Transport for London (TfL) have finally issued new measures in response to January’s Supreme Court ruling on the Wheelchair priority space on buses. They recently announced that they would be introducing new iBus automated messages on London buses to help ensure that the verdict is enforced.

• The announcements will state: “A customer needs the wheelchair priority area. Please make space“.
• If the customer does not move a second message will play: “Customers are required to make space for a wheelchair user. This bus will wait while this happens“.

Unfortunately, the second message does not mean drivers will refuse to move the bus for a few moments to encourage customers to vacate the space; it is just meant to encourage others in the space to move by letting them know that the driver will wait while they make space, or fold their buggy.

Those new iBus messages are a step forward but we think it doesn’t go far enough. We want TfL to introduce a policy where bus drivers refuse to move the bus for a certain amount of time, unless the wheelchair priority space is vacated. We also want to see bus companies introduce larger wheelchair spaces and separate buggy spaces to ensure that Disabled people can travel with confidence. 

What's your beneficiaries' experiences of travelling by bus in London? 

It's your last chance to register to our Bus Day of Action on the 10th August. We would like to hear from you to see if you find that the situation has improved or not? Access is not only about step-free journeys; therefore we want to hear from visually impaired and hard of hearing travellers, Disabled people with an invisible impairment as well as older Londoners.When: Thursday 10th August, 14:00-17:00 (registration starts at 13:30)Where: SCOPE, 6 Market Road, London, N7 9PW (the nearest accessible Tube station is Caledonian Road. The 274 bus stops in front of the venue. The 17, 91, 259 buses stop not far from Caledonian Road Tube station).  

Alternatively, please send your full name, postcode and information about your dietary/access requirements to Raphael by the 27th July:

• Phone: 020 7737 2339
• Email: raphael@transportforall.org.uk 

I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes,

Raphael Harfaux
Communication and Projects Officer