Transport Accessibility Hub
The Transport Accessibility Hub provides information and tools to ensure all users can access public transport services with confidence and ease across the West of England.
Jump to:
Journey Planner
The WEST Journey Planner is a comprehensive online tool designed to assist travellers in the West of England region; including Bath, Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire, in planning and managing their journeys across various modes of transport.
Plan your journey by adding a start and end point, you can even adjust the time you want to arrive by or leave after.
Find bus service disruptions and works happening in your area which may impact your journey in our Travel Updates.
We have network maps and guides to help you plan your journey. You can download them or request a printed copy.
Explore the West of England, find out where you can travel and what you can do/visit using sustainable transport.
Bus information
In this section you will find a variety of services and information we offer to our passengers to help them on their journeys around the bus network within the West of England.
We provide a straightforward, step-by-step guide for individuals who may be new to using public buses, particularly those with learning disabilities or additional support needs.
Most operators will have accessible buses, First Bus is currently operating a large portion of our Network and have all their accessibility information available on their website
WEST Bus Passenger Charter. The purpose of this charter is to drive improvements to bus services across the West of England.
Find your local bus route and timetable information, check which stops it uses and when its due to arrive.
A modern public transport system for the greater Bristol area. metrobus adopts cashless ticketing and limited stopping at key destinations for faster boarding and shorter journey times.
Within the West of England there are several Park and Ride sites which link the outer areas of Bristol and Bath with a sustainable option into the City Centre’s. Each site has a dedicated webpage.
Planning your journey can also mean checking fares to make sure you get the best value for money. We have a list available on a dedicated page.
Bus frequently asked questions
-
All First buses are built for easy-access, making it quicker and simpler for wheelchair users or people with pushchairs.
All other operators within the West of England that provide a public bus service must also provide accessible options, as per the Enhanced Partnership for the West of England.
-
As per First Bus’ conditions of travel, section 8 advises passenger’s that dog’s and other animals are permitted within reason.
For a full list of conditions please view their document here.Other operators will also have their own policies and regulations, please visit our service information page to find your operators contact details.
-
Yes. By law, all buses have to be accessible and allow space for at least one wheelchair on board. Do plan your journey in advance to make sure that your bus stop allows for wheelchair access. Many bus stops have raised kerbs, and many buses allow the driver to lower the bus to kerb height for even easier access.
Our journey planner provides information about accessible bus stops. Just look for the wheelchair icon next to the bus stop name, either in the Live Arrivals tab, or the Routes and Timetables.
-
Yes you can, provided you follow the mobility scooters on low floor buses Code of Practice.
On 14 September 2011, and following discussions with the Department for Transport, Confederation of Passenger Transport UK (CPT) launched a Code of Practice for the use and acceptance of Mobility Scooters on low floor buses.
This code introduced a permit system for the mobility scooter user that will make it easier for the bus driver to recognise that the mobility scooter has been approved by the Operator and the user has been trained on boarding and alighting from the bus. The permit will be accepted by all Operators who adopt the Code.
More information can be found on the CPT website: http://www.cpt-uk.org
-
If you can’t find the answer to your question on this page, first please make sure you’re using an up to date browser, as older browsers may cause issues when using our website and online tools.
Best performing browser versions:
Mac: 3 major releases back of major browsers: Safari, Chrome and Firefox.
Windows: 3 major releases back of major browsers: Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer.
-
Many bus stops now have Real Time Information displays on them, meaning you can see when the next bus will arrive without having to read the timetable.
If you have difficulty reading smaller text, our Journey Planner also offers an easier way of accessing timetables or check when your next bus is arriving at the bus stop in real time. You can use your computer or mobile phone browser to zoom in when using the journey planner and the text size will increase to make it more easy to read.
Alternative bus options
Here you will find more information on alternative transport options other than standard bus services.
There is a range of community transport services and Shopmobility available across the West of England region. These provide residents with essential transport within the community and are particularly well placed to cater for passengers with limited mobility.
WESTlink is a different type of bus service which operates in the vast majority of the West of England, outside of Bristol and Bath city centres. It runs without a fixed timetable or route, and can be booked by people through the Westlink app or by phone.
Rail information
In this section you will find information we offer to our passengers to help them on their journeys around the rail network within the West of England.
National Rail’s “stations and destinations” webpage allows you to search for your station and will provide details of accessibly and mobility access among other things.
National Rail also offer an interactive map to search for your station and find accessibility information, such as if staff help is available, wheelchair access, toilets etc.
GWR offer travel assistance. More information and how to book or request help can be found on their website.
National Rail offer travel assistance. More information and how to book or request help can be found on their website.
The Disabled Persons railcard offers discounted travel for disabled users. To find out more information about the scheme and if you’re eligible visit their website.
Rail frequently asked questions
- Visit GWR's website for their frequently asked questions
- Visit National Rail's website for their frequently asked questions
Cycling
Better by Bike is a website which can provide information on various cycling initiatives in your area which can provide assistance in learning how to ride as well as support and advice for those wanting to look at cycling as alternative form of transport.
Bristol Cycling Centre is a cycle skills training facility, helping people of all ages and abilities to cycle in a safe, traffic-free environment.
All Cycle Bath and West is a local and accessible cycling charity, promoting inclusive cycling for all ages and abilities.
Strawberry Line Cycle Project started in 2020 as a not-for-profit community cycle hire. Helping people to be able to get outdoors and active, exploring the Strawberry Line. Offering people with learning disabilities a chance to get meaningful work and vocational training.
Warmley Wheelers is a cycling project run by Milestones Trust, that gives everyone the chance to get into cycling. If you have a health condition or supported needs, we have a wide range of specially adapted bikes you can use on the Bristol to Bath Cycle Path.
