What measures have been taken to encourage local authorities and bus companies to introduce low floor buses?
In recent years low floor buses have been introduced in increasing numbers. This change was promoted both by the Department, through a series of research and demonstration projects, and by our statutory advisers, the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC). The Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations 2000 (PSVAR) do allow for high floor vehicles, but bus operators and manufacturers of full size single deck and double deck buses have, by and large, opted for low floor vehicles. Over one third of full size local buses are now low floor vehicles rising to over 80 per cent in major urban areas. 90 per cent of the London fleet comprises low floor vehicles.
