Step access buses

[Dennis C]

Does anyone here know when bus companies will not be allowed to run buses that are not easy access for the elderly and disabled.

 

[Blindtraveler]

Does anyone here know when bus companies will not be allowed to run buses that are not easy access for the elderly and disabled.

2014 is I believf the cutoff for service buses of all types and 2016? For coaches.
Any advances on that? a good few round here will definately know. One things certain though, the world will be for the enthusiast at any rate a dull place without them!

 

[wintonian]

2014 is I believf the cutoff for service buses of all types and 2016? For coaches.
Any advances on that? a good few round here will definately know. One things certain though, the world will be for the enthusiast at any rate a dull place without them!

Which is possibly why Solent Blue Line are providing us with yet more new buses in the new year, despite the current ones only being a couple of years old. Mind you I can't think of anywhere they currently run with buses that aren't low floor.

 

[overthewater]

Does anyone here know when bus companies will not be allowed to run buses that are not easy access for the elderly and disabled.

* 1 January 2015: All buses weighing up to 7.5 tonnes must be fully accessible
* 1 January 2016: All full-size single deck buses over 7.5 tonnes must be accessible to disabled people
* 1 January 2017: All double deck buses must be accessible to disabled people
* 1 January 2020: All coaches must be fully accessible

Talk to your bus company about its plans to upgrade its buses and whether it is on track to meet the Government’s requirements.Share good practice.*Talk to your transport authorit
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
It means we have another three years, lucky for first.

Have to ask does 7.5 tones cover the mini buses such as old 709d?

 

[Dennis C]

Which is possibly why Solent Blue Line are providing us with yet more new buses in the new year, despite the current ones only being a couple of years old. Mind you I can't think of anywhere they currently run with buses that aren't low floor.

Anglian Bus company still run a few.

 

[northwichcat]

Isn't there earlier dates for larger bus companies?

 

[overthewater]

Isn't there earlier dates for larger bus companies?

No, actually there would need more since there have more stock.

 

[Lewisham2221]

Have to ask does 7.5 tones cover the mini buses such as old 709d?

Yes, it does. Note that this only applies to buses and coaches used on service work, including long distance express services, and not vehicles used soley on excursions, tours and private hire.

 

[jopsuk]

No, actually there would need more since there have more stock.

but generally the big companies have newer fleets whereas smaller operators are more likely to have a number of second hand buses

 

[wintonian]

and private hire.

What are rail replacements classed as?

 

[northwichcat]

No, actually there would need more since there have more stock.

OK I thought there some kind of extension for smaller bus companies related to what jopsuk is saying. The smaller companies who buy/lease second hand stock may find it difficult to obtain some second hand accessible buses and if they can't get hold of some then they'll go out of business.

but generally the big companies have newer fleets whereas smaller operators are more likely to have a number of second hand buses

 

[overthewater]

Yes, it does. Note that this only applies to buses and coaches used on service work, including long distance express services, and not vehicles used soley on excursions, tours and private hire.

Thats Monklands in trouble them, both towns are full of 709D and wee companies

 

[MCW]

What does this mean for private hire companies eg confidence of Leicester etc??

 

[island]

How on earth would a double-deck bus be accessible without installing a lift?

 

[ainsworth74]

How on earth would a double-deck bus be accessible without installing a lift?

I believe the requirement only requires the lower deck to be accessible. That being said I would quite like to see a double-decker with a lift

 

[wintonian]

I believe the requirement only requires the lower deck to be accessible. That being said I would quite like to see a double-decker with a lift

I would like to see one with a slide, which would make alighting with lots of shopping considerably easier and therefore more accessible.

 

[northwichcat]

How on earth would a double-deck bus be accessible without installing a lift?

Unless it's a double decker coach with a toilet fitted upstairs (which I've never seen) why would a wheelchair passenger have to go upstairs? I'm sure better external views don't count for the purposes of compliance.

