Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what progress his Department has made to ensure that all bus operators are providing audio visual (AV) next stop and final destination announcements as required under the Bus Services Act 2017; and what steps his Department is taking to make bus transport more accessible for disabled people.

The Bus Services Act 2017 includes powers for the Secretary of State to make Regulations requiring bus operators to provide audible and visible information on local bus services in Great Britain.

The Government understands the importance of accessible on-board information in helping bus passengers to travel with confidence, and in Summer 2018 published a public consultation on proposals to require its provision on local bus services throughout Great Britain. This follows the Government’s commitment, set out in the Inclusive Transport Strategy, to invest £2 million towards ensuring that audio visual equipment is installed on buses.

We continue to analyse responses to the consultation and expect to announce our next steps regarding the making of Regulations and publication of guidance later in the year.