To class as accessible a stop must have a kerb height which allows the bus ramp to be deployed, be protected from cars parking in it through the use of yellow lines, and be free of obstacles and clutter which prevent passengers boarding or exiting.
Former Mayor Boris Johnson set councils a target of ensuring 95% of the capital’s 17,365 bus stops were accessible by the end of 2016.
Passenger watchdog London TravelWatch says that while this target has not been achieved, a Londonwide success rate of 92.69% is “an incredible achievement” when compared to the 41% of stops which were accessible in 2009.
Stephen Locke, TravelWatch’s Chairman, said Ealing, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, and Kingston councils “deserve special praise for reaching 100 per cent.’
He added: “Now that the bus fleet is fully wheelchair accessible, buses are the only public transport network that has the potential to offer a comprehensive service to people with disabilities – so ensuring that all bus stops allow for easy access to everyone has been a major priority for us.
“It is really pleasing that successive Mayors have responded to our campaign and that so many of London’s boroughs have risen to the challenge.”
Cllr Julian Bell, Chair of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee, added: “London boroughs have worked hard to improve bus stop accessibility for their residents so that all Londoners are able to get around this great city.
“This has involved reviewing road layouts and signs, installing bus shelters and in some cases changing bus stop locations.
“The fact that we can now say that 92.69 per cent of bus stops in London are accessible is a wonderful achievement that will make a huge difference to people’s lives.”
