Accessibility

On this page:

  • Get tips for using the accessibility features of our website and journey planner.
  • Find out how best to contact us to get information in an accessible format.
  • Discover the accessibility features for various modes of transport.

Helping everyone use public transport

At Traveline, we’re committed to helping everyone access public transport information with confidence and ease. We aim to ensure that our journey planning tools, services, and the transport network information we provide are as accessible and inclusive as possible for all users, including those with disabilities or additional needs.

Accessible Website and Journey Planning

Our website follows recognised accessibility standards (such as WCAG 2.1 AA) to ensure compatibility with screen readers, keyboard navigation, and other assistive technologies.
Features that should increase our site’s accessibility include the following:

Alternative text (alt-text)

This is text that appears over images when our visitors’ cursor hovers over the image. The alternative text will not appear when an image is used for exclusively decorative purposes. Also, this alternative text is generally only visible when the browser’s automatic image loading feature is turned off.

Navigation

Skip links - Invisible ‘jump to content’ and ‘jump to navigation’ links at the top of each page enable people using text-to-voice browsers to bypass the navigation bar and go directly to the main content each time a page is accessed.
Menus - Navigation menus appear at the bottom of the website’s pages. Your screen reader can read this menu to you and provide access to the tools on this page.
Keyboard navigation - You can navigate around the website successfully and easily without using a mouse.
Clear links - We try to write all text links so they make sense even when read out of context.

Limited use of colour

We try to restrict our colour to decorative purposes, and do not relay information exclusively through colour. Nonetheless, if you chose, you can use your web browser options to choose your own colours. How you do this will depend on which browser you are using and will be available via the help section in your chosen browser.

Variable screen resolution

An alternative to changing the font size, as described above, is to change the resolution of the entire screen. Again, the process will depend on which sort of computer you are using:

Desktop users should select Start → Control Panel → Display → Settings

Mac users should select System Preferences → Displays → Resolution

Smartphone users: 

  1. Open your phone's Settings app.
  2. Tap on Display (it may also be called "Display & touch").
  3. Look for and tap on Screen Resolution.
  4. Select the highest resolution from the options provided, such as HD (1280 x 720), FHD (1920 x 1080), or WQHD (2560 x 1440).
  5. Tap Apply or Save to confirm the change. 

Variable font size

In most browsers, you can easily increase or decrease the size of the text. How you do this will depend on what kind of computer you have.
PC users should hold down the control key (CTRL) and then press “+” for larger text, “-” for smaller text or the number “0” to return to the text’s original size.
Mac users should hold down the command key (“command” or “CMD”) and then press “+” for larger text, “-” for smaller text or the number “0” to return to the text’s original size.

Browsers

This website is compatible with all common internet browsers

Journey Planning

Our journey planning tools are designed to make it easier for you to find routes and services that suit your individual access requirements.

  • Customisable searches – You can filter journey options to include or avoid walking sections or particular modes of transport.
  • Easy-to-read interactive maps and guides – Where available, we provide simple, visual guides to help you plan your combined rail and bus journeys
  • Alternative formats – If you need journey information in an alternative format, we can help provide it through our contact channels (see below).

Accessible Contact Options

If you need help planning a journey or require information in an accessible format, our team is here to assist.

  • Call us – on 0871 200 22 33. Our advisers can provide journey planning information over the phone. Calls are charged at 12p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.
  • SMS service – Text your local stop code to 84268 to receive live departure times by text message. Texts cost 25p plus your standard network rate.
  • Email or online form – You can contact us via our online feedback form or by email. We aim to respond to all enquiries promptly and can provide information in alternative formats on request.

Accessibility When Travelling

Public transport operators across the UK continue to improve accessibility across their services and facilities:

  • Buses and Coaches – The majority of local buses are low-floor and wheelchair-accessible. Designated spaces for wheelchair users and priority seating for passengers with reduced mobility are provided.
  • Trains – Most train operators offer assistance for boarding and alighting, accessible toilets, and priority seating. Stations often have tactile paving, ramps, lifts, and induction loops.
  • Trams and Light Rail – Tram and light rail systems in the UK are step-free from platform to vehicle, with visual and audible next-stop announcements.
  • Ferries – Accessible boarding points, toilets, and seating areas are provided on most ferry routes.
  • Stops and stations – Many rail stations and major bus stops are now step-free, with accessible toilets, lifts, ramps, tactile paving, and induction loops.
  • Audio and visual announcements – Many services now include real-time audio and visual information to help passengers who are blind, partially sighted, deaf, or hard of hearing.
     

We recommend checking accessibility details directly with your transport operator before you travel, especially if you need assistance at a specific station or stop.

Ongoing Commitment 

We are continually working to improve the accessibility of our website, journey planning tools, and information services. If you experience any barriers when using our services, or have suggestions for improvement, please let us know — your feedback helps us make Traveline more inclusive for everyone.