Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he is taking steps to extend the requirement for all publicly-funded buses to have additional flexible space for a second wheelchair user or pushchair to all buses.

The Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations 2000 (PSVAR) require buses and coaches in scope of the PSVAR to incorporate a wheelchair space and boarding ramp or lift.

We require buses funded by the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) scheme to incorporate additional accessibility features, including a second wheelchair space or flexible area.

Regarding this requirement, as part of a review of the PSVAR, the Department has launched a Call for Evidence. We are asking for views on how effective the PSVAR have been in improving accessibility, and how it might evolve so that buses and coaches continue to meet the access needs of all passengers.

Respondents will have the opportunity to provide the Department with their views on bus design, including sharing any perspectives they may have on features such as an additional flexible space. Upon completion of analysis of the Call for Evidence and review of the PSVAR, it is our intention to publish the Department's response to the evidence submitted.