Go-Ahead signs up to RNIB's bus charter to improve bus travel for blind and partially sighted people
Go-Ahead has signed up to RNIB’s (Royal National Institute of Blind People) Bus Charter to ensure services are accessible for passengers with sight loss.
The transport group has pledged its support for the Bus Charter, which sets out 13 commitments to improve bus travel. RNIB has worked with Go-Ahead’s regional bus companies holding local ‘Swap with Me’ events. During the events bus drivers swap places with blind and partially sighted people, to learn from each other’s experiences.
Fazilet Hadi, RNIB’s Director of Engagement, said:
“Blind and partially sighted people rely on buses to get out and about. Bus companies have a vital role to play in enabling people to travel safely and independently. Timetable information needs to be accessible and buses need to stop at bus stops. Bus drivers need to help people find a seat and when there are no audio announcements, let people know when to get off the bus.
“We are delighted Go-Ahead has signed up to our Bus Charter. This builds on the success we have had working with local Go-Ahead operators across England.
“We also applaud Go-Ahead’s decision to fit all new buses with audio visual equipment. Audio announcements considerably improve bus travel for blind and partially sighted people, taking away the stress of not being sure where they are or when to get off.”
Go-Ahead’s Bus Development Managing Director, Martin Dean, added:
“We’re committed to improving journeys for all customers, and it’s important to us that blind and partially sighted customers have a positive experience when travelling by bus. Our local operating companies play an important role in the communities they serve. We want to ensure that our bus services can be relied upon, so that customers continue to use them and also recommend them to others.
“All our new buses will be fitted with audio visual equipment and we are continually investing in new technology such as apps that make journey-planning and paying for trips as easy as possible.”
