Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government, with reference to clauses 30 and 31 of the Bus Services (No. 2) Bill, what independent advice and consultation, including from people with lived experience, they have sought about the access needs of blind, partially sighted, deafblind and disabled passengers; and what organisations and individuals they consulted for that advice.

The Department has proactively engaged with a wide range of stakeholders throughout the development and passage of the Bus Services (No.2) Bill through Parliament. This includes the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC), statutory advisors to Government on the needs of disabled transport users.

Both the safety and accessibility of stopping places guidance, and the guidance on floating bus stops will be developed collaboratively with disabled people and other key stakeholders. They will also be subject to statutory consultation with DPTAC. This guidance will be important to improving the experience of disabled people when using bus services, and enabling them to travel safely, confidently and with dignity.