3. GRSG noted a proposal of amendments (GRSG-128-28) introduced in a presentation (GRSG-128-29) by the expert from Germany, on behalf of Task Force (TF) on Accessibility (UN Regulation No. 107). He explained that the Task Force met five times to develop a proposal based on informal document GRSG-126-08 tabled by the expert from UITP. He added his willingness to identify possible problems in the current UN Regulation and to find solutions to make buses more accessible. He explained that GRSG-128-28 was not final and that it needed further development by the Task Force that would meet again in 2024 to finalize an official proposal for the April 2025 session of GRSG.

4. The expert from Germany introduced GRSG-128-27 on behalf of the Chair of the IWG on Safer Transport of Children in Buses and Coaches (STCBC). He informed GRSG about the IWG progress in Phase 2. He clarified that IWG work would aim to prevent the ejection of children and would improve the vehicle retention systems already on the market. He mentioned the issue of use of CRS type approved according to UN Regulation No. 44 and UN Regulation No. 129 also approved according to UN Regulation No. 170 for use in buses in combination with a 2-point belt. Moreover, he also highlighted that a digital certificate would be needed to verify, that a CRS approved according to UN Regulation No. 129 was without any modification also approved according to UN Regulation No. 170 for the use with 2-point belts in buses and coaches. GRSG, agreed to put this subject in the highlights of the session of the GRSG Chair who would seek guidance from WP.29 at its November session.

5. The expert from the Republic of Korea introduced GRSG-128-08, explaining that Vehicles of Classes II, III and B shall be fitted with escape hatches, in addition to the emergency doors and windows. However, he added that hatches should not be fitted in positions where technical components were installed (e.g. high voltage systems, systems containing dangerous liquids or gas, etc.). So, he asked for clarification if exemptions would be allowed in these cases. The expert from the United Kingdom explained that the definition of escape hatches in the UN Regulation was not clear. He suggested that such definition should be the egress from the vehicle to the outside. The expert from Australia clarified that escape hatches are fitted for roll-over so that they should be placed on the roof or on the floor. The expert from France suggested that when space was constrained, there should not be exemption and evacuation should be pursued in any case. GRSG agreed to resume discussion at its April 2025 session in an aim to reach a final conclusion on this subject.