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The Equality Act and public transport

Accessibility regulations (now under the Equality Act) exist to improve the accessibility of buses, coaches and trains. A similar package for taxis is currently under consideration.

The Equality Act also provides you with a right to appropriate information about transport. For example, timetables produced in a format that is accessible to you.

You can get more detailed information by reading the following sections of the Equality Act 2010:

• part 12, chapter one covers the requirements for taxis to ensure accessibility to disabled people
• part 12, chapter two covers public transport vehicles and the regulations that require them to be accessible
• part 12, chapter three covers train accessibility

• Disability and the Equality Act 2010

Buses and coaches

Since December 2000, new buses and coaches carrying over 22 passengers used on local services have to comply with Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations. This also applies to scheduled coach and bus services.

Some disabled people are eligible for concessionary bus travel. This means that they can apply to their local council for a free bus pass. The eligibility criteria are the same across the UK, but the times and areas covered by the pass vary between England, Wales and Scotland.

• The Public Service Vehicles Accessibility (Amendment) Regulations 2003 Opens new window

Taxis

The Equality Act places a duty on licensed taxi drivers in England and Wales to carry guide, and other assistance, dogs in their taxis. They should not charge you for carrying your assistance dog . Similar duties for private hire vehicles (minicabs) came into force in March 2004.

Trains

Since December 1998, all new and refurbished rail vehicles have had to meet Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations. This means that trains have to be accessible to disabled people (including those in wheelchairs) to help them get on and off trains. This should also allow you to travel comfortably if you’re disabled.

Each Train Operating Company (TOC) must produce a Disabled People's Protection Policy (DPPP). The DPPP explains how the train company helps disabled passengers in using their stations and trains.

You can get copies of a company's DPPP direct from the rail company, some also have copies at their stations and on their websites. All the DPPPs should be available in alternative formats.

DPPPs can be quite technical and complicated, but some of the companies produce a short summary booklet about their services and facilities for disabled passengers.

• The Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 1998 Opens new window

Accessible transport

If you use a wheelchair or a mobility scooter, 'Wheels within wheels’ is a guide about using a wheelchair on public transport. It tells you what you can expect from newer trains, coaches, buses and taxis.

• Mobility consumer reports by Ricability Opens new window

• Ricability website - Wheels within Wheels report Opens new window

Travel Training

A number of local authorities are introducing 'travel training' schemes to help disabled people, who have not used public transport, gain confidence when travelling alone.

The Department for Transport website offers more information on travel training schemes.

• Travel training schemes - Department for Transport website Opens new window

Motoring

Learning to drive

The usual minimum age for driving cars is 17. For anyone who is getting Disability Living Allowance at the higher rate (mobility component), the minimum age for driving is 16.

Insurance

Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, insurers can only charge disabled people higher premiums if:

• the extra charge is based on factual or statistical data
• there are other relevant factors which indicate that a disabled person is a higher risk

Driving concessions

There are a number of driving concessions for disabled people receiving the Disability Living Allowance. These include:

• the exemption from Vehicle Excise Duty
• eligibility for the Motability scheme - where recipients of the Higher Rate of Disability Living Allowance can exchange their mobility allowance for a new car
• the Blue Badge Scheme, which allows disabled drivers to park closer to their destinations - you can apply for the Blue Badge through your local authority

• Vehicle tax for disabled people

• The Motability Scheme: options for buying or hiring a car

• About the Blue Badge Scheme

Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC)

DPTAC was set up as an independent body to advise government on the transport needs of all disabled people across the UK. Learn more about DPTAC by following the link below.

• Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee Opens new window

Help and advice from the Equality and Human Rights Commission

The Equality and Human Rights Commission is a good source of advice if you feel you may have been discriminated against by a service provider. The commission's disability helpline provides advice and information about the Disability Discrimination Act.

Telephone: 08457 622 633

Textphone: 08457 622 644

Fax: 08457 778 878

Lines are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm; Wednesday 8.00 am to 8.00 pm.

• Equality and Human Rights Commission website Opens new window

Useful contacts

• Motoring and transport contacts for disabled people

• Transport government contacts

More useful links

• Airport and airline services for disabled travellers

• Air travel if you are blind or visually impaired

• Air travel if you are deaf or hearing impaired

• Air travel if you are mobility impaired