REVOLUTIONARY new buses have come to Oxford and will make travel by public transport an option for many disabled people.

The buses have no steps to climb and spaces for wheelchair users, baby buggies and shopping trolleys. The buses' very low footwell should make it possible for people in wheelchairs to move straight from the pavement to the bus without having to struggle with a step.

The five new "super low floor" buses will be launched today at Rose Hill Community Centre by Stagecoach, one of Oxford's two biggest bus operators. The buses are the first of their kind in Oxfordshire.

They will go into use on the service between Rose Hill and the city centre.

Regular drivers on the route will also be given extra training in disability awareness and customer care.

Janet Mace, co-ordinator for Oxfordshire Council of Disabled People, said: "It is a very good idea.

"We've been working for years to get buses, and if they could put them on park-and-ride routes that would be even better."

David Whitley, marketing manager for Stagecoach, Oxford, said the buses had been very successful in other UK cities, where they had opened up public transport to people who normally had to use cars or were almost housebound.

"We are delighted to be the first bus company to bring the low floor bus concept to Oxford," he said.

"Although each vehicle is significantly more expensive than a conventional bus, we believe it is essential that public transport becomes more accessible to everyone.

"High frequency bus routes combined with easy access buses provide a level of service that really is a viable alternative to the car.

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