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The Disability Discrimination Act and public transport

Transport vehicles are covered by separate provisions in the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and accessibility regulations have been introduced to improve the accessibility of buses and coaches and trains.

A similar package for taxis is being developed.

If you use a wheelchair, the publication 'Wheels within wheels: a guide to using a wheelchair on public transport', produced by Ricability and the Department for Transport, tells you what you can expect from newer trains, coaches, buses and taxis.

The DDA also means that you have a right to information about transport - timetables for example - in a format that is accessible to you where it is reasonable for the transport provider to provide it in that format.

• Mobility publications by Ricability Opens new window
• The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)

Buses and coaches

Since December 2000, new buses and coaches that are used on local and scheduled services and can transport more than 22 passengers have had to comply with Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations.

Certain disabled people are eligible for concessionary bus travel. This means that they can apply to their local council for a free bus pass. The eligibility criteria are the same across the UK, but the times and areas covered by the pass vary between England, Wales and Scotland.

• Buses and bus passes
• The Public Service Vehicles Accessibility (Amendment) Regulations 2003 Opens new window

Taxis

The Disability Discrimination Act places a duty on licensed taxi drivers in England and Wales to carry guide, hearing and other assistance dogs in their taxis, and to do so without charge. Similar duties for private hire vehicles (minicabs) came into force in March 2004.

Trains

Since December 1998, all new rail vehicles have had to meet Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations.

• The Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations 1998 Opens new window

Motoring

Learning to drive

The usual minimum age for driving cars is 17. For anyone who is getting Disability Living Allowance at the higher rate (mobility component), the minimum age for driving is 16.

Insurance

Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, insurers can only charge disabled people higher premiums if the extra charge is based on factual or statistical data, or there are other relevant factors which indicate that a disabled person is a higher risk.

• Learning to drive

Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee

The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) was established as an independent body to advise Government on the transport needs of all disabled people across the UK. DPTAC also advise on the barriers faced by disabled people created by the design management and operation of buildings, streets and open space and how these might be overcome.

• Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee Opens new window

Help and advice from the Equality and Human Rights Commission

The Equality and Human Rights Commission is a good source of advice if you feel you may have been discriminated against by a service provider. The commission's disability helpline provides advice and information about the Disability Discrimination Act to disabled people, employers, service providers, schools and colleges, and friends and families of disabled people.

Telephone: 08457 622 633

Textphone: 08457 622 644

Fax: 08457 778 878

Lines are open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm; Wednesday 8.00 am to 8.00 pm.

• Equality and Human Rights Commission website Opens new window