PCV Accessibility for Disabled Passengers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the Equality Act 2010, what is a 'reasonable adjustment' for a disabled bus passenger?
- Changes to practices, policies, or physical features to remove barriers that disadvantage disabled passengers — the key is proportionality and practicality (Correct answer)
- Only physical changes to the vehicle are required
- Reasonable adjustments are optional — operators may choose to make them
- Only applies to passengers in wheelchairs
Correct answer: Changes to practices, policies, or physical features to remove barriers that disadvantage disabled passengers — the key is proportionality and practicality
Reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 can be changes to policies (allowing guide dogs), practices (giving extra time to board), or physical features (installing ramps). The adjustment must be reasonable in the context of the operator's resources and circumstances.
Question 2: What is the purpose of the kneeling bus feature?
- To lower the vehicle floor at the front door to reduce the step height, making boarding easier for elderly and disabled passengers (Correct answer)
- To allow the bus to navigate low bridges
- To improve fuel efficiency during boarding
- To activate the CCTV system
Correct answer: To lower the vehicle floor at the front door to reduce the step height, making boarding easier for elderly and disabled passengers
Kneeling buses use air suspension to lower the nearside (passenger door) of the bus to reduce the gap between the bus floor and the pavement. This significantly reduces the step height for elderly passengers, those with limited mobility, and parents with pushchairs.
Question 3: What does the PSVAR require regarding audio-visual passenger information on buses?
- New buses must provide both audio announcements and visual displays of the next stop — to assist passengers with visual or hearing impairments (Correct answer)
- Audio announcements are optional if visual displays are fitted
- Only required on routes where DVSA has mandated it
- Required only on coaches — not on local buses
Correct answer: New buses must provide both audio announcements and visual displays of the next stop — to assist passengers with visual or hearing impairments
PSVAR requires new buses to provide audio (spoken) announcements of the next stop and visual (electronic display) information. This ensures passengers with visual impairments can hear their stop and those with hearing impairments can see it.
Question 4: What is the priority for the wheelchair space on a bus if it is occupied by a non-wheelchair user with a buggy?
- Wheelchair users have priority — the driver should ask the buggy user to fold or move if a wheelchair user needs the space (Correct answer)
- Buggies always have the same right to the space as wheelchairs
- The first person in the space has priority regardless of need
- Wheelchair priority only applies if there is a specific sign
Correct answer: Wheelchair users have priority — the driver should ask the buggy user to fold or move if a wheelchair user needs the space
Wheelchair spaces are designated for wheelchair users, who have priority over buggy users. If a wheelchair user needs the space, the driver should politely ask the buggy user to move or fold the buggy. If they refuse, the driver cannot physically remove them but should assist the wheelchair user as much as possible.
Question 5: What boarding equipment must a low-floor bus carry to assist wheelchair users?
- A boarding ramp that can be deployed at the wheelchair access door — for use when the gap or kerb height prevents direct wheelchair access (Correct answer)
- A lift platform is required — ramps are not accepted under PSVAR
- No additional equipment is required if the bus has a low floor
- Only a verbal guide from the driver is required
Correct answer: A boarding ramp that can be deployed at the wheelchair access door — for use when the gap or kerb height prevents direct wheelchair access
Even with low-floor designs, boarding ramps are required for situations where the kerb height or gap does not allow direct wheelchair access. Ramps must be maintained in working order and drivers must be trained to deploy them quickly and safely.
Question 6: What should a PCV driver do if their boarding ramp malfunctions at a stop with a wheelchair user?
- Attempt a manual deployment if possible, call the control room for assistance, apologise to the passenger, and report the fault (Correct answer)
- Ask the wheelchair user to wait for the next bus
- Drive away and report the fault later
- Use other passengers to help lift the wheelchair
Correct answer: Attempt a manual deployment if possible, call the control room for assistance, apologise to the passenger, and report the fault
If the ramp fails, the driver should try manual deployment first, then call the control room and operator for assistance. The incident must be reported as a vehicle defect. The driver should apologise and explore any alternative assistance. Leaving the passenger without attempting to help is not acceptable.
PCV Accessibility for Disabled Passengers 1
Under the Equality Act 2010, what is a 'reasonable adjustment' for a disabled bus passenger?