The Roles of Demand-Responsive and Scheduled Bus Services for Disabled People

This paper describes how there has been substantial growth in the provision of bus services that are capable of carrying disabled people, includes those passengers who are wheelchair bound. Although the types of services provided vary from place to place, they can be divided into two broad categories: those which are operated like the usual stage carriage or local bus services on a fixed and timetabled route, and those which are operated on a demand-responsive basis. A number of research studies have been done that have looked at both types of operation. Local bus services have been considered primarily from the point of view of the type and costs of the vehicles and the adaptations necessary to carry disabled people. The ergonomic aspects of this type of vehicle (specifically the single-deck Leyland National modified for use by London Buses, Ltd.) have been reported on. Demand-responsive services have also been examined, both individual operations and more broadly a study which considered the nature of the services offered and their cost effectiveness. The objective of this paper is to look more closely at the users of these types of services. In particular, to try and place the use of these services within the context of total travel needs of disabled people.