Talking Buses have arrived in Belfast
Blind and partially sighted bus users in Belfast will now be able to use the Translink Metro bus network safely and with more confidence, thanks to the installation of audio-visual (AV) technology.
Following a successful pilot, buses in the city will be fitted with the AV technology throughout 2015/16 and will allow passengers to know which stop they are approaching and where to get off the bus.
Andrew Murdock, Engagement Manager at Guide Dogs NI, commented: “The launch is a huge step forward for visually impaired Metro users. Guide Dogs NI and the Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee (IMTAC) have been working with the department for a number of years to get to this point and we welcome the commitment shown by the minister to deliver audio visual systems on buses. Having Audio Visual on our Metro bus system will greatly increase access to public transport for people who are blind and partially sighted.”
Guide Dogs is campaigning for all new buses to be fitted with AV so this we are really pleased that Translink have introduced the system to their fleet.
You can help the Talking Buses campaign by signing our petition which asks ‘the Big 5’ bus companies to install AV. You can also sign up for our campaigns updates to hear about how our follow up work goes.
