Scottish Conservative leader backs Guide Dogs campaign Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson is calling for the Talking Bus initiative to be brought to Scotland.
The system involves audible on-board announcements stating the current stop, next stop and final destination, similar to those in place on Brighton & Hove and Thamesdown buses.
Ruth Davidson said: “Those who travel by train will be used to the regular announcements and messages telling passengers what the next stop is, and the train’s destination. This is of enormous help to rail users – and of particular assistance to those with visual impairments.
“But I believe this use of technology could be extended to help even more people by being extended to buses.
“Buses play a vital role in enabling disabled people, including those who are blind or partiallysighted, to live more independent lives. But the worry of not being sure if you have got on the right bus, where you are on your journey, or when your stop is coming up, puts many people off using them.
“Guide Dogs is campaigning for a change in the law to make audio and visual information – including audible announcements of the current stop, next stop and final destination – available on board bus and coach services across the UK.
“This will enable blind and partially-sighted people to use buses with confidence, and improve the experience of bus travel for all passengers. I back this call and add my voice to the many bodies campaigning for the introduction of Talking Buses to Scotland.”
