PSVAR
The spectre of PSVAR has been around for two and a half decades although, from a coach converters point of view, it has only resulted in a steady stream of coach conversions rather than the anticipated avalanche of coach operators seeking to have their non-compliant fleets upgraded to comply with these Regulations. A recent article in Route One headed “Ministers PSVAIR rail replacement exemption stance spells trouble” on the 21st January 2026 (author Tim Deakin) has however stirred up conversation within our circle of coach owning clients and accessible lift suppliers!
From our experience at Multi Vehicle Technology Ltd we have seen a steady flow of orders to undertake the necessary conversion work on older coaches but certainly not to the level of demand that was forecast even back at the start of this decade. Regular rather than overwhelming would be the best description.
In a Blog that I wrote back in March 2021 I may just have shown a touch of premonition when I wrote about PSVAR being “one of those Regulations whose implications suddenly “come out of the blue” again with repercussions many years after their introduction” bearing in mind the not far away deadline of July 31st 2026.
Indeed, there is no way that I could improve or comment further than to quote Tim Deakins final paragraph of his article “Also notable is the lack of direct reference to PSVAR. The ministers note a wider commitment to accessibility and how “endless exemptions are not the solution,” but no indication of what the landscape for PSVAR on rail replacement might be from 1 August – at which point those separate exemptions also expire – leaves that plate still spinning.”
A summary about PSVAR
It was the Equality Act of 2010 that allowed the Government to introduce regulations to ensure access to all public transport services including trains, taxis, buses and coaches which were to become known as The Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations known, colloquially as PSVAR, in 2000.
There is no need for me to spell out the fine detail as this can all be found on the official Government website.
Deadline for meeting compliance
To be quite clear PSVAR regulations apply specifically to coaches operating on Registered Routes and Home to School services. Coach operators providing Private hire and some other services are not covered by these regulations, but they may have longer term reasons to wish to invest in having their coaches made compliant.
For those affected the deadline to be fully accessible is the 31 July 2026.
What it means for coach operators with non compliant coaches
Coach manufacturers were in the main quick to take the implication of these regulations on board ensuring that all recently built coaches are compliant, but it will come as no surprise that there are many older well-maintained coaches operating that do not. And this is the nub of the dilemma that many coach operators face.
Those with older vehicles on their fleets who may be looking to sell or repurpose them for hire or local and scheduled services (those within the scope of PSVAR) have to decide if it is cost effective for them to arrange an approved conversion or alter their plans for the future of these vehicles.
Commissioning the appropriate conversion or I should say upgrade, can make very sound commercial sense but needs to be taken on a case-by-case basis. For example deciding to authorise PSVAR compliance conversions will facilitate flexibility of use for their older coaches going forward, provide contract opportunities otherwise unavailable to them, enhance future resale value and, never one to miss promotional possibilities, there is the benefit of reputational value to take into consideration.
A PSVAR conversion
From many comments made to me there is a feeling amongst operators that using original manufacturers to undertake the PSVAR compliant conversion is often the costliest option. This is because large manufacturers have significantly inescapable higher overheads than smaller vehicle convertors with production lines that are not geared up to bespoke and sporadic refurbishments of this manner.
This stems from the fact that the conversion requires a skilled workforce with time and space to strip out seating, cut into the shell and floor prior to the commencement of installation of the appropriate passenger lift. In addition to wheelchair access, to be fully compliant, details such as designated spaces, seating, flooring, gangways, handrails, and signage all require checking and altering where appropriate.
Multi Vehicle Technology PSVAR compliant conversions
Our team of skilled body builders and specialist craftsmen have a wealth of experience in the bespoke conversion and alteration of buses and coaches converting many into play buses, mobile libraries, training facilities, and youth centres all of which require accessibility features. To satisfy all required standards we work in partnership with Passenger Lift Solutions who provide a range of passenger lifts and accessibility solutions for coaches
Using our experience we have been undertaking PSVAR compliance conversions on coaches since late 2020 providing our coach operator clients with cost effective conversions to ensure their investment in accessibility will benefit their customers and their business plans.
Whatever the motivation behind proceeding with the conversion to PSVAR compliance, coach owners can be assured that we will provide experienced advice, the right equipment, and the highest quality installation.
If you are a coach operator and pondering the pros and cons of PSVAR with your non-compliant coaches, please give us a call on 0116 326 0989 and we can discuss the options with you. Alternatively write to us at sales@multivehicletechnology.co.uk
If you prefer a more personal approach, we can set up a Microsoft Teams meeting with you or, better still, call in and see us!
Plan and avoid what could be a last-minute scramble in July 2026!
Author: Scott Walker
