Lothian are committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment in which disabled individuals, families and anyone with additional access needs can feel confident and safe.
Expectant parents
Pregnant customers are encouraged to use our priority seating when required for their own safety.
All of our buses can be lowered to make it easier to get on and off safely. If you find it challenging to board and alight the bus, please ask the driver to lower the bus for you if they have not done so already.
Buggy users
For customers travelling with young children, we recommend using a small, lightweight, and foldable buggy. These are safer, easier to manage, and more convenient when navigating buses.
In line with UK legislation, customers using a manual or powered wheelchair or specialised buggy, have legal priority over the wheelchair accessible space on our buses. If you are using this space and a customer with a wheelchair needs to board, you will be required to vacate it.
You can either fold the pram/ buggy and store it as luggage or choose to leave the bus in which case the driver can issue you with a ticket for onward travel.
The narrowest point of the bus aisle is by the driver’s cab, which can be tight for double buggies. The designated accessible and shared spaces are each 0.75 metres wide. Any pram or buggy must fit fully within this space without blocking the aisle or other seats. Please ensure this includes any attachments such as handles or bags. Our drivers have the right to refuse travel or ask a customer to leave if the buggy does not fit safely.
Please be aware that only one buggy or pram is permitted to travel in the wheelchair accessible space onboard our vehicles and it should be positioned against the padded backrest with the brakes applied, so the child is facing the rear of the vehicle. This is for the safety of your child in the event of a collision or heavy braking. The same guidance applies to the buggy/ shared space on our vehicles.
For your safety and comfort, once you board the bus please position the buggy following these guidelines:
Park your buggy in the dedicated space (either the wheelchair accessible space or buggy/ shared space) with your child facing the rear of the bus with the back of the buggy against the back support
Some of our vehicles have fixed poles and others have fold down or pull out anti-tip bars. If you are travelling on a vehicle with a fold down or pull out anti-tip bar, please ensure this is in place for the duration of your journey. If you require assistance in moving the bar into position, please bring this to the attention of your bus driver.
Apply the brakes
The driver will wait until this is done before moving the bus
When you are ready to leave the bus, ring the bell so that the driver knows you wish to leave at the next bus stop then wait until the bus has reached a complete stop before alighting
If your child is taken out of the buggy/pram while on board, please ensure they remain seated safely and under your supervision throughout the journey. Their safety remains your responsibility at all times.
Travelling with children
For customers travelling with young children who no longer use a buggy, many of our buses have ‘parent and child’ seats located at the very front of the bus near the driver. These allow easy access and are close to the doors and driver.
Wherever you choose to sit on the vehicle, please ensure your child is always sat down safely during the journey. Your child’s safety is your responsibility.
Please ask your bus driver if you require any assistance or email [email protected] if you have any questions.
If you need extra help to make your journey, the Thistle Assistance Card is available to assist anyone who has difficulty using public transport because of age, disability or illness.
This can be especially useful for individuals with a hidden disability to discreetly alert drivers to their additional needs.
To find out more about this free scheme visit www.thistleassistance.com
We are here to help
Your safety is our priority
Lothian believe that our colleagues and customers have the right to travel without receiving any form of abuse.
Lothian have signed up to the Hate Crime Charter which has been developed by Disability Equality Scotland in partnership with Transport Scotland, the South-East Scotland Transport Partnership (SESTran), People First (Scotland), Police Scotland and British Transport Police.
Lothian operate a zero-tolerance policy towards any physical or verbal abuse directed at our colleagues or customers, and CCTV and audio recording is in operation on all of our buses.
If you wish to bring anything to our attention or provide us with any feedback, please contact our Customer Support Department.
If you witness or are a victim of any crime on board our buses, please bring this to the attention of the driver and call 101/999.
