Buses & Coaches
Audio File (MP3)There is a comprehensive bus network in the Network West Midlands area. Centro-WMPTA has policies that promote the use of accessible buses to be used on services that it provides a subsidy to operators to run. Guidelines produced by The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) Low Floor Bus Specification and Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations have established standards in vehicle design to help make them more accessible, and almost three quarters of all buses in the West Midlands now conform to these standards. All new single and double deck buses and coaches brought into service must be accessible to disabled people and meet the DDA Accessibility Regulations. The modern design of buses makes them alot easier to use, so if you haven't travelled by bus before, why not try it?
Low floor accessible bus services
In the West Midlands over 75% of all buses are low floor accessible, more than any other metropolitan area outside Greater London, they are designed for easy access for disabled people, and for parents with pushchairs and buggies.
The main access features of low floor buses are-
- Bright colour contrasting handrails
- Space for one wheelchair user
- Space for people with buggies
- Kneeling suspension to lower the front step, operated by the driver on request
- Ramp to enable access for wheelchair users, operated by the driver on request
- Flat wide entrance without steps
- Priority seats for disabled people at the front of the bus
For timetable information on services that operate using low floor buses, contact Traveline on 0870 608 2 608.
Details of low floor services are also available in Network West Midlands Map & Guides for your area available from Local Travel Information Centres or from Traveline.
We have produced a leaflet entitled “Local public transport made easy – a guide for new users” for information on using all public transport services available from Traveline 0871 200 22 33 or on this site in TravelWise Leaflets.
Bus Showcase
Bus Showcase services are designed to improve the quality of all aspects of bus travel, and have a number of features that make travel by bus more easier for everybody. Features such as accessible low floor buses, accessible well lit passenger shelters, easy access Kassel Kerbs, improved passenger information and real time audio and visual information make Bus Showcase services more attractive to all. The drivers are trained in customer care and disability awareness too.
The network of routes is being expanded, with Bus Showcase services available across the Network West Midlands area. Current Bus Showcase services are 9/139, 11, 33, 50, 67, 96/97, 311, 404, 503, 171/301/559/560, 529 and in Coventry routes 4, 20, 32/33,34
Audio Real Time information
Network West Midlands provides Real Time information displays at a number of bus stops along main routes and at major interchanges. The electronic information displays provide details of the next buses to call at the stop, including the service number, destination, and the time when the bus will arrive at the stop. For people with visual impairment or learning disabilities, we can provide a small “key fob” device that can be used to activate an audio voice message which provides the same information.
The system is available at certain stops on the following bus services-
9,9A,19,109,139,139E,10,13,14,14A,15,17,22,23,33,34,34A,45,45A,47,47A,55,57,57A,58,58A,59A,60,61,62,
63,63A,67,97,97A,404,590A,590C and on the Foleshill Road in Coventry.
If you are a West Midlands resident and use the above bus services and think you may be eligible to receive a key fob, then contact-
Centro Equalities Unit
Centro House
16 Summer Lane
Birmingham B19 3SD
Telephone 0121 214 7401
Email equalityteam@centro.org.uk
Wheelchair accessible bus/coach hirers
A number of operators have wheelchair accessible vehicles for hire, and some of these are listed below. It is always sensible to seek quotations before booking the private hire of a vehicle.
| Protours | Amber Mobility | |
| 2 Ryder Close | Metro Depot, Yard 2 | |
| Swadlincote | Unit 4A Pool Road Industrial Estate, | |
| Derbyshire, DE11 9EU | Nuneaton | |
| Tel: 01283 217012 | Warwickshire CV10 9AE | |
| Fax:01283 550685 | Tel: 02476 375858 | |
| Fax 02476 370717 | ||
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