South Yorkshire mobility scooter users will be issued with permits to clear up confusion over whether they are allowed to travel on buses.
The region’s passenger transport executive (SYPTE) is launching the Scooter Code scheme with First and Stagecoach.
Scooters are accepted on buses provided they are no more than 600mm wide and 1000mm long with a turning radius not exceeding 1200mm. These measurements are in line with CPT’s Mobility Scooter Code. The passes will be free and issued after a free assessment.
David Brown, director of SYPTE, said: “We have to make sure they are safe to use on the bus so they can’t be too heavy and have got to be able to get up the ramps.
“Those ramps will take up to 300kg which is 47 stone so they can only take so much.”
He added: “There are some of those really fast 6-8mph buggies, they are too big and won’t get on a bus as they could get stuck.”
Brown said the permits were intended to give “100% confidence” to mobility scooter users wishing to travel by bus.
“People will be able to turn up at the bus stop, hopefully a bus turns up and space permitting they will be able to get on with no argument or no question.”
First and Stagecoach are having a Scooter Code start day at Sheffield Transport Interchange on February 22 from 1030 to 1500hrs.
They will be offering to carry out assessments and provide information.
