Lothian is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment in which disabled individuals, families and anyone with additional access needs can feel confident and safe.
Wheelchair users
Lothian provides thorough Disability Awareness Training to ensure that all our drivers and customer support advisers are confident in assisting those travelling on our services as wheelchair users.
All buses in our fleet are equipped with at least one designated wheelchair accessible space, and some vehicles have two. These spaces are designed to accommodate manual wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs, and wheelchair buggies, allowing users to travel facing the rear of the vehicle, in comfort and safety. In accordance with the Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (PSVAR), each space is a minimum of 1.3 metres in length and 0.75 metres in width.
To ensure safe boarding and travel, we can accept wheelchairs and wheelchair buggies that do not exceed 0.7 metres in width, 1.2 metres in length, and 1.35 metres in height. Your wheelchair must be in good working condition and meet the safety requirements outlined in our Conditions of Carriage.
It is essential that the designated wheelchair space is kept available for customers who need it. As per UK legislation, our drivers are required to ask any customers not using a wheelchair to vacate the space if a wheelchair user wishes to board. However, if a customers refuses to vacate the space, the driver cannot compel them to do so and may not be able to permit you to board.
Please be aware that, for the safety of all customers, front-mounted handcycle and power assist devices for manual wheelchairs can only be carried on our services if they have been detached and stored in a bag.
Boarding the bus
For your safety and comfort, once you board the bus please follow these following guidelines:
Please position your wheelchair in the wheelchair accessible space, with the back of the chair firmly against the back support. All wheelchair users must travel facing the rear of the bus. Travelling while facing forward or sideways is not permitted for safety reasons.
Some vehicles are fitted with fixed poles, while others have fold-down or pull-out anti-tip bars. If your bus is fitted with an anti-tip bar, it must be properly positioned throughout your journey. If you need help moving the bar into place, please speak to the driver before the journey begins.
Please ensure that your wheelchair brakes are applied before the bus sets off. The driver will wait until you are safely secured before moving.
The driver will wait until this is done before moving the bus.
When preparing to leave the bus, press the stop button to notify the driver and wait until the bus has come to a complete stop before releasing your brakes.
Please be aware that we are unable to accommodate mobility scooters for travel on any of our buses unless they have been dismantled/folded and can be stored as luggage.
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.
