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Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations Exemptions

The Department for Transport is managing exemptions and accessibility requirements under the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (RVAR) 2010, which set standards for disabled access on trains and at railway stations. The policy addresses the legal relationship between duties to promote disabled people's interests and the anticipatory reasonable adjustment obligations under the Equality Act 2010. Current status involves parliamentary scrutiny of accessibility provisions in the Railways Bill, with outstanding publication of an Equality Impact Assessment.

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2026

6 events

2025

5 events
5 Nov 2025 | Policy paper Department for Transport linked

Accessible railways roadmap

Sets out actions government is taking to make railways more accessible, leading up to the establishment of Great British Railways (GBR).

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Our roadmap to an accessible railway
+5 more
↓ Our roadmap to an accessible railway (PDF version) (70pp) ↓ Our roadmap to an accessible railway (British Sign Language… ↓ Our roadmap to an accessible railway (Easy Read version) (25pp) ↓ Our roadmap to an accessible railway (large print version) (53pp) ↓ Map trywydd at Reilffyrdd Hygyrch (37pp)

2024

16 events
17 Oct 2024 | Impact assessment Department for Transport linked

Exemption for rail replacement coach services from the accessible information regulations

Regulations and impact assessments for an exemption from the technical requirements to provide audible and visible information for eligible operators using coaches for rail replacement services.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Public Service Vehicles (Accessible Information… (16pp)
+2 more
↓ Impact assessment (18pp) ↓ Equality impact assessment (18pp)
28 Mar 2024 | Consultation outcome Department for Transport linked

RVAR 2010 exemption: London Underground Limited Bakerloo line — consultation closed

Seeks views on the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (RVAR) exemption request by London Underground Limited in respect of the Bakerloo line.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ RVAR 2010 exemption: London Underground Limited…
+4 more
↓ RVAR 2010 exemption: London Underground Limited Bakerloo li… ↓ London Underground Limited Bakerloo line dispensation lette… (1pp) ↓ The Rail Vehicle Accessibility (Non-Interoperable Rail Syst… (3pp) ↓ The Rail Vehicle Accessibility (Non-Interoperable Rail Syst… (8pp)
29 Feb 2024 | Consultation outcome Department for Transport linked

RVAR 2010 exemption: London Underground Limited Bakerloo line — consultation opened

Seeks views on the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (RVAR) exemption request by London Underground Limited in respect of the Bakerloo line.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ RVAR 2010 exemption: London Underground Limited…
+4 more
↓ RVAR 2010 exemption: London Underground Limited Bakerloo li… ↓ London Underground Limited Bakerloo line dispensation lette… (1pp) ↓ The Rail Vehicle Accessibility (Non-Interoperable Rail Syst… (3pp) ↓ The Rail Vehicle Accessibility (Non-Interoperable Rail Syst… (8pp)
29 Feb 2024 | Consultation outcome Department for Transport linked

RVAR 2010 exemption: London Underground Limited Bakerloo line — outcome published

Seeks views on the Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (RVAR) exemption request by London Underground Limited in respect of the Bakerloo line.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ RVAR 2010 exemption: London Underground Limited…
+4 more
↓ RVAR 2010 exemption: London Underground Limited Bakerloo li… ↓ London Underground Limited Bakerloo line dispensation lette… (1pp) ↓ The Rail Vehicle Accessibility (Non-Interoperable Rail Syst… (3pp) ↓ The Rail Vehicle Accessibility (Non-Interoperable Rail Syst… (8pp)

2023

15 events
18 Jul 2023 | Consultation outcome Department for Transport linked

RVAR exemption: Glasgow Subway Stadler electric multiple units — outcome published

Public consultation for exemption request in respect of Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (RVAR)

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ RVAR 2010 – application for accessibility stand…
+3 more
↓ Appendix A: Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) new… (3pp) ↓ Glasgow Subway exemption (2pp) ↓ Glasgow Subway explanatory note (5pp)
30 Mar 2023 | Consultation outcome Department for Transport linked

Bus Services Act 2017: accessible information — outcome published

Invites feedback on the Bus Services Act 2017 and accessible information policy proposals.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Bus Services Act 2017: accessible information (…
+4 more
↓ Bus Services Act 2017: accessible information (PDF) (50pp) ↓ Bus Services Act 2017 accessible information: impact assess… (50pp) ↓ Bus Services Act 2017 accessible information: consultation … ↓ Bus Services Act 2017 accessible information: final impact … (67pp)
6 Mar 2023 | Consultation outcome Department for Transport linked

