Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking in response to reports of discrimination by (a) bus, (b) taxi and (c) minicab drivers against (i) assistance dog owners and (ii) wheelchair users.

All drivers of regular bus and coach services have been legally required to undertake disability awareness training since 2018. We expect all operators to comply with this requirement and the DVSA is responsible for identifying and investigating non-compliance.

We also remain committed to introducing mandatory disability awareness training for taxi and PHV drivers through new National Minimum Standards for licensing authorities when Parliamentary time allows. In the meantime, we will shortly publish for consultation updated best practice guidance for local licensing authorities, including a strengthened recommendation to require all taxi and PHV drivers to complete such training.

In December 2020, we launched the REAL disability equality training package to improve the transport sector’s confidence and skills in delivering inclusive journeys for disabled passengers.