We should all be able to travel safely and conveniently, but our Access Champions are sad to report a very mixed experience of Transport for London’s buses. At one end of the spectrum are caring and conscientious drivers who show consideration for Disabled passengers by, for example, ensuring that the wheelchair priority area is used properly, lowering the bus for those who need it, deploying the ramp at appropriate points, and waiting for people to sit down before pulling off. At the other end of the spectrum are drivers who are dismissive of Disabled people’s needs and even become agitated when asked for help.

Transport for London state on their website that they ‘believe in a London that is for everyone’ and are ‘working to improve the network to be more accessible and open to all (https://tfl.gov.uk/transport-accessibility/). In light of this, our Access Champions have requested a meeting to share insights and suggestions that will help TfL to fulfil their aim.

You can read the letter to TfL here.

Image shows a bus with a ramp extended and a woman pushing a man on a wheelchair on to the bus

Find our more about Merton CIL's Access Champions and how you can get involved here.