New fleet of coaches has no access by wheelchair

Chief executive of the Equality Authority Niall Crowley has said he is "very disappointed" that Bus Éireann placed an order for 60 new intercity coaches which are not wheelchair-accessible.

Bus Éireann is to spend €16 million on the new fleet to come into service this July. The contract was awarded to international bus and coach builder Scania.

The coaches are ultra-modern and striking in design and have been acclaimed for their luxurious interior and high-tech features. The Scania Irizar PB was named "Coach of the Year" in 2004.

A spokeswoman for Bus Éireann said none of its intercity coach fleet was wheelchair-accessible, a factor attributed to a reluctance in the industry to manufacture wheelchair-accessible buses.

Coaches have higher-level seating than most buses, designed for passengers making longer journeys and allowing them to view passing scenery. They also have greater baggage space and generally larger engines. The Bus Éireann spokeswoman said there was no legislation around wheelchair-accessible coaches, and said the industry would "probably not make wheelchair-accessible buses until the legislation is there".

However, Scania has been manufacturing wheelchair-accessible coaches since at least 2003, according to its website. The Scania Irizar Century is a 15m (49ft) bus specially configured for expressway service. The website says it is a "three or four star tourist coach with seatbelts for all passengers". Crucially, it adds that it is equipped with a wheelchair lift at a middle door.

According to Mr Crowley there is existing legislation covering facilities for disabled people. He said a large part of the authority's caseload related to disability and in this transport was a huge problem.

Mr Crowley said the Equal Status Act "requires a reasonable accommodation for disabled people to be made unless it would be impossible". However he added that there was a "nominal cost exception" where transport operators could opt out if the cost was prohibitive.

In many intercity coaches, including those operated by private companies, the inclusion of wheelchair facilities would mean the removal of seats. A widening of the aisle, for example, would require a reduction in numbers from four seats per row to three.

Expressing his dismay at Bus Éireann's new fleet, Mr Crowley said it was particularly disappointing "as the whole thrust of public policy is moving in the other direction".

The new buses are to be funded through Bus Éireann's own resources. According to the company, the vehicles offer an improved layout with fewer seats than standard, advanced climate control and leather headrests.

Bus Éireann said its city bus services in provincial cities include wheelchair-accessible vehicles. The company carries 48 million customers annually.