The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that £800,000 of government funding has been made available for new technology innovations to improve accessible travel on rail replacement coaches for disabled people.
The funding will go towards four new projects including a 3D animated avatar that allows passengers to ask questions through voice interaction or access audio via apps or QR codes.
DfT stated that the projects were selected following the competition run by Innovate UK, which combined established solutions with newer technologies.
This includes artificial intelligence (AI) and a new Bluetooth feature, Auracast, to deliver real-time information in a variety of accessible formats. These projects will be completed by March 2026.
READ MORE: UK DfT launches 2025 edition of FOAK rail competition with £5m prize
The new technologies developed will reportedly offer flexible solutions that work in different vehicles, helping operators meet the requirements set out in the Public Service Vehicles (Accessible Information) Regulations 2023.
UK local transport minister Simon Lightwood said: “There are around 16 million disabled people in the UK and many depend on coach services to get around.
“It’s vital that these services provide clear, accessible information for everyone, particularly on rail replacement journeys where the route and stops can change.
“To help rail replacement coach operators make this transition smoothly, we are providing £800,000 of funding as part of the government’s Plan for Change to explore technology that helps all passengers, regardless of their needs, travel with confidence and independence.
“Public transport should be accessible for all and we’re committed to making that a reality – clearing away barriers to growth.”
Achievements in transport accessibility will be recognised and celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector!
