check your local council’s website for details.
We know that some wheelchair users can be put off travelling by bus because getting on and off can seem problematic and finding a space can be a challenge.
All bus stops should be accessible, with raised kerbs enabling you to safely and smoothly get on and off a bus. The driver should give you the time and space to move, without putting pressure on you.
Bus and coach drivers must let you on if you’re using a wheelchair.
They can only refuse to let you on if:
- Your wheelchair is larger than a standard wheelchair (70cm wide, 120cm long front to back, 1.35m high)
- Your wheelchair can’t be safely parked in the wheelchair space
- Letting you on the bus or coach would take it over the maximum seating or standing capacity
- There is already a wheelchair in the wheelchair space
Accessible spaces on buses
It’s important to know your rights when travelling by bus, including what bus operators have to provide by law.
Here are the rules about what accessible features must be available on buses and coaches in the UK:
- There must be at least four priority seats available
- Lifts or ramps must be available for wheelchair users to board and there should be a pictogram by the door indicating where a ramp or lift is available
- Steps and flooring inside the vehicle must be covered in slip-resistant material
- You should be able to see the vehicle’s route and destination displayed outside the vehicle before getting on
- Colour-contrasting handrails must be available within
- Stop buttons must be within reach of anyone sitting in a priority seat
By law, bus and coach drivers must help wheelchair users, including supporting you with operating a ramp or lift, or reducing step height where possible.
They do not have to physically lift passengers or heavy equipment, but they should ensure you have access to the wheelchair space and that you’re safely in position before the vehicle gets moving.
If you’re travelling by coach and need support getting on and off, it’s worth mentioning this when you book your ticket so that support can be arranged in advance.
Wheelchair users get priority over other passengers
You should have priority over passengers with pushchairs and luggage.
If there are passengers sitting in spaces for wheelchair users then you can politely ask them to move. In most cases, people will move out of the way and give you the space you need.
The bus driver should ask them to move. However, if they refuse the driver can’t force them to move.
Drivers must stop the vehicle to allow you to get on and get off safely. That means pulling up to raised kerbs and giving you the time to move on and off the bus.
It can take a little practice and confidence, but you’ll quickly build it up.
Expert tips from our Youth Board
Here are some expert tips from our Youth Board to ensure your trip to school is safe and smooth.
Check the bus stop itself is accessible: Before setting off to school, ensure the bus stop you want to get on is accessible. Bus stops near schools should all be wheelchair accessible, but it’s worth checking before you travel, especially for the first time.
Whizz Kidz Youth Board
Check the times your bus pass is valid: Always check your bus pass to see if travel will be free or not. Our Youth Board is currently campaigning to end the bus pass postcode lottery that exists in the UK, but until we succeed you’ll need to keep checking!
Whizz Kidz Youth Board
Don’t be afraid to ask someone to move: You have a right to the space on the bus, even if it means a buggy being folded and moved out of the way. If there’s another wheelchair user on the bus, you may need to wait for the next one – so always leave a little extra time
Whizz Kidz Youth Board
Need info? Check out bus and coach websites and apps: Some (but not all) providers like TFL offer apps which provide access settings. You can also check online or call them if you need to.
Whizz Kidz Youth Board
Always check access to coaches: While all public buses should be wheelchair accessible, it’s not the same for coaches, so it pays to do your research to avoid disappointment.
Whizz Kidz Youth Board
There are different rules for rail replacement buses: You don’t have the same right to access on rail replacement buses. If you’re offered a rail replacement service, speak to someone at the station to ensure you can get on and off the coach.
Whizz Kidz Youth Board
Round up
Buses are a great way to travel, especially as it’s free for most wheelchair users!
Getting on and off a bus and finding a space shouldn’t be stressful as it’s a legal requirement. You’re also able to ask for help if you need it.
Here’s a round up of what we’ve covered:
- As a wheelchair user, you get priority over other passengers
- Travelling by bus is free for most wheelchair users
- Bus stops should be accessible and it should be easy to get on and off a bus
- There are accessible spaces on board every bus for you
- Drivers shouldn’t’ refuse to allow you to board a bus (unless there’s no safe space for you to be or there are other wheelchair users on board)
