Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps his Department is taking to increase access to public transport for people who have difficulty climbing stairs.

The Government is committed to ensuring that disabled people and passengers with reduced mobility have the same access to transport and opportunities to travel as everyone else.

In July 2018, the Department for Transport launched the Inclusive Transport Strategy which includes a commitment to extend a programme of accessibility improvements at rail stations (known as Access for All) with an additional £300m of funding for the 2019-2024 period. Access for All funding has led to new accessible, step-free routes at over 200 stations. This new funding will allow for similar improvements to be made at a further 73 stations.

Additionally, by 1st January 2020, all rolling stock in passenger service must comply with modern accessibility standards. These standards include vehicle access and egress, including the use of manual boarding ramps.

In the case of buses, the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations have revolutionised bus travel for disabled passengers, with around 97% of buses in Great Britain now incorporating a designated space and boarding facilities for wheelchair users, priority seating and other features to help disabled people board, alight and travel in comfort and safety. The Government continues to work with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency to ensure that enforcement action targets non-compliance effectively and that appropriate action is taken where it is identified.