RVAR exemption: Glasgow Subway Stadler electric multiple units — consultation closed

Public consultation for exemption request in respect of Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (RVAR)

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ RVAR 2010 – application for accessibility stand…
+3 more
↓ Appendix A: Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) new… (3pp) ↓ Glasgow Subway exemption (2pp) ↓ Glasgow Subway explanatory note (5pp)
6 Feb 2023 | Consultation outcome Department for Transport linked

RVAR exemption: Glasgow Subway Stadler electric multiple units — consultation opened

Public consultation for exemption request in respect of Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (RVAR)

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ RVAR 2010 – application for accessibility stand…
+3 more
↓ Appendix A: Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) new… (3pp) ↓ Glasgow Subway exemption (2pp) ↓ Glasgow Subway explanatory note (5pp)

2022

4 events
29 Mar 2022 | Announcement Department for Transport linked

Accessible Transport - Reference Wheelchair report

UIN: HLWS713 My Honourable Friend, the Minister of State for Transport (Wendy Morton) has made the following Ministerial Statement:The government is committed to ensuring disabled passengers have the same access to transport as everyone else, with assistance if physic...

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
29 Mar 2022 | Announcement Department for Transport linked

Accessible Transport - Reference Wheelchair report

UIN: HCWS730 The government is committed to ensuring disabled passengers have the same access to transport as everyone else, with assistance if physical infrastructure remains a barrier. We want disabled people to be able to travel confidently, easily, and without …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2021

1 event

2020

3 events
3 Nov 2020 | Announcement Department for Transport linked

Inclusive Transport Strategy - Year 2 update

UIN: HCWS551 Today is “Purple Tuesday”, a day dedicated to ensuring that the needs of disabled people, as valued consumers, are properly recognised and that they receive the best levels of customer service. As the Minister with the Department for …

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
3 Nov 2020 | Announcement Department for Transport linked

Inclusive Transport Strategy - Year 2 update

UIN: HLWS544 My Honourable Friend, the Minister of State for Transport (Chris Heaton-Harris), has made the following Ministerial Statement.Today is “Purple Tuesday”, a day dedicated to ensuring that the needs of disabled people, as valued consumers, are properly recog...

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2019

7 events
27 Dec 2019 | Consultation outcome Department for Transport linked

RVAR exemption: door closure warnings Docklands Light Railway Limited — outcome published

Rail accessibility exemption for door closure warnings on Docklands Light Railway network.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Rail Vehicle Accessibility exemption applicatio… (3pp)
+3 more
↓ Annex A: door closure warning sounds on the Docklands Light… (29pp) ↓ Docklands Light Railway exemption (3pp) ↓ Docklands Light Railway explanatory note (14pp)
27 Dec 2019 | Consultation outcome Department for Transport linked

RVAR exemption: four Nexus Metrocars — outcome published

Rail accessibility exemption for 4 Metrocar vehicles operated by Nexus on the Tyne and Wear Metro network from certain accessibility requirements.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Rail Vehicle Accessibility exemption applicatio… (9pp)
+4 more
↓ Accessibility compliance review for Nexus Metrocars types 4… ↓ Visual of a Nexus Metrocars unfurbished interior ↓ Nexus Metrocars exemption (4pp) ↓ Nexus Metrocars explanatory note (14pp)
24 Mar 2019 | Consultation outcome Department for Transport linked

RVAR exemption: door closure warnings Docklands Light Railway Limited — consultation closed

Rail accessibility exemption for door closure warnings on Docklands Light Railway network.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Rail Vehicle Accessibility exemption applicatio… (3pp)
+3 more
↓ Annex A: door closure warning sounds on the Docklands Light… (29pp) ↓ Docklands Light Railway exemption (3pp) ↓ Docklands Light Railway explanatory note (14pp)
15 Mar 2019 | Consultation outcome Department for Transport linked

RVAR exemption: Nexus boarding devices — outcome published

Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive, trading as Nexus, has applied for exemption to routinely use boarding devices at wheelchair accessible doors.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Additional RVAR 2010 application for accessibil… (3pp)
+5 more
↓ Rail Vehicle Accessibility: exemption application Tyne and … (11pp) ↓ Metro map (1pp) ↓ Tyne and Wear Metro Platform Gaps and RVAR (1pp) ↓ Nexus metrocar exemption: January 2019 (3pp) ↓ Nexus explanatory note (22pp)
25 Feb 2019 | Consultation outcome Department for Transport linked

