Wheels within wheels
A guide to using a wheelchair on public transport
Public transport has become more accessible. More of it can be used without difficulty by wheelchair users.
This guide tells you what you can expect from newer trains, coaches, buses and taxis. It has information on how you can find out where accessible services are running and gives tips on travelling in a wheelchair.
The law
The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) has led to great changes for disabled people. Public transport is no exception.
The DDA became law in 1995. It made it illegal to discriminate against disabled people on the grounds of their disability. Since 1999 service providers, including those who run airports, ports, train and bus stations, have had to make 'reasonable adjustments' to make their services accessible. From October 2004 they have had to take reasonable steps to remove any physical obstacles that made services inaccessible.
Transport vehicles are covered in a different way. The DDA gave the Government powers to set standards of accessibility for different means of transport. Regulations exist for trains, buses and coaches and standards for taxis are being developed. Transport vehicles that meet these regulations are said to be compliant (see Compliant and accessible transport).
These regulations set out minimum requirements - there is nothing to stop transport operators providing services to a higher standard than the regulations set out.
Wheelchairs
DDA regulations say that new transport should be wheelchair accessible. This means they must have enough space for a specially designed reference wheelchair.
Reference wheelchair dimensions
- Total length 1200mm, including these extra long footplates, which make sure enough room has been allowed for your feet
- Total width 700mm
- Sitting height (from ground to top of head) 1350mm
- Height of footrest above floor 150mm
This specification is bigger than most wheelchairs, so means that there should be enough room for most wheelchairs. The regulations apply specifically to wheelchairs - see below for information on scooters and buggies.
If you have a wheelchair this size or smaller, you should be able to use all compliant transport. If you have a larger wheelchair, check with the relevant train company whether you will be able to access the trains.
Scooters and buggies
All train operators will accept scooters that can be folded down and carried on as luggage. Most train companies will carry you on your scooter. Contact the train company concerned for details of their policy. If they carry scooters they will want to know the size of yours. If you are changing trains you will need to check for each part of your journey. Some train companies have a card scheme - you register your scooter and provided it meets their requirements you can travel in it from then on. National Rail Enquiries have details of which rail companies will take scooters. Phone them or see their website (follow the links from 'passenger services'. Note that:
- Size restrictions apply
- Loaded weight should not be more than 230kg/36.2 stone - the maximum weight ramps can take safely
- Always check - engineering works and other events may limit what is possible
- Make sure the station is accessible
- When boarding remove shopping bags and other things to reduce the danger of tipping on ramps
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next page: Compliant and accessible transport