New Rights for Disabled People on Buses and Coaches

The EU has just agreed to new rights for disabled and older people travelling on buses and coaches. This comes after a successful campaign from charities including Leonard Cheshire Disability, RNIB, Sense, Age UK, Guide Dogs, RNID and RADAR.

Guy Parckar, our acting director of Policy and Campaigns says: "This is very positive news. Restrictions when using transport are among the biggest barriers to social inclusion for disabled people. This change should help to build a transport network that is more user-friendly and accessible." 

The new regulation will come into force in 2013 and will mean that;

• Bus and coach drivers must undergo Disability Awarenes Training.
• Bus and coach transport companies must provide accessible information for passangers.
• Passangers will have the right to claim compensation for damage to wheelchairs and other assistive equipment.
• Information on passengers rights will also be provided at bus stations and online.

Although the new regulations will begin in 2013, countires in the European Union can decide to postpone the need for bus operators to organise disability awareness training for all drivers for five years from 2013.

To find out more read the full text of the regulation here: http://bit.ly/fjadOj