Passengers urged to report faulty bus announcements
Sight Loss Councils are encouraging blind and partially sighted passengers to report missing or faulty audio-visual bus announcements, following the latest deadline for accessible information on local buses and coaches.
From 1 October 2026, requirements under the Public Service Vehicles (Accessible Information) Regulations 2023 extended to older vehicles. Most local bus and coach services across England, Scotland and Wales must now provide audible and visible journey information, although some exemptions and transitional arrangements remain.
To help passengers understand what to expect, and help operators meet their responsibilities, we have published guidance on the requirements and how to report problems.
The extension marks another milestone in the rollout of accessible bus information, following years of campaigning through the Sight Loss Councils Make Transport Accessible campaign.
Verity, North Yorkshire SLC member, pictured on board a bus with her guide dog
Supporting independent travel
For blind and partially sighted people, knowing which bus they have boarded and when their stop is approaching is essential for travelling independently and with confidence.
Without reliable announcements, passengers can miss their stop or have to rely on the driver or other passengers for information. This can make journeys more stressful, particularly when travelling somewhere unfamiliar.
Accessible information helps people make journeys independently, whether they are travelling to work, attending appointments, or meeting friends and family.
Iain Mitchell, Senior Engagement Manager for North England, said:
“Audio-visual announcements are essential for many blind and partially sighted passengers, providing the information needed to travel independently and with confidence.
“With the latest regulations now in force, operators have a responsibility to ensure announcements are available and working correctly. Accessible information helps make bus travel more inclusive and accessible for everyone.”
What should operators be doing?
Operators must provide information in both audible and visible formats, including:
- route and destination information
- upcoming stops
- diversions
- when a service is terminating
Announcements should be clear and audible, while displays should be easy to read. Operators must ensure equipment is used properly and take prompt action to address faults. Providing information through a smartphone app alone does not meet the requirements.
Our Bus AV Compliance Guidance explains the deadlines and requirements, including arrangements for vehicles with existing systems.
Help improve bus journeys
If announcements are missing, too quiet or incorrect, or a display is not working, Sight Loss Councils encourage passengers to report the issue.
If you feel comfortable, let the driver know when it is safe to do so. You can then contact the bus operator, providing:
- the route number
- date and time of travel
- where you boarded
- details on the problem
- how it affected your journey
If your complaint remains unresolved, you can contact Bus Users UK for journeys outside London, or London TravelWatch for journeys within London.
Reporting faults helps operators identify recurring issues and ensures accessible information remains available for everyone who relies on it.
Find out more
Learn more about what operators are required to provide and how to raise concerns:
Bus AV Compliance Guidance (Word version)
Bus AV Feedback Process (Word version)
Join us
Passionate about making a difference? Want to influence positive change? Our Sight Loss Councils, led by blind and partially sighted volunteers, are recruiting new members. Join us today!
We use our lived experience to create positive change for others. Together, we tackle local issues and work with businesses and service providers to improve the accessibility of their services.
Join us to help ensure visually impaired people in your area can live the lives they want to lead.
Publication date: 20 October 2026