Accessibility

We recognise that every customer we serve has their own specific individual needs and accessibility is a key factor in providing attractive public transport services. As far as possible within the resources we have available, we are continuing to make it easier for people to use our bus and rail services. This includes tailoring our network and frequency of services to meet demand.

We have made further progress during the year on our long-term programme to ensure all our buses in the UK are fully low-floor. We have announced a further investment in new accessible vehicles in the UK for the year ending 30 April 2007. We are also helping provide demand responsive transport services in the UK, which are meeting the needs of those mobility problems who require a service from their front door.

Significant investment is also taking place in our North American business, where we continue to lead the industry in terms of accessibility. As well as introducing new coaches that meet the Americans with Disabilities Act legislation, we have an ongoing programme to retro-fit coaches with lifts each year.

On the South West Trains network, we provide station-based ramps to enable wheelchair users to board and alight trains with maximum convenience.To support the access of wheelchair users to our network, we are now committed to providing wheelchair users with accessible taxis to and from stations with step-free access at no extra charge.

Access for all is also about staff training and we continue to maintain links with disability groups to ensure both the needs of our passengers and employees are considered. At Sheffield Supertram, for example, the first of our trams have been refreshed with textured grab rails and improved seating layouts to help passengers with visual impairment. We are also currently undertaking trials of new higher visibility destination blinds and investigating the potential for automated public address announcements.

Many people now access transport information online and our awardwinning Stagecoach Group website, www.stagecoachgroup.com, has been developed in line with accessibility guidelines drawn up by the Royal National Institute for the Blind.