A nationwide campaign by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) to make public transport more accessible for blind and partially sighted people has been endorsed by the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) Scotland.
An official event was hosted at Glasgow’s Transport Museum to mark the pledge.
The charter commits operators to adjust their services to better meet the needs of blind and partially sighted people. This includes approaching bus stops at a slower speed so that people have time to make out the number and route, not pulling away from stops before passengers with sight loss have found a seat, and letting them know when they arrive at their destination.
Director of the Confederation of Passenger Transport Scotland, George Mair, said: “CPT is delighted to endorse the RNIB Bus Charter.
“The bus industry is responsible for three-quarters of all public transport trips in Scotland and operates the Government’s Concessionary Travel Scheme. As such, it is hugely important that bus services are accessible to all.”
“Working with partners such as the RNIB helps highlight elements of the journey experience that may be challenging to people with certain disabilities and the Bus Charter is a valuable tool to help make buses more inclusive, easy to use, and welcoming for the blind and partially sighted.”
Other companies that have signed the charter include Stagecoach, First Bus and Lothian Buses.
