This September is Catch the Bus Month run by Bus Users UK, and London Sight Loss Council (SLC) is celebrating with a special ‘Meet the Bus’ event at Vauxhall Bus Station in London. The goal of the event is to increase accessibility for blind and partially sighted (BPS) people and build confidence to travel.
‘Catch The Bus Month’ is a nationwide event, run by Bus Users UK with the aim of celebrating and promoting buses in the UK as a “healthy, accessible and sustainable way to travel.”
The overall goal of London SLC’s event is to increase accessibility for BPS people and increase their confidence in traveling across London’s transport network.
Sight Loss Councils, funded by national charity Thomas Pocklington Trust, are regional groups led by blind and partially sighted volunteers. Together, they work with other organisations to ensure services are accessible and inclusive, with access to public transport being a key priority.
London SLC will invite blind and partially sighted Londoners to join them and Transport for London (TfL) on Wednesday, 11 September from 10am – 2pm at Vauxhall Bus Station.
This event will give visitors the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the layout of a London bus, speak to drivers, operational staff and training managers about their experiences, and discuss any changes that can be made to improve accessibility of buses in the capital.
Full details can be found at: www.sightlosscouncils.org.uk/events/meethebusinlondon/
Nicki Guy, Senior Engagement Manager for London Sight Loss Councils, explained:
“We are delighted to partner with TfL to host our first ‘Meet the Bus’ event in London as part of our ongoing work to make transport accessible in the capital. Having accessible public transport is fundamental to blind and partially sighted (BPS) people’s independence. We are also excited about launching our new induction training programme for bus and coach drivers on how to best meet the needs of blind and partially sighted passengers.”
“Our hope is that people who didn’t have the confidence to travel independently, will leave the event with renewed confidence to do so. It’s also a great opportunity to ensure bus drivers have a greater understanding of some of the concerns BPS passengers face, and what they can do to alleviate these.”
Mark Evers, Chief Customer officer, Transport for London, said:
“We’re constantly looking for ways to improve London’s bus service for all of our customers and to remain as accessible and inclusive as we can.
“This is a great opportunity for us to meet our customers, gain valuable feedback on how blind and partially sighted people experience the bus, and see where we can improve.”
Mary, South West London SLC volunteer, said:
“Getting on a bus is quite challenging as I do not have the vision to glance around and assess the environment I am in. I am unsure of the layout of the seating, have no idea where the bell buttons or grab rails are and cannot work out the best place to put my guide dog.
“Having the time to explore and learn about buses when there are no other members of the public around will provide information that will make travelling for me, much less daunting.”
Access to train travel is vital for BPS people to get to work, attend appointments, visit family and friends and live the lives they want to live. Without access, many risk becoming isolated.
Buses are also good for health, good for the economy and good for the environment. Pre-Covid, Bus Users UK – the charity behind Catch the Bus Month – reported that bus passengers boosted the UK economy by £64 billion each year, as well as reducing congestion, pollution, loneliness and social isolation.
Are you are blind or partially sighted and would like to attend a free event to learn more about accessible bus travel? For more information and to register for our Meet the Bus event, visit www.sightlosscouncils.org.uk/events/meethebusinlondon/
