UK transport operators face an evolving regulatory landscape. This guide outlines the key compliance requirements you need to be aware of in 2025 and how to prepare your operation.
Accessibility Requirements
PSVAR (Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations)
The PSVAR regulations require scheduled coach services to be fully accessible. Key requirements include:
- Wheelchair spaces and securing systems
- Priority seating for disabled passengers
- Accessible boarding devices
- Visual and audio announcements
Action for operators: Ensure your vehicles meet PSVAR standards and that staff are trained in accessibility procedures.
Equality Act 2010
Beyond vehicle requirements, the Equality Act requires reasonable adjustments in service delivery:
- Accessible booking processes
- Alternative formats for timetables and tickets
- Staff training on disability awareness
- Complaint handling procedures
Action for operators: Review your passenger journey from booking to boarding and identify accessibility barriers.
Data and Reporting Obligations
Bus Open Data Service (BODS)
Operators providing local bus services in England must publish data to BODS:
- Timetable data in TransXChange format
- Fares data
- Real-time vehicle location data (for some services)
Action for operators: Ensure your systems can export data in required formats and establish processes for keeping data current.
Passenger Counts and Statistics
Various funding and regulatory bodies require passenger data:
- Concessionary travel reimbursement claims
- Service performance reporting
- Route utilisation data
Action for operators: Implement systems that accurately capture passenger boarding data.
Health and Safety
Driver CPC
Driver Certificate of Professional Competence requirements continue:
- 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years
- Training must cover relevant topics
- Records must be maintained
Action for operators: Track driver CPC status and schedule training to avoid gaps.
Vehicle Maintenance
Operators must maintain vehicles to DVSA standards:
- Regular inspections
- Maintenance records
- Defect reporting systems
- MOT compliance for older vehicles
Action for operators: Implement robust maintenance tracking and ensure documentation is complete.
Financial and Licensing
O-Licence Compliance
Operator licences require ongoing compliance:
- Financial standing requirements
- Transport manager competence
- Operating centre conditions
- Vehicle condition reporting
Action for operators: Regularly review O-licence conditions and ensure continued compliance.
Concessionary Fares
Operators accepting concessionary passes must:
- Process passes correctly
- Submit accurate reimbursement claims
- Retain transaction records
- Comply with local authority requirements
Action for operators: Ensure your ticketing system accurately records concessionary transactions.
Technology Compliance
GDPR and Data Protection
Operators collecting passenger data must:
- Have lawful basis for processing
- Provide privacy notices
- Implement data security measures
- Handle data subject requests
Action for operators: Review data processing activities and ensure GDPR compliance.
Payment Security
If accepting card payments:
- PCI DSS compliance for payment processing
- Secure handling of card data
- Regular security assessments
Action for operators: Use PCI-compliant payment processors and avoid storing card data directly.
How MoveCore Helps
Modern transport management platforms like MoveCore can simplify compliance:
- Automatic data capture - Accurate passenger counts without manual counting
- Reporting tools - Generate compliance reports in required formats
- Audit trails - Complete records of transactions and operations
- Data export - Feed data to BODS and other systems
- GDPR compliance - Built-in data protection features
Staying Current
Regulations change. To stay informed:
- Subscribe to CPT and industry body updates
- Attend industry events and webinars
- Maintain relationships with local authorities
- Review regulatory guidance regularly
Next Steps
Compliance shouldn’t be a burden—it should be built into your operations. Try MoveCore free to see how it can help you meet your compliance obligations while improving operational efficiency.
