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Coaches used on scheduled services may not always be accessible to all disabled people, especially wheelchair users, as they often have several steep steps up from the entrance door.

However, under the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations 2000, all new coaches must be wheelchair accessible, so Britain's coach fleet is becoming more accessible as old stock is replaced. By 2020, all buses and coaches must be fully accessible to disabled people.

Concessionary fares for disabled people

Some major coach companies offer concessionary fares or free travel to disabled people. You may need to show your local authority bus pass as proof of your disability.

Assistance from coach drivers and other staff

Coach drivers are now required by law to provide reasonable assistance to disabled people, in particular to help them get on and off the coach. This does not extend to physically lifting passengers or heavy mobility equipment. If you need help to get on and off the coach, you should ask for this when you book your ticket.

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters

It's important to check whether your wheelchair or mobility scooter can be carried on the coach when you book your ticket. Some coach companies allow folding manual wheelchairs only to be carried in the luggage hold; others may allow powered wheelchairs and scooters with dry cell batteries if they can be disassembled before travel.

Coach and station facilities

If you need assistance at the coach station, contact either the station or the coach company before you travel and let them know what help you will need.

Many ticket office windows have induction loops to help people who have a hearing aid. These windows are clearly marked. Phones at many stations are also fitted with devices to help people who have a hearing aid.

You can take support and assistance dogs into station buffets and restaurants, and onto coaches.

Many coach stations have accessible toilets. Some operate under the National Key Scheme (NKS), which enable disabled people to use accessible public toilets independently by using their own NKS key. You can buy an NKS key from RADAR.

Some coaches have toilets on board. If you can't access the toilet on a long-distance coach journey (for example, because it is situated down some steps), the driver should stop at coach stations along the route so you can use the toilets.

• RADAR toilets search on the Direct Enquiries website (opens new window)
• RADAR shop website (opens new window)