RVAR exemption: door closure warnings Docklands Light Railway Limited — consultation opened

Rail accessibility exemption for door closure warnings on Docklands Light Railway network.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Rail Vehicle Accessibility exemption applicatio… (3pp)
+3 more
↓ Annex A: door closure warning sounds on the Docklands Light… (29pp) ↓ Docklands Light Railway exemption (3pp) ↓ Docklands Light Railway explanatory note (14pp)

2018

13 events
14 Dec 2018 | Consultation outcome Department for Transport linked

RVAR exemption: four Nexus Metrocars — consultation closed

Rail accessibility exemption for 4 Metrocar vehicles operated by Nexus on the Tyne and Wear Metro network from certain accessibility requirements.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Rail Vehicle Accessibility exemption applicatio… (9pp)
+4 more
↓ Accessibility compliance review for Nexus Metrocars types 4… ↓ Visual of a Nexus Metrocars unfurbished interior ↓ Nexus Metrocars exemption (4pp) ↓ Nexus Metrocars explanatory note (14pp)
16 Nov 2018 | Consultation outcome Department for Transport linked

RVAR exemption: four Nexus Metrocars — consultation opened

Rail accessibility exemption for 4 Metrocar vehicles operated by Nexus on the Tyne and Wear Metro network from certain accessibility requirements.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Rail Vehicle Accessibility exemption applicatio… (9pp)
+4 more
↓ Accessibility compliance review for Nexus Metrocars types 4… ↓ Visual of a Nexus Metrocars unfurbished interior ↓ Nexus Metrocars exemption (4pp) ↓ Nexus Metrocars explanatory note (14pp)
11 Oct 2018 | Consultation outcome Department for Transport linked

RVAR exemption: Nexus boarding devices — consultation closed

Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive, trading as Nexus, has applied for exemption to routinely use boarding devices at wheelchair accessible doors.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Additional RVAR 2010 application for accessibil… (3pp)
+5 more
↓ Rail Vehicle Accessibility: exemption application Tyne and … (11pp) ↓ Metro map (1pp) ↓ Tyne and Wear Metro Platform Gaps and RVAR (1pp) ↓ Nexus metrocar exemption: January 2019 (3pp) ↓ Nexus explanatory note (22pp)
16 Sep 2018 | Consultation outcome Department for Transport linked

Bus Services Act 2017: accessible information — consultation closed

Invites feedback on the Bus Services Act 2017 and accessible information policy proposals.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Bus Services Act 2017: accessible information (…
+4 more
↓ Bus Services Act 2017: accessible information (PDF) (50pp) ↓ Bus Services Act 2017 accessible information: impact assess… (50pp) ↓ Bus Services Act 2017 accessible information: consultation … ↓ Bus Services Act 2017 accessible information: final impact … (67pp)
12 Sep 2018 | Consultation outcome Department for Transport linked

RVAR exemption: Nexus boarding devices — consultation opened

Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive, trading as Nexus, has applied for exemption to routinely use boarding devices at wheelchair accessible doors.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Additional RVAR 2010 application for accessibil… (3pp)
+5 more
↓ Rail Vehicle Accessibility: exemption application Tyne and … (11pp) ↓ Metro map (1pp) ↓ Tyne and Wear Metro Platform Gaps and RVAR (1pp) ↓ Nexus metrocar exemption: January 2019 (3pp) ↓ Nexus explanatory note (22pp)
25 Jul 2018 | Consultation outcome Department for Transport linked

Draft transport accessibility action plan

Seeks views on a draft accessibility action plan which sets out proposals to improve the travel experience for disabled people.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Accessibility action plan consultation (HTML ve…
+7 more
↓ Accessibility action plan consultation (PDF version) (73pp) ↓ Accessibility action plan consultation (Word version) ↓ Accessibility action plan consultation (large print version) (110pp) ↓ Accessibility action plan consultation (easy read version) (31pp) ↓ Accessibility action plan consultation: answer booklet (eas… (17pp) ↓ Accessibility action plan consultation (British Sign Langua… ↓ Accessibility action plan consultation (audio version)
25 Jul 2018 | Consultation outcome Department for Transport linked

