Accessibility for Disabled Passengers Flashcards

What does PSVAR stand for and which vehicles does it apply to?

Answer: Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations — applies to buses and coaches used to carry members of the public

PSVAR stands for Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations 2000. It applies to buses and coaches (class M2 and M3 vehicles) used to carry members of the public on scheduled services. It sets minimum accessibility standards for vehicle design.

What is the minimum width of a wheelchair space required on a single-decker bus under PSVAR?

Answer: At least 750 mm wide and 1200 mm long — sufficient for a standard wheelchair

PSVAR specifies minimum dimensions for wheelchair spaces: at least 750 mm wide and 1200 mm long. These dimensions ensure the space accommodates a standard NHS wheelchair, which is the reference wheelchair for UK accessibility standards.

Why must steps on buses have colour-contrasting nosings?

Answer: To make step edges visible to passengers with visual impairments, reducing the risk of trips and falls

Colour-contrasting nosings (the front edge of each step in a contrasting colour) help passengers with visual impairments to see where each step starts and ends. This significantly reduces trip and fall hazards, especially for those with partial sight.

What does the Equality Act 2010 say about operators charging disabled passengers more than non-disabled passengers for the same service?

Answer: Charging disabled passengers more for the same service is direct disability discrimination and is unlawful

Charging disabled passengers more than non-disabled passengers for the same service is direct discrimination and unlawful under the Equality Act 2010. All passengers must be charged the same fare for the same journey regardless of disability.

What is the purpose of a 'priority seating' designation near the front of a bus?

Answer: To reserve seats for passengers who need them most — including disabled, elderly, and pregnant passengers — other passengers must move if requested

Priority seats are designated for those who need them most: disabled passengers, elderly passengers, pregnant women, and others with less obvious needs. Other passengers should vacate priority seats when a qualifying passenger needs them, though enforcement is by social expectation rather than law.

How should a PCV driver respond if a passenger complains that another passenger's assistance dog is distressing them?

Answer: Explain that assistance dogs are protected by law and cannot be excluded — offer alternative seating where possible to maximise distance from the dog

Assistance dogs cannot be excluded under the Equality Act. The driver should acknowledge the other passenger's concern, explain the legal position, and offer alternative seating to maximise distance between the complaining passenger and the dog. The dog user must not be disadvantaged.