With one significant date in connection with PSVAR having just passed, noncompliant coach operators are urged to act now as the next looms
Since 1 August, stepped PSVAR compliance thresholds have required coach operators running home-to-school and rail replacement services to increase the number of fully and partially compliant vehicles in their fleets based on size.
Passenger Lift Solutions (PLS), a leading manufacturer of passenger lifts, anticipates growing demand for both new and retrofit lifts as operators respond to these evolving requirements.
The existing medium-term exemption scheme is set to expire on 31 July 2026. With a lack of clarity from the Department for Transport on future policy changes, many operators are weighing the risks of waiting for clearer guidance against the potential costs and disruptions of last-minute compliance.
This is especially relevant for vehicles that remain mechanically sound but have non-compliant or unreliable accessibility equipment.
“Operators face a real dilemma,” says Mike Pitt, Sales Director at PLS.
“There’s no clear roadmap from government, yet the compliance deadlines are fixed. Delaying action now could lead to higher costs later, not just financially, but also in terms of service reliability and reputational risk.
“We’re seeing rising orders from both OEMs specifying new passenger lifts and operators retrofitting existing fleets. Many are opting for retrofits to extend the life of serviceable vehicles, while others invest in new-builds to future-proof their operations.
Delaying action now could lead to higher costs later – Mike Pitt
“With the PSVAR compliance deadline approaching, it’s clear that taking early, proactive steps is essential to avoid disruption and maintain operational efficiency.”
PLS has already supplied over 100 coach lifts in the first half of 2025, reflecting strong demand for both new-builds and retrofit solutions.
Its retrofit offerings support operators running coaches for 10-15 years, enabling cost-effective extensions to operational life without complete fleet replacement. Retrofit lifts restore PSVAR compliance, transforming ageing but reliable vehicles into assets that meet accessibility standards.
PLS works closely with coach manufacturers and fleet operators to help the industry meet PSVAR requirements.
Its strong relationships span the supply chain, supporting both one-off retrofit projects and volume accessibility integration into new vehicles, including bespoke configurations for international markets. PLS’s extensive experience helps operators confidently address PSVAR compliance challenges.
Beyond product supply, PLS provides comprehensive aftercare through its PLS Assist service. Launched in 2024, this nationwide offering includes LOLER examinations, ongoing maintenance, and operator training, ensuring lift safety and reliability throughout the vehicle’s lifespan.
“Investing in retrofit lifts is just the start,” says Mike. “Our priority is to build long-term partnerships that ensure lifts remain safe and reliable throughout their service life. Taking timely action helps operators meet compliance demands confidently and with peace of mind.”
PSVAR-compliant coach supply is lacking
Despite the work of PLS, the UK Coach Operators Association has repeatedly called for more government clarity as the date of August 2026 looms.
The most recent change in compliance requirements following the exemptions published in 2022 may have just ended but it is the next scheduled one which is set to have a more significant impact on the industry.
The association’s Director of Operations, Stephen Spendley, says: “With the current exemption ending next year, it’s coming towards a perfect storm.
“We are seeking urgent clarity from government on the long-term direction. Whether that’s that closed-door school services will be exempted further or supported with realistic compliance deadlines, operators need to know because, at the moment, they’re unable to plan or invest in vehicles confidently.
Unless operators are very proactive in trying to source compliant vehicles, they are going to struggle when the deadline ends to provide enough vehicles – Stephen Spendley
“This uncertainty pushes operators into either scaling back or abandoning school services altogether – not due to unwillingness but just because there aren’t enough compliant vehicles available in time for the current deadlines.
“We’ve engaged with several industry groups to ascertain how many new vehicles are coming onto the market and, in order to meet demand for home-to-school services by next year’s deadline, there simply aren’t enough new or second-hand vehicles.”
Darren Critchley, Managing Director of Odyssey Coach Sales, echoed that in a letter to routeone in February.
A lack of suitable 12.6m Caetano Levantes coming onto the market after National Express service and a shortage of fully compliant second-hand diesel double-deckers is causing a problem, he said. “We’re going to get into a situation where there are no practical vehicles available for school contracts, and this is something that needs to be discussed,” he wrote.
Government action called for
UKCOA believes an update on the call for evidence on PSVAR which the government published in June 2023 and which closed in September of that year is sorely needed.
A response was initially promised by late 2023 but it has been repeatedly delayed.
“We’ve had very little response from government,” says Stephen.
“We’re still waiting for the response to the call for evidence after two years. We’re in limbo. Until the government provides further clarity, operators don’t know what their position is.
“We’d never suggest any operator runs non-compliantly, but the simple fact is that, unless operators are very proactive in trying to source compliant vehicles, they are going to struggle when the deadline comes to provide enough vehicles for the amount of services that need to be operated.”