Draft transport accessibility action plan — outcome published

Seeks views on a draft accessibility action plan which sets out proposals to improve the travel experience for disabled people.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Accessibility action plan consultation (HTML ve…
+7 more
↓ Accessibility action plan consultation (PDF version) (73pp) ↓ Accessibility action plan consultation (Word version) ↓ Accessibility action plan consultation (large print version) (110pp) ↓ Accessibility action plan consultation (easy read version) (31pp) ↓ Accessibility action plan consultation: answer booklet (eas… (17pp) ↓ Accessibility action plan consultation (British Sign Langua… ↓ Accessibility action plan consultation (audio version)
5 Jul 2018 | Consultation outcome Department for Transport linked

Bus Services Act 2017: accessible information — consultation opened

Invites feedback on the Bus Services Act 2017 and accessible information policy proposals.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Bus Services Act 2017: accessible information (…
+4 more
↓ Bus Services Act 2017: accessible information (PDF) (50pp) ↓ Bus Services Act 2017 accessible information: impact assess… (50pp) ↓ Bus Services Act 2017 accessible information: consultation … ↓ Bus Services Act 2017 accessible information: final impact … (67pp)

2017

5 events
22 Nov 2017 | Consultation outcome Department for Transport linked

Draft transport accessibility action plan — consultation closed

Seeks views on a draft accessibility action plan which sets out proposals to improve the travel experience for disabled people.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Accessibility action plan consultation (HTML ve…
+7 more
↓ Accessibility action plan consultation (PDF version) (73pp) ↓ Accessibility action plan consultation (Word version) ↓ Accessibility action plan consultation (large print version) (110pp) ↓ Accessibility action plan consultation (easy read version) (31pp) ↓ Accessibility action plan consultation: answer booklet (eas… (17pp) ↓ Accessibility action plan consultation (British Sign Langua… ↓ Accessibility action plan consultation (audio version)
14 Sep 2017 | Consultation outcome Department for Transport Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency linked

HGV periodic testing and inspections exemptions — outcome published

Seeks views on the exemptions for certain types of heavier vehicle from annual roadworthiness testing.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ HGV periodic testing and inspections exemptions… (36pp)
+5 more
↓ Exemptions from annual roadworthiness testing rules impact … (12pp) ↓ Specialised heavy vehicles: exemptions from annual testing:… (17pp) ↓ Impact assessment: exemptions from annual roadworthiness te… (25pp) ↓ HGV periodic testing and inspections exemptions: summary of… (47pp) ↓ Holding statement: HGV roadworthiness testing and operator … (2pp)
24 Aug 2017 | Consultation outcome Department for Transport linked

Draft transport accessibility action plan — consultation opened

Seeks views on a draft accessibility action plan which sets out proposals to improve the travel experience for disabled people.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Accessibility action plan consultation (HTML ve…
+7 more
↓ Accessibility action plan consultation (PDF version) (73pp) ↓ Accessibility action plan consultation (Word version) ↓ Accessibility action plan consultation (large print version) (110pp) ↓ Accessibility action plan consultation (easy read version) (31pp) ↓ Accessibility action plan consultation: answer booklet (eas… (17pp) ↓ Accessibility action plan consultation (British Sign Langua… ↓ Accessibility action plan consultation (audio version)

2016

1 event

2015

4 events
5 Mar 2015 | Consultation outcome Department for Transport Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency linked

HGV periodic testing and inspections exemptions — consultation closed

Seeks views on the exemptions for certain types of heavier vehicle from annual roadworthiness testing.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ HGV periodic testing and inspections exemptions… (36pp)
+5 more
↓ Exemptions from annual roadworthiness testing rules impact … (12pp) ↓ Specialised heavy vehicles: exemptions from annual testing:… (17pp) ↓ Impact assessment: exemptions from annual roadworthiness te… (25pp) ↓ HGV periodic testing and inspections exemptions: summary of… (47pp) ↓ Holding statement: HGV roadworthiness testing and operator … (2pp)

2014

1 event
11 Dec 2014 | Consultation outcome Department for Transport Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency linked

HGV periodic testing and inspections exemptions — consultation opened

Seeks views on the exemptions for certain types of heavier vehicle from annual roadworthiness testing.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ HGV periodic testing and inspections exemptions… (36pp)
+5 more
↓ Exemptions from annual roadworthiness testing rules impact … (12pp) ↓ Specialised heavy vehicles: exemptions from annual testing:… (17pp) ↓ Impact assessment: exemptions from annual roadworthiness te… (25pp) ↓ HGV periodic testing and inspections exemptions: summary of… (47pp) ↓ Holding statement: HGV roadworthiness testing and operator … (2pp)

2013

1 event