Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to improve the accessibility of bus services for disabled people in Stoke-on-Trent.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The government is committed to improving public transport services so they are more inclusive and enable disabled people to travel safely, confidently and with dignity. On 1st October 2024, the first phase of the Public Service Vehicles (Accessible Information) Regulations 2023 came into force, meaning that newer vehicles providing local services must provide audible and visible information on stops, destinations and diversions. The majority of services will need to comply by October 2026.

On 17th December, the government introduced a new Bus Services Bill that will give local leaders the freedom to take decisions to deliver their local transport priorities and ensure networks meet the needs of the communities who rely on them, including for disabled people. The Bill includes measures which will make bus travel more accessible and inclusive.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to help tackle changes in average bus speeds.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The government is committed to working with local transport authorities and the bus sector to deliver better, more reliable services for passengers.

At the Budget, the government confirmed over £1 billion in funding to improve bus services, protect vital routes and keep fares down. This includes over £700 million allocated to local councils to deliver bus service improvement plans (BSIPs). Councils can use the funding in whichever way they wish to improve bus services for all passengers, including investing in infrastructure or bus priority schemes to help reduce journey times.

We introduced the Bus Services Bill on 17 December, which will give local leaders the powers they need and the freedom to take decisions to deliver their local transport priorities and ensure networks meet the needs of the communities who rely on them.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to ensure bus travel is accessible for people with disabilities.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The government wants everyone to have access to public transport and is   committed to improving services so they are more inclusive and enable disabled people to travel safely, confidently and with dignity. On October 1st, the first phase of the Public Service Vehicles (Accessible Information) Regulations 2023 came into force, meaning that newer vehicles providing local services must provide audible and visible information on stops, destinations and diversions. The majority of services will need to comply by October 2026.

The government will also shortly introduce a new Bus Services Bill that will give local leaders the freedom to take decisions to deliver their local transport priorities and ensure networks meet the needs of the communities who rely on them, including disabled people.

Found: IA number: section RPC reference number: Contact for enquiries: Date: Bus Services Bill

Found: Bus Services Bill [AS INTRODUCED] CONTENTS 1 Bus services: duty of Secretary of State 2 Extent

Found: Bus Services Bill introduced today will give local authorities control over routes, timetables, connections

Found: the English Devolution White Paper, led by my colleague the Deputy Prime Minister… Through our Bus Services Bill