Brighton’s ‘Helping Hand’

Brighton & Hove Buses has joined up with local taxi firm, Streamline, to launch a scheme to make travel easier for disabled passengers in the city. The ‘Helping Hand’ scheme assists passengers who may be wheelchair users, pregnant or elderly by providing a customised pocket sized card with a message that can be shown discreetly to the driver. Messages include ‘lower the ramp’, ‘wait until seated’ or ‘please assist as required’. ‘Helping Hand’ was launched last year by Brighton and Hove Buses as another initiative in the company’s programme to provide accessible travel throughout the city.

Brighton & Hove Buses MD, Martin Harris, said, ‘Helping Hand has been extremely successful with over three thousands cards in circulation in the city. It’s also supported by the local council and other bus operators.’

Head of Mobility Services for Guide Dogs, Geraint Evans, said, ‘The work the bus company carries out to make travel accessible for visually impaired people is very important. We need to ensure it is safe, friendly and the considerations of disabled people should be high on the agenda. Brighton & Hove Bus Company’s approach is very inclusive and engaging, and they really do make a genuine effort to listen to their customers and the organisations who support them.’