The task is magnified by the fact that present-day Dublin Bus has inherited a fleet which did not necessarily take cognisance of the needs of disabled people. But the transportation giant cannot be accused of inertia regarding the issue. Of the 1,182 buses in its fleet, already 62% of these are low-floor, making them accessible to people with wheelchairs. As part of its modernisation programme, every year Dublin Bus replaces a number of units in its fleet, and since 2000, it has been purchasing low-floor buses as part of this ongoing upgrade. But since 2003, it has been committed to buying only lowfloor buses, ensuring that any new vehicles are wheelchair accessible. This is part of an overall commitment to have the entire fleet accessible by 2012, and an additional 100 new buses were purchased this year to further the cause of accessibility at Dublin Bus.

Indeed, by the end of this year, 70% of the fleet will be wheelchair accessible.

The 50 newest low floor buses purchased by Dublin Bus come equipped with a number of new elements which will make travelling on the bus that much easier.

The designated space for wheelchair passengers has been increased, and the pole which used to make life difficult for wheelchair users has been removed, with a new retractable arm put in place as an extra security measure.

Other features include high visibility poles, palm-pressed bells and colour-contrasted interiors for the visually impaired, while the LED signage outside of the buses also makes information easier for people to read.

While the upgrading of the fleet is the most obvious manifestation of Dublin Bus' commitment to equality and accessibility, perhaps its most significant development was the creation of the post of Accessibility Officer, a mantle which has recently been taken up by Dolores Quinn, who replaces Tim Fitzgibbon in the position. The existence of the accessibility officer further underpins the company's attitude towards providing a service which truly serves the entire community.

"Dublin Bus is fully committed to transport for all, and that includes accessibility for everyone, " said Quinn.

"Having an accessibility officer as a full-time role pays dividends, because that person can work with user groups while operating internally and ensuring that accessibility is part of everything that the company does."

Outside of the fleet itself, stops have been fitted with "Kassel Kerbs", which ensure that the low floor buses can interface seamlessly with the footpath. Accessibility has also become a feature of Dublin Bus offices (not an easy task, given the age of many of the buildings operated by the company). Thus, customers in the O'Connell Street offices can avail of hearing loops, high-visibility strips across the doors, and a lower desk at reception.

"We have worked with a number of user groups, such as the Irish Wheelchair Association and the National Council for the Blind, " said Quinn. "So any changes, any new ideas are run past these groups to ensure that we get their input."

One innovative idea which has been implemented by Dublin Bus is the "travel assistant". This is a trained member of staff who will actually visit the houses of people with disabilities, helping them to plan their journeys (whether that is on the bus, Luas or DART).

"People can use the website, or phone me, looking to organise a suitable time for the travel assistant to visit them, " said Quinn. "Some people will not be familiar with the different modes of transport, and the assistant will help them to plan their journey from beginning to end. He will assist them the first few times, and if the person requires some follow-up help, the assistant can be there for them when they need him."

Such measures are already proving to be very popular, and are yet more examples of how a transport organisation, with the right attitude, can make a real difference to people's independence.

To find out more, visit www. dublinbus. ie, and visit the "your journey" and "accessibility" sections for information on all low-floor routes, as well as general knowledge on how people with disabilities can access suitable buses.