PCV Accessibility for Disabled Passengers

Question 1

Under the Equality Act 2010, what is a 'reasonable adjustment' for a disabled bus passenger?

Accepted Answer

Changes to practices, policies, or physical features to remove barriers that disadvantage disabled passengers — the key is proportionality and practicality

Answer

Only physical changes to the vehicle are required

Answer

Reasonable adjustments are optional — operators may choose to make them

Answer

Only applies to passengers in wheelchairs

Question 2

What is the purpose of the kneeling bus feature?

Accepted Answer

To lower the vehicle floor at the front door to reduce the step height, making boarding easier for elderly and disabled passengers

Answer

To allow the bus to navigate low bridges

Answer

To improve fuel efficiency during boarding

Answer

To activate the CCTV system

Question 3

What does the PSVAR require regarding audio-visual passenger information on buses?

Accepted Answer

New buses must provide both audio announcements and visual displays of the next stop — to assist passengers with visual or hearing impairments

Answer

Audio announcements are optional if visual displays are fitted

Answer

Only required on routes where DVSA has mandated it

Answer

Required only on coaches — not on local buses

Question 4

What is the priority for the wheelchair space on a bus if it is occupied by a non-wheelchair user with a buggy?

Accepted Answer

Wheelchair users have priority — the driver should ask the buggy user to fold or move if a wheelchair user needs the space

Answer

Buggies always have the same right to the space as wheelchairs

Answer

The first person in the space has priority regardless of need

Answer

Wheelchair priority only applies if there is a specific sign

Question 5

What boarding equipment must a low-floor bus carry to assist wheelchair users?

Accepted Answer

A boarding ramp that can be deployed at the wheelchair access door — for use when the gap or kerb height prevents direct wheelchair access

Answer

A lift platform is required — ramps are not accepted under PSVAR

Answer

No additional equipment is required if the bus has a low floor

Answer

Only a verbal guide from the driver is required

Question 6

What should a PCV driver do if their boarding ramp malfunctions at a stop with a wheelchair user?

Accepted Answer

Attempt a manual deployment if possible, call the control room for assistance, apologise to the passenger, and report the fault

Answer

Ask the wheelchair user to wait for the next bus

Answer

Drive away and report the fault later

Answer

Use other passengers to help lift the wheelchair