PCV Accessibility for Disabled Passengers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the requirement regarding handrails and handholds on a bus under PSVAR?
- Handrails and handholds must be provided in contrasting colours to help visually impaired passengers identify them — and must be at appropriate heights (Correct answer)
- Handrails are only required on double-decker buses
- Handrails are optional features determined by the manufacturer
- Only a grab handle at the door is required
Correct answer: Handrails and handholds must be provided in contrasting colours to help visually impaired passengers identify them — and must be at appropriate heights
PSVAR specifies requirements for handrails and handholds including their location, height, and that they must contrast visually with their surroundings to be easily identified by passengers with visual impairments.
Question 2: What is a 'hearing loop' (induction loop) on a bus and who benefits from it?
- A system that transmits sound directly to hearing aids — benefiting passengers with hearing loss who use a telecoil-equipped hearing aid (Correct answer)
- A security alarm system
- A system for announcing stops on the audio system
- A communication device between driver and control room
Correct answer: A system that transmits sound directly to hearing aids — benefiting passengers with hearing loss who use a telecoil-equipped hearing aid
Hearing loops (induction loops) transmit audio (such as driver announcements) directly to the telecoil of hearing aids. They benefit the significant proportion of the population who use hearing aids and allow them to hear announcements without background noise interference.
Question 3: What is the legal requirement under the Equality Act 2010 regarding drivers refusing to carry wheelchair users?
- Refusing to carry a wheelchair user without a legitimate reason constitutes disability discrimination — drivers must not refuse without justification (Correct answer)
- Drivers may refuse if the wheelchair space is occupied by another passenger
- Operators can set policies that allow drivers to refuse wheelchair users in some circumstances
- Wheelchair users must book in advance — otherwise the driver may refuse
Correct answer: Refusing to carry a wheelchair user without a legitimate reason constitutes disability discrimination — drivers must not refuse without justification
Refusing to carry a wheelchair user without legitimate justification is disability discrimination under the Equality Act 2010. Legitimate reasons (safety-critical issues that cannot be resolved) are very limited. A general refusal based on inconvenience or the presence of other passengers is not permitted.
Question 4: What is a 'Blue Badge' and how does it relate to PCV operations?
- A government scheme providing parking concessions for disabled people — PCV drivers should facilitate Blue Badge holders as passengers (Correct answer)
- A disability awareness badge worn by drivers
- A DVSA exemption badge for accessible vehicles
- A badge indicating a vehicle is accessible for disabled passengers
Correct answer: A government scheme providing parking concessions for disabled people — PCV drivers should facilitate Blue Badge holders as passengers
The Blue Badge scheme provides parking concessions for disabled people. While it primarily relates to parking, PCV drivers should be aware that Blue Badge holders are likely to have mobility or other disabilities and may need additional assistance boarding and alighting.
Question 5: What does 'inclusive design' mean in the context of buses and coaches?
- Designing vehicles so they can be used by the widest possible range of passengers — including those with disabilities — without special adaptations for most users (Correct answer)
- Designing buses only for disabled passengers
- Including all vehicle colours in the design specification
- Designing vehicles that comply with minimum safety standards only
Correct answer: Designing vehicles so they can be used by the widest possible range of passengers — including those with disabilities — without special adaptations for most users
Inclusive design (also called universal design) means designing vehicles and services from the outset to accommodate the widest range of users. This means the standard design works for most people, reducing the need for separate 'accessible' options and avoiding stigmatisation.
Question 6: What specific assistance should a PCV driver offer to a visually impaired passenger?
- Announce the stop verbally, offer guidance in the vehicle, and wait for them to be safely seated before moving away (Correct answer)
- No specific assistance is required — visually impaired passengers travel independently
- Only assist if the passenger asks for help
- Visual impairment is catered for by the audio announcement system — no personal assistance needed
Correct answer: Announce the stop verbally, offer guidance in the vehicle, and wait for them to be safely seated before moving away
PCV drivers should proactively offer assistance to visually impaired passengers: announce stops verbally, offer to guide them to a seat (with their consent), and wait until they are safely seated before driving. The audio system supplements but does not replace personal assistance.
PCV Accessibility for Disabled Passengers 2
What is the requirement regarding handrails and handholds on a bus under PSVAR?