The government has announced that all local transport authorities (LTAs) in England must publish an initial bus network accessibility plan (Bus NAP) by 1 April 2027.
The report, which was published online, said the move will apply to any services with at least one stop in an LTA’s area.
The Bus NAP requirements include:
- describe existing features of the bus network which support disabled people to use local bus services
- assess the extent to which features of the network enable disabled people to travel independently, safely and in reasonable comfort
- describe any action that the authority plans to take to improve the accessibility of bus services in their area
Authorities will be required to review and update their Bus NAP at least once every three years, or sooner if there is a substantial change to the provision of local services.
The report quotes figures from the latest Family Resources Survey showing there are around 16.8 million disabled people in the UK. It notes that disabled people often depend more than others on local passenger transport services to undertake journeys where the built environment does not meet their needs or alternative modes are unavailable.
The report adds that accessible local transport services are therefore essential to enabling independent travel, and should be planned, delivered and kept under review in a way that anticipates disabled passengers’ needs from the earliest stages of design through to implementation and evaluation.
The requirement was introduced as part of the Bus Services Act 2025 and was accompanied by guidance which provides detailed advice on the statutory framework and key principles, co-design and consultation, scope-setting, identification and assessment of accessibility features and how authorities should identify, describe and monitor future accessibility improvements.
The report adds that the guidance “includes a non-exhaustive list of examples of potential interventions that authorities may consider as part of developing or reviewing their Bus NAP”.
It emphasises: “LTAs are therefore encouraged to go further and be bold in adapting new and innovative technologies and means for greater accessibility – in partnership with disabled people. Where authorities choose to take a different approach, they should clearly explain their reasons and, before doing so, consult with disabled people and relevant organisations.”