Member

I recognise entirely what the noble Baroness seeks to achieve here: she wants reassurance, as I do, that disabled passengers are not discriminated against when travelling on buses. That is why I have tabled a series of substantive amendments to strengthen the accessibility provisions in the Bill. They include ensuring that enhanced partnerships, including private bus operators, can now include within their schemes accessibility measures that support independent and safe travel. The noble Baroness, Lady Brinton, has played a critical role in shaping the Government’s thinking, for which I thank her; it will make a practical difference to how franchising and enhanced partnership schemes are designed, altered and implemented.