This article follows on from my previous article, 'Exploring the Challenges and Considerations of Buses with Two Wheelchair Spaces And Buses of Longer Size', where I stated:
"This would allow TfL and organisations representing older and disabled people to evaluate different features used in buses across various cities and trial them in passenger service. It would also provide an opportunity to gather feedback from individuals and stakeholders."
I'm aware that certain buses in the UK are already equipped with dual doors and two wheelchair spaces. Some of my followers on social media platforms such as X, Mastodon, and Bluesky may have seen my post referencing Ireland, Hong Kong, and Singapore, where dual-door or even triple-door buses with two wheelchair spaces are in regular operation.
My suggestion for #Transport for #London is to evaluate double-deck #buses from the Republic of #Ireland, Hong Kong and Singapore, as they have multiple doors with two wheelchair spaces to improve #accessibility and reduce issues for #wheelchair users.
— CLondoner92 (@clondoner92.bsky.social) November 2, 2024 at 8:51 PM
[image or embed]
I have also suggested the introduction of a new zero emission double deck bus with two wheelchair spaces.
The reason for this is clear: Transport for London (TfL) and their bus operating companies need to start evaluating and experimenting with different bus specifications at the front line. This means not just reviewing designs on paper, but actually trialling these buses in real service conditions.
Having reviewed TfL's New Bus Specifications version 2.6, I have noticed that they still only require one wheelchair space as standard. It is disappointing to see that TfL has not yet chosen to follow the example set by Singapore’s Land Transport Authority, which is making greater strides in bus accessibility.
Singapore GeBIZ:
Procurement of Electric Buses
Tender No. LTA000ETT25000027
Closing on 22 May 2025
Remarks
TERM NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT (Term NDA):
Tenderers are required to complete and submit the Term NDA to LTA for access to the Viewing Documents with the issuance of Authority's Reply to Tenderer's Question 2. You are required to declare that you have read and will abide by the terms and conditions as set out in the Term NDA.
CRITICAL CRITERIA:
Tenders for this Contract will only be considered from Tenderers:
(a) who are registered as a GeBIZ Trading Partner; and
(b) who have the relevant expertise and experience in the manufacture & supply of electric buses.
Please refer to Clauses 1, 2 and 3 of Evaluation Criteria.
OTHER CRITERIA:
Tenderers shall note that the following requirements are critical criteria for this tender:
(a) Compliance to Road Traffic (Motor Vehicles, Construction & Use) Rules;
(b) Right hand drive electric buses;
(c) One entrance and two exits;
(d) Provision of two (2) wheelchair bays; and
(e) Two staircases (only applicable to Base Offer 2).
Tenderers who do not meet the requirements will NOT be considered for this tender.
If TfL is serious about improving bus accessibility, they should take note of these international innovations and experiment with similar designs. Bus operators should trial these buses in real-world conditions, gathering valuable feedback from the public and relevant stakeholders.
BYD showcases the B12DS electric double-decker with Guangtong body, featuring three doors and two staircases, powered by Blade battery, at the Singapore International Transport Congress & Exhibition (SITCE) 2024.
— CLondoner92 (@CLondoner92) November 7, 2024
Video by BYD Singapore. pic.twitter.com/i0j97i4yLC
Yutong unveiled its U12DD electric double-decker bus in China. With a 670km range, fast charging, three doors, two staircases, two wheelchair spaces, and advanced safety and smart systems, it’s a greener, high-capacity solution for urban transport. en.yutong.com/pressmedia/n...
— CLondoner92 (@clondoner92.bsky.social) May 7, 2025 at 12:14 PM
[image or embed]
Why is this important?
It is vital to gather feedback from individuals and stakeholders, including disabled and elderly people, Assembly Members, Councillors, MPs, and relevant organisations. This should include putting these buses into passenger service to collect further feedback from the general public.
Why should passenger feedback shape transport services in London and elsewhere?
TfL has long been a leader in improving accessibility on bus services. For example, its predecessor, London Regional Transport, introduced the UK’s first wheelchair-accessible low floor single deck bus in 1994.
#London #Transport (LT) News (No. 426 - January 27 1994) clipping: New low-floor single-deck buses, unveiled by the Minister for Transport in London, Steven Norris, featured kneeling mechanisms and a ramp for wheelchair access. A total of 68 buses, costing £8 million.
— CLondoner92 (@clondoner92.bsky.social) December 28, 2024 at 12:44 PM
[image or embed]
This history underlines the importance of gathering feedback and evaluating new ideas at the front line to further improve accessibility.
A relevant example is the New Routemaster project in the early 2010s. During its development, TfL conducted surveys to gather feedback from visitors and stakeholders about the design and layout of the bus. The New Routemaster, produced between 2011 and 2017, introduced features such as three doors, two staircases, and a low-floor design with one wheelchair space, aiming to meet modern accessibility requirements while reflecting elements of the classic Routemaster. This process illustrates how engaging with stakeholders and collecting feedback can inform decisions about bus specifications, even as operational and accessibility outcomes vary.
I discussed this in my previous article, comparing it with the bendy bus and other high-spec buses.
If TfL wants to continue improving accessibility on its bus services, it needs to start experimenting with different specifications and actively involve passengers and stakeholders in shaping the future of London’s buses.
In conclusion, if Transport for London and its bus operators want to improve accessibility and better serve all passengers, they must test and evaluate different bus specifications with input from stakeholders. Enhancing accessibility not only benefits disabled and elderly passengers, but also makes public transport more convenient, inclusive, and attractive for everyone. By trialling new designs and gathering feedback, TfL can ensure that London’s bus network remains practical, fair, and fit for the future.
I would like to extend an invite for you to follow me on X (formerly Twitter) for transport-related updates. You can find me by searching for @CLondoner92 or by clicking on the direct link to my X page here. I am also present on BlueSky and Mastodon. I look forward to connecting with you on these platforms. Thank you for your support.
Further reading
Reviewing and Suggesting a New Common Bus Specification for London, Greater Manchester and Other Franchised Areas