 

[overthewater]

I remember years ago someone tried to wind up with a double decker Mini bus, I never believed them but still........................

* http://www.flickr.com/photos/didbygraham/105448280/

 

[VTPreston_Tez]

What about my Leyland Lynx I commute on? What's the arrangements for school buses?
(The 14 it subsequently works can go to Stagecoach, no problem there)

 

[Liam]

How on earth would a double-deck bus be accessible without installing a lift?

Stannah stairlift.

 

[Dennis]

I notice there are some buses around Plymouth that are not accessible, presumably these will be withdrawn soon,,,,
http://www.flickr.com/photos/didbygraham/105448403/in/pool-696149@N25

 

[Lrd]

Which is possibly why Solent Blue Line are providing us with yet more new buses in the new year, despite the current ones only being a couple of years old.

I've not heard anything about this, apart from the massive Mercedes-Benz Citaro influx we seem to be having. Are you getting new double deckers for Winchester?

Mind you I can't think of anywhere they currently run with buses that aren't low floor.

They got rid of them years ago with the promise to everyone that if a non low floor bus turned up then the journey was free.

 

[90sWereBetter]

What is the situation with school services and the 2017 deadline?

 

[richw]

but generally the big companies have newer fleets whereas smaller operators are more likely to have a number of second hand buses

Did you want to mention this to First in Cornwall, average bus age is T reg. quite a few older N reg floating about as well

 

[wintonian]

I've not heard anything about this, apart from the massive Mercedes-Benz Citaro influx we seem to be having. Are you getting new double deckers for Winchester?

According to the rumours here, I also heard something (what I can't remember) from a driver a few months ago.

The one we have got a fairly new (and rather nice bar the lack of heating) so I assume they will end up going the Eastleigh run.

They got rid of them years ago with the promise to everyone that if a non low floor bus turned up then the journey was free.

Oh for the days when anything and everything would end up on the no. 1

I forgot about that, another PR initiative that quietly disappeared.

 

[cainebj]

What about my Leyland Lynx I commute on? What's the arrangements for school buses?
(The 14 it subsequently works can go to Stagecoach, no problem there)

What is the situation with school services and the 2017 deadline?

Dedicated school services are exempt from DDA compliance, but if the running board has public service work attached then the bus will need to meet full DDA standards and have an accessibility certificate for doing that public service work. School dupe's and diversions open to the public must be operated with DDA certified buses by the relevant deadline.

 

[Lrd]

Oh for the days when anything and everything would end up on the no. 1

I have noticed that the 2s and 3s are being worked by Citaro's, perhaps they have sent the double deckers off somewhere else and are waiting for more from somewhere. I hope we don't get Enviro's, the two we have now for the 16 is enough!

Marchwood depot could do with a few more double deckers as there can be some severe overcrowding on those services.

 

[wintonian]

I have noticed that the 2s and 3s are being worked by Citaro's, perhaps they have sent the double deckers off somewhere else and are waiting for more from somewhere. I hope we don't get Enviro's, the two we have now for the 16 is enough!

Marchwood depot could do with a few more double deckers as there can be some severe overcrowding on those services.

Well I saw a new Citaro on the the E2 this afternoon, which is the first time I have noticed one on the E* route.

Incidentally I found wifi on a Stagecoach Enviro on the way to Tesco today, although I hear wifi is planned for sometime next year I was a bit surprised to find it now - no stickers or anything so I assume they are turning them on as they fit them out or something?

 

[tbtc]

Whether dispensation is given for step entrance buses may suggest whether the Government will amend the 31/12/2019 deadline for trains to be made "complaint"

 

[Volvodart]

Incidentally I found wifi on a Stagecoach Enviro on the way to Tesco today, although I hear wifi is planned for sometime next year I was a bit surprised to find it now - no stickers or anything so I assume they are turning them on as they fit them out or something?

If it was at the Olympics, it would have been fitted with wifi there.