S30112 Development of national guidance on the safety and accessibility of stopping places

The Department for Transport is seeking a supplier to develop new national guidance to improve the safety and accessibility of bus stops and stations across England, addressing gaps that currently prevent many people, particularly disabled passengers, women, and other vulnerable groups, from using services confidently. Although buses remain the most widely used form of public transport, inconsistency in stop infrastructure, poor accessibility, and safety concerns (such as inadequate lighting and poor condition) continue to limit usage and public confidence. Building on new powers under the Bus Services Act 2025, the guidance will set clear standards for how stopping places are designed, built and maintained, helping create a more consistent, inclusive, and user-friendly network nationwide.

The work will require extensive engagement with stakeholders, including local authorities, transport operators, and people with lived experience, to ensure the guidance is practical, evidence-based, and widely supported, with the aim of publishing by the end of 2026.