Disabled Access

Eavesway Travel is the perfect choice for anyone requiring a coach with disabled access. Whether on our Cruiselink service or for a Private Hire, we will always make every effort possible to accommodate our mobility-impaired passengers; whether that means staying seated in a secured wheelchair, or transferring to a coach seat in the lower seating area.

We started looking at the area of disabled access on to our coaches during the latter part of 2005. Talking to our disabled passengers for their views, advice and requirements, we formulated an idea for a new design of coach which would hopefully meet these requirements whilst retaining the ability to operate and offer the same levels of passenger comfort to all.

So that we can make arrangements for your needs, you will need to notify us of your requirements when booking your Cruiselink seats or Private Hire coach (including Eavesway Exclusive) or afterwards,   Check our step-by-step guide further down this page, or contact us for more information.

Vehicles & Layout

All of our 40+ seat coaches are now DDA compliant, adapted to welcome passengers with disabilities. The Van Hool Altano, which makes up the majority of our fleet, seats up to 57 passengers with two seats detachable in the front cabin to accommodate a wheelchair. Access is by a demountable ramp through a large, two-door entrance ahead of the front axle, and the wheelchair is accommodated and secured in a lower seating area by the driver. Also in this lower seating area are a further three seats to enable a carer or family members to sit with the passenger. As this area is reserved primarily for wheelchair users and their travelling companions please note that therefore  we are unable to take requests from other passengers for seats in this area on a Cruiselink service.

The main seating area is accessed by six shallow steps in a stairway with wider than usual space and hand rails, to assist with access. It accommodates 52 passengers with plenty of legroom and a foot rest, and includes amenities such as air conditioning and rear saloon washroom. In addition, a hearing aid induction loop is fitted, as are ISOFIX fittings for child seats if required. All of our drivers have been fully trained in the use of our wheelchair ramp and anchorage systems prior to using the coaches. If you are travelling on our Van Hool Astromega Exclusive coach, you'll find that access for wheelchairs is similar to our Altano coaches, with ramped access for easy boarding.

Unfortunately, we cannot permit passengers to travel whilst seated in a mobility scooter or in larger electric wheelchairs, as their size and weight means that they can't be secured and safe travel can't be guaranteed - in the event of this, one of our advisors will discuss with you any possible alternatives available.

Steps to follow when making a Disabled Access request:

1. Contact Us

Please call to speak to one of our staff, who will ascertain your needs and check availability on the coach for the dates you wish to travel: 01942 727985 - Option 1 for Cruiselink, Option 2 for Private Hire

2. Provisional Booking

If the disabled area is available we will provisionally book you onto the service and will send you a form and some information on the vehicle, the seat will now be held for you without payment until we have received the form back from you.

3. Return Form

Please complete the form and return back to us:

By Post: Travel Ltd, Bryn Side, Bryn Road,

Ashton in Makerfield, Wigan, WN4 8BT

By Email: sales@eaveswaytravel.com

4. Check Measurements

Once the form has been received back to our office our staff will check that the sizes and weights are within the limits for us to safely fit our restraints.

5. Booking Confirmation

We will then contact you to arrange payment (if you are travelling on Cruiselink) and confirm your booking.

If you have any questions about our disabled access coach travel, contact us and one of our friendly advisors will be more than happy to help.