First Bus users can now see in real-time if a wheelchair space is available on bus in Leeds using app

The First Bus app now has a new feature which tracks wheelchair capacity through an icon that moves across a virtual map.

First is the first UK bus operator to not only allow bus passengers to live track the location of their next bus, but also show its capacity in real time.

Disabled Leeds resident Dave Morrell, a regular bus user, said: “Waiting at the stop you can’t know if there will be a delay or other problem getting on, so seeing that the space is available before the bus gets there takes away the concern at the back of your mind.

"There’s lots to consider when you’re travelling in a wheelchair and this app will make a real difference to organising my journey and for the carer who travels with me. It’s going to be easier and quicker to get around.”

Mostafa Kamal, chair of the Leeds Disability People’s Organisation, said: “This is great news for wheelchair users across Leeds.

"By providing this information in an inclusive and accessible way, users can make informed decisions about their bus journeys.“

Coun Kevin Ritchie, Leeds City Council’s Disability Champion, said: "Whilst public transport remains for essential travel only at the moment, the provision of seating and wheelchair space capacity information supports our objective to improve accessibility and will help provide reassurance for bus users as travel restrictions are eased.”

Paul Matthews, Managing Director of First West Yorkshire, said “The app update is aligned with our longstanding pledge to improve the bus experience for our disabled customers.”

The app isn’t the only breakthrough in better bus travel for disabled users.

The Access and Use Ability Group (AUAG) in Leeds has been instrumental in a redesign of bus interiors that is to become standard on all new vehicles in the First West Yorkshire fleet supplied by manufacturer Wrightbus.

The group was asked to advise on wheelchair access and other aspects of mobility as part of First West Yorkshire’s multi-million pound investment in new buses for the city.

Following this input, Wrightbus has changed the shape of a hand-pole and added a newly-positioned bell-push which is now the specification for its StreetDeck MH3 model.

The consultation with AUAG was supported by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority transport committee.

A hand pole at the front of the bus is now angled instead of the rounded design on previous models which allows more room for the wheelchair footplates to fit beneath, so avoiding a person’s feet becoming cramped or unable to move freely.

The new bell-push has been added to a horizontal bar alongside the window, making it easier to reach and operate from a seated position.

Dave Morrell, who gave his opinion on the changes proposed at the prototype stage, said: “My feet could get stuck which made it awkward getting in and out of the wheelchair space, so this is going to make life much easier for me.

"I’ll be telling others about it too, as I know this will help people be more confident to travel on the bus.”

Buses featuring the design change are now starting to appear on services running between Pudsey and Bramley via Seacroft and Horsforth and will be the standard model from Wrightbus in future.