Disabled passengers are set to benefit from more accessible travel on rail replacement coach services, thanks to £800,000 in government funding for innovative new technologies.
Announced today (Tuesday, 13th May 2025) as part of the government’s “Plan for Change,” the funding will support four selected projects aimed at providing audible and visible information for passengers onboard coach services. This initiative seeks to break down barriers to opportunity and improve public services for everyone.
While many buses across the UK are already equipped with accessible information features, coach services used for rail replacement often lack the necessary technology. This can leave passengers, particularly those with visual or cognitive impairments, without the support they need to travel independently and with confidence when their usual rail journeys are disrupted.
The new technology being explored will offer flexible solutions suitable for various vehicles, assisting operators in meeting the requirements outlined in the Public Service Vehicles (Accessible Information) Regulations 2023. These regulations, introduced by the Department for Transport (DfT), mandate that local bus and coach services provide clear and accessible audible and visible onboard information, including details about the route, direction of travel, and upcoming stops.
The four projects were chosen following a competition run by Innovate UK. They combine established solutions with newer technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and Auracast, a new Bluetooth feature, to deliver real-time information in a range of accessible formats. One of the innovations includes a 3D animated avatar that allows passengers to ask questions through voice interaction or access audio information via apps or QR codes. These projects are expected to be completed by March 2026.
As part of the government’s “Plan for Change,” these projects are intended to enable more people to travel independently for work, education, and leisure. Enhancing transport accessibility and inclusivity not only benefits disabled passengers but also unlocks broader economic advantages, from increasing workforce participation to boosting local tourism and supporting businesses nationwide.
Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, said:
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.
The government states that it is “securing our future through the Plan for Change” by making transport more accessible through initiatives such as Access for All, which has delivered step-free access at over 260 stations, and new measures in the Bus Services (No. 2) Bill. This bill will require disability awareness and assistance training for drivers and staff providing direct assistance to passengers and mandate that local authorities consider new bus stop safety and accessibility guidance.
