First Bus has relaunching its ‘Safe Journey Cards’ and ‘Better Journey Cards,’ which are designed to help vulnerable passengers use the bus.
Their introduction has helped many people use public transport where previously they have faced difficulties. The cards allow the passenger to discreetly communicate a specific message to the driver. This can include:
- Please scan my pass for me;
- Please count out my change with me;
- Please speak slowly, I am hard of hearing;
- Please wait for me to sit down;
- Please be patient, I have a hidden disability (which can include the effects of Alzheimer’s for instance);
- Please tell me when we reach my destination – the passenger can fill this in with the appropriate location; and
- Sections where the customer can customise his/her own message to the driver.
Managing Director of First Bus, Giles Fearnley, said: “Customer Service Week (October 3-7) is a much celebrated event and a good opportunity to re-launch our Safe Journey Cards and Better Journey Cards.
“These cards offer our customers a way of discreetly communicating with our drivers. Quite often people want to ask for assistance, but they’re unsure how best to do it. While customers can, of course, just ask for any help they need, not everyone finds this easy, or is able to speak clearly. In these instances, these cards give people a way of asking for assistance in a simple, easy and discreet way.
“The feedback we’ve received from those that use them has been exclusively positive. We want to remind customers of their availability, so if a passenger chooses to use them, they can travel by bus with more confidence. I’m really pleased to be re-launching them this week.”
John Birtwistle, President of the Confederation of Passenger Transport, said: “First Bus has led the industry in improving services for those with disabilities or travel difficulties.
“The company’s Journey Cards are a fantastic example of outstanding customer service and having been adopted by CPT are now being rolled out by many bus operators across the UK.”
