As part of the Department for Transport‘s Plan For Change initiative, they will be improving accessibility for disabled people on rail replacement coaches.

The £800,000 of funding from the government will see new technology innovations such as accessing interactions and audio via apps and QR codes.

The funding will go towards four specific projects that will improve audible and visible information for passengers on rail replacement services.

Rail replacement bus services typically already offer such features; however, coach services can lack the technology to provide the same standard. Unfortunately, this can leave those with impairments without the support to travel confidently.

The Department for Transport introduced the Public Service Vehicles (Accessible Information) Regulations 2023, which required local bus and coach services to have accessible, audible and visible onboard information.

The projects were selected following a competition by Innovate UK. Projects will include the use of artificial intelligence and a new Bluetooth feature, Auracast, which will deliver information in varied forms.

The projects should be completed by March 2026 and will allow people to travel more confidently.

“There are around 16 million disabled people in the UK and many depend on coach services to get around. It’s vital that these services provide clear, accessible information for everyone, particularly on rail replacement journeys where the route and stops can change.

To help rail replacement coach operators make this transition smoothly, we are providing £800,000 of funding as part of the government’s Plan for Change to explore technology that helps all passengers, regardless of their needs, travel with confidence and independence. Public transport should be accessible for all and we’re committed to making that a reality – clearing away barriers to growth.”

Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood