"Brighton & Hove Bus and Coach Company are committed to making it as easy as possible for less-able-bodied people to use our bus network. We are continually investing in new, low-floor, wheelchair-accessible buses each year, and approximately 93% of our 265-strong bus fleet is currently wheelchair accessible, but with 100% of buses having low floors and step-free access. By spring 2012, every single one of our buses will be accessible to wheelchairs.
In terms of electric wheelchairs, we do allow them to board our buses, but it really depends on the size of them; if people are concerned about the maneouvrability of their wheelchair on our buses, if they contact us then we would be happy to visit them and issue them with a pass that confirms that they can maneouvre safely on board our vehicles. Looking at mobility scooters, due to their size and manoeuvrability, we do not currently permit them on our buses, although we await further guidance on this point from the Department for Transport. Page 18 of our Bus Times magazine, published twice a year in April and September, is dedicated to describing the features of our low floor buses."
You can obtain a copy of Bus Times by calling Brighton & Hove Bus Company on: 01273 886200, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or alternatively you can pick up a copy from local libraries, council offices, visitor information centres or the 1 Stop Travel Shops at Old Steine and Brighton Station.
For a comprehensive bus & train enquiry service for services outside the local area call: 0871 200 22 33 or check online at www.traveline.info.
Some of the real-time information signs at bus stops within the city also have the facility for blind or partially sighted people to activate the information audibly, in conjunction with the RNIB (see section below).
Brighton & Hove City Council is working with the bus company to improve access at bus stops.
There are many bus stops across the city where accessibility works have been carried out (eg raised kerbs) and further details are available from the city council on 01273 292480. The city council can also help plan journeys by any form of public transport.
Audible Announcements at Bus Stops
The Real Time Bus Information (RTI) system has been successful in providing details of when buses are due in and around Brighton & Hove in real time. The next stage was to provide this information for the visually impaired community.
A working group was set up including members and organisations of the visually impaired community to develop the Audible Announcement System and to work in partnership with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). One of the aims of the group was to help the RNIB to develop their REACT system for providing orientation messages to include RTI via a text-to-speech link.
The audio announcements are triggered by key fobs carried by the individual. The orientation announcement is given automatically as the person passes by and if more information is needed they can push one of two buttons. The first button starts a message that gives further information about the bus stop location and the second button tells you when the next bus is due.
There currently 22 bus stops equipped with React units in Brighton & Hove and
01273 292514 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
The RNIB hopes to continue to develop the REACT units as part of a national standard so that other councils that install real-time information will be able to use the same system throughout the
To enquire about the system or apply for a key fob, please contact the Access Point Team on: (01273) 295555 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
For more information go to: http://www.journeyon.co.uk/buses_88.asp
