Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to make sure that priority seats on public transport are given to the members of public who need them in situations when they are not offered or are declined to be given up.

Priority seating is important in enabling many disabled people to travel confidently and, as set out in the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations 2000, it must be provided onboard buses.

It is for operators to determine how drivers assist passengers who require a priority seat, but they are subject to the Equality Act 2010, and must also ensure staff receive suitable training. The Government’s REAL training package can support operators to ensure staff understand the needs and rights of disabled passengers.