Accessible transport for groups
An accessible trip works when the vehicle, the set-down point and the timetable all suit the least mobile person in the group. The more detail in the request, the better the match.
Describe the needs precisely
Say how many passengers use wheelchairs, whether they transfer to a seat or travel in the chair, and whether any chair is powered. Mention walking frames, scooters and carers. A wheelchair space takes the room of several seats and cuts luggage space, so the total count matters. In one configuration, a Sprinter-based accessible minibus seats ten passengers and the driver, with room for one wheelchair.
One passenger and a companion
For a single wheelchair user travelling with one other person, an NTA-licensed wheelchair-accessible taxi or hackney can be enough. These vehicles must carry at least one wheelchair user plus one adult passenger.
What the rules require
- Regulation (EU) 181/2011 gives disabled passengers rights on regular bus and coach services
- Regulation 181/2011 mainly covers scheduled services, not private charters
Where passenger rights apply, and where they don't
Regulation (EU) 181/2011 gives disabled passengers rights on regular bus and coach services, and the National Transport Authority enforces it in Ireland. On services of over 250 km, assistance should be requested at least 36 hours ahead. The regulation mainly covers scheduled services, not private charters, so on a group hire the access arrangements are agreed with the operator in advance.
Care homes, day centres and the stops on the route
Where a public service vehicle is used solely for vulnerable people, driving it counts as relevant work, so Garda vetting is required. Get that in writing, then check each stop. The Friar's Walk coach park in Ennis has a drop-off and pick-up shelter about 100 m from the town centre. At Brú na Bóinne visitors reach the monuments by shuttle from the visitor centre, so ask the site about access when booking the slot.
Questions
Does EU passenger rights law cover a private hire?
Mostly not. Regulation 181/2011 is aimed at scheduled services; on a charter, access is agreed with the operator beforehand.
How many wheelchair users can an accessible minibus carry?
It depends on the layout. Some Sprinter versions take a single chair alongside eleven seats including the driver's; others differ, so give exact numbers.
Does the driver need Garda vetting?
Yes, if the bus carries nobody but vulnerable passengers. The vetting rules treat that driving as relevant work.
Cities
Vehicles
- Full-size coach — 49-81 seats
- Midi coach — 29-35 seats
- Minibus — 16-19 seats
- Executive van (Mercedes V-Class and similar) — 6-7 seats
- Executive car (E-Class saloon class) — 1-3 seats
- Wheelchair-accessible minibus — 10-16 plus wheelchair spaces
Request accessible transport
Tell us who is travelling, which chairs are coming and where you are going. A licensed, insured partner operator proposes a vehicle and driver to match.
Request a quote or call 35312659152