series of measures designed to make future bus fleets more inclusive for disabled passengers.
Published on 21 September 2026 and applying across England, Scotland and Wales, the guidance brings together recommendations developed by the Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel, which was convened by the DfT to explore how the industry could collectively raise accessibility standards. Accessibility standards for bus… Accessibility standards for bus…
The recommendations are intended to support bus operators and local transport authorities when specifying services and procuring vehicles, while also giving manufacturers guidance on how new buses can go beyond existing accessibility requirements.
The DfT makes clear that the measures are designed to enhance the existing legal baseline under the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations 2000 and the Public Service Vehicles (Accessible Information) Regulations 2023, rather than replace those requirements. Accessibility standards for bus…
Among the standards recommended for adoption on new buses are:
- At least two wheelchair spaces where vehicle dimensions allow, including additional flexible spaces that can also accommodate pushchairs and folding seats.
- Folding or retractable seating within flexible spaces to maximise capacity.
- Moveable supports around wheelchair areas to make access and egress easier.
- PSVAR-compliant kneeling systems fitted as standard on all new buses.
- Contactless card readers positioned consistently and designed with contrasting colours and tactile features.
- Bell pushes on both sides of wheelchair spaces to support passengers with limited arm movement.
- On-board displays showing remaining passenger capacity.
- Both Auracast and induction-loop technology to support deaf and hard-of-hearing passengers.
- Audible and visible passenger information systems installed at the point of manufacture.
- Clearer and more consistent signage for wheelchair spaces and priority seating. Accessibility standards for bus… Accessibility standards for bus… Accessibility standards for bus… Accessibility standards for bus…
The guidance also encourages operators and manufacturers to consider accessibility as part of wider fleet modernisation, including when investing in zero-emission vehicles. The DfT says integrating inclusive design with the transition towards modern and sustainable fleets could ensure that accessibility improvements progress alongside the industry’s net zero ambitions. Accessibility standards for bus…
Alongside the measures recommended for wider adoption, the Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel has identified a number of areas requiring further research and testing.
These include technology that allows buses to announce themselves to visually impaired passengers at stops, forward-facing wheelchair spaces with active restraint systems, colour-coded priority areas, more inclusive interior colour schemes and technology capable of monitoring live vehicle capacity. Accessibility standards for bus… Accessibility standards for bus…
Climate control and distinctive colour schemes for priority seating have also been identified as areas for further development, with additional research needed to understand their effectiveness, practicality and impact on passenger experience. Accessibility standards for bus…
The DfT describes the standards as a foundation for continued improvement rather than an end point, encouraging manufacturers and operators to continue developing vehicle design around the changing needs and expectations of disabled passengers. Accessibility standards for bus…
For the bus and coach sector, the guidance places accessibility firmly alongside fleet modernisation, passenger experience and vehicle design as manufacturers and operators plan the next generation of vehicles.
