WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE BUS DEMONSTRATIONS IN THE UK

This paper reports early results of a study of two demonstrations of low-floor, wheelchair-accessible bus services, on one route in North Tyneside and five in London. All these services are being monitored to assess ease of access by wheelchair users, less severely disabled passengers and those encumbered with infants or heavy luggage. Passenger surveys have been made to discover how the new vehicles affect people's perception of bus travel, and whether they have any effect on demand. Wheelchair users, and other people with limited mobility are being interviewed in depth to evaluate the utility of the new services to them, opportunities for new journeys and activities, and enhanced independence. Measurements have been made to determine improvements in boarding and alighting times for all types of passengers: these have important implications for operating speeds and costs, attractiveness to passengers and delays to other traffic.