Accessibility

Bus Éireann is committed to the provision of a fully accessible public transport system incorporating fully accessible vehicles and infrastructure. All vehicles operating on our scheduled services have:

  • A suspension-lowering feature that can be used to assist passengers with boarding, simply request the driver to kneel the vehicle
  • Entrance areas fitted with grab rails in contrasting colours that feature stop request buttons
  • Public Address systems
  • Destination displays
  • On-board monitors
  • We are rolling out on‐board “next stop” audio announcements across out network. This initiative has already commenced with all stops in Waterford, Sligo, Athlone, Galway and Limerick live. More routes to follow throughout 2019 and 2020.

Additionally, the Bus Éireann website complies with web content accessibility guidelines, WCAG 2.0 AA.

Wheelchair Accessibility

As we continue to invest in new fleet, the overall percentage of wheelchair-accessible vehicles continues to grow. At present, Bus Éireann’s City and Town services are 100% wheelchair accessible, with Commuter and Expressway services at 78%. Overall, 86% of Bus Éireann vehicles are accessible to wheelchair users.

City and Town Services

All of Bus Éireann’s City and Town services have low-floor buses and are 100% wheelchair accessible. Access to the vehicle is via a fold out ramp, and each bus has a designated wheelchair space. An occupied pram or buggy may be parked in this designated space only when it is not required by a wheelchair user.

Expressway and Regional Services

While wheelchair accessibility is available on many Bus Éireann coaches operating on Expressway and Regional services, routes may be limited due to constraints regarding accessible bus stops. The introduction of additional fully accessible routes is dependent on the provision of suitable bus stop infrastructure.

We are working with the NTA and local authorities regarding the design of new bus stop developments, which will facilitate our customers being collected and delivered at these designated bus stops in a safe manner.  We are also working with the National Transport Authority (NTA) regarding the bus station and stop infrastructure and to identify vehicle types best suited to the varying needs of all our customers while also suitable for roads and associated infrastructure. 

Each wheelchair accessible coach has one wheelchair space, which must be booked 24 hours in advance using our reservation system. This can be done by phoning LoCall 1850 836 611 or +353 1 836 6111.

The following routes are currently wheelchair accessible:

Expressway

Route X1, Dublin to Belfast: accessible stops at Busaras, Dublin Airport, Newry Bus Centre and Belfast Europa only
Route X2A, Dublin to Belfast: accessible stops at Busaras, Dublin Airport and Belfast Europa only
Route X4, Dublin to Waterford: accessible stops at Busaras, Dublin Airport & Waterford only
Route X5, Dublin to Newry: accessible stops at Busaras, Dublin Airport and Newry Bus Centre
Route X12, Dublin to Limerick: accessible stops at Busaras, Dublin Airport & Limerick only
Route X20/20, Dublin to Galway: accessible stops at Busaras, Dublin Airport, Athlone & Galway only
Route 32, Dublin to Letterkenny: accessible bus stops at Dublin, Busáras; Dublin Airport, Ardee, Lifford and Letterkenny only
Route 40, Waterford to Cork: accessible stops at Waterford & Cork

PSO Routes

Route NX, Navan to Dublin
Route 109A. Navan to DCU via Dublin Airport: accessible bus stops at Collins Avenue/DCU, Dublin Airport Kells and Navan only
Route 111, Trim to Dublin: accessible bus stops at Busaras, Trim only
Route 105, Drogheda to Blanchardstown: accessible stops at Blanchardstown and Rotoath only
Route 109X, Dublin to Cavan: accessible stops at Busaras, Dunshaughlin, Navan Market Square, Kells, Virginia, Cavan only
Route 109, Dublin to Kells: accessible stops at Busaras, Dunshaughlin, Navan Market Square, Kells only
Route 480, Sligo to Ballyshannon: accessible stops at Sligo & Ballyshannon only

Station Accessibility

All new station facilities are specified to be accessible and we are continually making investments to improve access to our existing stations and facilities.

The following stations are fully accessible:

  • Dundalk
  • Drogheda
  • Killarney
  • Waterford
  • Athlone
  • Sligo
  • Cavan
  • Monaghan
  • Ballina
  • Letterkenny
  • Cork
  • Ennis
  • Tralee
  • Busáras, Dublin

The following stations have accessible toilet facilities:

  • Limerick
  • Kilkenny
  • Galway

How to Book

The bus fleet that operates on City and Town services is 100% wheelchair accessible and does not require booking in advance.

To reserve accessible transport on an Expressway or Regional service, intending passengers must contact us on LoCall 1850 836 611 (or +353 1 836 6111 if calling from outside of the Republic of Ireland) at least 24 hours in advance of travel.

FAQ

What size is the wheelchair space on each bus?

The wheelchair spaces on our buses and coaches allows floor space of 1,200mm by 700mm to accommodate a wheelchair.

Is there a weight limit for wheelchairs?

Accessible coaches in the Bus Éireann fleet are fitted with a hydraulic wheelchair lift that has a safe working load of 300kg, to include the wheelchair, its occupant, and any other baggage to be lifted.

Why do I have to book in advance to travel with my wheelchair?

To accommodate a wheelchair on our coaches, a number of seats have to be removed, additional equipment must be installed, and safety checks must be carried out. Booking your travel in advance allows us to prepare the vehicle as these tasks must be done by a qualified vehicle maintenance worker at a garage.

Can I bring a powered wheelchair?

As powered wheelchairs are heavier than their manual counterparts, and on some models the position of the battery pack may make it difficult to secure, we are unable to accommodate all makes and models. You can contact us on LoCall 1850 836 611 (or +353 1 836 6111 if calling from outside of the Republic of Ireland) and our team will be able to establish whether or not we can safely accommodate your powered wheelchair.

Can I bring a mobility scooter?

Mobility scooters are typically too large or heavy to be transported safely or easily on board a coach or bus. We will do our very best to assist passengers intending to travel, however, and have on occasion accommodated smaller, lightweight mobility scooters, when broken down into separate parts, in the luggage hold. Our ability to do so depends on a number of factors, so please contact us on LoCall 1850 836 611 or +353 1 836 6111 for further information. We will be introducing as Assessment Scheme for Mobility Scooters for carriage on our city buses only in early 2020.

Accessibility Policy

Bus Éireann remains committed to the provision of a fully accessible public transport system.

Bus Éireann also has an active accessibility user group whose members include the IWA, Chime, NCBI, Irish Guide Dogs Association, Dublin City Public Participation Network (PPN), Fighting Blindness, National Disability Authority, Autism Advocate, Down Syndrome Cork and the Accessibility Officer NBRU.