Conclusion

Bus stops are the gateways to public transport. This report has examined the barriers disabled people face accessing bus stops and across the whole bus journey and the structural barriers to progress. Addressing them requires a whole-systems approach to accessibility and targeted investment in physical infrastructure and information provision, delivered through genuine co-design with disabled people.

The Bus Services Act 2025 and the forthcoming statutory guidance on the safety and accessibility of bus stopping places offers a timely mechanism to promote a more consistent approach and deliver improvement across England. Due to practical and financial constraints, it would no doubt be challenging to ensure that all bus services and infrastructure are fully accessible to all. But with the right design and investment, more bus stops can become accessible over time and support passengers to travel independently.