WQ91932 (e) Tabled on 11/03/2024

What is the Welsh Government doing to support disabled passengers on public transport?

Answered by Deputy Minister for Climate Change | Answered on 18/03/2024

We are committed to making the public transport network more accessible for all passengers. Our concessionary travel scheme for disabled people enables free travel on most bus services in Wales and free travel on some rail services. Companion Cards providing free travel for one person accompanying concessionary passenger are also available.

We are investing more than £1bn in the Core Valley Lines, which will deliver step free access to stations, text to speech public information systems, and help points across the infrastructure we own. We are also supporting Network Rail in the delivery of a range of access-for-all projects on the UK Government owned network as well as pressing the UK Government for more investment in this critical programme.

Our £800m investment in new trains will provides passengers with better access to trains across Wales. For example, our Stadler trains include level boarding, and all trains will have improved passenger information systems while onboard. Transport for Wales offer Assisted Travel supporting passengers to travel independently on the railway which includes guidance in stations and help to get on and off the train where needed.

Across the bus network we have funded and encouraged deployment of new low floor buses, next stop announcement systems, and more accessible bus stops and interchanges.