Bus companies must prioritise space for disabled passengers, Commission says

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has said that bus companies must ensure wheelchair users have priority in using wheelchair spaces and end ‘first come, first served’ policies.

The call for a change in policy comes as the Commission has taken the case of Doug Paulley, a wheelchair user, to court. Paulley was refused entry on to a bus because a mother with a pushchair was occupying the space intended for wheelchair users and was unwilling to fold the pushchair.

David Isaac, chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said: “This is not about pushchairs versus wheelchairs but confusing policies from bus companies that cause problems. Bus companies have a duty to allow wheelchair users to travel given how vital this is to disabled people being able to live independent lives.”

Rebecca Hilsenrath, Equality and Human Rights Commission chief executive and chief legal officer, added: “We know the vast majority of people would move to another seat if a wheelchair user needed the space.

“We are saying that bus companies must uphold their responsibility and make it very clear to travellers that those spaces are intended for wheelchairs. Priority should mean priority and drivers should be able to have the discussion with passengers based on a clear formal policy.

“Public bus services are used by many people to get to work, go out, and get to local facilities. It can be hard enough for disabled people to use these services without extra barriers being in the way. It’s about doing the right thing and letting those that need the space use it.”