By Bus
Bus Companies
Alpine Travel
Tel No: 01492 879133
Fax No: 01492 876055
E-mail: info@alpine-travel.co.uk
Website: www.alpine-travel.co.uk
Arriva Cymru
Tel: 0344 800 44 11
Website: www.arrivabus.co.uk
Accessibility Information
Bwcabus
Bwcabus is the innovative on demand fully accessible local bus service. The service, which is tailored to the needs of the passengers, will operate Monday to Saturday from 7am to 7 pm in the area shown on the map in the 'downloads' section on this page.
How do I book Bwcabus?
Passengers can and need to pre-book journeys by contacting our bilingual call centre on 01239 801 601, the call centre is open from 7:00 - 20:00 Monday - Sunday. Morning journeys must be booked by 20:00 the day before travel and afternoon journeys by 11.30 on the day of the journey. Journeys can be booked 28 days in advanced and passenger can block book regular journeys. All journeys are subject to availability and will operate on a first come first served bases.
How do I get more information about Bwcabus?
To find out more about Bwcabus please call 01239 801 601 or visit the website.
Email: feedback@bwcabus.info
Cardiff Bus
Website: www.cardiffbus.com
Tel: 029 2066 6444 between 07:00 - 19:00 Mondays to Fridays and 09:00 - 16:30 Saturdays.
Email: talktous@cardiffbus.com
Please click here for further contact information
Dansa
Website: www.dansa.org.uk
Tel: 01639 751067
Email: mail@dansa.org.uk
Edwards Coaches
Website: www.edwardscoaches.co.uk
Please click here for full contact information
Express Motors
Website: www.expressmotors.co.uk
Tel: 01286 881 108
Email: info@expressmotors.co.uk
Ffoshelig Coaches
Website: www.ffoshelig.co.uk
Tel: 01267 237584
Please click here for more contact information
First Cymru
Website:www.firstgroup.com
Tel: 01792 57 22 55
08:00 - 20:00 daily
Accessibility Information
Llew Jones Coaches
Website: www.llewjonesinternational.co.uk
Tel: 01492 640320
Office Hours Mon - Fri 07.30 to 17.30
Email: info@llewjonesinternational.co.uk
Lloyds Coaches
Website: www.lloydscoaches.com
Tel: 01654 702 100
Email: info@lloydscoaches.com
Megabus
Website: www.megabus.com
Email: enquiries@megabus.com
Please click here for more contact information
Mid Wales Travel
Website: www.midwalestravel.co.uk
Tel: 01970 828288
Email: enquiries@midwalestravel.co.uk
Morris Travel
Website: www.morristravel.co.uk
Tel: 01267 235090
Email: morristravel2000@yahoo.co.uk
National Express
Website: www.nationalexpress.com
Please click here for contact information
Disabled Persons Travel Helpline can be contacted on: 08717 818179
A textphone is provided for customers who are deaf or hard of hearing on 0121 455 0086
New Adventure Travel
Website: www.natgroup.co.uk
Tel: 02920 442 040
Please click here for further contact information
Newport Transport
Website: www.newportbus.co.uk
Tel: 01633 670 563
Please click here for further contact information
Pats Coaches
Website: www.patscoaches.co.uk
Tel: 01978 720171
Email: enquiry@patscoaches.co.uk
Richards Bros
Website: www.richardsbros.co.uk
Tel: 01239 613756
Email: enquiries@richardsbros.co.uk
Sargeants Bros
Website: www.sargeantsbros.com
Tel: 01544 230481
Please click here for more contact information
Stagecoach Bus
Website: www.stagecoachbus.com
Email: south.wales@stagecoachbus.com
Tel: 01633 485118
Please click here for further contact information
Further Information
Accessibility of Buses
For wheelchair users buses are becoming more accessible as older, inaccessible vehicles are being replaced by modern low floor buses with ramps that enable wheelchair users to use them. Although not all buses described as 'low floor' are completely wheelchair accessible yet, over the next few years all buses will become fully accessible.
If passengers do not use a wheelchair but have difficulty walking, climbing steps or holding handrails, they will find that modern buses are already much easier to use with level access or lower entry and exit steps, near to the doors, easier to grip handrails, and 'bus stopping' signs so that they know the driver will be stopping at the next stop.
The Conduct of Drivers, Inspectors, Conductors and Passengers Regulations say that the driver must provide reasonable assistance to wheelchair users and other disabled persons if asked, or if they think it might be needed. However, there may be circumstances when this may risk the health and safety of the disabled person, other passengers, the driver or security of the vehicle, in which case the driver may legitimately decline such a request.
If there are non-disabled passengers in the wheelchair space, the driver should ask them to move so that a wheelchair user can board the bus, but the driver cannot make them move. Wheelchair accessible buses have a designated space with a padded backrest against which wheelchair passengers may park and so travel in safety and comfort.
Since October 2002 Assistance Dogs have been allowed on all buses, no matter what the age or type.
Accessibility of coaches
People usually travel by coach for longer distances, or trips. At the moment, vehicles used on scheduled coach services are not always very accessible to some disabled people, as they often have several steep steps up from the entrance door and are not usually wheelchair accessible. Most coaches on scheduled routes in the UK will not carry powered wheelchairs or scooters. National Express will take folding manual wheelchairs in the luggage compartment but normally requires 7 days notice.
Since 2005 (under the PSVAR) all new coaches on scheduled routes must have improved access for ambulant and sensory impaired passengers and wheelchair access.
Apart from wheelchair access on coaches, there are other points to consider when travelling by coach. For example, passengers should check that both the departure and arrival coach stations, and any other stops along the way, are accessible. If a passenger needs assistance getting on and off the coach they should always ask for this when booking their ticket.
Passengers should also check if there is a lavatory on board. Even if there is, space will be limited and access may be down steep steps, so it is always worth passengers checking if there will be any "comfort stops". If passengers need food regularly during the journey it is advisable for them to take food with them on the coach. Passengers should always carry medication, food, money and valuables with them on the coach and not in the luggage hold.
It may be possible to reserve seats with more legroom when booking tickets – passengers need to check with the operator. If a passenger needs oxygen and the necessary equipment is portable and small, he or she may be able to take it with them, but they should always check with the coach company first.
Companies operating long distance scheduled coach services are gradually introducing accessible coaches, sometimes with a side lift, but usually with a wheelchair lift incorporated into the passenger entrance.
National Express
National Express is introducing new coaches that feature a wheelchair lift incorporated into the passenger entrance. The easy access coach features a wider entrance and a completely flat floor throughout to aid mobility.
A streamlined NX Magic Floor Lift is incorporated and when deployed, the wheelchair is locked in place and the customer uses the same standard three-point seat belt as other customers. Other features include reclining leather seats, air conditioning and a spacious lavatory on the same level as the passenger accommodation (although the lavatory itself is not wheelchair accessible). The whole NX network should be fully accessible by 2012.
So that passengers are able to travel at their required time, and that drivers are aware of when passengers are travelling, reservations are recommended by telephoning the National Express Disabled Persons Travel Helpline. A textphone is provided for customers who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Bus and coach stations
Some bus and coach stations are more accessible than others. In Wales, Bridgend and Swansea are examples of good practice. However, passengers should check beforehand the distances they may have to walk from the car, taxi or bus set-down point to board the vehicle. This is especially important if passengers have luggage. The driver may assist with luggage but it is the passenger's responsibility to see it on and off the vehicle.
When the passenger has reached his or her destination, they should always check the distance to be walked from the stop or station for any onward connection. Most major stations can assist if arranged in advance.