In 2011, there were 80 million persons with disabilities in the European Union (EU), representing about 15% of the EU population. Combined with the trends in demographic change and the rising amount of older people, this means that many people have reduced mobility when traveling at some point in their lives.
According to EU Regulation No 181/2011 concerning the rights of passengers in bus and coach transport, disability awareness training for drivers will be compulsory by 2018. The objective of this document, developed jointly by UITP, IRU and EDF, is therefore to provide practical advice and to raise awareness on the needs of passengers with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility, in particular in the context of local public transport.