Government to support new taxi and PHV legislation protecting disabled passengers being overcharged

Disabled passengers will have better access to public transport and a bigger say in how they travel, under a new strategy that aims to boost inclusivity across the public travel network.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has unveiled a range of initiatives to remove barriers and improve confidence for disabled people as they return to trains, buses and taxis after the pandemic.

As part of the plans, the DfT will support new legislation for taxis and private hire vehicles, protecting disabled passengers from being overcharged and to better ensure they get the right help from drivers.

An audit of all UK train stations, originally pledged in the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail, is now also underway – helping to identify improvements and highlighting existing areas of excellence. The findings will form a new public database so people can better plan their journeys and, along with input from disabled passengers, will shape future investment in accessible rail travel.

DfT will also work with Network Rail to improve safety with a new programme to install all station platforms with tactile paving. This comes on top of work to develop a Passenger Assist App to simplify communication with rail staff and encourage better customer service.

The Government will bring forward new regulations to force bus companies to provide audible and visual announcements onboard services. To help smaller companies achieve this, government grants will be boosted to £3.5million.

Accessibility Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “Disabled passengers should be empowered to use all forms of transport with the same confidence as everyone else – whether by taxi, train, bus or ferry.

“Today’s measures will have a positive, real-life impact and double-down on our promise to build back fairer from COVID-19.”