A consortium of Arup, AECOM and Campaign for Better Transport has been appointed by the Department for Transport to develop a new national guidance document on the safety and accessibility of bus stopping places.

Although there are many examples of good practice, guidance relating to the safety and accessibility of bus stopping places is currently dispersed across a range of documents, with varying levels of detail, coverage and status. The Department for Transport has identified a need for a single, consistent and comprehensive source of national guidance that brings together existing good practice and establishes clear expectations for accessible and safe stopping places.

The Bus Services Act 2025 made provision for the production of statutory guidance on the safety and accessibility of stopping places and introduced requirements for National Highways and certain local authorities and National Highways to have regard to it.

The consortium has now been appointed to produce the new national guidance. It will provide a practical resource for local authorities, combined authorities, operators and other organisations involved in the planning, design, delivery and management of bus stopping places, and help to promote a more consistent approach across the country.

In developing the guidance, the consortium will engage with stakeholders from across the sector to understand key requirements, identify good practice, and explore opportunities to improve access to bus services for communities across England.

Silviya Barrett, Director of Policy and Research at Campaign for Better Transport, said:

“Our research has shown that accessible, comfortable bus stops with up-to-date information are crucial for enabling more people to travel by bus with confidence. Having first called for a national standard for bus stop infrastructure and information in 2024, we are delighted to be working with Arup and AECOM to now deliver this crucial guidance.”

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